Gortle’s Guide to Druids


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A discussion thread for Gortle’s Guide to Druids

Moved because comments were interfering with Zenith's thread.

Comments welcome.


I saw in the early DPR threads where animal companions were compared to a fighter's 2nd or 3rd attack. While they will not be great, it is nice to think of it as "something you do with your extra actions".


"Str(*): for athletics checks, encumbrance and perhaps a multiclass requirement. You really don’t need this unless you are being a seriously dedicated melee wildshaper. In which case its an option, but Dex is a better way to do it. If you really find yourself in need of Str then become an ape for a while. Dump it."

You can't use dex for Wild Shape attacks unless they are finesse ones (there are none of them right now), so Strength is paramount for Wild Shape druids.

The Exchange

Familiar - Is there any other familiar available to a Druid other than Leshy?

In regards to comparative advantage of a Leshy over other familiars, where can I find the movement stats for any of the tiny standard animals (e.g. Cat and Snake)? I cannot find any default non-land speeds required for them. This may change your comment about Leshy familiars since it appears that you do not need to spend an ability to get a different move speed for most familiars except birds (note: not all big cats have climb speed).


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Pathfinder Rulebook Subscriber

You can use your own attack modifier, yes, but you're still not making an attack with a finesse weapon, which is required to substitute dexterity for strength.

The Exchange

Finesse is a weapon trait (CRB glossary p632). Thus, the trait is a function of its form

Wild shape allows only the specific weapons listed while in the form (e.g. Animal Form CRB p317) "One or more unarmed melee attacks specific to the battle form you choose, which are the only attacks you can use."

The form's attacks do NOT have the finesse trait added (while fist does indeed have the finesse trait, you have morphed into having paws/claws/etc so you longer have a fist)

Not all unarmed attacks have the Finesse trait. For example, look at CRB p215. The Bird companion's weapons are explicitly mentioned as having Finesse while the Bear companion's weapon do not have finesse mentioned.

This is where I dislike PF2 intensely. You have to look in a multitude of different places to get the complete picture of most rules


Hsui wrote:

Finesse is a weapon trait (CRB glossary p632). Thus, the trait is a function of its form

Wild shape allows only the specific weapons listed while in the form (e.g. Animal Form CRB p317) "One or more unarmed melee attacks specific to the battle form you choose, which are the only attacks you can use."

The form's attacks do NOT have the finesse trait added (while fist does indeed have the finesse trait, you have morphed into having paws/claws/etc so you longer have a fist)

Not all unarmed attacks have the Finesse trait. For example, look at CRB p215. The Bird companion's weapons are explicitly mentioned as having Finesse while the Bear companion's weapon do not have finesse mentioned.

This is where I dislike PF2 intensely. You have to look in a multitude of different places to get the complete picture of most rules

Yes you have to read several of the form spells before you can make sense of any of them. Very frustrating.

No one is saying that you are attacking with your fist. Just that you're fist has an unarmed attack bonus and that is what you are using. Define "unarmed attack bonus". It's not clear.

I'm going to be revising what I have written here. The wording of elemental form seems to be in your favour.


Gortle wrote:
Define "unarmed attack bonus". It's not clear.

Your melee attack bonus with your unarmed proficiency. It does use strength by default.


SuperBidi wrote:


You can't use dex for Wild Shape attacks unless they are finesse ones (there are none of them right now), so Strength is paramount for Wild Shape druids.

Aerial Form and Elemental Form spells are Dex based.

I've revised my document in this area.

Sovereign Court

this guide, under Polymorph wrote:
You can't normally cast spells in wild shape form. But there are ways to get some spells as innate magic abilities. Eg Dragon Spit . These don't require verbal or manipulation actions - your GM may or may not allow them to work. Depends on whether they work from the justification as to why you can’t cast spells in wild shape (you can’t speak and don’t have real hands), or strict RAW. Both types of GM are common. RAW means Rules As Written and signifies a very strict interpretation of the rule text, it may not always make the best sense.

Whether innate spells require components is controversial, whereas this section makes it sound as if everyone agrees that they don't.

Especially because this section of text is talking about resolving other possible points of dispute. Regardless of whether you think innate spells do or don't need components, glossing over the controversy is not helpful here.


Gortle wrote:
SuperBidi wrote:


You can't use dex for Wild Shape attacks unless they are finesse ones (there are none of them right now), so Strength is paramount for Wild Shape druids.

