Currently, I'm thinking Oath of the Ancients paladin, with Halsin/Karlach, Shadowheart, and Gale as my base party. Assurance that either Larian or a modder will provide a Speak with Animals amulet would make me feel that I had more choice in Tav's race/class.
I am pretty sure this
mod has a speak with animals amulet and its available in the starting ship.
I think its in the container with the rings in it, but there are two baskets to check so one of them for sure.