What’s the best way to maximize natural attack damage output? I’m using the shapeshift druid variant; so I don’t think there is much I can do, but thought I’d check around. I will say my DM is randomly deciding some equipment works and some doesn’t…go figure. So feel free to list items that may help. I thought I'd made a heavy hitter, but with this new group and the liberal giving of magic items I'm lagging...Thank God for Improved Trip...Any ideas?
Fizz
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Well, "Bracers of Magic Fang + X", Beastskin Armor (doesn't really help damage, but helps your AC for a +2 bonus although I'm not sure it would work with the shapeshifting druid variant as written). Improved Natural Attack? Belt of Giant's strength might work, although that may be a stretch.
You know how I improved the natural attack of a druid? Shift into a Fleshraker (MM3 I believe, might be 2). Pouncing attack, 5 attacks with a trip followed with a grapple, followed by a rake, and 3 of those have poison (1d6 dex, 2d6 dex).
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To really maximize each attack, (not sure of the spell-books available)
Bull's Strength (other enhancement bonus to str)
Size Increase (shapeshifter retains type:Humanoid, so enlarge person will up that)
Improved Natural Attack (Claw) and INA (Bite)
Pretty sure you get Str enhancements through levels, as well as enhancement bonus to your natural weapons, so that's taken care of.
Finally, Girallon's Blessing (Spell Compendium, 3rd lvl) will get you another 2 Claw attacks (or 4 if you only have a bite) as well as a rend attack, all at full BAB.
Combine that with Fuse Arms for more strength, or preferably a Bard and power attack to add more straight damage bonus and Atk Bonus to convert via Power Attack.
My druid's companion (a dire wolf, later a dire bear) was consistently hitting at about the same To-Hit as the party fighter (with significant buffs and bardic music up) and doing on the order of +15 or +20 damage per hit. With 5 attacks and rend, that adds up pretty quickly.
Also consider your target prioritization. If the enemy only has 75-100 HP, that full attack may have it's last couple (or even just the Rend) wasted, while tearing 2 Mooks with 45 HP each apart may be a more cost effective choice.
If you have mostly unlimited access to books: Warshaper from Races of Eberron (i think, may be the Camp Setting) will net you reach, increased damage die, and non-specified boosts to Str and Con, as well as other benefits.
-t