PF Druid Question

[FullmetalGamer]

Which is best to take the Animal Companion or the Domain power and spells?

Which is the best at low levels, for extended into mid versatility and powers, which one will leave me feeling less vulnerable and more importantly which is the most fun or beneficial for RP?

Whichever you pick can you give a reason for it? As well as a suggestion for the Domain or the Companion.

[BWR]

These might be of some use.

Treantmonk's guides (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab)

Peterrco's guide (https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1Y_uvQ0fgmLR9aW-OoAD_rbI-3iMJVQmxifLpA1s5EXg)

[FullmetalGamer]

I saw Treants Guide which suggests I should not use Companions or what not. I will reach the second link now though.

[Fax Celestis]

It really depends on what you're looking for and what your party's like.

Thematically, I prefer the domain spells to the companion, but that's because I prefer only having one character sheet instead of two. Also, you do get domain slots and powers for taking the domain option, so you actually end up with more spells per day with the domain option. With the advent of subdomains, you can really get some pretty good options and additional abilities depending upon your domain selection.

Animal companion is powerful, but kitting it is going to cost you a great deal of money, and in a low-op party your companion might end up being better than some other players' characters, which may engender resentment at the table.

[Eldonauran]

I always recommend an animal companion, especially at low level.

Why? Flanking buddy. Bodyguard. Multiple attacks per round.

Example? Small Cat (Panther). Bite -> Trip. This sets up the other players to melee attack with a +4 bonus. Bite can be done as part of a charge and it still triggers the trip.

If you want to be more of a blast-oriented druid, they make great bodyguards. They can sit near you, hold an action to bite+trip anything that gets near you.

You can keep an animal companion relevant from levels 1 - 20. You just need to sacrifice some of your wealth to do so.

Just be sure not to overshadow the other melee oriented characters. Use your companion for assists or your protection.

[FullmetalGamer]

From the Links provided its a toss up between

Cave Subdomain; Ocean Subdomain; or the Megalania (Giant Monitor Lizard from Australia Think Komodo Dragon on steroids)

I like the idea of casting more, but thats what I can use a high Wis score for. The Animal Companion seems like it would be better for RP not to mention as a caster I am kinda squishy and a giant f***off monitor lizard guarding me while I meditate or riding on its back to fire of spells seems Awesome.

[Fax Celestis]

Druids are far from squishy, but okay.

[FullmetalGamer]

Ok I will point out I have NEVER played a Druid Ever unless it was on WoW

So yes I know nothing of the Druid I usually play bards.

[grarrrg]

One common approach is to do BOTH!
Druids can take the Animal (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric/domains/paizo---domains/animal-domain) Domain, which at level 4 gives you an Animal Companion, albeit with a -3 effective level penalty.
If you want, you can always take the Boon Companion (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/boon-companion) feat to negate the -3 penalty.

Most also opt for the Feather (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric/domains/paizo---domains/animal-domain/feather) Subdomain if possible.

[Eldonauran]

One common approach is to do BOTH!
Druids can take the Animal (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric/domains/paizo---domains/animal-domain) Domain, which at level 4 gives you an Animal Companion, albeit with a -3 effective level penalty.
If you want, you can always take the Boon Companion (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/boon-companion) feat to negate the -3 penalty.

Most also opt for the Feather (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric/domains/paizo---domains/animal-domain/feather) Subdomain if possible.

Now that ... is a very good domain. :smallbiggrin: