[PF] Building a Swamp Druid

[tadkins]

Starting at level 3. Human, CN, crazy swamp hermit guy. Good friends with a Grippli Beastmaster in the party.

He will have a snapping turtle companion. This is non-negotiable.

I'm new to Pathfinder so I'm not sure of what's out there to pick in terms of feats and such. I like the character concept but I'm debating which direction to go, as the -2 Wildshape penalty concerned me a bit. This suggests I should focus on more of a caster-style druid. Under the above criteria, I am just looking for some general advice on how to make the most of this particular class and archetype.

Thanks in advance. :)

[Coidzor]

It doesn't take into account newer material, but Treantmonk has a handbook (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab/druid-handbook-part-1)in three (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab/druid-handbook-part-2)parts (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab/druid-handbook-part-3), which will cover the core options and spells.

The main disadvantage of swamp druid is that you have 2 fewer hours per individual wild shape. Which means it takes 2 levels longer for you to have all-day wild shape, basically. My understanding is that in PF, wild shape is a lot better for doing things like getting flight staying out of easy reach of enemies while providing spell support than it is for tearing people's faces off.

[tadkins]

Thanks for the link. I actually saw that guide and the caster side of it suggested I give up the animal companion, though. I'm not sure I like that.

From what it sounds like though, the -2 Wildshape won't hurt me too much, since I'll mostly just be using it more for utility purposes and not so much for combat?

[Coidzor]

Thanks for the link. I actually saw that guide and the caster side of it suggested I give up the animal companion, though. I'm not sure I like that.

From what it sounds like though, the -2 Wildshape won't hurt me too much, since I'll mostly just be using it more for utility purposes and not so much for combat?

In exchange for what? The domains? It can be, but you have to know just why you're giving it up, as I recall.

The -2 to wildshape means you won't have it around as long for general adventuring, but for combat and such you'll still have the option, since even 2 hours of wildshape at level 4 can cover most of a dungeon.