Moon Druid Guide D&D 5E

[@isaacnewton5913]

Hey Chris. Instead of casting goodberry at the beginning of the day, I always cast it at the end. This way any unused spell slots get converted to goodberries that I can use the next day (thanks to the 24 hr duration). If you're about to long rest, you might as well use any spell slots that you still have. That way you keep your options open for spell casting the next day. Also, I'd like to say that I've always enjoyed your guides ever since the god-wizard for 3rd edition. Keep up the good work.

[@foolfan83]

I had a DM specifically recommend that to me, then ambush us in the middle of the night when I had no spell slots left. There were 2 of us with goodberry on our list, and we had like 5 goodberries and no spell slots. I think he was working something out.

[@isaacnewton5913]

@@foolfan83 Brutal! I guess this trick only works if you're in a safe place to rest. If you're not sure, maybe it's good to keep a couple slots in reserve.

[@jag519]

@@foolfan83 If I'm not in a town where I know it's safe I always use all but 1 spell slot, maybe more of the upper level slots.

[@Meichrob7]

In theory this is a good idea but if you actually do it with any regularity your DM is gonna take that as you asking for night time attacks on your resting party.

[@isaacnewton5913]

@@Meichrob7 I mean it's still no better than if you had already spent them that morning instead. But yeah, if a night encounter is a possibility, always keep a few a slots just in case.

[@meganclare7]

My DM said you have to have seen the beast, in the second session we basically met a santa skeleton that gave us anything we ask for, she ask for a book of all know animals. Lol

[@JB-xl2jc]

DM: Ah fuck, I can't believe you've done this

[@PsyrenXY]

Hello from the future! Xanathar's gave us a list of typical animals based on where your druid is from, very handy for preventing arguments at the table.

[@Whoknows21356]

So she asked for a picture book pretty much haha

[@praxrecruiting2886]

I really dislike that everyone thinks our PCs are a bunch of drolling idiots. Druids gain significant power and flexibility from knowing different shapes. Druids are moderately organized. Many are long lived races. why wouldn't there by traveling Druids who specialize in teaching groves a collection of exotic animal forms. OF COURSE it would happen. If you don't like the power, overly nervous it out of your game, but don't disrespect the world's collective IQ, even if fantasy world.

[@martl8615]

Druids: have our own language Also druids: yeah, I've seen some cool beasts, but I'm not sharing.

[@buttponcho101]

Actually seeing somebody on the internet who explores the game on the deepest mechanical level (I feel like most other channels overlook many small details) is really refreshing. Good stuff.

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

A large thing that can boost wildshape is: work with your DM to create beasts, *especially* if you're trying to run a theme (like only turning into bears)

[@corygumminger6349]

Probably not a super relevant video to be commenting on any more, but literally the only official CR6 beast is the mammoth.

[@Zankaroo]

@@gamecavalier3230 I haven't had a DM that cared about what my character has seen. Most also know that if I'm a druid I'm probably gonna shift into a dinosaur because I like dinosaurs. My older DMs have heard me rant plenty on how stupid it was that the tiger beat some of the bigger dinos on damage for a pet and a wild shape in older 3.5 and PF. It was so stupid having a large cat out damage an Allosaurus or a T-Rex. But if you are stuck with RAW then try to do research and go to book stores and libaries any chance your character gets to study new creatures. And if a DM is gonna be such a stickler than pictures in a book with detailed descriptions isn't enough and you have ot see it with your own eyes I just wouldn't play a druid then unless all you want is basic bitch wolf, bear, owl, and eagle/hawk. Because that is realistically all a forest druid will see.

[@chrisferguson7972]

I'm so glad you made this! Your Pathfinder druid guide is what got me to understand optimization in general. Also I don't know how you do it, but recently whenever I start to work on a new character you release a guide for it within two days or so

[@DVDMaster2009]

What are everyone's thoughts to getting a raven familiar and use its minimcry ability to repeat what you tell it to say telepathically as an alternative to being a ghostwise halfling? It addition to mimicry, you can also turn into a spider and ride the raven. This gives you flight at level 2.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

This sounds like a very creative workaround to the no communication barrier, and I like the idea of the spider riding the raven.

[@undrhil]

A Kenku with a Raven familiar....

