Do druids or rangers or their subclasses have it as an inherent skill? As in not needing to cast a spell . They just know how.
First, I think the animal content will all be optional. Unless you only plan to play once (which of course is absolutely fine
) then foregoing animal content on some of them will I think make playing a character that has the ability feel more distinctive and special.
But if you do want to go with a such a character on your first playthrough then as folks have said there are lots of options. In EA the Speak with Animals spell lasts a full day as well, I think, so it doesn't have a huge cost.
I have also heard, though never actually verified this, that a wildshaped druid can speak with other animals without the spell. I don't know if anyone else can confirm that?
