How to make Shaman more Druid-y?

[Devin McCall]

I heard somewhere that there was a variant to make the spirit animal more like an animal companion than a familiar, but I can't seem to find it. Other tips for more druid-like Shaman builds appreciated.

[Grandlounge]

Devin McCall wrote:

I heard somewhere that there was a variant to make the spirit animal more like an animal companion than a familiar, but I can't seem to find it. Other tips for more druid-like Shaman builds appreciated.

It may be the mauler familiar archetype.

[Imbicatus]

The Wood spirit is very good for this.

[Marc Radle]

Hey there!

If you are OK with non Paizo material, might I suggest checking out the Shaman class in the New Paths Compendium from Kobold Press

The New Paths Shaman might be just what you're looking for. It's based much more on the Druid and has an animal spirit guide which is very much more like an animal companion than a familiar

[Drahliana Moonrunner]

Devin McCall wrote:

I heard somewhere that there was a variant to make the spirit animal more like an animal companion than a familiar, but I can't seem to find it. Other tips for more druid-like Shaman builds appreciated.

Have you considered using the Shaman archetype of the Druid instead?

[Cussune]

If you're looking to change the familiar to animal companion, then I think you'll have to look at familiar archetypes as indicated by Grandlounge. They haven't done much to reflavor shamans and druids. Mayhaps you're thinking of the shaman druids from the APG?

Otherwise, elemental or Wood spirits and spell selection would be the strongest way to make a shaman more druidlike, I guess.