[@goodman7097]

If you take Ritual Caster (Wizard) as feat with variant human you can get find Familiar with some other helpful Ritual spells from Wizard (Alarm and Detect Magic where my choices). Also, if you find scrolls with ritual caster wizard spells you can copy those to your book. Back to familiar, if you take the owl familiar they can be used to give you advantage because they have Fly bye which means they don't provoke attacks of opportunity when they fly out of range 60 ft flying. Fly up give me advantage, fly away and be safe. P.S. I really like your mimic idea.

[@alanschaub147]

My Druid has a Flying Snakes familiar, which can carry a scroll according to the flavor text. Would this also allow them to carry a Druid Wild Shaped into small creature, like a rat? 🐀 🐍

[@dhaas4698]

Overall a great guide. I'd have to say that I really disagree with you on Elemental forms. Fire is my go to. I play my Moon Druid as the party tank. There is really nothing better than running over your opponent for 1d10 fire, which is DoT at start of his turn until he spends an action to put himself out, and dealing 1d10 fire each time he hits you. Even for creatures that resist fire, you are one of the very few characters that deals damage without attacking or granting a save...on THEIR turn....in addition to damaging with movement. I like the versatility of the Moon Druid. They may not have the damage output of a fighter but they are amazing damage sponges, have amazing mobility, and are full spell casters. They can Tank, dps, control, and heal. And I love unlimited alter self for out of combat scenarios where you want to look like someone else. Overall just an amazing sub class

[@harnoth]

This is why I enjoy playing as moon druid.

[@everlastingdragon4520]

I homebrewed two magic items that augment Elemental Wildshape: one that allows you to turn into an Elemental Myrmidon and another that gives you straight upgrades to Elemental forms (increases STR/DEX and CON by 4, increases AC by 4, increases all movement speeds by 10 feet, and gives your form 10 additional hitpoints). DMs everywhere will probably suffer once they give these items to a moon druid.

[@ticozayas6430]

Big fan of earth elemental earthgliding to the enemies and slamming them from below, up and down elevator attacks are just fun

[@brianjohnson3795]

@@ticozayas6430 also when you are underground you have ♾️ AC 😀

[@BR4IN1N4J4R]

I adore Firbolg Moon Druids for an unusual "combo" with Wildshape: if you Hidden Step first, and because Combat Wildshape doesn't remove the option for you to Wildshape as a Standard Action, you can Surprise [insert animal form here] after getting into an advantageous position and jump a target

[@Jvstm]

Xanathar's gives a pretty good idea of what animals a Druid would see depending on where he comes from.

[@codyperryman3691]

are you referencing the terrain based random encounters chapter? because otherwise im thumbing through my book and cant find anything else similar to what you are talking about.

[@Jvstm]

@@codyperryman3691 I mean the section titled "LEarning beast forms" under the Druid section

[@jordanwhite8718]

When it comes to cr 2 beasts, never underestimate the power of the giant constrictor snake. Especially when you can speak into someone’s head while constricting them.

[@malchir4036]

"hey, what's our safeword."

[@CMDR_Ishar]

came to the comments to say the same. Fantastic pool of HP and single enemy removal.

[@TTDundee]

Fog cloud + giant spider blindsight

[@How_to_LA]

Something I think is important about the elemental shape that he doesn't mention is that turning into an elemental requires both wild shape charges so its the only thing you can turn into until you take a short rest.

[@Matiargentino100]

but its also long lasting, so unless you have a party that would not take a single short rest it shouldnt be that big of a problem, maybe if you have a very tough fight and you get knocked out of wild shape in the first turn of combat

[@bryankia]

Thanks. I am currently running a moon Druid at 14th level. I missed some great spells. My game master will absolutely not appreciate your guidance :)

[@tiradentes4525]

Really nice video! I kind of miss the suggestion of the Dire Wolf, 37Hp 14CA, 50ft move, PackTactics and attack drop enemie prone.

[@nicolaslanzaflores]

Ah yes, the guide I was dying to watch! Moon druid's variety on stat distribution and race choice when compared to other spellcasters is my favorite thing ever in character creation. So many cool exotic concepts and combinations. My current character is a 3rd level 15WIS Noble background Yuan-ti pureblood moon druid, with 14s on INT and CHA. The 15 WIS hurts, but it was a choice I've made for the particular setting, where halflings and dwarves weren't available and Darkvision is critically important. Still may not be the best since I took it over wood elf, but the poison immunity and resistance to magic that carry over to wild shape are just lovely. Your overview of the wild shape forms is on point. There's just so much to watch over and over. Thanks TM, this is incredible.

