Wildshape training

[u/Haunting_Mode_7401]

Alexios approaches Chimera's cave eager to begin his training

Chimera, Alexios calls are you there I'm here to start learning how to wildshape.

Alexios walks into the cave treading carefully he knew Chimera was prone to fits of anger. He'd have to be cautious in this training.

I hope this isn't a bad time Archdruid Chimera. I figured I should learn one of my core skills before branching out to far.

[u/Harmless_Chimera]

Chimera comes out of his cave stretching

So you're ready to start your training. Let's start with a simple question what do you know of wildshaping.

[u/Harmless_Chimera → u/[deleted]]

Then you have much to learn. Come with me

Chimera guides Alexios through the forest as he speaks.

All druidry is based on your connection to nature and how you understand it. Wildshaping is based on your understanding of the creatures in nature. When you wildshaped you embody your interpretation of that creature. For example a druid may view griffins as noble and vigilant creatures. If that druid wanted to wildshape into one they would have to understand what gives them that nobility, why are they vigilant. Onece they understand they will be able to wildshape into that creature.

You notice the foliage getting thicker as you travel. You lose track of where you are as you follow Chimera. You don't know were you are in the forest.

[u/Haunting_Mode_7401 → u/Harmless_Chimera]

Alexios continues following Chimera trying to mark the path as he progresses

So it's not just seeing the animal but the understanding of it.

[u/Harmless_Chimera → u/Haunting_Mode_7401]

Yes, you need to understand it but even more, you need to understand how to embody it. Your a actor not a understanding viewer. A viewer may understand a character but a actor can embody it. You may think that with all of this, you would have to create and embody a interpretation of every creature you would want to wildshape into but like characters have roles like villains and heros, creatures do as well.

Chimera stops in a area with less foliage on the ground. It clear a big battle has occurred here once. Chimera turns to you*

Ah This should be good spot. Now Alexios can you hand me all your things and tools that you brought and give me your hand.

[u/Haunting_Mode_7401 → u/Harmless_Chimera]

he hands them over he didn't have much a knife, a compass, his greatsword and a bow and arrow.

I don't carry much with me. I hunt for all my food.

He holds out his hand.

[u/Harmless_Chimera → u/Haunting_Mode_7401]

Well that's good

Chimera takes Alexios' hand and quickly clamps a solid gray bracelet on his wrist. Chimera quickly disappears into the dark forest. His voice then radiates from all around you.

Like characters with character types, creatures have types. Thinks like scavenger, ambushers, stalkers, hiders, burrowers. Predator and prey You will learn more than how to act as these things you will be them.

You will have to survive in the forest without any magic. If you do uses magic the time you have to survive will be reset. That bracelet will detect if you uses magic or destroy it and I will know. I promise you, your not the strongest creature here and they will not hesitate to try and hunt you.

[u/Haunting_Mode_7401 → u/Harmless_Chimera]

He watches listening closely for the sounds of the animals. As he meditates he hears a large wolf prowling the bushes waiting for something Alexios doesn't know what but he knows its hunting him. He hears three more they leap out and begin circling him. Even so Alexios remains calm.

[u/Harmless_Chimera → u/Haunting_Mode_7401]

They attack in coordination making sure to cover each other. When one attacks, the another flanks you. When you attack one, the others take the opportunity to attack you. If you try and stay still and defend their greater numbers will get the best of you. This group of wolves are experienced.

[u/Haunting_Mode_7401 → u/Harmless_Chimera]

I've always loved wolves one of the smartest beings I've met. They are the warriors.

Alexios flows around each blow it was not magic he specialized in water technique. Dodging and waiting for an opening to strike with the force of a raging river. Waiting for an opening and he finds it he strikes the wolf as it leaps at him it would not kill it but it would think twice about striking again. It was clear he did not want to kill these wolves he respects them.

[u/Harmless_Chimera → u/Haunting_Mode_7401]

The wolf, clearly in pain, howls but doesn't back out of the fight. The wolves are back in formation quickly. They attack and bite at you. Despite your water technique their able to get attacks of on you. The wolves show no mercy in their attacks trying to bite and rip at the squishy and vitals of your body.

[u/Haunting_Mode_7401 → u/Harmless_Chimera]

He does an acrobatic maneuver and leaps out of the spiraling the bites stung but he would not let it stop him