Beast Master

The Quintessential Fighter

Author Matthew Sprange

Publisher Mongoose Publishing

Publish date 2002

Born in the wilderness, or having been exiled from civilisation as a child, the beast master believes his own race can never be trusted and instead develops a strange kinship with the animals and beasts of the wild. Very few are able to develop this unique talent, but many have likened the bond the beast master has to animals as being akin to that which wizards and sorcerers have with their magical familiars. However, no magical link binds the beast master to his companions, but a supernatural link forged through hardship and adversity in the wild. Though not in possession of the specialised skills of the ranger, the beast master learns to survive on his own and so gains superior fighting skills that allow him to exist alone in the wilderness.

Adventuring: Most beast masters stay far within the wilderness, never approaching civilisation by choice. However, some are drawn in by the needs of their animal companions’ they may be unable to Heal an injury such an animal has suffered by themselves or, more likely, civilisation will encroach upon the domain of their animals and need to be halted. During these perilous times, the beast master may be fortunate enough to befriend other intelligent races and perhaps learn that not all are as evil as he once presumed.

Role-Playing: The beast master has a natural empathy with animals of all types and it often seems as though he can actually speak with them. He respects any natural capability of Strength, agility, or quickness of though and often finds all three to be lacking within his own race. Indeed, many will come to believe he much prefers the company of animals to intelligent beings. In this way, the beast master can seem remote, though he is likely to be able to relate to any other being who demonstrates similar qualities to those he sees in his animal companions.

Bonuses: The beast master has the Animal Companion class feature of the druid. In addition, he may cast animal friendship once per day, with a caster level equal to his character level. This is a supernatural ability. He also has Animal Empathy as a class skill.

Penalties: Having been removed from civilisation for so long, the beast master is often greatly limited in the equipment he owns. Indeed, he has come to rely on the bounty of the wilderness to such a degree that the trappings of civilisation have little use to him. The beast master starts the game with no gold and only a spear (of any type), a Dagger, a shortbow, quiver and 20 arrows. No other equipment is permitted. In addition, he is only proficient in light armour and the weapons listed above.