gestalt druid monk - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

gestalt druid monk

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
onelostviking
Apr 22, 2008 15:48:27 I'm trying to work a gestalt druid/monk gestalt build that currently has
Ftr. 1 Monk 6/Druid 7

I'm wanting to go into the master of many forms up to 2 or 3
and using sacred fist to continue my monk levels
any other Ideas
#2
keyes2k4
Apr 22, 2008 15:54:36 Aren't monks restricted to lawful alignments and druids to nonlawful alignments?
#3
shigunaru
Apr 22, 2008 15:57:59
Aren't monks restricted to lawful alignments and druids to nonlawful alignments?

Nope, druids got to be neutral at least on one assis: LN is perfectly fine.
#4
loganic1
Apr 22, 2008 16:23:25 Druid monk is a cool gestalt idea. You're by no means the first, but I don't think it's been properly optimized.

I personally think a druid monk's biggest combo is the wildshape/unnarmed damage/flurry.

Warshaper would be a great PrC for you to pick up. Actually a must since your going to be using wildshape in a major way.

I'm not familair with which feats would allow you to morph into a magical beast. Planar shepherd sounds a little overkill.
Edit: didn't see master of many forms.

Monk 10/Sacred fist 10//Druid 10/Warshaper 3/Druid 1/Warshaper +2/MOMF 3/Fighter 1

That way you have monk maximum unnarmed and Druid 20. plus uber wildshaping. Make sure to take a druid level during the one level SF doesnt advance Druid if you want otherwise use it for something like factorum.

I thought someone told me you don't have to be humanoid to use monk unnarmed?
I haven't checked this build for skill prereqs, so I don't kow if you have to worry about your int.
Hmm, now that I think about it, could this be made better with unnarmed swordsage?

Edit2:
Since you'd have crazy reach, Combat rhythm would be great.
Also you'd want TWF feats for the extra attacks since you'd have good dmg anyways.
#5
jackmojo
Apr 22, 2008 18:54:13
Monk 10/Sacred fist 10//Druid 10/Warshaper 3/Druid 1/Warshaper +2/MOMF 3/Fighter 1

By default (if there can be such a thing in such a variant rule) you may only take on prestige class at a time in Gestalt

Here
Class Features

A gestalt character gains the class features of both classes. A 1st-level gestalt rogue/cleric, for example, gets sneak attack +1d6, trapfinding, 1st-level cleric spells, and the ability to turn or rebuke undead. Class- and ability-based restrictions (such as arcane spell failure chance and a druid’s prohibition on wearing metal armor) apply normally to a gestalt character, no matter what the other class is.

A gestalt character follows a similar procedure when he attains 2nd and subsequent levels. Each time he gains a new level, he chooses two classes, takes the best aspects of each, and applies them to his characteristics. A few caveats apply, however.

* Class features that two classes share (such as uncanny dodge) accrue at the rate of the faster class.
* Gestalt characters with more than one spellcasting class keep track of their spells per day separately.
* A gestalt character can’t combine two prestige classes at any level, although it’s okay to combine a prestige class and a regular class. Prestige classes that are essentially class combinations-such as the arcane trickster, mystic theurge, and eldritch knight-should be prohibited if you’re using gestalt classes, because they unduly complicate the game balance of what’s already a high-powered variant. Because it’s possible for gestalt characters to qualify for prestige classes earlier than normal, the game master is entirely justified in toughening the prerequisites of a prestige class so it’s available only after 5th level, even for gestalt characters.

I would go for something more along the lines of:

Monk 5/Warshaper 5/MoMF 10 // Druid 20

You could drop some monk levels for something with full BAB to net an extra attack, but this nets you full wildshape, lots of bonuses to it, and most of the key monk abilities, full animal companion and druid spell casting as well of course.

Double check with your DM how he feels about the natural attack/ unarmed strike interactions (I assume since he's doing gestalt he'll allow it, but you never know, it is slightly odd)

Another interesting option that gets you a similar effect but with more neat class features is:

Monk 1/ Spirit Shaman 19 // Druid 5/ Warshaper 5/ MoMF 10

Double low level spells for buffs, the superior Spirit Shaman casting (which could be slightly improved by losing the last level of Warshaper (which is so-so anyway) and moving monk over there but then you either need to wait one more level for wildshape or your monk abilities) plus access to all of the Spirit Shaman's nifty class features (free raise dead and such). No Animal Companion this way which is a definite loss but fun for sure.

Jack

EDIT: if you have access to Tome of Battle replace monk with Swordsage, much better especially for a dip
#6
ravenintegraknight
Apr 24, 2008 17:22:20 I think I'm missing something here...probably very important and obvious but how is it you cast as a 20 druid but only have 5 levels in an actual spellcasting class (druid)

(edit) Nevermind...just found out what gestalt meant...may apologies

btw anybody know a good build for a druid wanting decent spellcasting plus awesome wildshape without using gestalt?
#7
loganic1
Apr 25, 2008 10:37:12 Hmm, I guess I never noticed that rule about not taking 2 PrCs simultaneously, but that rule seems to be ignored for the most part.

I get harped at because it says you shouldn't use PrCs that advance two classes, but you should see the theurge challenge, but should always has been more of a guideline than concrete rule.
#8
loganic1
Apr 25, 2008 10:41:55 Hmm, I guess I never noticed that rule about not taking 2 PrCs simultaneously, but that rule seems to be ignored for the most part.

I get harped at because it says you shouldn't use PrCs that advance two classes, but you should see the theurge challenge, but should always has been more of a guideline than concrete rule.

