Naturalist Class

Naturalist

HD: d10

Starting Wealth: 3d6 x 10 (Ave 105)

Class Skills: Appraise (int), Bluff (cha), Climb (Str), Diplomacy (cha), Escape Artist (dex), Fly (dex), Handle Animal (cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (cha), Knowledge (any)(int), Perception (wis), Profession (Wis), Ride (dex), Sense Motive (wis), Sleight of Hand (dex), Spellcraft (int), Survival (wis), Stealth (dex), Swim (str)

Skill Ranks: 6+int modifier

 

Class Features:

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

A Naturalist is proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with light and medium armor, and shields (except tower shields).

Nature Study

At 1st level, the Naturalist gains a bonus equal to her class level to Knowledge (nature) and Handle Animal checks.

Nature Bond

At 1st level, the Naturalist gains a bond with nature. This functions as the Druid ability with the same name, except the Naturalist must choose the animal companion.

Wild Empathy

At 1st level, the Naturalist can improve the attitude of an animal. This functions as the Druid ability with the same name.

Expose Weakness

At 2nd level, the Naturalist is able to expose the weaknesses of natural creatures to her party. As a standard action, the Naturalist is able to grant herself and all allies within 30 feet of the Naturalist gain +2 to all attack and damage rolls made against Animals. This lasts for 1 minute. This bonus increases by +1 at 5th level and every 3 levels after. This bonus also applies to Plants at 5th level, and Magical Beasts at 8th level.

Favored Terrain

At 3rd level, the Naturalist has become familiar with certain terrain types. This functions as the Ranger ability with the same name, but also grants a +2 bonus to Knowledge (Nature) checks when attempting to learn more about a plant or animal from the favored terrain type.

Spells

Beginning at 4th level, the Naturalist gains the ability to cast a small number of divine spells, which are drawn from the Ranger spell list. The Naturalist is also able to use Orisons from the Druid list. Naturalist spells are Intelligence based and must be prepared beforehand.

Studious

At 4th level, and every 4 levels after, the Naturalist gains experience in her learnings, in dealing with her colleagues, and other academic endeavors. She gains a bonus non-combat feat.

Critical Strike

At 7th level, the Naturalist is able to use her knowledge of anatomy to place a critical blow. Once per day, she may gain Advantage on a single attack she makes against an opponent that she has the Expose Weakness bonus against. Any attack that hits this way will be counted as a critical hit.

Example Animal Companion

Bear
Starting Statistics

Size Small; Speed 40 ft.; AC +2 natural armor; Attack bite (1d4), 2 claws (1d3); Ability Scores Str 15, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6; Special Qualities low-light vision, scent.

4th-Level Advancement

Size Medium; Attack bite (1d6), 2 claws (1d4); Ability Scores Str +4, Dex –2, Con +2.