Aerial Form and Elemental Form spells are Dex based.

I've revised my document in this area.

Nope and nope.

I don't think there's a single Finesse attack you get thanks to Wild Shape, at least I haven't found any.

Also, I agree with Ascalaphus.
Anyway, you can't cast spells while Wild Shaped, so there's no need for a GM call.


SuperBidi wrote:
Gortle wrote:
SuperBidi wrote:


You can't use dex for Wild Shape attacks unless they are finesse ones (there are none of them right now), so Strength is paramount for Wild Shape druids.

Aerial Form and Elemental Form spells are Dex based.

I've revised my document in this area.

Nope and nope.

I don't think there's a single Finesse attack you get thanks to Wild Shape, at least I haven't found any.

Also, I agree with Ascalaphus.
Anyway, you can't cast spells while Wild Shaped, so there's no need for a GM call.

You are being very precise.

Aerial Form and Elemental Form do explicitly use "attacks are Dexterity based" and say to use "attack modifier for Dexterity". If you are happy enough to read that as something else other than "Finesse" go ahead. I suppose it will matter for the few abilities that require finesse. But it does mean that you have to use dex for calculating your unarmed attack here.

Just because you see no need for a GM call that is no reason GM's won't make them. They can, and do interpret the rules. You can read it as "no spells" means "no spells". That is exactly what it says. But the polymorph rules also give reasons why - no hands, no speech - that is more than enough grounds for some GMs to interpret it to mean innate spells work. Given hands and speech aren't an issue for innate magic. My experience says many will reinterpret.

The rules on polymorph on page 301 invite GMs to interpret this very rule.


My bad, I thought they would include it in the attack description.
It's kind of stupid, then, you use your Dexterity based attack modifier, but they are no Finesse weapons...

For the innate spells, you use too many hoops to get there. I don't see any GM allowing it. And anyway, your guide is supposed to speak about the rules, not about how you can modify the rules and what you could get from here.


Hsui wrote:

Finesse is a weapon trait (CRB glossary p632). Thus, the trait is a function of its form

Wild shape allows only the specific weapons listed while in the form (e.g. Animal Form CRB p317) "One or more unarmed melee attacks specific to the battle form you choose, which are the only attacks you can use."

The form's attacks do NOT have the finesse trait added (while fist does indeed have the finesse trait, you have morphed into having paws/claws/etc so you longer have a fist)

Not all unarmed attacks have the Finesse trait. For example, look at CRB p215. The Bird companion's weapons are explicitly mentioned as having Finesse while the Bear companion's weapon do not have finesse mentioned.

This is where I dislike PF2 intensely. You have to look in a multitude of different places to get the complete picture of most rules

You are missing the point of the logic here. You are replacing the attack modifier for the animal form spell with the unarmed attack modifier of the druid. No one is saying you are using a fist, just the attack modifier for the fist. It doesn't violate the "only attacks you can use" clause.

Fist of course is not a weapon it is an unarmed attack. It does have weapon traits though.


SuperBidi wrote:
For the innate spells, you use too many hoops to get there. I don't see any GM allowing it. And anyway, your guide is supposed to speak about the rules, not about how you can modify the rules and what you could get from here.

Ha, my guide. Deal with it.

I'm just trying to listen to people so I can fix up anything that is clear, and highlight the potential rules issues and variants. All in my opinion of course, but labelled so you can ignore what you want.

Polymorph, wild shape, animal companions. Druid has always been one of the worst for rules.

The Exchange

Gortle wrote:
Hsui wrote:

Finesse is a weapon trait (CRB glossary p632). Thus, the trait is a function of its form

Wild shape allows only the specific weapons listed while in the form (e.g. Animal Form CRB p317) "One or more unarmed melee attacks specific to the battle form you choose, which are the only attacks you can use."

The form's attacks do NOT have the finesse trait added (while fist does indeed have the finesse trait, you have morphed into having paws/claws/etc so you longer have a fist)

Not all unarmed attacks have the Finesse trait. For example, look at CRB p215. The Bird companion's weapons are explicitly mentioned as having Finesse while the Bear companion's weapon do not have finesse mentioned.

This is where I dislike PF2 intensely. You have to look in a multitude of different places to get the complete picture of most rules

You are missing the point of the logic here. You are replacing the attack modifier for the animal form spell with the unarmed attack modifier of the druid. No one is saying you are using a fist, just the attack modifier for the fist. It doesn't violate the "only attacks you can use" clause.

