Savagekin class

# RPG Class: Savagekin

### Description

"The most primal of druids, savagekin bear an ancient but obscure legacy. Whereas some druids seek to command nature or bond with it, the savagekin surrenders herself to the natural world, abandoning much of her humanity to live with the beasts." - Alliance Player's Guide, Pg. 60

Savagekin are something akin to druidism taken to the extreme. While frowned upon by the Cenarion Circle, they recognize that the role that savagekin play in the defending of the wilds is vital. Savagekin seek to become a part of nature, observing its creatures and wildlife so that they to can live as the animals do. Other druids bond with the essence of a wild god, studying it in a more scholarly pursuit to attain their shapeshifting. However the savagekin studies an animal, gaining true understanding of its behavior, instincts, and spirit, learning its form by living amongst them.

As a result of living amongst the wilds, and within the forgotten places of Azeroth, most savagekin live up to their namesake. While many can still hold conversation, they speak in simple mannerisms, and are detached from the world in terms of 'latest news'. Many may even take up the common behaviors of animals as personality traits, such as being overly cautious like a deer, or lazy like a bear.

### Powers and Abilities

Savagekin have the following innate abilities, which grow in power as they deepen their connection to the wilds:

* May spend several OOC months studying a single animal to learn its form. (CMod required.)
* Heightened natural senses, including sight, sound, and smell.
* Faster than normal reflexes for a member of your race.

Savagekin are for all intents and purposes, druids. While still capable of simple spells like restoration, and nature manipulation, savagekin truly shine in their variety of forms. One can never truly know what a savagekin will shift into, and that unpredictability is itself a weapon. Most fight as close ranged melee combatants, though can take up roles ranging from a shock trooper, to a wall, to a lethal frontline assassin.

They also possess the ability to speak (or at least communicate) with animals competently, and in fact, most find it easier to do so with wildlife than humanoids. As the savagekins bond with nature grows, they may also begin taking on some supernatural traits of their forms even into other forms. Such as having the strength of a bull, while in the shape of a bear.

[Mastery] Once the savagekin has mastered their environment, and become one with the wilds, they gain the ability to study and transform into magical beasts as well. The limitations of this are unknown, though some freedom is allowed.

### Notes and Other Information

It is actually quite uncomfortable for savagekin to return to their humanoid forms, as most spend the vast majority of their time in the shape of their preferred animal.

A savagekin in their wildshape is absolutely indistinguishable from a normal animal of that species, and even druids may have a difficult time spotting the difference.

### Savagekin, and where they're hiding. A Lore Clarification

*"The most primal of druids, savagekin bear an ancient but obscure legacy. Whereas some druids seek to command nature or bond with it, the savagekin surrenders himself to the natural world, abandoning much of his humanity to live with the beasts. Those who adopt this role may find they pay a steep price for power."*

##### WHAT IS A SAVAGEKIN?

*Quite simply put, the Savagekin are those that have entirely foregone the traditional roots of druidism and climbed further up the metaphorical tree. Abandoning much of their humanoid heritage, these druids opt to toe the line between relative normalcy and complete ferality. Understandably, the Cenarion Circle doesn't condone this - but it isn't wholly punishable by banishment, given the important role a Savagekin may play.*

*Hiding in plain sight by adopting whatever animal form they may deem necessary, be it a raptor, or a snail, these secretive druids may remain in these forms indefinitely, and many heavily prefer to. The role they play is, quite simply, the moderation of nature and those that would seek to do it harm. A prime enemy for the Savagekin may be those showing truly vile cruelty against animals - such as the ogres, though it isn't strictly bound to them. Humans, Orcs, even Elves- none escape the scope of a Savagekin, even those of their origin race. Such targets more often than not aren't simply happened across in the wild, they are hunted down by the savagekin in question.*

##### A SAVAGEKIN'S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.

*A savagekin can take up any animal form it deems necessary provided they have extensively studied said animal beforehand - from the smallest of insects to the biggest of reptiles, as long as they are familiar with the animal in question. They can call upon the feral forces of nature to empower themselves, speak with animals at will, even utilize Rage - but such boons only come with the wild shape. Returning to their natural form becomes difficult, and more often than not, cuts the savagekin away from their abilities until they return to said animal shape.*

##### HOW DOES ONE BECOME A SAVAGEKIN?

*Usually, becoming a savagekin is either wholly accidental, or self-taught. The Cenarion Circle offers little love for the art despite its importance to the regulation of nature and animals themselves. Most druids succumb to the nature of their beast and become entirely, irreversibly feral. Those that show restraint enough to border the line can call themselves 'savagekin', even if most of their druidic compatriots would yet-still brand them feral.*