Warrior of the Animal Fist (Shen) - General Prestige Class

This is a general Prestige class that may be applicable to the Forgotten Realms Campaign

Through the cultivation of martial skill and meditation, monks transcend the limits of flesh, finding mental and physical perfection as creatures of spirit that stand outside the natural order. Their journey is rigorous, insular, and ultimately, lonely.

In windswept mountain temples, fortresses buried in the heart of forests, and training halls hidden in city alleyways, small sects of martial artists follow a different road. They embrace the natural world, using combat techniques inspired by the movement and fighting spirit of one of seven animals: crane, dragon, mantis, monkey, panther, snake, or tiger. Known as shen, or "spirits," their training goes far beyond imitation; they master deadly skills and can transform into humanoid versions of their chosen animal.

Most shen begin adventuring as monks or druids, but barbarians, rangers, and rogues sometimes find themselves drawn to the way of the animal fist. On rare occasions bards, clerics, sorcerers, and wizards become shen. Few paladins or fighters willingly give up their heavy weapons and armor long enough to learn the shen's fighting secrets.

Hit Die: d8

To qualify to become a Warrior of the Animal Fist (Shen), a character must fulfill all the following criteria:

• Skills: Knowledge (nature) 2 ranks, Survival 3 ranks
• Feats: Improved Unarmed Strike,
• Base Attack Bonus: +5.
• Special: There are additional requirements each of the seven animal shen. Upon taking a level of this class, a character must choose an animal shen and meet the additional requirements. Each animal shen is treated as a different prestige class.

Warrior of the Animal Fist (Shen) Details

From: Dragon #319

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