[@PJGamersLLC]

I was wondering if you could comment on how improvements to wildshape might prolong their usefulness. Things like: A 1-3 level dip into barbarian for ac boost, advantage on attacks, damage resistance, small damage bonus, and advantage on dex saves. A 1 level dip into monk for ac boost and martial arts, using the attack option for a grapple and shove prone combo with creatures that have 20+ str. A 1 level dip into draconic sorcerer for ac boost and extra spells. A 1 level dip into wizard for mage armor, find familiar for help action advantage on your attacks, several utility rituals. Duel wielder feat for +1 to ac and bonus action attack for grapple + shove prone combos with creatures with 20+ str. Forest gnome or yuan-ti for adavantage on many savings throws My thought was using wildshape as another form of crowd control by using forms with high strength scores for prone grappling or forms with auto-grapple on attacks instead of comparing damage to other martial classes. You have mentioned in your damage calculation video that sometimes using the help action and giving an ally advantage on an attack is better than using a weak attack of your own. The previous strategies I mentioned offers advantage to multiple allies and disadvantage to the enemy. The auto-grapple/restrained attacks forces enemies to waste an entire action just trying escape so even with a low DC value is still gained. With this type of mindset or playstyle what level would you think wildshape would start to fall off in terms of effectiveness when compared to a normal druid build. Could something like this bridge the gap during those middle tiers?

[@tscoff]

I’m playing a Moon Druid in one campaign and I’m playing a Wizard in another campaign that has a Moon Druid in it and I consider Mage Armor a must have spell for Moon Druids. My Wizard casts it on that party’s Moon Druid every day, and twice when it’s needed and I’m going to take Magic Initiate (Wizard) for my Moon Druid the next time he gets an ability score increase. Since Mage Armor replaces the Natural Armor of beasts it increases AC anywhere from +1 to +3 over the base AC which is a significant increase. It even works on all of the element forms other than an Earth Elemental.

[@russnewton2698]

Barkskin could help 2

[@55lakeman]

Moon Druid, for that time you roll an 8 or 9 on all your stats

[@Daniel-oy4gu]

Yep!

[@esbeng.s.a9761]

Just lower than 9, but a paladin/bard with a 4 and 5 in int and wis might also be fun

[@mathieu7921]

Druid! Yeah! I hope the other subclasses will get a video too. Thanks for the bookmarks!

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Eventually I will be looking at other Druids as well. I'll probably look at one subclass for each class then start going into more, haven't really planned that far ahead...

[@PocoSalvaje]

TCoE changes the game!!! Can’t wait to play any race and place my bonus where I want 🤟🏽

[@edmlh150]

I just wanted to say i love you and i'm glad your content has progressed to 5e. I've read so much of your 3.5 stuff...maybe all of it.

[@projectcreation3794]

One thing I did with my Moon Druid was buy a Tattoo of Protection in-game and that boosts your AC to 18 and all your wild shapes to 18 AC. Super effective!

[@bioboss6834]

Most gamebreaking sub-class in my opinion. At least in early levels and level 20

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Level 2 and 20 are crazy. Healing 100+ hp every round as a bonus action? insane.

[@micahiwaasa9304]

Thoughts on wild shapes: Giant elk is a nice CR 2 beat-stick that synergizes with dire wolf conjurations. Giant crocodile has two attacks capable of putting a foe in a state where attacks are made against it with advantage. This makes giant owl conjurations into goofy amounts of damage (not to mention ally minions like animated objects). And I think T-Monk downplays the power of elemental forms in the third tier of play. Their immunities and resistances badly disable a wide swath of monsters. It's not universal, but personally I found that my druid derailed many encounters by becoming immune to grapple, immune to poison, etc.

[@jamesgandylaw]

As a beginner, I really appreciate this video. I found it very hard to understand the Druid class. It kept me from wanting to play a Druid. The class seemed very difficult to build.

[@shadow8928]

druid can be a bit daunting for new players but it really lends well to creative solutions, like...becoming a better spy than a rogue. you can wildshape into a tiny spider or a normal fly and listen in to enemy conversations (unlike polymorph you retain your mental stats) and even if an enemy notices you, good job...he noticed a fly or a spider, whoop dee doo XD. just act like the animal would and then leave the area before the wild shape runs out.

[@jamesgandylaw]

@@shadow8928 Before watching this video, since I am new and play with newer players, I had little interest in Druids. If asked to rank classes, Druids would be near the bottom. They seemed like poor spell casters with a weird ability, Wild Shape, that didn't make sense to me; this video cleared a lot of that up. Now, I understand the mechanics far better - particularly for the Moon Druid (and why people see this as the best, or possibly even 'game-breaking', choice). It makes so much more sense. AND, I now want to play a druid.

