I picked several beasts from the Forest environment to start with and ever since then my moon druid has been watching for more beasts to add to his possible shapes.
I use different beasts depending on the circumstances. Do I need to make a lot of attacks? Bears have multi-attack. Do I need high durability? Pick something with a high AC or with high HP. Am I likely to be able to use a Dire Wolf's pack tactics? Are we facing a lot of weaker opponents? Hyena's ability to take a second attack as a bonus action after killing something is great. Do I need to be stealthy or will blindsight be useful? Giant spider. Do I need to pass unnoticed? It's cat, mastiff, or rat time. Etc..
Be warned, beasts have relatively low AC's. I've found that in major fights I always need to use both of my short rest beast forms and I also use my spell slots to regain HP. I'm looking hard for Bracers of Defense or a Ring of Protection because those are almost the only magic items that will work in both human form and wild shape.
I picked several beasts from the Forest environment to start with and ever since then my moon druid has been watching for more beasts to add to his possible shapes.
I use different beasts depending on the circumstances. Do I need to make a lot of attacks? Bears have multi-attack. Do I need high durability? Pick something with a high AC or with high HP. Am I likely to be able to use a Dire Wolf's pack tactics? Are we facing a lot of weaker opponents? Hyena's ability to take a second attack as a bonus action after killing something is great. Do I need to be stealthy or will blindsight be useful? Giant spider. Do I need to pass unnoticed? It's cat, mastiff, or rat time. Etc..
Be warned, beasts have relatively low AC's. I've found that in major fights I always need to use both of my short rest beast forms and I also use my spell slots to regain HP. I'm looking hard for Bracers of Defense or a Ring of Protection because those are almost the only magic items that will work in both human form and wild shape.
I'm trying to make a tabaxi character who for backstory reasons uses a boomerang and is multiclassed. As both Moon druid and Monk way of the kensei. Or will be depneding on the DM and campaign obviously.
He will probabaly be more druid than monk though if I am able to keep him alive and I am trying to think of what beasts would appear to him in his jungle/ swamp enviroment. So far though I have decided (apart from if I ever end up playing Tomb of Annihilation I will be on the look out for a flying monkey). That from the list of beasts on this site I'm thinking having basic knowledge of Spiders, Tigers and Rats to start with would make sense. Depending on the DM though I would probably just home brew some basic starter beasts (some to use from the start some at later levels) to use. Do you think I would get away with re skinning the regular bat into a flying fox fruit bat?
At 5th level I find myself in Dire Wolf form a lot. The trip and advantage to attacks while within 5 ft of an ally is awesome. Giant spider is great in caves and what not (especially when you happen the be the only party member without darkvision). Cat works well in towns or cities where you need to track someone and not be noticed. I'm really looking forward to getting the great elk, since my DM has allowed me to select what beasts I get when I use Conjure Animals. My pack of wolves will be attempting to trip my foes while I stomp on them. Looking forward to good times.
Brown Bear: Pros: Good HP, 40', has Climb, 2 Attacks, Great Damage, Keen Smell, high STR/CON Cons: Low AC, Low Dex Large
Crag Cat Pros: Good HP, 40', Darkvision, Nondetection, Spell Turning, Pounce: possible bonus attack, Pounce possibly knocks prone, high STR/DEX/CON Cons: Low AC, 1 Attack, Crag Cat personally feels like a cheating with both hands Monstrosity not a Beast. Large
Deinonychus Pros: 3 attacks, Pounce: possible bonus attack, Pounce possibly knocks prone, Medium Creature Cons: Low AC, Low HP, Average STR/DEX/CON Medium
Dire Wolf Pros: Average AC, High HP, 50', Keen Hearing, Keen Smell, Pact Tactics, Attack possibly knocks prone, high STR Cons: 1 Attack, Average DEX/CON Large
I used to like the Female Steeder, because it had a 14 AC (good), 30 HP (good) average physical stats (+2/+3/+3), Expertise on Stealth +7, 120' of Dark Vision, Spider Climb, and Extraordinary Leap meant it could jump up or across 90 feet!!! It also dealt acid instead of poison damage with its bite. Then Mordenkainen's Tome of Foe's erratted the Female Steeder to be a Monstrosity instead of Beast and to deal poison instead of acid.
At 5th level I find myself in Dire Wolf form a lot. The trip and advantage to attacks while within 5 ft of an ally is awesome. Giant spider is great in caves and what not (especially when you happen the be the only party member without darkvision). Cat works well in towns or cities where you need to track someone and not be noticed. I'm really looking forward to getting the great elk, since my DM has allowed me to select what beasts I get when I use Conjure Animals. My pack of wolves will be attempting to trip my foes while I stomp on them. Looking forward to good times.
