I have a Pathfinder player that wants to play a Druid, but isn't interested in the shapechanging. Is allowing a single domain choice (similar to giving up an animal companion) a fair swap?
|
In all honesty this is probably an underpowered choice... so yes!
(I'm a firm believer that if a player asks to trade X for Y, then the thing they get should be a little weaker on average than what they traded.) Wild Shape is both more versatile and more powerful than a domain, so it qualifies for down-trade in my book.
Just watch out for the choice of the Animal domain, which might allow them to have two animal companions. This might not actually be a problem for you, but it's something to note.
the only real variant i could find without wildshape
Druid
The druid might choose to give up her wild shape ability in exchange for becoming a swift and deadly hunter.
Gain
Bonus to Armor Class when unarmored (as monk, including Wisdom bonus to AC), fast movement (as monk), favored enemy (as ranger), swift tracker (as ranger), Track feat (as ranger).
Lose
Armor and shield proficiency, wild shape (all versions).
So you can see it is considered a very powerful class ability to lose
In 3.x, because of the way your stats changed, the ability to turn into magical beasts, and the wider selection fo critters (especially dinosaurs) It was VERY powerful, and I can see that full monk/ranger features swap out. in PFRPG, it's still good, but not AS good. Plus, fav enemy is a LOT stronger now. MOnk AC, sure, Maybe fav terrain and swift tracking, but not fav enemy + fast moevement. That's a bit too much.
Some clarification in case it matters...
The current direction this player is heading is toward a mounted druid with a horse companion. She will also be elven, using a long sword and long bow. She wants to focus on spell casting which is why she asked about a Domain. She also asked about the possibility of getting some mounted or archery feats as well, since she apparently wants to spend most of hers on spell casting related things. Also, she did wonder if taking the Animal domain would get her a second companion, as she liked that idea.