The Gaming Den

Thanks to the Animal companion the Druid is harder core, than the cleric and everyone else as well, at first level.

If you just want to be handed a character, a forest gnome druid with a riding dog animal companion is fun and versatile. In combat can use the dog as a mount or a tank, you can use spells like entangle, and you can use ranged attacks or a shillelagh on a whim.

Rather than being the gnome who slows others down, you're a great scout with a speed of 40'.

You have amazing stealth (Hide +12 in wooded areas), you get trackless step at first level, +2 to listen checks (on top of a high wisdom and class skill), and you don't need to waste a spell slot to get speak with animals.

In terms of random sundry abilities, +1 to attack goblinoids and reptilian humanoids is a nice freebie, as are the cantrips and dodge bonus against giants.

Don't forget that when you hit 3rd level your pet jumps to 4 HD (take that fighter) and gets a strength of 18, and will have an AC of 18+barding.
Switch to a dire bat companion at level 4 for continuous flight.


Can you imagine the kind of shit a psion would get if he asked for a free astral construct of his HD+1 with a wolf's tripping ability to act as his mount?

Mr. Icy Hot is my favorite Cleric build. Basically, a melee Clericarcher.

For Druids, you want the Druid handbook. Somewhat dated but very good nonetheless.


To be fair, there are some specialized Psion builds that are as good as a Cleric or better at what they do. But it's such a fringe advantage that it basically doesn't matter. See Save Mechanics. Miracle is way more versatile but you have to admire the guy.

That's easily my favorite D&D exploit (sorry, Frank!). It's just too funny.

If your DM allows that trick, though, a cleric or druid can get the same benefits by taking the Leadership feat at level, what, 9? You miss out on save points for a whole two levels, but get to be the best class in the game instead.

Holy shit those are some nice dirty tricks.

This is why time control spells are bad. So easy to cheese.