That sounds like fun and after reading up onConjure Animals myself I will probably consider this. I have a question about the ally thing while in Dire Wolf form. When it says ally that can mean any ally including the other PCs and any familiars they might have out right?
Brown Bear: Pros: Good HP, 40', has Climb, 2 Attacks, Great Damage, Keen Smell, high STR/CON Cons: Low AC, Low Dex Large
Crag Cat Pros: Good HP, 40', Darkvision, Nondetection, Spell Turning, Pounce: possible bonus attack, Pounce possibly knocks prone, high STR/DEX/CON Cons: Low AC, 1 Attack, Crag Cat personally feels like a cheating with both hands Monstrosity not a Beast. Large
Deinonychus Pros: 3 attacks, Pounce: possible bonus attack, Pounce possibly knocks prone, Medium Creature Cons: Low AC, Low HP, Average STR/DEX/CON Medium
Dire Wolf Pros: Average AC, High HP, 50', Keen Hearing, Keen Smell, Pact Tactics, Attack possibly knocks prone, high STR Cons: 1 Attack, Average DEX/CON Large
I used to like the Female Steeder, because it had a 14 AC (good), 30 HP (good) average physical stats (+2/+3/+3), Expertise on Stealth +7, 120' of Dark Vision, Spider Climb, and Extraordinary Leap meant it could jump up or across 90 feet!!! It also dealt acid instead of poison damage with its bite. Then Mordenkainen's Tome of Foe's erratted the Female Steeder to be a Monstrosity instead of Beast and to deal poison instead of acid.
Ah that sucks about the Female steeder, though depending on the DM I guess you could use house rules to chnage it back from monstrosity to beast. I like the look (game play wise) of the Crag Cat but would probably wait until I played that adventure.
At 5th level I find myself in Dire Wolf form a lot. The trip and advantage to attacks while within 5 ft of an ally is awesome. Giant spider is great in caves and what not (especially when you happen the be the only party member without darkvision). Cat works well in towns or cities where you need to track someone and not be noticed. I'm really looking forward to getting the great elk, since my DM has allowed me to select what beasts I get when I use Conjure Animals. My pack of wolves will be attempting to trip my foes while I stomp on them. Looking forward to good times.
That sounds like fun and after reading up onConjure Animals myself I will probably consider this. I have a question about the ally thing while in Dire Wolf form. When it says ally that can mean any ally including the other PCs and any familiars they might have out right?
This is of course up to DM interpretation, but I would think so yes. The only requirement for it to work is that they be an 'ally' and not be unconscious but I don't see why a familiar wouldn't trigger it. My DM has allowed me to use it with NPCs who happen to be fighting the same bad guys we were without much/any coordination.
At 5th level I find myself in Dire Wolf form a lot. The trip and advantage to attacks while within 5 ft of an ally is awesome. Giant spider is great in caves and what not (especially when you happen the be the only party member without darkvision). Cat works well in towns or cities where you need to track someone and not be noticed. I'm really looking forward to getting the great elk, since my DM has allowed me to select what beasts I get when I use Conjure Animals. My pack of wolves will be attempting to trip my foes while I stomp on them. Looking forward to good times.
That sounds like fun and after reading up onConjure Animals myself I will probably consider this. I have a question about the ally thing while in Dire Wolf form. When it says ally that can mean any ally including the other PCs and any familiars they might have out right?
This is of course up to DM interpretation, but I would think so yes. The only requirement for it to work is that they be an 'ally' and not be unconscious but I don't see why a familiar wouldn't trigger it. My DM has allowed me to use it with NPCs who happen to be fighting the same bad guys we were without much/any coordination.
Ok thank you. I will keep this in mind and see, since based on where the Tabaxi comes from I doubt he would have seen a dire wolf prior to his travels. I will think about adding it as a possible summon. I mean I like wolves in real life too so why not.
So while playing a Moon druid which beasts did you use for your combat beast forms? Or which ones are you planning to use?
I've used almost all of them, but the best for combat is Brown Bear (and later: Cave Bear). For different situations though: Giant Badger has a burrow speed, and Giant Spider is excellent for stealth (especially combined with Pass Without a Trace).
I'm really looking forward to getting the great elk, since my DM has allowed me to select what beasts I get when I use Conjure Animals. My pack of wolves will be attempting to trip my foes while I stomp on them. Looking forward to good times.
I've considered that, but maintaining concentration while Wildshaped seems unlikely (since the elk will doubtlessly get hit often).
So while playing a Moon druid which beasts did you use for your combat beast forms? Or which ones are you planning to use?
I've used almost all of them, but the best is Brown Bear (and later: Cave Bear). For different situations though: Giant Badger has a burrow speed, and Giant Spider is excellent for stealth (especially combined with Pass Without a Trace).