Fist of course is not a weapon it is an unarmed attack. It does have weapon traits though.

The point is that not all unarmed attacks are considered fists. Fists are a type of non-weapon implement not an innate characteristic of the creature itself. The spell specifically creates a different type of unarmed attack non-weapon implement (e.g. it creates jaws etc). The spell says that you can substitute your own "attack bonus" if it is higher. That is the ONLY thing you can substitute. It does NOT say you can substitute your own non-weapon implement or you can add traits to the new non-weapon implements. You are NOT using fists when you are polymorphed

*Edit* clarified non-weapon implements. It would have been better if they had said unarmed attacks are weapons but can never be effected by abilities/spells/items unless specifically allowed


Hsui wrote:

The point is that not all unarmed attacks are considered fists. Fists are a type of non-weapon implement not an innate characteristic of the creature itself. The spell specifically creates a different type of unarmed attack non-weapon implement (e.g. it creates jaws etc). The spell says that you can substitute your own "attack bonus" if it is higher. That is the ONLY thing you can substitute. It does NOT say you can substitute your own non-weapon implement or you can add traits to the new non-weapon implements. You are NOT using fists when you are polymorphed

Cool. I think we are getting closer to understanding each other.

What it does say varies from spell to spell but here are two examples:

Animal Form If your unarmed attack bonus is higher, you can use it instead.

Aerial Form If your attack modifier for Dexterity-based unarmed attacks is higher, you can use it instead

I read your to mean the unpolymorphed druid. It is clearly talking about a state before the spell is applied. Otherwise its a foul recursively defined rule - welcome to javascript hell.

I select fist because its the only one in the rules. I don't have another unarmed attack to assign to the unpolymorphed druid, that I could use.

Define unarmed attack bonus I want a line from the book, not an opinion.
AFAICT there are only a series of bonuses and penalties that you apply to the roll to determine your unarmed attack. I can only infer that unarmed attack bonus includes everything. To calculate that I need to know the full details of the attack and have a specific implement to hit with.

The Exchange

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We are in agreement about the bonus. We are also in agreement with Aerial form. Where we are in disagreement (I think) is that for forms which do not have the explicit language for dex-based attacks, the form's attacks cannot be considered Finesse

The only part where we differ is whether you can apply the weapon traits from fist to all unarmed attacks you make whether it be foot, claw, beak, etc.

unarmed (weapon trait) 283 (CRB p637) this tells us where to look

"Unarmed: An unarmed attack uses your body rather than a manufactured weapon. An unarmed attack isn’t a weapon, though it’s categorized with weapons for weapon groups, and it might have weapon traits. Since it’s part of your body, an unarmed attack can’t be Disarmed. It also doesn’t take up a hand, though a fist or other grasping appendage follows the same rules as a free-hand weapon." (CRB p283)

1st sentence tells us that unarmed attacks are any attacks with your body (fist, claw, beak would be included)
2nd sentence tells us that unarmed is not a weapon but it might have weapon traits. (bolded mine for emphasis). If all of your unarmed weapons had all the traits of fist since it is the only weapon listed, then the word might would not be used (they would use something like "all attacks use the same weapon traits listed for fist unless otherwise specified")
3rd sentence tells us it cannot be disarmed (irrelevant)
4th sentence shows that in addition to not taking a hand, certain types of unarmed attacks, graspable appendages, function differently than others (which means that not all unarmed attacks have the same traits and abilities)

Monk " You don’t take this penalty when making a lethal attack with your fist or any other unarmed" (CRB p156) makes a distinction between fist and other unarmed attacks (if there was no difference they would not call out fist)

Regards Aerial form. This is an explicit inclusion for that form and is thus, the same as finesse. Annoying to use different language for the same thing as finesse elsewhere


Hsui wrote:
Where we are in disagreement (I think) is that for forms which do not have the explicit language for dex-based attacks, the form's attacks cannot be considered Finesse

Actually we are not. I backed away from that position earlier. Not because of any such logic that you are dicussing here. But becuase there is enough distinction between STR and DEX attacks, when you look at the form spells as a whole set, that the intention of the writer is somewhat clear even though the wording varies a fair bit between spells. My mistake was to try to work from the most common one, Animal Form, which as it turns out has the most ambiguous wording.

