Monk Dip for Wildshaped Focused Druid. Is it worth it?

[Ravalynnder]

I asked an advice question last week and got a lot of great answers but one that got missed was.

Is a 1 level dip in Monk worth it for a Wild Shaping Brute Druid (Saurian Shaman domain instead of an AC) with a focus on intimidating (demoralize) via Enforcer? This is for PFS so assume character retires at L12.

Advantages:

Wisdom to AC for all forms – Not as much AC as Barding or Wild Enchanted Armor but cheaper than both and more versatile than Barding. (Huge non-humanoid dragon scale barding is 16x the cost of its medium version) (Wild armor you pay for a +4 version and just get a +1). Also with a potion of Mage armor I’d be at 9 AC and with Magic vestments via my domain I’d be at 10-12 AC

Bonus Feat – in my case Intimidating prowess which I need for the demoralize side of my build.

Disadvantages:

I lose 1 level of druid progression which is a pretty big deal. Slower Wild shape, worse CL, and fewer less powerful spells.

I’ve pretty much convinced myself that the monk dip really isn’t worth it but a little advice never hurts. I plan on playing the druid like a fighter with utility via spells and summons when brute force isn’t the best approach.

Human Stats : STR: 17 DEX: 14 CON: 14 INT: 12 WIS: 14 CHA: 7

Oread Stats: STR: 17 DEX: 14 CON: 14 INT: 12 WIS: 16 CHA: 5

Traits: Bruising Intellect & Blade of Mercy

Feats: Enforcer, Intimidating Prowess, Planar Wild Shape, Natural Spell, and then probably a focus on summoning SF Conjuration – Augment Summons – Versatile SNA --- Superior Summoning

Maybe Fast Learner if I choose Human vs Oread

I think the argument for taking the monk level is stronger if I choose Oread instead of human.

[Imbicatus]

It can be worth it, depending on how casting focused you are. Your caster level can be retained with magical knack, and your wild shape can be enhanced by shaping focus, so the only real drawback is slower access to spells and slots. Unchained Monk instead of core monk will give you +1 BAB and a better flurry for when you aren't wildshaped. You'll also get a bonus feat which can be very useful. You can also look into several archetypes to either increase AC or give access to better feats.

[Chess Pwn]

question is 3/4 (after headband) AC and a bonus feat worth not having the better wild shape on time? Not having the next spell level on time? not having an animal companion progress (assuming you pick that)

cause that's about all you get. Your HP is the same once you factor in FCB to HP. Your bab is effectively the same. You're not getting use of the FoB.

Only you can know if it's a worth trade for your character.

also consider monk imitators. The Elemental Ascetic Kineticist at lv2 gets wis to AC, but also gets to add 1d6 elemental damage to all of their natural attacks for free with no action.

The sacred fist warpriest gets cleric spells and 2 levels gets you fervor.

[Maezer]

While the monk AC perk is nice. I think you'll find the biggest reason people splash a monk level is to be able to take multiple attacks with a big natural weapon when you would normal only get one attack with.

The other reason is to pile your BABs worth of martial attacks without flurrying (generally as unarmed strikes) on top of your natural attacks (as secondaries) so you get a goodly number of extra swings in.

As those don't seem to be your goals. And you seem to be investing heavily in casting, you may well be right that the monk splash isn't for you.