One of my players rolled for the local trait "mark of the beast" (Shackled city HC page 402). I don't think I understood how it works:
Does the benefit count for all animals or only the one kind of predatory animal that the character chooses? If it counts for all, what does the "mystic bond" do?
THANKS!
Talon,
Looking at the description of the feat I think you could interpret it in a few ways.
First, going by the flavor text at the start of the description, it almost seems that the mystic bond is akin to that of a druid or ranger with their animal companions. So maybe the character is allowed to choose an animal companion that will not advance unless he or she is a druid or ranger. In addition, he or she receives the benefits and drawbacks as listed in the feat description. In regards to the benefit, it reads as if it would apply to all animals.
Second, the flavor text is just that, flavor text. The character only receives the benefits and drawbacks as listed in the description. This is probably the intent of the feat and I think you would be fine going this route since the benefit applies to all animals.
Finally, you could say that the benefit only applies to the chosen animal that the character has a mystical bond to. This seems overly restrictive considering the drawback associated with the feat. I would not recommend going with this interpretation.
That all said, and looking at the other feats in the SCAP hardback, I think the second option would be the way to go since it seems more in line with how powerful the other feats with their benefits and drawbacks read.
I hope I was of some help and good luck with your campaign.
Good gaming,
Mark
Second, the flavor text is just that, flavor text. The character only receives the benefits and drawbacks as listed in the description. This is probably the intent of the feat and I think you would be fine going this route since the benefit applies to all animals.
Thanks, that was very helpful and I will do it exactly like that!
Greetings to your gamers!Talon