Building a shifting 'Battle Druid'... Do I need con?

[Redchigh]

I unfortunately have to start at level 1. I want to be a battle druid at level 4, and I can't quite figure out for sure if MY con are of any importance when I'm in 'wild shape'... I maxed out my STR because I know it's important in WS, but what about con?

Should I nerf con or dex? (For RP purposes, I refuse to have a horrible cha. I plan on torturing the GM with lots of 'speak to animals')

Thanks for the help.

[Cheapy]

It mostly depends on whether you want to live or not.

[Redchigh]

I just can't tell if (in bear form) I have a medium bear's hit die, or my own HP, or some boost to my own.

[Thorkull]

You always use your own HP.

Read up on Beast Shape spells, and the Polymorph subschool of spells in the Magic chapter.

[Atarlost]

Con is possibly more important than strength even. You can get size bonuses to strength, but any size bonus to con evaporates when you un-shape. Unlike temporary hitpoints the damage stays and can kill you.

I'd rethink the build. A casting druid can skimp on con and strength and afford charisma. A melee druid probably can't.

[Canoy]

After level 5, the disappearing con isn't really a problem, as you get natural spell and can easily cast a few cure spells before changing back. And if you're getting low on HP, you can always shape to a water elemental for that extra health.

[Mergy]

Strength >= Constitution > Wisdom > Dexterity > Intelligence > Charisma

Also, always put your favoured class bonus into health.

EDIT:

If you refuse to dump charisma, my suggested stat block (20 point-buy) is:

Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 10

Remember, before you get wild armour, your health is your armour. Don't make yourself an easy kill.