If I was not considering the writers intention, I'd still be holding to finesse for Animal Form. In that case, where we differ is not in your points above, but that I am happy to select any one unarmed attack of the Druid and take the total bonus from that, then use that number in place of the attack bonus given in the form spell. I'm in no way equating fist to claw/wing/tail, it is just a number I'm plugging in. Because that is what the spell says to do.

As you say it would be really nice if they said Finesse in the attack forms.


https://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=223

Table 6–6: Unarmed Attacks lists the statistics for an unarmed attack with a fist, though you’ll usually use the same statistics for attacks made with any other parts of your body. Certain ancestry feats, class features, and spells give access to special, more powerful unarmed attacks. Details for those unarmed attacks are provided in the abilities that grant them.

https://2e.aonprd.com/Weapons.aspx?ID=1

Source Core Rulebook pg. 280
Price —; Damage 1d4 B; Bulk —
Hands 1
Category Unarmed
Group Brawling; Traits Agile, Finesse, Nonlethal, Unarmed

Doesn't this imply that dex or str would both work for wildshape? Fist statistics work for all unarmed attacks for the druid, unless specified otherwise due to feats/features/etc. Doesn't matter what the wildshape form says. Dex or str in the form is only important for spells cast on the polymorphed form.

So choose either dex or str to maximize for the best possible attack in wildshape.


Falco271 wrote:

https://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=223

https://2e.aonprd.com/Weapons.aspx?ID=1

Source Core Rulebook pg. 280
Price —; Damage 1d4 B; Bulk —
Hands 1
Category Unarmed
Group Brawling; Traits Agile, Finesse, Nonlethal, Unarmed

Doesn't this imply that dex or str would both work for wildshape? Fist statistics work for all unarmed attacks for the druid, unless specified otherwise due to feats/features/etc. Doesn't matter what the wildshape form says.

So choose either dex or str to maximize for the best possible attack in wildshape.

My initial position agrees with you. In the general case I do agree with you.

It is just that some spells like Aerial Form explicitly disagree - some spells explicity state what type of modifier you must use.

So some GMs are going to back interpret that to the other Spells like Animal Form, which says nothing about Dex or Str.

Personally I wish they were explicit about all of this.

Falco271 wrote:


Dex or str in the form is only important for spells cast on the polymorphed form.

They never tell you what that actual Str or Dex number in the form is.

I suppose if the GM drained Dex from one of the Aerial Dex forms, then you would know it affects your attack roll.


Good guide by the way. Don't agree with all your values, and one error which bugs me each time I see it:
Primal Wellspring *** 3 focus points when you replenish. Nice but not essential as you can just use Primal Focus **** twice.

You can't use primal focus twice, you need to spend two focus points to regain two focus points, or three in case of primal wellspring.

Gortle wrote:


It is just that some spells like Aerial Form explicitly disagree - some spells explicity state what type of modifier you must use.

Yes, but I think your mixing up two items:

1) If you cast the spell, you can sometimes use STR or DEX to influence the ATT value of a shape. Which actually makes the spell good sometimes, you can be an optimized combat druid and just use spells instead of Wildshape if you have the appropriate stat maxed (still missing out on the +2 wildshape bonus).

2) Feats for a wildshape druid just ADD forms to the wildshape list. You don't cast the spell, you cast wildshape. Meaning this text (https://2e.aonprd.com/Spells.aspx?ID=481) rules, which says: When you choose to use your own attack modifier while polymorphed instead of the form's default attack modifier, you gain a +2 status bonus to your attack rolls.

Nothing on Str or Dex, so choose whichever you have maxed.

Gortle wrote:


They never tell you what that actual Str or Dex number in the form is. I suppose if the GM drained Dex from one of the Aerial Dex forms, then you would know it affects your attack roll.

That is indeed all that would happen, I think.

One remark on the ratings in your guide: You rank Animal the lowest of the four. I actually think it's the strongest. For just 4 feats you get an AC which compares with the polymorphed shapes up to level 20 (Ends at 33 att and 45 AC, compared to the Kanji with 34 att and 45 AC, OK with more dam) but your still the full spellcaster and you have twice the HP. Wildshape, to use effectively, uses more feats and has severe restrictions when in wildshape. You can add an AC to a druid without much effort, and the AC is quite strong with a druid getting the feats early. Maybe not start as an animal druid, but keep it as an order explorer option.


