Verminous Hunter (Legendary Hunter Archetype)

While hunters typically form bonds with somewhat intelligent animals, some form a bond with the mindless insects and other vermin of the world.

Vermin Companion

A verminous hunter forms a mystic bond with a vermin companion. A verminous hunter can begin play with any vermin companion. Except for the companion being a creature of the vermin type, this ability otherwise works like the druid’s animal companion.

This replaces animal companion.

Vermin-Friend

A verminous hunter is skilled in speaking with mindless vermin.

They can speak with any vermin type creature or creature that is akin to vermin with an intelligence of 2 or lower, or communicate with them as if he spoke their language if they don’t have one. This innate connection allows the verminous hunter to use Diplomacy or Handle Animal checks with those qualifying creatures. Additionally, they gain a bonus equal to half their class level (minimum 1) to their Diplomacy checks against such creatures when they attempt to influence their attitude.

At 5th level, the verminous may make a Diplomacy check on a vermin creature, DC 10 + the HD of the target creature. If the creature is currently in combat with the verminous hunter or their allies, the DC increases by 5. If the Diplomacy check succeeds, the creature is charmed per the charm monster spell. At 9th level, they may also affect creatures of other types that are vermin-like in nature with an intelligence of 2 or lower. The duration for the effect is 1 day and affects the creature even if they are normally immune to such an effect. When the spell expires, the target has their disposition lowered by one step because they innately feel the manipulation.

At 13th level, the verminous hunter may elect to dominate the target per the control vermin spell. At 17th level they may affect creatures of other types that are vermin-like in nature with an intelligence of 2 or lower as per the dominate monster spell. The duration of the effect is 1 day and affects the creature even if they are normally immune to such an effect. When the spell expires, the disposition of the target is reduced by two steps as they know on some level that they were dominated.

This ability replaces Beast-Friend.

Swarm Stride

At 5th level, the verminous hunter and their companion learns to move through vermin without danger. They can safely pass through swarms of vermin or occupy the same square(s) as a swarm of vermin without taking swarm damage. Additionally, the verminous hunter is immune to the distraction ability of such swarms. If the verminous hunter or companion attack a swarm, they lose their protections against that swarm. At 12th level, the verminous hunter is also protected against swarms of creatures of other types that are vermin-like in nature.

One with Vermin (Ex)

At 17th level, the hunter and her animal companion are respected or even feared by vermin. No creature with the vermin type or is vermin- like with an intelligence of 2 or lower willingly attacks the hunter or their companion unless magically compelled to or if the hunter or companion attacks it first.

The hunter and their companion can attempt to demoralize creatures in the appropriate category as a swift action, rolling 1d20 and adding the hunter’s level and her Charisma modifier to determine the Intimidate check result. This ability works even if they are normally immune to the effect.

This ability replaces One with the Wild.