[@davidedgar5923]

You should look at his Shepard Druid if you want a more focused caster.

[@Daniel-oy4gu]

I know its not optimal but the forest gnome makes for an fun druid race

[@timeforsuchaword]

21:50 druids actually don't have crossbow proficiency. Sling is their only ranged weapon.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

I totally missed that!

[@alanschaub147]

This is one reason that Magic Stone is a good option for a cantrip!

[@rockstarvolkov4256]

Slings and darts

[@Loasdrums2]

Javelin is also a proficiency range weapon for druids.

[@paoloborello3430]

Hey, Treantmonk on KZbin? That’s awesome! I loved your written content and I binge-watched all of your videos in 3 days XD I really miss a god wizard build video though! Come on, you are the wizard guy! You MUST have a wizard video on your channel! Ps: This has absolutely nothing to do with me starting OOTA tomorrow night with a gnome abjurator... :P

[@TreantmonksTemple]

There will be one eventually. Figured since I already have a god-wizard guide, it's more redundant.

[@paoloborello3430]

It’s true but I find that while evaluating content is useful the thinking process of actually making the choices for a character is invaluable, especially for a nerd noob as I am :)

[@TreantmonksTemple]

@@paoloborello3430 The format is a bit wonky (lots of links), but this will probably help you out: docs.google.com/document/d/1Led95I-6Mne27KA2EpNQZo61H5cyx03UZPeiHFHebVE/edit

[@sack1501]

Oh wow! I've seen some your stuff on giant in the playground, but I didn't know you had a YT. Instasub dude

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Thank you!

[@ChristnThms]

For conjure animals, an option I don't hear often, but has some real benefits is the "Swarm of XXX". In any setting where space and line of sight is an issue, the fact that a swarm occupies the same space as the target is nice. It also means that you can pile all of your summoned attacks on a single target w/o blocking your teammates' attacks.

[@undrhil]

Swarms don't qualify for Conjure Animals because swarms are "swarm of beasts" type and not "beast" type. You could conjure a few ants but they won't be a swarm of ants

[@ChristnThms]

@@undrhil reading fortehwin… Swarms are listed in the MM as beasts. For instance, a swarm of rats is a 1/4 CR beast. The rat itself is a 0 CR. As a conjure option, they are not the strongest. But they do have the advantage I listed, of not taking up space. So, in a dungeon or such, where occupying a space can prevent allies from being able to attack the enemy, a Swarm of Rats can be useful.

[@hivefleethappiness7331]

Mobile feet seems strong. Seems nice to be able to dodge in and out of combat in wild shape, avoiding attacks of opportunity and protecting your concentration.

[@stonerocks0]

A great, helpful, thoughtful guide - thanks!

[@nnzfmly]

One thing I see you did not do, that I love to do at 2nd level. Take Fog Cloud. You can cast it as an action, bonus action to Giant Spider, and terrorize your enemies who cannot see you, but you have blind sense!

[@3of6mylove]

I think the best way to get around the requirement of having seen a beast is to just write your character as growing up travelling the world and studying beasts to the point that they've basically seen them all.

[@Clanjade22]

My ghostwise halfling moon Druid is by far my fav char. I was started to feeling like the worst moon Druid ever, I have not shape shifted but once in like 3 levels and it was to carry stuff. I of course didn’t tell Party I could communicate, I just occasionally, let it be “like a voice of god”. “Save the halfling save the world”. Halfling nimbleness is nice when you stroll past a guy then shape shift into a bear. Also my halfling has eaten anything that died when shape shifted... but claims to be a vegetarian in halfling form... selective memory. They didn’t like me eating all those dragon scales. Plus it’s funny to ask where it all goes when I shift back.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Where does it all go when you shift back? It shapeshifts into mushrooms!

[@JCinLapel]

My home brew group modified the limitation on form agility if you have a racial swim or fly you also gainb access to those forms because of your instutal understanding of how the form moves

[@alanschaub147]

JCinLapel That actually makes sense and sounds totally fair. This would be great for a sea campaign!

