Pacifist

The Pacifist druid believes in the sanctity of all life, but especially that of creatures with animal Intelligence or higher.

Role

The restrictions on the druid's actions (below) make this a challenging role to play, and one that works best within a party of good-aligned adventurers.

Distinctive Appearance

None

Special Benefits

The Pacifist druid can use some or all of her weapon proficiency slots to buy non-weapon proficiencies.

Pacifists such have the ability to speak Soothing Words to ease tempers and calm savage beasts. This power can remove the effects of a fear spell, calm an enraged animal, or pacify a hostile crowd. The Pacifist can use this power a number of times per day equal to her experience level. Using soothing words accomplishes one of the following:

• Negates one fear spell (or similar monster ability) on a single victim
• Halts a single creature's berserker rage; or
• Temporarily calms down a number of animals, characters, or monsters (whose combined levels or Hit Dice total no more than twice the druid's level). A calmed group usually remains calm for d4+1 rounds, as long as others refrain from hostile action against them, their allies, or their property. During this time, the druid or others can attempt to escape or to negotiate a resolution to the situation.

Special Hindrances

You, the player, must role-play this druid as a strict pacifist. This kit does not totally oppose others who do harm when necessary - after all, animals kill for food. However, she never injures a person or animal herself. In addition, she encourages her companions to use the minimum required force during encounters: to ask foes to surrender before attacking them, let retreating enemies flee if she thinks they won't be a menace again, and so on. Use of herbal brews or magic that does not permanently harm enemies is perfectly appropriate. For instance, a Pacifist can entangle foes, turn them into trees, use sleeping poison, etc. However, she absolutely refuses to let harm come to captives or innocents under her care; in fact, she uses her powers and risks her life to protect them.

The Pacifist druid's code against violence does not extend to evil undead. These creatures are already dead but need help finding their rest; in other words, the druid will destroy them.

All Pacifists eat only vegetarian meals. (You, the player, decide whether your Pacifist character eats fish.) She won't prevent others from eating meat, but usually expresses disapproval.

High-level Pacifists find themselves disadvantaged when attempting to advance a level, as winning a druidic challenge usually requires violent behavior. However, if a Pacifist wanted to even up her chances in the challenge, she either could get her opponent to agree to a nonviolent contest, or she could win using harmless tricks or magic.

Class

Druid

Attribute Requirements

None

Barred Beliefs

None

Race Requirement

None

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

None

Required Weapon Proficiencies

None

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

Staff

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Healing

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Brewing, Cooking, Herbalism, Religion, Spellcraft, Animal Lore, Survival

Equipment

A Pacifist can purchase no weapons except darts or a staff. She should spend her entire initial allotment of gold pieces on equipment, as she loses unspent starting money in excess of 1 gp.

Wealth Options

3d6 x 10 gp