Odd question which do you find yourself using more burrowing or Spider climb?
2nd to 5th, direwolf for most combats. (adv and trip or ally advantage beats an extra attack in most cases, and has better ac) Giant spider for surprising roof entrance. Giant badger to undermine and collapse castles. Rocktopus (no I didnt make that up sadly)
6th giant constrictor snake, blindsight, hp bin, grapple and restrain opponent
8th flight glorious flight! Quetzalcoatlus for spearing flybys / transporting a group archer / world travel
9th Amphisbaena, Giant snapping turtle
10th to 20th elemental god mode.
That isnt to say sometimes you might turn into a local vermin type or bird and scout the situation. You should also check if normal insects such as ants and flies are allowed, and also if solitary rotgrubs are. - if your a shepherd druid and granting yourself 15 hitpoints at 10th level no ones killing that rotgrub with a single torch swipe, although lesser restoration will not only stop you but will kill you outright.
If your not told 'no' outright, which is only fair, at 6th look at beast forms that match the 'unaltered cr' requisites of half dragons, don't be disappointed if its a no.
Try and have fun whatever shape you find yourself in :)
I played a Moon druid who's backstory was that he was a dancing bear for a circus, so of course my main form was a bear. I think I also turned into an ape a few times in order to deal with climbing stuff.
I'm really looking forward to getting the great elk, since my DM has allowed me to select what beasts I get when I use Conjure Animals. My pack of wolves will be attempting to trip my foes while I stomp on them. Looking forward to good times.
I've considered that, but maintaining concentration while Wildshaped seems unlikely (since the elk will doubtlessly get hit often).
No more than a dire wolf, and warcaster will hopefully make up the difference. If the spell fails Giant Elk is surprisingly still viable. It's basically a less shiny direwolf.
I always liked the idea of the Giant constrictor snake. Constrict a target and restrain it to deal some damage on one turn while biting it on subsequent turns!
Be warned, beasts have relatively low AC's. I've found that in major fights I always need to use both of my short rest beast forms and I also use my spell slots to regain HP. I'm looking hard for Bracers of Defense or a Ring of Protection because those are almost the only magic items that will work in both human form and wild shape.
I think that the Barkskin spell is specifically designed to help overcome this shortcoming. If you want to really extend your survivability, take the large HP pool, low AC beasts and give them a medium AC. A Barkskin bear suddenly becomes much more formidable.
The one problem with this tactic is that concentration is so valuable to a Druid (and so fragile when taking hits). But if you really want to be in melee, it might be worth the sacrifice to battlefield control.
So while playing a Moon druid which beasts did you use for your combat beast forms? Or which ones are you planning to use?
I picked several beasts from the Forest environment to start with and ever since then my moon druid has been watching for more beasts to add to his possible shapes.
I use different beasts depending on the circumstances. Do I need to make a lot of attacks? Bears have multi-attack. Do I need high durability? Pick something with a high AC or with high HP. Am I likely to be able to use a Dire Wolf's pack tactics? Are we facing a lot of weaker opponents? Hyena's ability to take a second attack as a bonus action after killing something is great. Do I need to be stealthy or will blindsight be useful? Giant spider. Do I need to pass unnoticed? It's cat, mastiff, or rat time. Etc..
Be warned, beasts have relatively low AC's. I've found that in major fights I always need to use both of my short rest beast forms and I also use my spell slots to regain HP. I'm looking hard for Bracers of Defense or a Ring of Protection because those are almost the only magic items that will work in both human form and wild shape.
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I'm trying to make a tabaxi character who for backstory reasons uses a boomerang and is multiclassed. As both Moon druid and Monk way of the kensei. Or will be depneding on the DM and campaign obviously.
He will probabaly be more druid than monk though if I am able to keep him alive and I am trying to think of what beasts would appear to him in his jungle/ swamp enviroment. So far though I have decided (apart from if I ever end up playing Tomb of Annihilation I will be on the look out for a flying monkey). That from the list of beasts on this site I'm thinking having basic knowledge of Spiders, Tigers and Rats to start with would make sense. Depending on the DM though I would probably just home brew some basic starter beasts (some to use from the start some at later levels) to use. Do you think I would get away with re skinning the regular bat into a flying fox fruit bat?
At 5th level I find myself in Dire Wolf form a lot. The trip and advantage to attacks while within 5 ft of an ally is awesome. Giant spider is great in caves and what not (especially when you happen the be the only party member without darkvision). Cat works well in towns or cities where you need to track someone and not be noticed. I'm really looking forward to getting the great elk, since my DM has allowed me to select what beasts I get when I use Conjure Animals. My pack of wolves will be attempting to trip my foes while I stomp on them. Looking forward to good times.
