Druid arts: Animal Speech

You told him that you’d found time to go outside the city and study the druidic art of animal handling in preparation of your adventure. This didn’t mean something as simple as taming dogs. You were capable of speaking the language of animals as the druids did to reason with all of beastkind. You could do everything but turn into an animal yourself– that part wasn’t in your blood. Still, you were so adept that the animal kingdom would be likely to view you as a friend.

“Quite a bizarre set of skills you’ve mastered, Squire Lavender. The applications are readily apparent, however. The animals are also Geod’s creatures, and when handled properly, they will serve you on your quest. Even the demons slave horses, after all,” the commander shrugged. “And there are mice and hawks plenty in the fields to carry secrets to our ears.”

He raised one finger sharply and regarded you coldly. “Remember the weaknesses, as with all things. Beasts, domesticated or not, are no match in combat for most demons. These are to be used in wily ways, not frontal assaults. If you command a horse to charge a cyclops, you command it to become the hellspawn’s meat.”

You didn’t want that any more than the animal did, you figured. You’d be sure to keep that wisdom close to heart.