This is a class I haven't really looked into much since 1.3. Where does the caster Druid currently stand in terms of power? Is he as viable as a Cleric? From my understanding you cant cast while in wild shape form (ie pest form)? Which order is best for the Caster Druid?
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This is a class I haven't really looked into much since 1.3. Where does the caster Druid currently stand in terms of power? Is he as viable as a Cleric? From my understanding you cant cast while in wild shape form (ie pest form)? Which order is best for the Caster Druid?
At high levels they're fine. They get lots of spell slots, and low level slots still have full DC. Level 3 has haste, slow and blindness. Once they're past level 10 or so they have lots of slots and are good.
Before that they don't have many slots. Can't compare the orders too much, but at low levels Commanding your pet, Wild Shape, Storm Surge, and Summoning all don't take spell slots. Those options are all worse than Heal, so they're worse off than Clerics.
Damage spells are decent use of highest level slots.
probably worse than Bards.
They're definitely better off than Wizards and Sorcerers at low levels. Getting better powers, or something else to do.
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One of my player's chose a Strom Druid for DD Chapter 5, so he's playing him at level 12. We're only two combats into the chapter so far, but he's doing fine. Tempest Surge deals decent damage, though it only really helps if you invest feats to increase your number of spell points.
Caster druid seems ok from what I can tell. If your party expects you to cover healing and suppert/blasts, then you will run out of spell very quickly, especially in the early levels.
If you want pure primal spellcasting (so no Wildshape or Anmial Companion), I actually think a Primal Sorc is a solid alternative. A few more spells per day, spontaneously heightened Heal and easy access to armor and more healing with Paladin Dedication and Lay on Hands. The Sorc also has more spells to support spellcasting than a druid.
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As long as they boost STR and don't wild shape they're doing fine :-)
Especially if they multiclass into a paladin for all the lovely healing.
Given that ACs are weak and wild shaping is currently almost a trap you can easily afford the feats :-).
So, my druid hits people with his glaive, uses his SP for heals, and uses druid spells primarily for utility but with some AoE thrown in
As long as they boost STR and don't wild shape they're doing fine :-)
Especially if they multiclass into a paladin for all the lovely healing.
Given that ACs are weak and wild shaping is currently almost a trap you can easily afford the feats :-).
So, my druid hits people with his glaive, uses his SP for heals, and uses druid spells primarily for utility but with some AoE thrown in
I'm not sure a melee swinging Paladin-Multiclass, who uses mostly utility spells, can be called Caster Druid ;-)
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I'm not sure a melee swinging Paladin-Multiclass, who uses mostly utility spells, can be called Caster Druid ;-)As long as they boost STR and don't wild shape they're doing fine :-)
Especially if they multiclass into a paladin for all the lovely healing.
Given that ACs are weak and wild shaping is currently almost a trap you can easily afford the feats :-).
So, my druid hits people with his glaive, uses his SP for heals, and uses druid spells primarily for utility but with some AoE thrown in
Not disagreeing. But that definitely seems the BEST Druid right now :-(.
Note - his Wisdom is still maxed out AND he is a Storm Druid. So the ONLY thing he gives up as a caster druid is some crappy class feats, a bit of money, and some slightly lower secondary stats. If you built a Pure Caster Druid you'd end up with pretty much this :-).
I think that, unless things change, pretty much ALL optimized casters are going to end up with some significant weapon damage abilities to tide them over when they're running out of spells or when weapon damage is just BETTER than spells. I don't think I LIKE that statement but I'll stand by it. The cost is just too low and the benefits too good.
Hmm yes the control spells could certainly use a buffing. I'm sure with time Paizo will correct that, thus far I've been very impressed with there ability to listen to and implement changes based on feedback on these forums.
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Druids are strong blasters (compared to other blasters), and have some nice ability to deter incoming attacks. Thunder Shield and Storm Retribution are a bit expensive spell-point wise, but they had an interesting tactical effect on monsters. Many decided it was more beneficial to target me, the one who was hurting them when they struck, after they finished the rest of the party, who were not. Tempest Surge, for storm druids, is also just a pretty solid blast as far as blasts go.
For other effects, other spell lists seem better. Some utility/support in the primal list, though not enough to relegate utility/support to your job as a caster. Particularly good at getting past unusual terrain. For debuffs, the only worthwhile one I see is only good for the novelty. Barkskin gives weakness to fire damage, and is a no-save touch attack that won't hurt your allies if they all invest in flaming weapons.
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Summon Nature's Ally, via the call of the wild feat was surprisingly very useful. The summoned creature plays about as well as an animal companion. Their AC is lower, but elementals are immune to critical hits, and the purple worm just had so many hit points that they can take it. Attacks are a bit down but not useless. Very useful utility blocker and trap detector.
I played a storm order druid in DD chapter 5 and did pretty well. to get the most bang for your buck you've got to take every class feat that gives you extra spell points but honestly that's not really an issue. In DD chapter 5 our evocation wizard did out damage me but I had significantly more versatility as a whole, which admittedly didn't help too much in that scenario but in a real campaign I think it'd be great and would love playing one. I haven't played the other druid orders but from my guesstimations storm order is probably the best build right now though the shapeshifter could work as long as you have access to the druid vestments. before then I'm not as sure.
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I think that, unless things change, pretty much ALL optimized casters are going to end up with some significant weapon damage abilities to tide them over when they're running out of spells or when weapon damage is just BETTER than spells. I don't think I LIKE that statement but I'll stand by it. The cost is just too low and the benefits too good.
I have to agree with you on this, and I feel that it might not be a good thing. Pushing the bonus from proficiency might help differentiate martials from casters.