[@JCinLapel]

@@alanschaub147 I used it in the air for a character in an all Aakocra game. I based the character off the raven in Native American folklore

[@Adurnis]

This is a marvelous video! Moon druids are just some of the most fun character builds out there, eh? 2 quick questions for you, if you don't mind... 1. Why give up Faerie Fire so early? I know a Dex save isn't fantastic, and there's the possibility of friendly (faerie) fire, but as buffs go, it seems like one that actually gets better the higher level your party is; your rogues don't need to keep hiding, and your fighters with their extra attacks get advantage after advantage. Seems especially useful if you're doing a real marathon of a day and wanna conserve those higher level spell slots. Maybe it's redundant after getting foresight, but it seems like it could be useful for a long time up until that point. 2. Why not take the ability score improvement at level 19 to bump up Dexterity and Con to 16? That just seems like a gimme. Lucky is fun and all, but three re-rolls a day isn't as good as it could be at the high level-and a 16 Con gives you a guaranteed success on most concentration saves. EDIT: I was confused at first why you didn't bring up Lizardfolk, but it's probably better for other kinds of druids than the moon druid.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Good questions. 1) IMO the other various concentration options available are better - however, that would depend on party composition. If you have enough PC's that benefit from the advantage, I would agree. 2) Good point, those increases would have been a good choice. 3) Lizardfolk are great Druids, but yes, as you mention, they are better for every other kind of Druid than Moon Druid since that lovely AC boost would not apply in Wildshape.

[@blazinlatino89]

I love druid! Its my favorits class but i love it even more in 5e .. ive been using your "treantmonk druid guide" since pathfinder and have to say 5e is just soo much better for wildshape druids

[@deadpan5104]

I got to pick a Circle of the Forged druid and I think I'm pretty much gonna follow this guide for it. I think it will actually be pretty amazing at 20th lvl as well due to being able to wild shape as a reaction to damage

[@DanielMaenle]

I changed wild shape in my game. You gain a wild shape point pool = druid level. To wild shape you spend (CR*2) points to a minimum of 1, to wild shape.

[@shmuckling]

If you have Mage Hand from MI feat or a level of Wizard, you can Wild Shape into a rat and "carry yourself", effectively having a form of flight at 2nd or 3rd level. :D

[@DVDMaster2009]

If you are going to MI (Wizard), then take a flying familiar and trun into a spider and have the familiar carry you. This gets you flight for your entire wildshape duration.

[@shmuckling]

Yes, your Familiar would last longer, so in many cases it's better. I didn't even know Spider was an option in the PHB/DMG, but to be honest I haven't really looked hard, just noticed Rat and figured that was tiny enough for me. If using a Familiar instead of Mage Hand, Spider definitely sounds like a better option. Great idea, thanks! :D

[@charlessaintpe8574]

Call Lightning + Air Elemental shape is not to be trifled with.

[@cory849]

Why? Call lightning takes an action to cast. No air elemental attack.

[@charlessaintpe8574]

@@cory849 90 ft fly speed.

[@cory849]

@@charlessaintpe8574 Still not seeing it, really. I'm flying super fast to not make melee attacks?

[@charlessaintpe8574]

@@cory849 you're flying really fast to stay out of range while you smite your enemies with lightning every turn for 10 minutes.

[@cory849]

@@charlessaintpe8574 If I want my enemies to not hit me I can just turn into a bug or a mouse. Solved problem. And I want them to hit me. I have 100 HP and resistance to physical damage. I should be tanking. With that speed, whirlwind and multi attack I'd do more damage and be more effective switching out the Call Lightning for Fairy Fire. Don't get me wrong. I can see why there's a role for call lightning. You could pick one target to try to whirlwind and at the same time zap either them or someone on the other side of the battlefield. But it's cumbersome and not really more advantageous most of the time.

[@evansmith2832]

Kalashtar is also a good race that wasn't mentioned. Especially if you want to multiclass to a totem warrior barbarian.

[@Hyde_Hill]

At 45:30 there is the Quetzalcoatlus for second level CR flying creature, and it has fly by. However having seen it may be DM restrictive.

[@JCinLapel]

The way I use goodberry at the end of the day to get my spell slot back as I rest. Also I have a hedge wizard that used the magic item the pot of awakening you basicly groan an awakened shrub in it over 30 days. He about lost it when I planted a good berry. So we have named him berry and he is my familiar.

[@boomknight1015]

Bark armor is ok for moon druids because it beefs up your AC to 16 regardless of form which is much better then the 12-13 you would normally have but you are still going to make a fair bit of saves once the monsters start to get +5 or more which is sooner rather then later

[@TreantmonksTemple]

My problem with that is that it's the bark armor that you end up concentrating on.

