Druidic Avenger (UA) and animal companions trade-off

[shilsen]

That's what I finally ended up offering the player, which she liked. And then I got the Races of Eberron book a couple of hours later and noticed that the shifter substitution levels have a special ability specifically set up for druids who give up the animal companion. Serendipity!

 

[moritheil]

I like the Idea of granting the healing domain -
It address the problem of turning the druid into a straight cleric, and making him use all his spells for healing. It also helps fill the role of the party lacking a healer. I see 0 problems with it.

You are still turning him into a variant cleric, though. Just one with druidic spells and trappings, rather than a platemail-armored basher with a mace.