As for non gestalt druid, look at the thread for planar shepherd, that's all you'll need.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 onelostviking Apr 22, 2008 15:48:27	I'm trying to work a gestalt druid/monk gestalt build that currently has Ftr. 1 Monk 6/Druid 7 I'm wanting to go into the master of many forms up to 2 or 3 and using sacred fist to continue my monk levels any other Ideas
#2 keyes2k4 Apr 22, 2008 15:54:36	Aren't monks restricted to lawful alignments and druids to nonlawful alignments?
#3 shigunaru Apr 22, 2008 15:57:59	Aren't monks restricted to lawful alignments and druids to nonlawful alignments? Nope, druids got to be neutral at least on one assis: LN is perfectly fine.
#4 loganic1 Apr 22, 2008 16:23:25	Druid monk is a cool gestalt idea. You're by no means the first, but I don't think it's been properly optimized. I personally think a druid monk's biggest combo is the wildshape/unnarmed damage/flurry. Warshaper would be a great PrC for you to pick up. Actually a must since your going to be using wildshape in a major way. I'm not familair with which feats would allow you to morph into a magical beast. Planar shepherd sounds a little overkill. Edit: didn't see master of many forms. Monk 10/Sacred fist 10//Druid 10/Warshaper 3/Druid 1/Warshaper +2/MOMF 3/Fighter 1 That way you have monk maximum unnarmed and Druid 20. plus uber wildshaping. Make sure to take a druid level during the one level SF doesnt advance Druid if you want otherwise use it for something like factorum. I thought someone told me you don't have to be humanoid to use monk unnarmed? I haven't checked this build for skill prereqs, so I don't kow if you have to worry about your int. Hmm, now that I think about it, could this be made better with unnarmed swordsage? Edit2: Since you'd have crazy reach, Combat rhythm would be great. Also you'd want TWF feats for the extra attacks since you'd have good dmg anyways.
#5 jackmojo Apr 22, 2008 18:54:13	Monk 10/Sacred fist 10//Druid 10/Warshaper 3/Druid 1/Warshaper +2/MOMF 3/Fighter 1 By default (if there can be such a thing in such a variant rule) you may only take on prestige class at a time in Gestalt Here Class Features A gestalt character gains the class features of both classes. A 1st-level gestalt rogue/cleric, for example, gets sneak attack +1d6, trapfinding, 1st-level cleric spells, and the ability to turn or rebuke undead. Class- and ability-based restrictions (such as arcane spell failure chance and a druid’s prohibition on wearing metal armor) apply normally to a gestalt character, no matter what the other class is. A gestalt character follows a similar procedure when he attains 2nd and subsequent levels. Each time he gains a new level, he chooses two classes, takes the best aspects of each, and applies them to his characteristics. A few caveats apply, however. * Class features that two classes share (such as uncanny dodge) accrue at the rate of the faster class. * Gestalt characters with more than one spellcasting class keep track of their spells per day separately. * A gestalt character can’t combine two prestige classes at any level, although it’s okay to combine a prestige class and a regular class. Prestige classes that are essentially class combinations-such as the arcane trickster, mystic theurge, and eldritch knight-should be prohibited if you’re using gestalt classes, because they unduly complicate the game balance of what’s already a high-powered variant. Because it’s possible for gestalt characters to qualify for prestige classes earlier than normal, the game master is entirely justified in toughening the prerequisites of a prestige class so it’s available only after 5th level, even for gestalt characters. I would go for something more along the lines of: Monk 5/Warshaper 5/MoMF 10 // Druid 20 You could drop some monk levels for something with full BAB to net an extra attack, but this nets you full wildshape, lots of bonuses to it, and most of the key monk abilities, full animal companion and druid spell casting as well of course. Double check with your DM how he feels about the natural attack/ unarmed strike interactions (I assume since he's doing gestalt he'll allow it, but you never know, it is slightly odd) Another interesting option that gets you a similar effect but with more neat class features is: Monk 1/ Spirit Shaman 19 // Druid 5/ Warshaper 5/ MoMF 10 Double low level spells for buffs, the superior Spirit Shaman casting (which could be slightly improved by losing the last level of Warshaper (which is so-so anyway) and moving monk over there but then you either need to wait one more level for wildshape or your monk abilities) plus access to all of the Spirit Shaman's nifty class features (free raise dead and such). No Animal Companion this way which is a definite loss but fun for sure. Jack EDIT: if you have access to Tome of Battle replace monk with Swordsage, much better especially for a dip
#6 ravenintegraknight Apr 24, 2008 17:22:20	I think I'm missing something here...probably very important and obvious but how is it you cast as a 20 druid but only have 5 levels in an actual spellcasting class (druid) (edit) Nevermind...just found out what gestalt meant...may apologies btw anybody know a good build for a druid wanting decent spellcasting plus awesome wildshape without using gestalt?
#7 loganic1 Apr 25, 2008 10:37:12	Hmm, I guess I never noticed that rule about not taking 2 PrCs simultaneously, but that rule seems to be ignored for the most part. I get harped at because it says you shouldn't use PrCs that advance two classes, but you should see the theurge challenge, but should always has been more of a guideline than concrete rule.
#8 loganic1 Apr 25, 2008 10:41:55	Hmm, I guess I never noticed that rule about not taking 2 PrCs simultaneously, but that rule seems to be ignored for the most part. I get harped at because it says you shouldn't use PrCs that advance two classes, but you should see the theurge challenge, but should always has been more of a guideline than concrete rule. As for non gestalt druid, look at the thread for planar shepherd, that's all you'll need.