Falco271 wrote:

Good guide by the way. Don't agree with all your values, and one error which bugs me each time I see it:

Primal Wellspring *** 3 focus points when you replenish. Nice but not essential as you can just use Primal Focus **** twice.

You can't use primal focus twice, you need to spend two focus points to regain two focus points, or three in case of primal wellspring.

I could have sworn it was worded differently to that, but you are right. I'll fix all those up


Falco271 wrote:


Gortle wrote:


It is just that some spells like Aerial Form explicitly disagree - some spells explicity state what type of modifier you must use.

Yes, but I think your mixing up two items:

1) If you cast the spell, you can sometimes use STR or DEX to influence the ATT value of a shape. Which actually makes the spell good sometimes, you can be an optimized combat druid and just use spells instead of Wildshape if you have the appropriate stat maxed (still missing out on the +2 wildshape bonus).

2) Feats for a wildshape druid just ADD forms to the wildshape list. You don't cast the spell, you cast wildshape. Meaning this text (https://2e.aonprd.com/Spells.aspx?ID=481) rules, which says: When you choose to use your own attack modifier while polymorphed instead of the form's default attack modifier, you gain a +2 status bonus to your attack rolls.

Nothing on Str or Dex, so choose whichever you have maxed.

Yeah there are differences depending on whether you are using a focus spell or casting a druid spell to wildshape. I haven't gone into much on the differences but the +2 is the main one.

I don't see your second point as clear cut.

Falco271 wrote:


Gortle wrote:


They never tell you what that actual Str or Dex number in the form is. I suppose if the GM drained Dex from one of the Aerial Dex forms, then you would know it affects your attack roll.

That is indeed all that would happen, I think.

One remark on the ratings in your guide: You rank Animal the lowest of the four. I actually think it's the strongest. For just 4 feats you get an AC which compares with the polymorphed shapes up to level 20 (Ends at 33 att and 45 AC, compared to the Kanji with 34 att and 45 AC, OK with more dam) but your still the full spellcaster and you have twice the HP. Wildshape, to use effectively, uses more feats and has severe restrictions when in wildshape. You can...

Well I'm glad you differ. I have played the PF2 Druid/Ranger a moderate amount. I normally like those characters. For me the Action economy limits are severe. Plus the AC of the Animal Companion never really stacks up. It just gets critically hit in every fight and you have to constantly heal it.

It is sort of OK early but mid levels it was awful. At high level the Animal Companion is just about irrelevant. The AC and attack rolls are very bad still, but all of the traditional animal problems come into play a lot, such as restricted use of magic and items, not being able to fly...

If you often keep your pet out of combat then you have to ask yourself why are you spending all those feats on it.


Why do you start with two focus points? I thought you received one focus point from your order for gaining a focus spell. And that's it. Where does the other focus point come from? Do druids have an innate focus ability that gives them a focus point?

Impaling Briars and Storm Lord require a sustain and an action to do the 10d6 damage attack. So two actions prior to obtaining Effortless Concentration.


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Gortle wrote:


Plus the AC of the Animal Companion never really stacks up.

Optimized AC of the AC actually isn't that bad. Compared to Wildshape and plate fighter (without shield):

Optimized selection of Wildshape (often elemental).
Fighter gets + potency on levels where applicable.
Feats for AC on 4, 8, 14 and 18.

Lvl 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
WS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
AC 2 0 0 0 2 2 2-2-2-2 2 2 2 2 3 0 0
Ft 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0

Hmmm table format doesn't really work, but AC runs behind fighter for -2 on levels 11/12/13. It runs -1 behind a fighter on L5/6/7. It has a +1 on on Fighters on L8/9/10.

Shield or other parry options not included. Monk and Champion can be better, Rogue/Barb/ranger will be less.

Also, Druid gets AC feats earlier then Ranger, making them more competitive. And above select Max Dex AC, where rangers would be better served by Bear, which has less dex. But for a Caster druid, Wolf (not much liked I think) is pretty OK, as support options won't be used anyway and Knockdown plus max Dex is very valuable.


Deriven Firelion wrote:

Why do you start with two focus points? I thought you received one focus point from your order for gaining a focus spell. And that's it. Where does the other focus point come from? Do druids have an innate focus ability that gives them a focus point?

One for being a druid, one if you choose the right order (Leaf/storm).