[@boomknight1015]

@@TreantmonksTemple That is why I said it was ok because it's not all that awesome to be fair. Granted I'm the type of person that every time I play druid I end up playing Land and being a nature wizard. As you said, Moon druid is more of an early game and the spell casting is more apart of the class that any version would have

[@deaconnukem]

Giant hyena is pretty good form with the 45hp and 50ft move speed. Guardian of nature and Natures wrath are good spells from Xanathars and worth casting. War caster is great feat because most times your using the animals con score which will be better than your own. Quatizacotal dino from Volos or giant vulture from Princes of the Apocolypse are CR 2 flyers. The moon druid is agrueably one of the strongest classes in the game. The combination of increased survivability from wild shape plus there great spell list, it makes them the hardest to balance encounters. If there is a moon druid in the party whatever the encounter is double it. If there are minions just double them, if there is one mob just max its hp to make it a challenge.

[@Zankaroo]

If you for some reason wanted to take 3 levels of warlock you could pick archfey for theme, and pact of chains and a sprite then take voice of the chain master. That way you can fully talk through the sprite rather than use a raven for mimicry. Plus since the sprite can be invisible all the time, as long as it stays near your head know one will know its not actually you talking. As your other evocation I would take Gift of the Ever-Living Ones so you gain max healing as long as the sprite is within 100ft of you. For another 3 levels into barbarian you could also add in bear totem to make you one hell of a tank but you will suck at everything beyond level 10.

[@Booklat1]

I’m glad this old video mentions protector assimar as an option for moon druids A lot more interesting now after tasha

[@dustinsmith2021]

A friend of mine in one of our first games played a white dragonborn druid. He was up high and asked if he could turn into a flying squirrel and glide. I said he could and he did an aerial cone straight down on the bad guys doing a decent amout of damage.

[@corvent62]

I like hexblood, you have telepathic speech to one creature and can cast hex to give people disadvantage on saves to escape your grapples And give you better damage

[@jeanmaillard6001]

for the ghostwise halfling isn't it possible to craft a item to allow other races to use silent speach? there are goggles that give darkvision so why not? 33:26 can't you scry on those monsters to then wildshape?

[@Jacob-Day]

Entire party riding on the back of a divine winged war elephant using sunbeam to shoot lasers out of its trunk: glorious combination of protector aasimar and druid abilities or most glorious combination of protector aasimar and druid abilities ?

[@normal6483]

Sounds like Ancient Psychic Tandem War Elephant

[@med2904]

Actually, Ape is veeeery good to wild shape into in the early game and you can use it from the 4th level even with another druidic circle because it's only CR1/2. My DM let me choose 3 beasts I've seen outside of the ones I knew from my background, but you can get it if you come from a jungle or smth. And why is it so good? Because except for speaking and casting spells it can do anything that player races can. So since you retain your skills and proficiencies and can choose to wear your equipment instead of merging it while wild-shaped, you can use your weapons (with STR+3 and DEX+2 stats, which are probably better than your base ones), wear armor and shield, and even gain benefits from magic items you get later on. It doesn't have that good HP compared to the CR1 beasts, but since level 2 I had 18(!!!) AC. And it can throw rocks as well at short distance (25/50ft.) for decent damage, but also use your regular ranged weapons like sling. So it's pretty much the only Wild Shape form which can actually do ranged damage and give you better AC than Barkskin. And how did I get such good AC even as an Ape wearing armor? Because there's this obscure 'Spiked Armor' which has the same stats as 'Scale Armor', BUT the description says it's "covered with spikes that are usually made of metal". So I just told my DM that before the start of the campaign I got a custom made Spiked Armor (it pretty much has to be custom made anyway because it's an unusual type of armor to begin with) made from some ironwood. Which is as hard as metal, but not actually metal. So I can wear it as a druid and the Ape form serves me well up to 6th level for now ;)

[@VerumAdPotentia]

Instead of a flying bear with the protector Aasimar, you could go with a flying bore, for those times when somebody says "When pigs fly"!

[@lorestraat8920]

Why not take mobile? You get to be an effective striker, especially with beasts with charge where you can proc without provoking opportunity attacks, and the damage is going to be better than your cantrips and non concentration spells. And you can move out of melee range, so unless there's ranged attacks or a high enough movement rate, you're low ac isn't going to result in con saves.

