Article-At-A-Glance
- The Mad Druid leverages Planar Shepherd, Alienist, and Greenbound Summoning for tactical advantage.
- Manipulate time and reality with Planar Bubble, offering a 10:1 action advantage.
- Aberration Wild Shape and powerful gear break traditional druid limitations.
- Strategize weak points: Murky Eyed, Shaky Flaw, and Combat Scenarios effectively handled.
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This Mad Druid build at level 1 involves a Human with a focus on unconventional summoning and spellcasting. The Greenbound Summoning feat is pivotal to grant them powerful abilities like Wall of Thorns at level 1. With Greensinger Initiate, the spell repertoire broadens into enchantments such as Hold Monster and Charm Person.
Stat Block Level 1:
Mad Druid: male, human druid 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +1; Atk club +1 melee (1d6+1) or sling +1 ranged (1d4+1); Full Atk club +1 melee (1d6+1) or sling +1 ranged (1d4+1); SA spontaneous spells; SQ nature sense, wild empathy, animal companion; AL neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +5; Str 13, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 17, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Knowledge (Nature) +4 (8 ranks), Knowledge (The Planes) +4 (8 ranks), Knowledge (Religion) +6 (13 ranks); Educated, Greensinger Initiate, Greenbound Summoning, Aberration Blood.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Nature Sense grants a +2 bonus on Knowledge (Nature) and Survival checks, Wild Empathy allows communication with animals, Greenbound Summoning grants summoned creatures the Greenbound Template.
Possessions: wooden quarterstaff, hide armor.
This Mad Druid build demonstrates its versatility at level 5 with remarkable summoning abilities that are bolstered by Greenbound Summoning. Using summoned allies to access fifth-level spells strategically changes encounters. Through the initial use of Wild Shape, the construct starts to take on the characteristics of a spellcasting powerhouse with ability adjustments. Initially selected as a Wolf, the character’s Animal Companion offers assistance and fighting skills.
Stat Block Level 5:
Mad-Druid: male, Human Druid 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid; HD 5d8+10; hp 32; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +3; Grp +4; Atk Quarterstaff +4 melee (1d6+1) or Sling +4 ranged (1d4+1); Full Atk Quarterstaff +4 melee (1d6+1) or Sling +4 ranged (1d4+1); SA Spontaneous Summoning; SQ Wild Shape 1/day, Nature Sense, Woodland Stride, Trackless Step, Resist Nature’s Lure; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +2, Will +7; Str 13, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 17, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Knowledge(Nature) 8, Spell Focus(Conjuration); Educated, Greensinger Initiate, Greenbound Summoning, Aberration Blood.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Summon Nature’s Ally spells can summon Greenbound creatures.
Possessions: Quarterstaff, leather armor, sling, sling bullets (20), spell component pouch.
This Mad Druid build is designed to demonstrate immense power through strategic multiclassing and feats. At level 10, the character is a druid with access to a range of powerful summoning abilities, including Greenbound Summoning, which allows level 1 summons to cast level 5 spells. The use of the Planar Shepherd class enables the character to access Planar Bubble, bringing the Plane of Dreams into reality, thus manipulating time and space.
Stat Block Level 10:
Mad-Druid: male, human Druid 5/Planar Shepherd 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d8+20; hp 75; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 11, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +7; Grp +10; Atk +12 melee (1d10+4/×3, glaive) or +8 ranged; Full Atk +12/+7 melee (1d10+4/×3, glaive) or +8 ranged; SA Animal Companion, Wild Shape 4/Day, Plane Shift 1/Day; SQ Nature Sense, Wild Empathy, Woodland Stride, Planar Attunement (Dal Quor), Trackless Step, Resist Nature’s Lure; AL Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +4, Will +11; Str 13, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 17, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Knowledge(Nature) 8, Knowledge(Religion) 13, Knowledge(The Planes) 8, Lucid Dreaming 5; Educated, Greensinger Initiate, Greenbound Summoning, Aberration Blood, Spell Focus(Conjuration), Nature Spell, Augment Summoning.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Greenbound Summoning allows summoning of creatures with the Greenbound Template capable of casting Wall of Thorns; Planar Bubble enables reality alteration within the Plane of Dreams.
Possessions: Quarterstaff, Full Plate Armor, Glaive, Periapt of Wisdom, Cloak of Resistance.
With a combination of strong summoning spells, wild shaping, and the special Planar Bubble ability, this Mad Druid build at level 15 is meant to tear apart the fabric of reality. Because of their mastery over time and space, the character can act ten times for every action taken by an opponent. Combined with their conjured minions, they can completely overtake most enemies through sheer action economy manipulation.
