Starting a new game, and wanting to try a new thing, I decided to build a tengu druid to fill in the scout role. I used the Nature Fang archetype and the Monkey sub-domain to make a sort of magic rogue.
But, I don't really know what to do for feats. I prefer Two-handed fighting, and since someone pretty new to the game is joining the table, I don't want to go the TWF route for feats because thats the style so-to-speak she's aiming for. So, besides the underwhelming Weapon Focus, or Dodge, I don't really know what to pick-up. Ideas? I'm open to whatever wouldn't require a different race/class combo.
Renn Bloodback
Tengu Druid (Nature Fang)/1
Str 16
Dex 16
Con 13
Int 14
Wis 18
Cha 14
(I rolled pretty damn well for stats as a change of pace)
Traits: Trap Finder, Wisdom in the Flesh.
Also, ideas for level 1 utility spells would be appreciated.
Edit: Also, am I reading the Sneak Attack right in Nature Fang? I'm pretty sure it doesn't ever increase the number of SA dice you get.
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Well, Power Attack is a no-brainer. That plus Furious Focus would help solidify your usefulness in combat basically forever. As a Nature Fang, you wouldn't even need to use your spells for buffs, focusing instead on defensive spells and utility, like helping out with group healing, providing movement bonuses with Longstrider and other spells, and eventually things like Air Walk.
And yes, you're correct, your Sneak Attack never increases. It stacks with the Crocodile domain, though, which works really well, and also qualifies you for that feat that increases your Sneak Attack dice by 1 (I think).
Ah yes, Power Attack my old friend. Unfortunately, starting at level 1, means no PA yet.
How about an Archery build? pre-req-free ranger combat styles feats open up many possibilities.
How about an Archery build? pre-req-free ranger combat styles feats open up many possibilities.
No bows. Druids have rather terrible proficiencies (other than scimitar, which is redundant with this race) because of the assumption that you would be wild shaped, or at least blasting. So he would have to build up to even being able to use a bow at all.
I am sure there are methods, but it is worth mentioning at least since it is a consideration.
Your best damage boost at lvl 1 will be Shillelagh. And this one will probably last you till level 4-6. A +1 2d6 weapon is pretty neat.
for feats I'd make use of the bonus feats:
lvl 1 Improved Initiative
lvl 3 Power Attack
lvl 4 Talent: Shield of Swings
lvl 5 Furious Focus
lvl 6 Talent: Great Cleave
Tengu starts with 3 natural attacks which Druid can buff with spells quite nicely. Why not combine that with a Reach Weapon which you utilize to get some AoO then once foes close you drop it and claw, claw bite.
Tengu starts with 3 natural attacks which Druid can buff with spells quite nicely. Why not combine that with a Reach Weapon which you utilize to get some AoO then once foes close you drop it and claw, claw bite.
Again- druids have TERRIBLE proficiencies. Ignoring wizards (and maybe some other exceptions I forget), they are the only class without long spears.
Although you could trade sword trained to pick up some eastern weapons (who doesn't love a good x4 crit from a naginata?). I mean... with scimitars in class, you mostly just see slight increases in damage dice when trading up swords. So go with something that does a completely different purpose.
Anyway, I second use of reach weapons, but I think going with the one bite alone might be fine. With a single bite, he has x1.5 bonuses. So just using that up close, and 5' stepping back would do a lot. And a single natural attack is even easier to buff up for long periods- just a single greater magic fang, and no worries about anything other than DR.
Proficiency with a reach weapon can be acquired via a trait if so inclined. EWP Fauchard is also worth considering.
Proficiencies are part of why Tengu Druids can be pretty nice. I was planning to use the exotic proficiency alternate trait instead of sword-trained. Though, I was planning originally to use a Tetsubo in addition to a few other weapons that seem like they'd be easy to come across as average farming implements. None of them are good mind you and I'm not super beholden to it, but the Tetsubo is a pretty good weapon, and does Bludgeoning damage, which is good. But reach might be better to have.
Although, I think Archery can work. There's a side-bar in UC my GM pointed out that mentions eastern equivalents to long bows and swords (A Daikyu, and Hwandudaedo). So, I could pick up longbows with the racial ability.
Also, shillelagh noted. Probably better than the Tetsubo for now when I need a bigger stick.
Archery is good, but the character is meant to be dirt poor, and bows are pretty expensive (We rolled starting GP). Could just be something he picked up. On the other hand we have a Hunter whos going to be melee with a Lion. So that -8 for archery will be happening for quite a while.
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Why go for all those fancy tricks when you get Nodachi proficiency automatically as a Tengu? 1d10, 18-20/x2 is fantastic for a base weapon, and your proficiency with all bladed weapons opens you up to using a wide variety of weapon choices as the game progresses.
Basically, I'd avoid weapon focus, enjoy the variety you'll gain as you level, and be really flexible. Pick up a wooden shield for when you need one, and get feats that have more practical, general use (Improved Initiative/Warrior Priest, Heavy Armor Proficiency, skill bonus/extra language feats) and let your Talents fill in the few combat feats you'll need. Similar to what Ellioti posted.