[@jinxtheunluckypony]

How would I build a Moon Druid if I was trying to optimize my wild shapes? I realize focusing on magic is the better strategy but if I want to go all in on making my character the shapeshifter what would I do? I’m thinking I’d take Druid straight to level 6 before dipping into Barbarian. The defensive bonus you get from rage will keep you in your wild shape for a long time and you can occasionally ink out a few extra points of AC with unarmoured defense. I’d probably take Barb up to 3 for the Bear Totem, resistance to everything is pretty nice to have. after that I think swapping back to Druid is probably your best bet, If you can get to Druid 10 being able to shift into a raging elemental would be all kinds of fun. Elemental Form is basically the only wild shape I’d focus on at this point, rage when appropriate and stay alive. Finally I’d probably take 2 levels of Paladin, assuming I could meet the multiclassing requirement. Divine Smites are fun and they keep your low level slots valuable for something other than Goodberry. The problem is that now the character is level 15, they’ve gotten as good as their going to get and they’re probably not as good as the rest of the party. I definitely think there’s a better way to go about this, what would you try.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Barbarian is a good choice though remember you can't concentrate on spells while raged, so no mixing with flaming sphere or conjure spells. Paladin is worth considering for smiting swats

[@jinxtheunluckypony]

Treantmonk's Temple Yeah, I figured. No concentration means you really gotta think about when to rage. I wasn’t sure if you’d have any special insight, you come up with a lot of cool combos so I figured I’d see if you had any ideas.

[@darylturner1407]

I've got a lizardfolk level 3 beastmaster ranger/level 4 moon druid and he's a whole lot of fun to play. Thanks for the thoughts on the moon druid.

[@alanschaub147]

Daryl Turner I will be playing a Lizardfolk Moon Druid in Tomb of Annihilation!

[@shmuckling]

Can you do a breakdown of Druid spells by level? Or a straight up Land Druid guide? I kind of want to play a Firbolg Land Druid next time I get a chance to play a new character - I feel I can relate to it lol.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

I will probably be doing a Druid build fairly soon (Will be doing Forge Cleric next, but maybe after that). Probably going to do Circle of the Shepard though...

[@shmuckling]

@@TreantmonksTemple Thank you! That would be awesome! Circle of the Shepard is very popular and cool! I'll look forward to it.

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

Wildshape is great with Monks (DM dependent), as they benefit from Martial Arts, Unarmoured Defense, and if you go that high, Extra Attack. (If someone says that natural weapons *aren't* unarmed strikes... Look at every other PC feature that gives access to natural weapons: they all alter your unarmed strike.)

[@fredfredson9392]

SageAdvice says that they don't benefit from martial arts. They can benefit from unarmoured defense though.

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

@@fredfredson9392 Sage Advice is also officially unofficial, the only official sources are the books, the errata, and the compendiun.

[@undrhil]

@@BlackTempleGaurdian it's all officially unofficial since the DM is free to change rules

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

@@undrhil Sure, but in this case the rules don't need changing for it to work.

[@molittr]

No. Not... Kung-fu Panda!

[@markhumphries6020]

Can you please do a Land Druid build and compare it with the moon druid?

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

Land Druid's biggest feature is spell slot recovery. Only it and the Wizard have so many spell slots in a day.

[@Shane-The-Pain]

Barkskin can beef up the tankiness of Wild Shapes. Circle of Moon Druids can be spellcasters, but that's not the only option. Wild Shape is about finding the right animal for the specific battlefield situation that a druid finds themself in. This is a good video but Chris leans into spells for druids. That's Circle of the Land druid, Not Circle of the Moon. Tough is a feat that will carry over to Wild Shapes increasing tankiness.

[@johnchance7836]

