How I can integrate a Bear Totem Barbarian, a Bear Ranger Shifter and Bear Shaman into a viable multi-class character?

[The 8th Dwarf]

I am trying to work out how I can integrate a Bear Totem Barbarian, a Bear Ranger Shifter and Bear Shaman Druid into a viable multi-class character.

I think I may have to pick two classes - I am not sure I can make all three work together.

[Phasics]

what in particular from each 3 classes do you like ?

[ericthecleric]

Damn, I just had a long reply to this helping you out. (Sigh.)

I'm thinking that this is really about getting massive Strength bonuses.
Really, the shapeshifting ranger doesn't add much.
You'd need to be a 10th-level barbarian to get the greater beast totem.
As an 8th-level druid, you can get a +6 size bonus to strength from huge animal (beast shape III) or as a 12th-level druid +8 size bonus from elemental body IV or plant shape III); the size bonuses stack with enhancement bonuses.

So if this is all about Strength bonuses, go alchemist/master chymist.

But if it is more about the bear thing, staying single-classed druid, or maybe druid/barbarian (Drd 8/Brb 12 or Drd 12/Brb 8) seems the best option.

[Steven T. Helt]

I'll give it a shot. First, I'd like to know if you are using any backwards-compatible rules, or if you are trying to go exclusively Pathfinder.

Trying to keep up with the bi-annual disappointment of the overhyped Cowboys-Redskins game, I needed something a little extra to do. Thanks.

[Barber]

Theres a 3rd level ranger spell, 4th for druids that increases the size of a chosen natural attack by 2 spaces. If i had my books nearby I would reference the name for you from the APG. A tenth level barbarian's 1d8 from Greater Beast Totem would become 3d6.

The problem with natural attacks though is eventually you run out of limbs to gain them from. Unless you can shapechange or grow more arms from an evolution, other classes start to pick up more and more extra attacks.

For powerful natural attacks I would go shapechange ranger 3, then maybe druid. I personally love the barbarian class, but 10 levels to get 1d8 claws is time consuming. Then again elemental rage would help bump damage output a bit.

Hope this helps you a bit.

Matt

[The 8th Dwarf]

I was aiming at Beorn from the Hobbit.. I am thinking Druid ranger with the natural style is the way to go.

[Kthulhu]

You missed Sorcerer with the Bear bloodline.

[Steven T. Helt]

After looking at it last night, I don't like it. You're better off riding the beast totem barbarian and getting a good belt for Strength. It's the ranger offering an enhancement bonus that ruins it for me. I'm also not happy that the druid offers you the Endurance feat on a part-time basis, meaning you have no case for getting to choose a different feat if you already have three levels of ranger.

Now, if you want to play the bear warrior prestige class, you get the bear thing, improved by the barbarian abilities, and then maybe take 2-6 levels of ranger for the natural attack combat feats. Eventually you'll get a huge Strength bonus, great barbarian abilities, and your claws will deal about 2d8 damage with a x3 critical. But I don't see druid helping at all.

[Lord Fyre]

Kthulhu wrote:

You missed Sorcerer with the Bear bloodline.

I think that would be more then the game could bear.

[james maissen]

The 8th Dwarf wrote:

I was aiming at Beorn from the Hobbit.. I am thinking Druid ranger with the natural style is the way to go.

Okay this is a better starting point (imho).

What mechanical constraints do you have? (I.e. materials allowed, races allowed, rules from which to work, etc)

What abilities does Beorn have that you need to have for the character? (shifting into a bear, anything else?)

It helps to make a list of what you want mechanically for the character and sometimes a list of what is available from which to build it.

If outside materials make it work better then you can approach your DM about them, armed with what you are trying to accomplish and where it falls short in the current limitations.

-James

[nate lange]

imo: druid/ranger isnt worth it just for the fighting style- just make a druid and spend the feats on it...

if you really want to multi-class (instead of just making a bear shaman druid) i would suggest taking 2 levels of barbarian early and advancing as a druid, with the option of taking the extra rage power feat.

you could (maybe should) also talk to your gm about creating a new prestige class (perhaps inspired by the rage prophet) that would combine some druid casting and wild shape with some improvements to your rage and access to better versions of the beast totem powers. and, none of that would preclude you from spending feats for the natural combat style stuff.