[PrC] Zookeeper

[paigeoliver]

This class builds on the Assistant Zookeeper base class that was presented in this thread.

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41419

“The best part about being a zookeeper is making the assistant zookeepers do all the work.“.
Ramesh - Zookeeper



Zookeeper

After many years of hard work a few assistant zookeepers finally manage to procure a position as an actual zookeeper.

Becoming a Zookeeper

Most zookeepers enter the class either through the Assistant Zookeeper class, although many others enter it through Bard, Druid or Fighter.

Entry Requirements
Skills: Handle Animal 8 ranks
Feat: Must have proficiency in whip
Special: Must have animal companion class feature.


Class Features:
Weapon and Armor Proficiency
Zookeepers gain proficiency with light armor and blowguns if they were not already proficient.

Improved Companion (Ex) The zookeeper adds 2 levels to his effective druid level for each level he attains in the zookeeper class. He can select animal companions from either the druid list or the wizard familiar list.

Animal Handling (Ex) The zookeeper adds his class level as a circumstance bonus on all handle animal and ride checks.

Multi-companion (Ex) A zookeeper of 2nd level or higher may divide his effective druid levels up in any fashion he wishes in order to have multiple animal companions.

Poison Defense (Ex) A zookeeper of 3rd level or higher gains a +2 competence bonus on savings throws against all poisons that come from animal sources. This includes poisons that come directly from creatures


Wild Empathy (Ex) The zookeeper gains wild empathy at 4th level as if he were a druid. His effective druid level for wild empathy is the same as his effective druid level for animal companions. If the zookeeper already has wild empathy from another source then he receives a +2 bonus on all wild empathy checks.

Favored Enemy (Ex) At 5th level the Assistant Zookeeper gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against creatures of the Animal type.. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on weapon damage rolls against such creatures. This stacks with any existing favored enemy bonuses against animals.


Hit Die
d8

Class Skills (4 + Int modifier per level): The Assistant Zookeeper’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), and Use Rope (Dex).

Level
l    BAB    Fort  Ref   Will   Special
1    +1    +2    +2    +0    Improved Companion, Animal Handling
2    +2    +3    +3    +0    Multi-companion
3    +3    +3    +3    +1    Poison Defense
4    +4    +4    +4    +1    Wild Empathy
5    +5    +4    +4    +1    Favored Enemy

[Hazkali]

Hmm...interesting....

Personally, I would merge the two classes together to make a 10 level Prestige Class.