Question about Animal form? (1.6)

[Inkfist]

With Animal form does the 'damage bonus' replace the Druid's strength modifier or is in addition to the Strength modifier? In the original playtest rules it seems like a replacement, but at a decent bonus.

Currently (unhightened) its just a +1, which seems more than a little weak as Wild order druids tend to have decent strength to fuel their wildshape usage. If the damage bonus is a STR replacement then it looks like at lower levels that Wild claws/morph is the stronger combat option by a decent amount (unless you need a particular climb/swim speed for an encounter)

Is there a rule clarification, or am I missing something?

[pauljathome]

Inkfist wrote:

With Animal form does the 'damage bonus' replace the Druid's strength modifier or is in addition to the Strength modifier? In the original playtest rules it seems like a replacement, but at a decent bonus.

Currently (unhightened) its just a +1, which seems more than a little weak as Wild order druids tend to have decent strength to fuel their wildshape usage. If the damage bonus is a STR replacement then it looks like at lower levels that Wild claws/morph is the stronger combat option by a decent amount (unless you need a particular climb/swim speed for an encounter)

Is there a rule clarification, or am I missing something?

It replaces it.

2d8+1 is pretty decent damage for a level 3 character.

[Inkfist]

Due to the Wild Order's higher strength, why would you take 2d8+1, or 1d10+1 (agile) when wild claws gives you the exact same to hit, 2d6+3 (agile), lets you use a shield for reactions, *and* doesn't lock you out of speaking or casting?

[pauljathome]

You wouldn't. Or, at least, shouldn't.

I've posted quite a few times that right now Wild Shape is so bad that it is close to being a trap. The 1.6 updates go only a very small way to changing that.