Sentinel (D&D)
The Sentinel is a Variant Class for the Druid in Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition. Part of the Essentials subline, it was introduced in "Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms" as a "simplified" take on the Druid.
The Sentinel's flavor does not really elaborate on why they are different to normal druids, but in practice, they are very different; Sentinels focus on the magical side of the druidic arts, forsaking the shapeshifting powers of the standard druid for spellcasting prowess and the aid of a loyal animal companion, sort of a primal wizard with a beefier familiar.
Sentinels choose a season to draw power from at first level, with Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms providing rules for Spring Sentinels and Summer Sentinels.
Spring Sentinels have a wolf companion, proficiency with the scimitar, a +1 bonus to attack rolls with scimitars, spears, daggers and sickles, and a +2 bonus to Heal checks.
Summer Sentinels get a bear companion, increased damage dice with maces and quarterstaves, and a +2 bonus to Athletic checks.
At 1st level, they can pick two choices from a list of classic druidic knacks. At 7th levl, they gain the ability to talk to plants and animals 3/day.