Arelith

The skill has pretty limited use in game. Though the addition of being able to -investigate animals with animal language was a step in the right direction.

I suggest Animal empathy let you summon a helpful animal/magical beast once per rest as a henchmen. The type of animal and level would scale off both your skill in Animal empathy and your character level to prevent overpowered animals for leveling.

Edit: Or perhaps it can be a skill check in natural areas you can make. Based on what sort of biome you are in and how high your roll is determines the animal you get the attention and companionship of. Low rolls could cause angry swarms of the area's natural fauna to attack.

Leme be a Disney princess.

Thanks for reading. :^)

Rejected for balence concerns.