Carrion Crown Druid!

[BlingerBunny]

In the tradition of Murphy's Law, I'm making a backup character. I'd like to go with a Skinwalker (coldborn) Goliath Druid. Is this a good idea, or should I vie for a different path?

[Prometeus]

Goliath Druid are awesome, is a very good archetype to play with because the way alter self interact with your equipment you can use the same gear as giant, speak without the need of Natural Spell feat and can cast Enlarge Person on you for the first levels before Wild Shape comes online

If you want to play as a frontline like a skirmisher, offtank and a brute you will have a blast, at 12th level thanks to regenerations ability of trolls you will be unkillable.

You can go with natural attacks, two handed weapon or weapon and shield

[BlingerBunny]

Yeah, I'm still fighting between Coldborn and Half-Orc. The half-orc gets access to some pretty strong weapons, but the coldborn has access to natural attacks which would be fun for thematic purposes.

I imagine the feats would depend on which race I choose, but I'm pretty sure utilizing my strength and reach would help out in the long run.

[Prometeus]

Between those two I feel the half orc can be better thanks to acces to Falchions and sacred tatto / fate's favored combo, also the favored class bonus is a boost to natural armor

[BlingerBunny]

Then I'll go with Half-orc on the premise that Half-Orcs are uncommon, but expected in this region, so he was the product of a Orc raid on a human village. He was chased out as a youth and found by a Goliath Druid of the Green Faith. He was taught the ways of nature and its fierce strength, utilizing it to protect land so that it can heal naturally. Choosing the Rage Subdomain, to enforce his will upon trespassers.

Here's a list of feats I found. They sound good?

1- Toughness
3- Power Attack
4- +1 Strength
5- Heavy Armor Proficiency
7- Cornugon Smash
8- +1 Strength
9- Vital Strike
11- Powerful Shape
12- Rage Power: Guarded Stance, +1 Strength
13- Skill Focus (Intimidate)

I'd complain that Cornugon Smash is a debatable feat. I'm unsure if my GM would allow that, but I'm willing to ask when we get to that point. If no, what would be a reasonable replacement?

[BlingerBunny]

Does anyone have advice on a replacement for Cornugon Smash? And would intimidate, handle animal, knowledge (nature), and perception be decent skills to max, considering the build?

[Prometeus]

Yeah i post that build, but to be honest to make it work you only need Power Attack, Toughness and Heavy Armor Proficiency, you can use the rest of the feats on feats like Improved Initiative, Additional Traits, Lunge.

Also if you like Dwarf you can pick on and grab Steel Soul feat for extra aid on saving throws

[BlingerBunny]

I think I'll build on that intimidation idea. Cornugon Smash, Hurtful, Intimidating Prowess, Dreadful Carnage, Visceral Threat, etc... These all seem rather beneficial to that idea.