Primeval Shapechanger. The beast-minder can use a bonus action on its turn to polymorph into an animal form. The beast-minder chooses a beast of challenge rating 2 or lower that it has seen and that isn't a swarm. When in beast form, it retains its Hit Points, creature type, languages, ability to speak, damage resistances, condition immunities, traits and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. Its statistics are otherwise identical to the chosen form. If the beast-minder dies, its body dissolves into water, leaving no other remains.
Will of Nature. The beast-minder is immune to disease, and it has advantage on saving throws made to avoid being poisoned, stunned or paralyzed.
Empowered Strikes. The beast-minder's weapon attacks are magical. When the beast-minder hits a target with a weapon attack, it can deal an extra 14 (4d6) radiant damage to the target. If the beast-minder attacks with Multiattack, or if it attacks using a bonus action or reaction, it instead deals an extra 7 (2d6) radiant damage on a hit.
Beast Speech. The beast-minder can communicate simple ideas to beasts when it speaks to them in Druidic.
Unusual Nature. The beast-minder does not need to eat or sleep.
Slip Away (True Form Only). The beast-minder moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Description
Bounding across the plains as a lion one moment then soaring through the air on an eagle's wings the next, the beast-minders are mysterious and stoic protectors of wild places. Close allies of the druids and fierce enemies of the unnatural, these spirits make use of their ability to assume animal form to maintain the natural order.
The Original Wild-Shapers. A beast-minder's true form resembles a pillar of water roughly 8 feet tall and glowing a faint luminescent orange. It is almost never seen in this form, however, as it has the power to assume a myriad of animal shapes. It wields this capability in protection of the natural order, moving across land, sky, and sea over the course of its eternal duty.
Allies of the Druids. Beast-minders are known to ally themselves closely with druidic circles and other guardians of nature. With the combination of the druids' primeval magic and the beast-minders' cunning and tenacity, they are well suited to defend against unnatural incursions. Some scholars claim that their relationship goes even deeper, and that it was the beast-minders who taught the druids how to assume animal form as they could.
Secretive Wardens. Little is known about the origins or purpose of the beast-minders, as they very rarely make themselves known to others outside their trust. What is known is that beast-minders can be surprisingly varied in their personalities. Some are strict, orderly beings who act by their own codes of righteousness and morality. Others don't follow any specific way to conduct themselves, instead acting as the situation best calls for it. Still others are more unpredictable and carefree, relishing a land where they can roam free from order's grip. Yet all beast-minders are righteous creatures, tirelessly defending the areas they protect and callously dealing with any who would threaten it.
Comments