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So I just hit level 3. Here's how I look at level 2:
Human (Varisian)
Druid2 (Menhir Savant)
STR 17
DEX 14
CON 14
INT 12
WIS 14
CHA 07
Traits: Birthmark, Armor Expert
01:Druid1[Spirit Sense][1st level spells][Domain:Caves], Toughness, Cosmopolitan
02:Druid2[Place Magic]
03:Druid3[2nd level spells], FEAT
At first I was thinking Weapon Focus (Scimitar) for more front-line effectiveness. On the other hand, Combat Casting would be great for when I want to cast produce flame, flame blade, or frostbite in melee. Also, Dodge could be worth considering, raising my AC from 19 to 20.
All of these options seem good for a front-line style druid, but I'm not sure how to prioritize them. Suggestions?
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It all depends on what you see your PC doing in each fight. That's what you really need to know. Looking at your STR (and other stuff) I'd say you're more likely gonna be swinging your scimitar in melee. And since you're a medium BAB, I suggest Weapon Focus all the way.
But of course if you figure you want to go more casting (with a 14 WIS?!?) -- go with Combat Casting. But that doesn't sound like your PC at low levels. Fighting does.
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It all depends on what you see your PC doing in each fight. That's what you really need to know. Looking at your STR (and other stuff) I'd say you're more likely gonna be swinging your scimitar in melee. And since you're a medium BAB, I suggest Weapon Focus all the way.
But of course if you figure you want to go more casting (with a 14 WIS?!?) -- go with Combat Casting. But that doesn't sound like your PC at low levels. Fighting does.
Regarding the 14 WIS - remember, spells that don't grant saves are usually the same whether cast with a 14 or a 99. So when I'm chucking magic stones for 2d6+5 damage against some zombies, I'm totally fine with that 14 WIS. Or when I'm swinging a flame blade around, or zapping someone with frostbite, etc. Those could all be cast with a WIS of 11-12, and none of them gain any benefit from having anything higher.
Anyway: I do want to be front-line viable. So yeah, WF(Scimitar) does sound appealing. But is it more important than, say, Dodge? Both help with being in front. And what about when the guy's AC is too high to be practical, and I want to start hitting his touch instead, via some of the aforementioned combat spells? By not needing to step back to cast and then step up again, Combat Casting also helps my front-line ability.
So does that affect your advice at all?
Dodge, Weapon Focus, and Combat Casting all effect different kinds of front-liners.
Dodge is better for characters that don't want to get hit so they can last longer.
Weapon Focus is better for characters that want to hit more often so they can end fights quicker.
Combat Casting is better for characters that know they are going to be in melee and casting spells more often to help or hinder others.
Which do you want to do more of?
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I want to be somewhat versatile.
For instance, in my last mission, I fought a couple of little buggers who were really good at getting cover and taking their AC up past 20. I considered casting frostbite so I'd have a couple of shots at their (slightly) lower touch AC (plus a debuff!) but decided against it because I'd have to either cast defensively (without Combat Casting) or step away (without using a 5' step due to difficult terrain) and cast and then step back up the next round.
So in a situation like that...
...Weapon Focus would help, as I'd have had a better chance at hitting them.
...Combat Casting would help, as I'd have a better chance at getting those Touch attacks.
...Dodge would help, as I'd last longer and be able to get more attacks, thus allowing more chances for good rolls to hit them.
So... yeah. Still feeling indecisive. :P
You could always let Fate/The Dice decide.
d6
1-2: Weapon Focus
3-4: Combat Casting
5-6: Dodge
I've built characters using dice charts like that.
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My suggestion, after the posts, is still Weapon Focus. In the fight you need to be able to hit -- and as far as getting hit without Dodge, well, the full BAB PCs won't hate you for running back to cast Summon Animal Ally since you have fewer HP, lower AC and lower BAB. BUT -- if you're up there fighting and can't hit worth a damn, you'll wish you had that Weapon Focus.
As for the d6 -- fate should go like this:
roll 1d6
1-3 = Dodge
4-6 = Weapon Focus
7-9 = Combat Casting.
Well, uh, even if you don't like animals, I assume you're going to be wildshaping when you can, right? Weapon Focus (Scimitar) will look worse when you've got claws.
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I bet all the other druids talk about you and your poor druid parents have to deal with it.
Gossip Druid: "Have you heard about that Dmitri kid? I've heard he doesn't like animals, and doesn't even look forward to having the ability to turn into one!"
Druid Parents (overhearing): "That's..that's not true! Our Dima, he's just a late bloomer. I'm sure he'll turn into a bear and horribly eviscerate his enemies eventually, he's just not ready to make that step right now. He's been busy with his cave studies...he hasn't the time."
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Heh, my parents don't even know I'm a druid. See, I always liked exploring and wanted to travel - having grown up in Varisia, I saw a lot of neat stuff and met exotic people and I wanted to go and see things for myself. Eventually, I heard about the Pathfinder Society, and how Pathfinders get sent on missions all over the Inner Sea and beyond. Which to my ears sounded like "FREE TRIPS EVERYWHERE WOOO!" so naturally I started walking.
Walked and walked, and walked some more. Saw lots of interesting landscapes, and loved it. Somewhere - I'm not sure where, though I'm pretty sure it was before I got to Andoren - there was this cave. It seemed like a normal cave, and I spent the night in it, just like dozens of others. Except when I woke up, there were markings all over the walls - druidic writing (which I couldn't read). There was something else new, too: there was a weird mark covering most of my right hand. Through my hand, I could feel a connection to the earth like I'd never felt before. And then when I touched the writing on the cave walls, there was some kind of jolt, and suddenly I could read it all.
Near as I can tell, that's when I became a druid. I've since learned that the mark on my hand is related to a very old deity named Ng, so I'm guessing he had something to do with that day. (Why he didn't make me a cleric, I have no idea. Maybe he wanted to enhance my connection with the land, and becoming a menhir savant was a better means to that end than becoming a cleric?)
Anyway, I kept walking until I got to the Andoran shore, hitched a boat ride to Absalom, and signed up. I've been exploring the world and bonding with new lands ever since. But it hasn't changed my general distaste for animals.
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RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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I would suggest Combat Casting out of those three feats , as it will still remain important once you start shifting into an elemental. There are plenty of enemies that will be in melee with you even when you have reach and are flying.
Hm, but do I want it now? Or should I take Dodge/Weapon Focus now, then Combat Casting at 5th?
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skill focus spellcraft is better than combat casting in my opinion enven though you lose a +1 bonus you get a static +3 bonus. and it trumps combat casting at level 10 or 11? unless you are always hugging(grappling) yourself.
its not a spellcracft check to not provoke.
its a level check with your casting mod.
spellcraft has nothing to do with anything in this conversation
Dodge, Combat casting
either one is fine but I like Comabat casting
no weapon Focus
A you should be making touch attacks or range touch attacks with your spells. So AC you should be hiting should be low. So not worth the feat.
Combat casting now so natural spell latter.