Summoner archetype

Naturalist

A naturalist is a summoner who is in tune with the natural world, using his magic like a lens to focus various animal aspects onto his eidolon. More akin to a hunter than to other arcane spellcasters, a naturalist instinctively masters the power of such creatures as the bear, wolf, mouse, and tiger to make his exotic eidolon the perfect living tool for battle or stealth, and he eventually discovers how to apply these transformations to himself as well.

Nature’s Call (Sp) level 1

Replaces Summon Monster I.

Starting at 1st level, the naturalist can cast summon nature’s ally I as a spell-like ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Charisma modifier. He can use this ability only to summon creatures of the animal, magical beast, or vermin type. This ability otherwise functions as the summon monster I class feature (increasing in level as the naturalist goes up in level and with the same restrictions). This ability replaces summon monster I.

Animal Focus (Su) level 4

Replaces Shield Ally.

At 4th level, as a swift action a naturalist can enhance his eidolon with the aspect of an animal. Each time he uses this ability, he can select a hunter’s animal aspect (see page 27) and apply it to his eidolon. His hunter level for this ability is equal to his summoner level – 2. He does not gain the ability to apply an animal aspect to himself (see Shared Focus, below). This effect lasts until the eidolon is dismissed or sent back to its home plane.

When an animal aspect is applied to an eidolon, its form is altered by superficial physical changes appropriate to that aspect. For example, using aspect of the bat might give the eidolon larger ears and eyes and perhaps membranes of skin connecting its limbs to its body, while using aspect of the stag might give the eidolon antlers and hooflike nails on its feat. None of these changes interfere with any of the eidolon’s natural or magical abilities.

This ability replaces shield ally and greater shield ally. Second Animal Focus (Su): At 10th level, whenever a naturalist uses animal focus, he can apply two animal aspects to his eidolon. The eidolon’s form gains superficial physical changes appropriate to the chosen aspects. This ability replaces the aspect summoner class ability.

Shared Focus (Su) level 14

Replaces Life Bond.

At 14th level, the naturalist begins to take on some of the feral nature of his eidolon. Whenever the naturalist uses animal focus to apply an aspect to his eidolon, he also gains the effects of the chosen aspect. The naturalist keeps this aspect until his eidolon is dismissed or sent back to its home plane. The naturalist gains the effects of only one aspect (of his choice), even if the eidolon gains more than one. This ability replaces life bond.

Third Animal Focus (Su) level 18

Replaces Greater Aspect.

At 18th level, whenever a naturalist uses his animal focus ability, he can apply a third animal aspect to his eidolon. This third aspect persists indefinitely until he decides to change it. This ability replaces greater aspect.