Falco271 wrote:
Deriven Firelion wrote:

Why do you start with two focus points? I thought you received one focus point from your order for gaining a focus spell. And that's it. Where does the other focus point come from? Do druids have an innate focus ability that gives them a focus point?

One for being a druid, one if you choose the right order (Leaf/storm).

Why do you gain one focus point for being a druid? My understanding is you only gain a focus point for gaining a focus spell. Your first focus spells grants you one focus point. If you don't have a focus spell, you don't gain any focus points. Does the druid gain a focus spell prior to choosing an order?


Deriven Firelion wrote:
Falco271 wrote:
Deriven Firelion wrote:

Why do you start with two focus points? I thought you received one focus point from your order for gaining a focus spell. And that's it. Where does the other focus point come from? Do druids have an innate focus ability that gives them a focus point?

One for being a druid, one if you choose the right order (Leaf/storm).

Why do you gain one focus point for being a druid? My understanding is you only gain a focus point for gaining a focus spell. Your first focus spells grants you one focus point. If you don't have a focus spell, you don't gain any focus points. Does the druid gain a focus spell prior to choosing an order?

The text of the Druidic Order ability says you start with a focus pool with a 1 point capacity. See the second-to-last paragraph.


Brew Bird wrote:
Deriven Firelion wrote:
Falco271 wrote:
Deriven Firelion wrote:

Why do you start with two focus points? I thought you received one focus point from your order for gaining a focus spell. And that's it. Where does the other focus point come from? Do druids have an innate focus ability that gives them a focus point?

One for being a druid, one if you choose the right order (Leaf/storm).

Why do you gain one focus point for being a druid? My understanding is you only gain a focus point for gaining a focus spell. Your first focus spells grants you one focus point. If you don't have a focus spell, you don't gain any focus points. Does the druid gain a focus spell prior to choosing an order?
The text of the Druidic Order ability says you start with a focus pool with a 1 point capacity. See the second-to-last paragraph.

Well ain't that interesting. This is why going to the forums is worthwhile. You learn something new now and then. So some druids start off with two focus points. I can blast twice with Tempest surge. Nice. My storm druid became just a little better and she was already very good.


Falco271 wrote:
Gortle wrote:


Plus the AC of the Animal Companion never really stacks up.

Optimized AC of the AC actually isn't that bad. Compared to Wildshape and plate fighter (without shield):

Optimized selection of Wildshape (often elemental).
Fighter gets + potency on levels where applicable.
Feats for AC on 4, 8, 14 and 18.

Lvl 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
WS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
AC 2 0 0 0 2 2 2-2-2-2 2 2 2 2 3 0 0
Ft 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0

Hmmm table format doesn't really work, but AC runs behind fighter for -2 on levels 11/12/13. It runs -1 behind a fighter on L5/6/7. It has a +1 on on Fighters on L8/9/10.

Shield or other parry options not included. Monk and Champion can be better, Rogue/Barb/ranger will be less.

Also, Druid gets AC feats earlier then Ranger, making them more competitive. And above select Max Dex AC, where rangers would be better served by Bear, which has less dex. But for a Caster druid, Wolf (not much liked I think) is pretty OK, as support options won't be used anyway and Knockdown plus max Dex is very valuable.

I did the numbers again because you raised it.

I have the Dex based pet which maximises in Dex and taking the a second Specialised Companion feat as only falling 1 behind the fighter at level 20. This is without a shield. Which AC wise is actually not terrible.
The Str based Pet which maximises Str falls 7 behind the fighter AC is is appalling. Instead the Str based pet has to take the Dex feats then their attack roll suffers but their AC is only one further behind.

Attackwise I have the Dex pet 6 below the attack roll of the Fighter, and the Str attack roll is 7 behind.
Even if you knock that back 2 to the other martial characters it is still not a good number

Ok maybe I am slamming the AC of the Animal Companion too harshly. If you take a Dex based option it is not super bad. But the attack roll of the animal companion is very very bad.


Gortle wrote:


I did the numbers again because you raised it.

I think you have some errors still.

AC:
Fi 20: 20(Le) + 6(M) + 6(Pl) + 3(Ru) + 10 = 45
AC 20: 20(Le) + 6(M) + 9(De) + 10 = 45
A Bird could get this, a Bear would be one less.
Dex is Base(3)+Mat(1)+Nim(2)+Sp(1)+DD(1)+Amb(1) = 9.

