Any Druid builds or variants that are an alternative to wildshape?
There arent any that completely get rid of wildshape as for Archetypes in the APG.
They have many that reduce the wildshape, the Urban Druid does the most (reduces the level by 4) but that is about it.
If you really want to replace wildshape I might just throw in an ability from another class that is about on par with it, perhaps favored enemy or a smite ability that targets undead and unnatural beings.
I think he is asking for a build that doesn't rely on wildshape. Which is weird because you can always go full caster that buffs your pet
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I'm currently running a Sorc/Druid/Mystic Theurge that NEVER wildshapes.
A good option, if your DM allows, is a feat that I think is called Animal Hide which spends a Wild Shape use for increased nat armor for a number of rounds. Can't remember the resource, though...It's old 3.5 I think and I don't have the reference material in front of me.
Caster based druids are an excellent "variant" to wild shape. You don't lose the ability, but instead of using it to wail on your enemies you take highly defensive forms with excellent mobility. Tiny creatures gain gobs of dexterity, making it useful for spells with attack rolls.
Basically, no druid does away with wild shape. You can easily play to a different style by adjusting your use of wild shape. Stealth druids (plains, in particular) gain a lot from taking the form of the smallest creatures they can. Summoning focused druids can benefit from taking the form of the creatures they summon. Etc, etc.
Urban druid is the only druid archtype that effectively removes your ability to use wild shape as a successful offensive measure. -4 to your progression is painful. Some archtypes, however, grant different abilities with your wild shape: mountain grants giant forms (excellent), desert grants vermin, cave grants oozes, and all of the shamans grant some minor shapeshifting outside of your wild shape.
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Caster based druids are an excellent "variant" to wild shape. You don't lose the ability, but instead of using it to wail on your enemies you take highly defensive forms with excellent mobility. Tiny creatures gain gobs of dexterity, making it useful for spells with attack rolls.
Basically, no druid does away with wild shape. You can easily play to a different style by adjusting your use of wild shape. Stealth druids (plains, in particular) gain a lot from taking the form of the smallest creatures they can. Summoning focused druids can benefit from taking the form of the creatures they summon. Etc, etc.
Urban druid is the only druid archtype that effectively removes your ability to use wild shape as a successful offensive measure. -4 to your progression is painful. Some archtypes, however, grant different abilities with your wild shape: mountain grants giant forms (excellent), desert grants vermin, cave grants oozes, and all of the shamans grant some minor shapeshifting outside of your wild shape.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Wild Shape is useless. It just didn't fit the flavor of the character. I'm weird that way, even though it cripples my characters.
Greetings, fellow travellers.
What I am asking myself is, why take a druid if you do not (ever) wildshape?
Maybe a cleric with animal and plant domain would do or one of the other domains e. g. Gozreh, grants?
Ruyan.
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Is this a Rules Question ?
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I'm a fan of the plains druid for a mounted warrior. The druid animal companion is about the strongest pet in the game, which makes it the longest lasting mount.
A horse or camel (for medium druids) or a wolf for small druids becomes a 60' moving mount with good combat stats who can charge through allies and around corners. Once per day, it can move or charge 240 feet! (Assuming you haven't enhanced it's speed any further.) Just imagine that with a ride-by attack.
"Hey, that guy just rode through our camp and killed Kenny!"
"Well, shoot him!"
"I can't, he's too far away already."
mountain grants giant forms
Wow, I never noticed that part before! I don't suppose that would stack with the Growth domain, would it?
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Is this a Rules Question ?
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Technically it is a question about rules (do they exist), but I agree it is probably in the wrong forum.
mountain grants giant formsWow, I never noticed that part before! I don't suppose that would stack with the Growth domain, would it?
Unfortunately, no. You can't apply size changing effects to polymorphed forms.
However, you get to keep ALL of your equipment (assuming it's sized for a humanoid) and turn into a complete monster of a melee fighter. Butt loads of strength, natural armor, an actual weapon (falchion from a half-orc?), 15' reach, and all of your armor/wands/scrolls, oh- and you have the ability to talk to your allies.
Hell, mountain druids could be the strongest contender for a whirlwind attack build. You'd be a walking fireball!