Brown Bear:
Pros: Good HP, 40', has Climb, 2 Attacks, Great Damage, Keen Smell, high STR/CON
Cons: Low AC, Low Dex
Large
Crag Cat
Pros: Good HP, 40', Darkvision, Nondetection, Spell Turning, Pounce: possible bonus attack, Pounce possibly knocks prone, high STR/DEX/CON
Cons: Low AC, 1 Attack, Crag Cat personally feels like a cheating with both hands Monstrosity not a Beast.
Large
Deinonychus
Pros: 3 attacks, Pounce: possible bonus attack, Pounce possibly knocks prone, Medium Creature
Cons: Low AC, Low HP, Average STR/DEX/CON
Medium
Dire Wolf
Pros: Average AC, High HP, 50', Keen Hearing, Keen Smell, Pact Tactics, Attack possibly knocks prone, high STR
Cons: 1 Attack, Average DEX/CON
Large
I used to like the Female Steeder, because it had a 14 AC (good), 30 HP (good) average physical stats (+2/+3/+3), Expertise on Stealth +7, 120' of Dark Vision, Spider Climb, and Extraordinary Leap meant it could jump up or across 90 feet!!!
It also dealt acid instead of poison damage with its bite.
Then Mordenkainen's Tome of Foe's erratted the Female Steeder to be a Monstrosity instead of Beast and to deal poison instead of acid.
That sounds like fun and after reading up onConjure Animals myself I will probably consider this. I have a question about the ally thing while in Dire Wolf form. When it says ally that can mean any ally including the other PCs and any familiars they might have out right?
Ah that sucks about the Female steeder, though depending on the DM I guess you could use house rules to chnage it back from monstrosity to beast. I like the look (game play wise) of the Crag Cat but would probably wait until I played that adventure.
This is of course up to DM interpretation, but I would think so yes. The only requirement for it to work is that they be an 'ally' and not be unconscious but I don't see why a familiar wouldn't trigger it. My DM has allowed me to use it with NPCs who happen to be fighting the same bad guys we were without much/any coordination.
Ok thank you. I will keep this in mind and see, since based on where the Tabaxi comes from I doubt he would have seen a dire wolf prior to his travels. I will think about adding it as a possible summon. I mean I like wolves in real life too so why not.
I've used almost all of them, but the best for combat is Brown Bear (and later: Cave Bear). For different situations though: Giant Badger has a burrow speed, and Giant Spider is excellent for stealth (especially combined with Pass Without a Trace).
I've considered that, but maintaining concentration while Wildshaped seems unlikely (since the elk will doubtlessly get hit often).
Odd question which do you find yourself using more burrowing or Spider climb?
Spider Climb.
2nd to 5th, direwolf for most combats. (adv and trip or ally advantage beats an extra attack in most cases, and has better ac) Giant spider for surprising roof entrance. Giant badger to undermine and collapse castles. Rocktopus (no I didnt make that up sadly)
6th giant constrictor snake, blindsight, hp bin, grapple and restrain opponent
8th flight glorious flight! Quetzalcoatlus for spearing flybys / transporting a group archer / world travel
9th Amphisbaena, Giant snapping turtle
10th to 20th elemental god mode.
That isnt to say sometimes you might turn into a local vermin type or bird and scout the situation. You should also check if normal insects such as ants and flies are allowed, and also if solitary rotgrubs are. - if your a shepherd druid and granting yourself 15 hitpoints at 10th level no ones killing that rotgrub with a single torch swipe, although lesser restoration will not only stop you but will kill you outright.
If your not told 'no' outright, which is only fair, at 6th look at beast forms that match the 'unaltered cr' requisites of half dragons, don't be disappointed if its a no.
Try and have fun whatever shape you find yourself in :)
I played a Moon druid who's backstory was that he was a dancing bear for a circus, so of course my main form was a bear. I think I also turned into an ape a few times in order to deal with climbing stuff.
Hombrew: Way of Wresting, Circle of Sacrifice
Ironically (i.e. contrary to what I'd expect), D&D bears have the same climbing speed as an apes
No more than a dire wolf, and warcaster will hopefully make up the difference. If the spell fails Giant Elk is surprisingly still viable. It's basically a less shiny direwolf.
I always liked the idea of the Giant constrictor snake. Constrict a target and restrain it to deal some damage on one turn while biting it on subsequent turns!
I think that the Barkskin spell is specifically designed to help overcome this shortcoming. If you want to really extend your survivability, take the large HP pool, low AC beasts and give them a medium AC. A Barkskin bear suddenly becomes much more formidable.
The one problem with this tactic is that concentration is so valuable to a Druid (and so fragile when taking hits). But if you really want to be in melee, it might be worth the sacrifice to battlefield control.
Rocktopus. 52 hp at level 2! Also has camoflauge and can dash as a bonus action