So I stand by the numbers I listed in my previous post. Progress over the levels is not bad.

Att:
Fi 20: 20(Le) + 8(Leg) + 3(Ru) + 7 (St) = 38
AC 20: 20(Le) + 4(Ex) + 9(De) = 33
Another Martial would have 36. Wildshape Druid would have 35.

So AC wise for the Druid AC specifically: Comparable to fighter is GOOD. Monk and Champion can be better, other martials are behind.

Att falls 5 behind fighter, but for one attack that would not be too bad. 3 behind the other martials is doable.

For Animal companions, that would mean:
Druid caster: Take wolf, best you can get due to Knockdown.
Druid Wildshape: Take bird for support option. Or the Dino.

Ranger (one less AC, due to no second specialization): Bird for support, or Dex Bear for damage due to support, for a flurry ranger (2 less AC then fighter). Bear won't be able to hit anything with normal attack, due to non-finesse attack.


Falco271 wrote:
Gortle wrote:


I did the numbers again because you raised it.

I think you have some errors still.

AC:
Fi 20: 20(Le) + 6(M) + 6(Pl) + 3(Ru) + 10 = 45
AC 20: 20(Le) + 6(M) + 9(De) + 10 = 45
A Bird could get this, a Bear would be one less.
Dex is Base(3)+Mat(1)+Nim(2)+Sp(1)+DD(1)+Amb(1) = 9.

So I stand by the numbers I listed in my previous post. Progress over the levels is not bad.

Att:
Fi 20: 20(Le) + 8(Leg) + 3(Ru) + 7 (St) = 38
AC 20: 20(Le) + 4(Ex) + 9(De) = 33
Another Martial would have 36. Wildshape Druid would have 35.

So AC wise for the Druid AC specifically: Comparable to fighter is GOOD. Monk and Champion can be better, other martials are behind.

Att falls 5 behind fighter, but for one attack that would not be too bad. 3 behind the other martials is doable.

For Animal companions, that would mean:
Druid caster: Take wolf, best you can get due to Knockdown.
Druid Wildshape: Take bird for support option. Or the Dino.

Ranger (one less AC, due to no second specialization): Bird for support, or Dex Bear for damage due to support, for a flurry ranger (2 less AC then fighter). Bear won't be able to hit anything with normal attack, due to non-finesse attack.

Those numbers seem OK. But I don't accept that the reduced attack numbers are acceptable outcome.

The cat, bird and the dino work OK but aren't good at hitting
The Dex bear may be able to stay alive but it really can't hit anything. The Str Bear can't stay alive or is not good at hitting either.

You are right that you need to look carfully at the support benefit of the animal - the triggers are a bit different. Anything that relies on the Druid making a successfuly strike is not going to trigger much for a caster Druid. So many bad options.


AC are only effective when you optimize the combi char-AC, so indeed, so many bad options. But like I mentioned, a few optimized do exist, if you choose those, it ain't that bad.

Caster Druid - Wolf/Hyena is good. Wolf is better as the adv man (knockdown) is better. Gnaw is nice for extra damage (2d6 bleed auto hit after first hit). Both have a finesse d8, so max attack value.

I think above combo is about the best you can have for a (caster) druid if you want an animal companion. Maybe the strongest combo with AC.

Flurry ranger - Dex Bear is nice for support, only the action for support works against max number of attacks. Bird and dino for their support actions are also nice (and have max DEF for a ranger AC).

Bird is a nice companion due to flight of course. Flyby is not bad. But less of a choice for a caster druid who'd want the companion to stay in front of him, keeping the enemy away.


Gortle wrote:

...

Those numbers seem OK. But I don't accept that the reduced attack numbers are acceptable outcome.

The cat, bird and the dino work OK but aren't good at hitting
The Dex bear may be able to stay alive but it really can't hit anything. The Str Bear can't stay alive or is not good at hitting either.

You are right that you need to look carfully at the support benefit of the animal - the triggers are a bit different. Anything that relies on the Druid making a successfuly strike is not going to trigger much for a caster Druid. So many bad options.

Anecdotal evidence here from playing druid in age of ashes, right now my animal druid with wolf companion is level 11, and I've been picking companion powering feats as early as possible. I didn't pick Side by Side as I'm playing a caster druid.

For a good while (pre-level 11), my companion had the highest AC in our party of druid (me), wizard, rogue, ranger. Recently the ranger re-specced to fighter and I think the [ex]ranger has higher AC now. I don't mind having my enemies start their turn adjacent to my companion, as I believe any attack that's directed to my companion is a win for our party. I still have full casting after all.

In terms of offense, my experience aligns with Falco271's expectations. My wolf definitely hits less often compared to the rogue and ranger and does much less damage. However, my companion seems to be able to land a hit about once a round, maybe a touch less. The hit proc's the rogue's Opportune backstab, and if the wolf has another action left, the knockdown denies an action and provides flat-footed for the ranger. The wolf generally gets about 1 knockdown per fight.


voideternal wrote:
The wolf generally gets about 1 knockdown per fight.

Why only once per fight if you hit almost every round? Knockdown works each action after you've hit.


Falco271 wrote:
voideternal wrote:
The wolf generally gets about 1 knockdown per fight.
Why only once per fight if you hit almost every round? Knockdown works each action after you've hit.

You can't knock down what dies after Opportune Backstab. A lot of the wolf's second (or 1st) action is repositioning for the next flank / attack.

Edit: Further clarification - knockdown requires the wolf to be standing next to the target at the beginning of the round AND for the druid to spend an action commanding the animal. For a party that focus fires enemies one at a time, this condition is usually met at the 2nd round of engagement against a target. This means that the target already suffered 1~2 full rounds of damage, and my druid specifically has access to inspire courage, so my 2nd turn is either 2-action spell -> inspire courage + wolf auto-attack or intimidate -> inspire courage -> command animal, and roughly half the time I choose the former for purely strategic reasons.


Ok, I've reworked my document in the section on Animal Order and Animal Companions including a break down on what I think on each Animal

Gortle’s Guide to Druids

Feedback is welcome. That is how I get better.

Cheers


Gortle wrote:

Ok, I've reworked my document in the section on Animal Order and Animal Companions including a break down on what I think on each Animal

Gortle’s Guide to Druids

Feedback is welcome. That is how I get better.

Cheers

Looks good. I like that you made it a separate section, including options based on character.

One remark: The Monk, the Champion and most people with a shield will have a better AC. But your animal will be OK if you take these feats.

With shield raised they CAN have higher. And even then, for martials other than Fi, Mo, Ch it's only 1 higher IF they have max potency rune on their armor.


angeila avalon wrote:
I can't open this website, would you send me a copy? Thank you,1551962451@qq.com

All the links work. It is a public Google document.


Pretty good guide dear Druid lover.

I dug it quite a few times.

You shed some light on really interesting topics. I tried making an optimized Wild Shaper without gimping my stats.

With the Ancient Elf heritage from Human lvl 1 Elf Atavism, you're not gimping your Constitution and you can have 16 strenght 14 dexterity 12 constitution 10 intelligence 16 wisdom 10 charisma. You can get some good stuff out of an Early Fighter-Opportunist pairing and then making a transition at level 9 with Multitalented to take Monk Dedication into Flurry of blows at level 10. You can even accomodate a lvl 1 Order that is not Wild Shape. Lvl 2 Order Explorer is what you want for Wild Shape.

This felt like the sweet spot.

It feels really good so far to have spells to dump and have the leisure to be an actual threat. With how the striking rune interacts, it's really interesting, you some good mileage out of several underdogs when doubling their damage dice paired with some interesting speed.

A funny interaction is an ape with the Field Medic. It's a soft line as if apes can use their digits to ''manipulate'' as it is intended for PCs.


Not sure if you read it but the riding drake is NOT a flying mount

it is groundbased like every other mount (yet) availible


Seisho wrote:

Not sure if you read it but the riding drake is NOT a flying mount

it is groundbased like every other mount (yet) availible

I'd better adjust. Where did I get that idea?


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

Minor: Looks like the table of contents hasn't been updated.


I just have no interest in being focused on wild shape for combat. When I can be a monk and take druid dedication and do better than the druid.

Druid has spells though, so I'll just use those.


VestOfHolding wrote:
Minor: Looks like the table of contents hasn't been updated.

Thats a manual step. I've only had the index in for a week or so. I'm still making changes to this guide for APG. I'll get there.


Martialmasters wrote:

I just have no interest in being focused on wild shape for combat. When I can be a monk and take druid dedication and do better than the druid.

Do tell!

Quote:
Druid has spells though, so I'll just use those.

If you got it, flaunt it.

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