Simple Question: Monk1/Druid19??? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Simple Question: Monk1/Druid19??? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lord_of_Rivendell
11-30-07, 08:25 PM Myself, I have enjoyed playing Druids since 1st edition. So by the time we got to 3rd edition, and they rocked, I felt a sense of smug satisfaction. Druid 20 is a solid build. Druid 20 is the purist optimization there is, I'd say.

I've noticed that some people like to play Monk1/Druid19 or Ninja1/Druid19. Is it really worth it to dip into to Monk or Ninja for one level? I'm not sure I see it. Why would I want to do that? Is it exposure to some feats? Is it the first level abilities of those classes? Also, if I did decide to do this, what level is ideal to add the Monk/Ninja?

LoR
CrimsonDeath
11-30-07, 08:47 PM The biggest reason for a Monk or Ninja dip is to get Wisdom to AC. Which one you want depends on whether you'd rather get Unarmed Strike (for the Kung Fu Grizzly) or Trapfinding. Sudden Strike isn't going to help a Druid much.

The optimal level for a dip probably depends mostly on your ability scores. I'd say either level 2 (so you have your animal companion to do most of your physical fighting at level 1) or level 6 (when you get Natural Spell and can feasibly spend all day in your animal form, when armor and weapons are probably unavailable).

There's not much point in a dip after you can afford a Monk's belt and a Wildling clasp. But then, your best Wild Shape forms generally have low Dexterity, so you might be better off putting the Wildling Clasp on your armor (especially if you can get Blue Ice Full Plate of Cold Resistance). It may be better for Druids with Vow of Poverty, but in a campaign with normal wealth by level, magic items are generally preferable to VoP.

Also, most people on the Character Optimization board see quicker access to higher-level spells as being more beneficial than most other class features, so if you're playing a Druid, most of them would advise you not to dip at all.
Lord_of_Rivendell
11-30-07, 09:28 PM Thanks. I have to say, the dip didn't appeal to me. I can see where the AC bonus is nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the slow-down.

LoR
CrimsonDeath
12-01-07, 12:16 AM One more thing, actually, and the biggest reason for it in my opinion. Improved Grapple is pretty fun with Swallow Whole (which you can get with a few Large and Huge Wild Shape forms).

But then, a Monk dip pushes back your Wild Shaping by a level, too.

Nevertheless, I think it would be immensely fun to be playing a Gnome Druid and get grappled, and then turn to the DM and say, "I Wild Shape into a Tyrannosaurus... and eat him."

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lord_of_Rivendell 11-30-07, 08:25 PM	Myself, I have enjoyed playing Druids since 1st edition. So by the time we got to 3rd edition, and they rocked, I felt a sense of smug satisfaction. Druid 20 is a solid build. Druid 20 is the purist optimization there is, I'd say. I've noticed that some people like to play Monk1/Druid19 or Ninja1/Druid19. Is it really worth it to dip into to Monk or Ninja for one level? I'm not sure I see it. Why would I want to do that? Is it exposure to some feats? Is it the first level abilities of those classes? Also, if I did decide to do this, what level is ideal to add the Monk/Ninja? LoR
CrimsonDeath 11-30-07, 08:47 PM	The biggest reason for a Monk or Ninja dip is to get Wisdom to AC. Which one you want depends on whether you'd rather get Unarmed Strike (for the Kung Fu Grizzly) or Trapfinding. Sudden Strike isn't going to help a Druid much. The optimal level for a dip probably depends mostly on your ability scores. I'd say either level 2 (so you have your animal companion to do most of your physical fighting at level 1) or level 6 (when you get Natural Spell and can feasibly spend all day in your animal form, when armor and weapons are probably unavailable). There's not much point in a dip after you can afford a Monk's belt and a Wildling clasp. But then, your best Wild Shape forms generally have low Dexterity, so you might be better off putting the Wildling Clasp on your armor (especially if you can get Blue Ice Full Plate of Cold Resistance). It may be better for Druids with Vow of Poverty, but in a campaign with normal wealth by level, magic items are generally preferable to VoP. Also, most people on the Character Optimization board see quicker access to higher-level spells as being more beneficial than most other class features, so if you're playing a Druid, most of them would advise you not to dip at all.
Lord_of_Rivendell 11-30-07, 09:28 PM	Thanks. I have to say, the dip didn't appeal to me. I can see where the AC bonus is nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the slow-down. LoR
CrimsonDeath 12-01-07, 12:16 AM	One more thing, actually, and the biggest reason for it in my opinion. Improved Grapple is pretty fun with Swallow Whole (which you can get with a few Large and Huge Wild Shape forms). But then, a Monk dip pushes back your Wild Shaping by a level, too. Nevertheless, I think it would be immensely fun to be playing a Gnome Druid and get grappled, and then turn to the DM and say, "I Wild Shape into a Tyrannosaurus... and eat him."