What to Beast Shape into?

[Phage]

I was hoping to get some advice on bestiary options for Beast Shape I~IV. I was looking for good offensive options as well as anything that had general utility (climb, fly, etc).

For BS I, my current go-to DPR form is Deinonychus - 2 talons (1d8), 2 claws (1d4), and a bite (1d6).

BS II looked like I would just add the giant template to make a mega raptor improving its attacks to (2) 2d6, (2) 1d6, and 1d8; also would get pounce. BS III could be a mega-mega raptor doing (2) 3d6, (2) 1d8, 2d6.

For BS III/IV I wasn't sure if I gained any of the unique abilities of the magic beast (Blink Dog's blink, Unicorn's cure wounds, etc). As far as utility for them, I'm really at a loss.

BS III best DPR option looks like Aurumvorax with 1d6bite, 4 1d4 claws (starts small so could be made medium to increase damage).

BS IV best DPR option looks like a Chimera with 2d6 bite, 1d8 bite, 1d8 gore, 2 claw 1d6. High Girallon had 1 1d8 bite and 4 1d6 claws. Hodag has bite 1d10, 2 1d6 claws, 1d8 tail, and then a 1d8 gore (unsure if Hodag's gore/bite stack).

Also - when I beast shape do I keep my base movement speed or would I gain its listed movement speed? It lists the climb/fly/burrow speeds I could pick up, but it doesn't mention the base movement speed.

So, what do you guys generally turn into with Beast Shape? Thanks!

[M P 433]

For most Beast Shapes, the combat aspects aren't really that frightening and it's the mobility or hiding one's presence amongst nature that helps. You won't gain magical abilities of any creature (you look like one, but you aren't really a blink dog), but if the spell says you get movement up to a certain speed, then you do. Read each Beast Shape for what you get (if the creature has that listed ability, then you get it).

I see our Beast Shape used by our caster for recon. While one might raise an eyebrow at a humanoid flying by, few would wonder at an eagle or other bird. I have yet to see Beast Shape used effectively in combat, but that may just be the current "build" and style of our players.

[Lael Treventhius]

Check our Treantmonk guide to Druids, he has it all covered for you in the The Spirit of the Beast section.

[Kierato]

Lael Treventhius wrote:

Check our Treantmonk guide to Druids, he has it all covered for you

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab

Avoid this like the plague, it will lead you to the Dull Side!