Stat Block Level 15:
Mad Druid: male, human Druid 5/Planar Shepherd 7/Contemplative 1/Alienist 1/Talontar Blightlord 1; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+30; hp 110; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +10; Grp +10; Atk +14 melee (1d10+6/×3, Glaive) or +11 ranged (spell); Full Atk +14/+9 melee (1d10+6/×3, Glaive); SA Summon Nature’s Ally, Planar Bubble, Wild Shape; SQ Animal Companion (Dire Tiger), Planar Attunement (Dal Quor), Blightbring Domain; AL Neutral; SV Fort +15, Ref +9, Will +17; Str 13, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 17, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Knowledge(Nature) 8, Knowledge(Religion) 13, Knowledge(The Planes) 8, Lucid Dreaming 18; Greenbound Summoning, Aberration Blood, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Nature Spell, Augment Summoning, Aberration Wild Shape, Great Fortitude.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Summoning Domain (Summon Monster spells), Planar Bubble (10:1 time ratio in dreamscape), Wild Shape (Large, Elemental, Outsider); Animal Companion (Dire Tiger).
Possessions: Periapt of Wisdom, Vorpal Glaive, Adamantine Full Plate of Heavy Fortification, Cloak of Resistance +3.
This Mad Druid build’s capacity to bend reality makes it a formidable opponent. In order to take use of a variety of summoning, shapeshifting, and planar skills, it blends multiple classes, such as Druid, Planar Shepherd, and Alienist. This figure has significant control over time and space thanks to their access to the Plane of Dreams.
Stat Block Level 20:
Mad-Druid: male, human Druid 5/Planar Shepherd 10/Contemplative 1/Alienist 1/Fighter 1/Talontar Blightlord 2; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d8+40; hp 180; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 35, touch 12, flat-footed 34; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk +23 melee (1d10+19, glaive) or +18 ranged (1d8+1, longbow); Full Atk +23/+18/+13 melee (1d10+19, glaive) or +18/+13/+8 ranged (1d8+1, longbow); SA Wild Shape, Summoning; SQ Wild Shape (Tiny, Large, Magical Beast, Aberration, Elemental, Outsider), Planar Bubble, Divine Health, Summoning Domain; AL Neutral; SV Fort +22, Ref +13, Will +18; Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Knowledge(Nature) 8, Knowledge(Religion) 13, Knowledge(The Planes) 8, Lucid Dreaming 25; Educated, Greensinger Initiate, Greenbound Summoning, Aberration Blood, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Nature Spell, Augment Summoning, Aberration Wild Shape, Great Fortitude, Power Attack, Natural Bond.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Planar Bubble – Alter reality within a bubble, summon with enhanced capabilities, Extraordinary Shapechange – Shift into powerful forms with extra abilities.
Possessions: Adamantine Full Plate of Heavy Fortification, Vorpal Glaive, Periapt of Wisdom, Cloak of Resistance.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin the adventure with basic Druid skills like Wild Empathy and Animal Companion. At level 1, acquire Greenbound Summoning for powerful summoning powers. By level 5 you will unlock Wild Shape.
- Levels 6-10: Transition into the Planar Shepherd class and obtain the powerful Planar Bubble ability by level 10. This opens up the ability to manipulate reality using the Plane of Dream’s time distortion and Wild Shape versatility, including large, magical beasts.
- Levels 11-15: Enhance summoning power through the Summoning Domain with the Contemplative level. Expand Wild Shape to include Aberrations and further augment reality-bending capabilities. Stretch your powers further with access to Plane Shift abilities.
- Levels 16-20: Diversify into the Talontar Blightlord role, harnessing Blightbringer and Illmaster abilities while continuing to embrace druidic forms and summons under full plate protection. Introduce potent weapons and armor as per class advancements, enhancing combat prowess significantly.
Core Abilities & Features
The Mad Druid build is a chaotic masterpiece, blending unmatched druidic powers with radical twists. At the heart, this build exploits Planar Shepherd and Alienist classes to reshape reality. One standout feature is the Planar Bubble, a spell that alters time and reality by granting a 10:1 time ratio advantage against opponents. Experience ten rounds of action for each enemy round, thanks to tapping into the Plane of Dreams. Imagine the edge it gives in epic fights where allies and summons execute countless strategies in accelerated time.
Another powerful element is the Greenbound Summoning. This feat is game altering, transforming summoned allies with the Greenbound Template that grants access to spells like Wall of Thorns at the first level. Combining with Augment Summoning, summoned creatures grow stronger, doubling down the destructive and protective capabilities right from the start. As a result, enemies face unrelenting assaults from formidable, enchanted companions that seem conjured from the wildest dreams, demanding strategies to counter their seemingly endless powers.
