Meistersinger
Meistersingers have wandered the land since the dawn of mankind. Loremasters tell tales about how the ancient dryads and nymphs would find lost human children and teach them the ways of the forest. Others were taken in by druids. Over the years, these children of nature have evolved into a definable class of character - the Meistersinger. Whether these tales are true or not, Meistersingers do exist.
The concerns of Meistersingers center around nature, especially animals. Lawful neutral, true neutral, and chaotic neutral Meistersingers see themselves as one with nature (although each views the structure of nature differently). They protect animals as humans protect those of their society. Neutral good Meistersingers look upon animals as innocent children who should be isolated and protected from the harsh and uncaring realms of civilization. Neutral evil Meistersingers see animals as subjects to be controlled and exploited. They use animals as some lords use slaves. True neutral Meistersingers are closest to druids in the way they look upon animals.
Specialty: Pied Piper/Animal Charmer
The companion gained at 1st level should be tiny or small (as per the "Size" entry in the Monstrous Compendia ). The animal transfers its primary sensory power onto the Meistersinger. This is much like the find familiar spell, but it is not identical and does not take the place of that spell.
The 5th-level companion should be small or medium in size. The Meistersinger gains the ability to Polymorph his arms and head into those of this companion, for purposes of unarmed combat. Attacks are made using the Meistersinger's THAC0, but successful attacks cause damage equal to that of the animal's natural weaponry. The Meister singer also receives multiple attacks, if the animal is entitled to them.
The 10th-level companion should be medium or large. The Meistersinger gains the ability to Shape Change (as the 9th-level wizard spell) into this companion's form once per day.
A Meistersinger's companions are his best friends. If one is slain, the mental strain of the loss forces the Meistersinger to roll a successful system shock check or die. (Likewise, if the Meistersinger is slain, the companion animals must roll system shock checks, at 80% + 1% per hit die.) If the check is successful, the Meistersinger goes into deep mourning for 101 days, during which he does not adventure. A Meistersinger can call for one replacement companion each time he advances in level (he is not required to call for a replacement). The replacement is the same size as the lost companion and confers the same abilities upon the Meistersinger.
The Song of Sanction envelops the Meistersinger, creating a nearly magical barrier of good will around him. Any attacking animal or monster must roll a saving throw vs. paralyzation with a -1 penalty per three levels of the Meistersinger or ignore the Meistersinger and those within one foot per level of him for as long as the song is played. The effect of the song is ended if the Meistersinger attempts to move or if anyone in the protected area attacks (including offensive spell use).
Meistersingers know a number of songs that have special charm-like effects upon animals (including giant animals).
If the Meistersinger concentrates, he can attempt to charm one animal within view by his singing. Only an animal of Hit Dice equal to or less than the Meistersinger's level can be affected. Furthermore, the total Hit Dice of all such charmed animals accompanying the Meistersinger cannot exceed twice the Meistersinger's level.
The song takes 1d10 rounds, but the animal is held temporarily spellbound during the performance, as long as no hostile advances are made upon it by the Meistersinger or his allies. After 1d10 rounds, the monster rolls a saving throw vs. paralyzation with a -1 penalty per three levels of the Meistersinger. If it fails, it is under the effects of a charm spell. If it succeeds, it is unaffected and acts normally. If the roll was a natural 20, the animal is enraged and immediately attacks the Meistersinger.
Meistersingers can attempt to influence the reactions of animals that aren't attacking and that allow the Meistersinger to play for them. This ability is handled exactly as the True Bard's Influence Reactions ability (except that it affects only animals).
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