With your high charisma, you could even consider eventually picking up Eldritch Heritage for some cool bloodline stuff. And, of course, there's always Nature Soul/Animal Ally if you wanted to gain an animal companion in addition to your familiar. It'd require 3 feats (Nature Soul, which isn't that great, but skill bonuses aren't bad for you), Animal Ally, and Boon Companion, but for getting a full-level animal companion, a familiar (by the way, check out the familiar archetypes. Your Monkey could be really, REALLY handy with some of those, especially the Figment/Protector/Mascot archetypes), you'll have lots of variety and battlefield control, not to mention that you ALSO qualify for feats like Evolved Companion/Evolved Familiar to give them more utility once you've gotten the few, base feats you'll need to be effective.
Why go for all those fancy tricks when you get Nodachi proficiency automatically as a Tengu? 1d10, 18-20/x2 is fantastic for a base weapon, and your proficiency with all bladed weapons opens you up to using a wide variety of weapon choices as the game progresses
Well, as I said... it is 'scimitar, but with better damage dice'. Nice enough, but trading that for better weapon special options seems fair enough.
And heck, he can still grab a nodachi since he gets 3 eastern weapons when he trades in sword trained- he can cherry pick three useful weapons in return for the long list of swords he would never really use.
So when dealing with the druid proficency list... I honestly see the choice as between the eastern weapons and a claw build. He already has 'nice sword'. But he doesn't have 'nice basics that every other melee class has'.
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He's got decent strength. What's wrong with using a sling? 1d4+3 is fine, it's got decent range, and he could potentially do the switch-hitter ranger thing and get his ranged feats from the Slayer Talents if he wants to go that far.
That's not to bash the eastern weapons thing. I'm just saying that, as a DM, it's a little silly when I feel like I NEED to place a +2 Katana in with a bunch of standard treasure in the middle of Cheliax or something. It's more a quality of life decision on my part than a damage optimization strategy, otherwise I'd be all for it.
I can play around with a lot of feats (thanks for pointing some of those out by the way). But I forgot to mention the houserule we're doing that removes the need to confirm crits.
I especially like the Protector archetype and Shield suggestions. My little combo of 13 Con and 16 AC is a bit on the low side.
I know the houserule technically makes the Nodachi better, but I still like the Tetsubo over it for two reasons.
It's literally a big stick with some metal stuff in it, so "fitting one in" is pretty easy to swallow.
And it's really funny making a guy go from full HP to dead in one swing.
EDIT: I LIED! Three reasons because Bludgeoning damage would be helpful The hunter is going with a Scimitar/Kukri combo, and our bard will straight up die soon.
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Druids do have terrible proficiencies. But that can be fixed by race. Humans, half-elves and elves give good weapon profs. Tengu is also great for that. So you're covered there.
Accomplished Sneak Attacker, to add +1d6 sneak attack damage.
Extra Slayer Talent, if there are any talents you like.
Seething Hatred, for favored enemy, if you know you will be facing a lot of a certain type of enemy.
Extreme Prejudice*, you could qualify for this with Accomplished Sneak Attacker and crocodile domain without any dips.
Those are some of the feats that best take advantage of the slayer abilities this archetypes steals. Fitting the flavor of the class.
Otherwise you could just build into a casting druid and take your feats in that direction.
If you haven't looked into it, Elven Curve Blade could be good for you and would let you up your dex and and let your strength slide a bit. But you'd have to take finesse. The sneak attack damage could help shore up the lose in damage. Which would let you put a higher score into Con, a tengu's weak point.
.... Now I kind of want to roll one of these up for myself.
I did in fact check out the Elven Katana. I could switch the 16 and 14 put into Str and Dex respectively and come out with 14 Str and 18 Dex. Pretty optimal for Weapon Finesse, Power attack combo. But, that's 80 gp of my 100 starting wealth. If I started at 3rd level or so, that'd be the way I go. So far I think I have my combat feats taken care of. are there any good Feats for a caster druid? Warrior priest looked pretty cool, are there any others?
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I did in fact check out the Elven Katana. I could switch the 16 and 14 put into Str and Dex respectively and come out with 14 Str and 18 Dex. Pretty optimal for Weapon Finesse, Power attack combo. But, that's 80 gp of my 100 starting wealth. If I started at 3rd level or so, that'd be the way I go. So far I think I have my combat feats taken care of. are there any good Feats for a caster druid? Warrior priest looked pretty cool, are there any others?
The critical range plus being two-handed make it worth it. Helps the strength go farther. That's what my eldritch knight uses.
For caster feats... if you aren't going to be able to wildshape it is really no different than what any other caster wants. Kind of bland, but effective.
Anything that ups DC is good(spell focus, et al), if you are trying to be offensive.
Augment summoning if you are summoning.
Extend rod for buffs.