Integrating Aberration Wild Shape adds a bizarre yet effective edge. Morph into Aberrations or even Chokers, unlocking creative standard actions within a turn, which dovetails with Planar Bubble for exponential action gains. As if that weren’t enough, wielding a Glaive with power attack while clad in a Full Plate defies usual Druid constraints. This build defies norms, challenging foes with unexpected physical and magical prowess, sidestepping limitations typically imposed on Druids, and opening the battlefield to imaginative strategies and relentless offensive potential.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Quarterstaff & Leather Armor | Basic starter gear optimal for early adventures before accessing metal armor. |
| L6-10 | Glaive & Full Plate Armor | With Talontar Blightlord access, upgrade to metal armor and a reach weapon for improved combat efficacy. |
| L11-15 | Adamantine Full Plate of Heavy Fortification | Provides significant defensive upgrades; resistant to critical hits and sneak attacks. |
| L16-20 | Vorpal or Spell-Storing Glaive & Periapt of Wisdom | Enhance Glaive for added magical applications and increase Wisdom for spellcasting prowess. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Use tight spaces to your advantage. Summon Nature’s Ally with Greenbound Summoning for terrain control. Wall of Thorns can block or trap enemies, creating a battlefield on your terms.
- Open Fields:
- Take advantage of the vast space by using Planar Bubble. Slow down time, allowing multiple actions per round. Transition between different Wild Shapes for speed and versatility, overwhelming foes.
- Ambushes:
- Use your Fleshraker companion to initiate attacks. His stealth and pounce can quickly take down enemies. Follow up with summonings and spells to control the battlefield.
- Defensive Stands:
- Fortify your position with Greenbound creatures casting defensive spells. Utilize Planar Bubble to ensure that you always have the upper hand by reshaping reality and controlling time.
- Urban Encounters:
- Wild Shape into smaller, inconspicuous forms for stealth. Use your surroundings wisely, summoning creatures that can block paths and control crowds. Planar Bubble can create isolated zones amidst chaos.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Murky Eyed Flaw (50% miss chance in dim light) | Equip Goggles of Night: grants darkvision up to 60 feet to eliminate miss chance. |
| Shaky Flaw (-2 penalty on ranged attack rolls) | Avoid reliance on ranged attacks; focus on melee combat and summoning to stay effective. |
| Planar Shepherd Balance Issues (overpowered abilities) | Restrict usage in roleplay-heavy campaigns or communicate with DM for consent on abilities like Planar Bubble. |
| Low Dexterity (12) | Wear Gloves of Dexterity (+2 Dexterity) to improve initiative and reflex saves. |
| Metal Armor Interference | Choose a lighter Mithril Breastplate or spell Enchantment (Antimagic Field) to counter spells relying on armor restrictions. |
Roleplaying
There are special chances to play a character who is on the verge of reality in the Mad Druid. You can emphasize your character’s detachment from the everyday world while they use the Plane of Dreams. Maybe they speak in enigmatic, dreamy allegories or experience sights that others do not. This is consistent with their capacity to shape reality inside the Plane of Dream, a capability that undoubtedly would cost them their sanity.
Themes such as the balance between nature and the unnatural can be explored. Your character might struggle between their druidic roots and the alien, planar powers they wield. Use roleplay to show their internal conflict, maybe through conversations with their animal companion or monologues after unleashing their more terrifying abilities. Remain aware that such power evokes awe and fear in those they encounter, influencing how others interact with them. This could make allies wary and enemies terrified, enhancing dramatic storytelling.
FAQ
How does the Mad Druid utilize the Planar Shepherd class?
The Mad Druid excels by maximizing the Planar Shepherd’s Planar Bubble. This spell manipulates time, granting the druid ten rounds of action for each enemy’s round. It allows you to overpower opponents in epic battles. Combining this with the Alienist class enhances strategy, unlocking creative possibilities each turn.
What is the significance of the Greenbound Summoning feat in this build?
Greenbound Summoning is a pivotal game-changer in the Mad Druid setup. It transforms summoned creatures into powerful allies by granting them the Greenbound template. These allies gain spell-like abilities, like Wall of Thorns, even at first level. Coupled with Augment Summoning, it turns your summons into unstoppable forces.
Why is the Aberration Wild Shape essential for a Mad Druid?
Aberration Wild Shape offers flexibility and unexpected tactics. Transforming into Aberrations or Chokers enables unique standard actions. It complements the Planar Bubble, providing exponential action gains. This shape-shifting adds to the Mad-Druid’s unpredictability, making encounters thrilling and versatile.
How do the Mad Druid’s combat scenarios vary?
In dungeon crawls, leverage tight spaces with Greenbound Summoning. Open fields allow the use of Planar Bubble to slow down time strategically. Defensive stands utilize Greenbound creatures for defensive spells. Each scenario demands a tailored approach, showcasing the Mad-Druid’s adaptability.
What are some effective counters for the Mad Druid’s weaknesses?
The Mad Druid’s weaknesses include vulnerability to ranged attacks and equipment reliance. Equip Goggles of Night to counter miss chances under dim light. Use Gloves of Dexterity to boost reflexes. Wild Shape and summoning spells remain viable even without equipment, ensuring consistent effectiveness.
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