Watching this I kept thinking . . . Ok Druids rock, but why did I choose Moon Druid if I was going to mostly be a spell caster? So many other circles buff your Magic. This one gives me the ability to use spell slots to heal myself, and lets me change into more powerful combat focused entities. Every time you go back to spells what I hear in my mind is "The Moon Druid is a good sub class because it is added onto the Druid Chassis but . . ." I'd really like to see an optimized build that focused on stacking up those wild shape abilities. We can still get ninth level spells so long as we reach level 17, and I'm not sure we need them for this sort of build. Do I need to heal 72 points of damage? Hopefully not. So I had some random ideas, might be good, might be bad . . . How about if we took the Dhampir instead of a normal race for the spider climb and vampiric bite in wild shape? A dip into monk also would get us the ability to add our wisdom to our Armor Class. Taking levels in Barbarian and going path of the beast would not only add our Con bonus to our AC but also give us even better bestial attacks. Technically I only need to go up to level ten to get Elemental forms so how about ten Druid, one monk, and nine barbarian? I think a beast can still rage! Since the path of the beast weapons count as simple weapons, aren't two handed, and aren't heavy weapons I THINK they should also count as monk weapons, but if not they should qualify for weapon master. I'm picturing a heavily armored, highly resistant, slavering monster who can heal via spell slots or via its vampiric bite. It doesn't breath and can run along the bottom of a river, or straight up a sheer cliff. Even if you manage to "win the fight" it just flickers to it's human form for a moment and starts over as a new creature! This thing is nearly unstoppable. I probably missed a ton but . . . it's a pretty epic image in my head and definitely not a poor fighter unable to compare to other melee classes, or a second rate caster trying to mimic the other druids and failing to stack up. That's the sort of thing I'd really like to see.

[@siddharthbianchi9322]

If you have seen it you could apply half-dragon template to the beasts

[@cmckee42]

There is a flying CR 2 dinosaur in Volo's guide: the quetzelcouatlus

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Yes, somehow my filter did not catch that one.

[@Jvstm]

Ironically in real life many scientists and paleontologists say that it was too large to fly.

[@cmckee42]

@@Jvstm well in real life, dragons are too large to fly as well. Welcome to fantasy land.

[@Jvstm]

Yeah except Quetzalcoatlus is a real animal whereas dragons are not.

[@cmckee42]

@@Jvstm there are a lot of differences between real dinosaurs and fantasy dinosaurs. Flight is not even the biggest difference.

[@nickm9102]

I don't think I'll ever have a druid or ranger without conjure animals. The thought of 8 CR1/4 Giant Owls doing 2d6+1 flyby attacks in open battle is beautiful. With my go-tos being Wolf, Black bear, Brown bear , Cave bear. I also like the Crag Cat (p. 240 SKT)for a CR1 beast if I'm fighting casters. Spell Turning and the potential for multiattack is nice in what is almost a Lion or Tiger Stat Block. If you have a group willing to deal with the cheese once throw a lvl 7 conjute animals and wildshape into a dire wolf or winter wolf and have fun with 25 wolves with pack tactics softening up the monsters before the party starts.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

The biggest limitation of the spell is by RAW the DM chooses the creatures. They can even select a lower CR creature according to the spell description.

[@undrhil]

@@TreantmonksTemple they can also choose a lower number of animals to show up :/

[@undrhil]

If the DM allows you to choose the animals, pick constrictor snakes. Their attacks cause the target to be grappled and if you get enough on a target, they have to remove all of the ones on them before they are no longer grappled.

[@nickm9102]

The DM choosing is a misnomer the spell states you choose the number and CR. The only statement regarding thr DM is that they have the creature stats but if you know what you want your going to have your list just like your wildshape list. And there is Sage Advice confirming that the player chooses. Otherwise you can have DM say ok "you conjure animals? Ok you are near water so 8 frogs appear and the monsters ignore them because living in the area for days they know the frogs cant hurt them." As far as the constrictor snakes I'll have to keep that in mind for the big bad

[@undrhil]

@@nickm9102 got a link to that sage advice? All of the discussion I've seen has shown the rulings of "DM decides" because it prevents players from abusing certain creature combinations

[@FelineElaj]

Another great build, and for my second favourite class, to boot! Thank you. Are you going to do builds for Land and Shepherd druids?

[@TreantmonksTemple]

At some point I will probably hit every subclass in the game. Haven't planned it out, but I definitely plan to revist Druid as the other subclasses advance very differently.

[@FelineElaj]

@@TreantmonksTemple good to hear. I think other Druid subclasses get too little attention. It's understandable, Moon Druid being unique due to how its Wild Shape works, but hey, Druids are spellcasters, first and foremost.

[@juliotavares3638]

I think in high levels there's no competition between spells and wild shapes, we can use both of then in a variety of ways together

[@LifeInGeneral-z6f]

How do you feel about the Shillelagh cantrip? I've noticed you never choose it? Also, in your interpretation, would the fact that it makes your weapon magical allow it to overcome resistances to bludgeoning resistant creatures?

[@TreantmonksTemple]

I think it's pretty good at levels 1-4, but if you aren't getting extra attack (or BB/GFB or some other damage increase), it's going to be bypassed by scaling cantrips at level 5.

[@KaitouKaiju]

Just because it's magical doesn't mean it stops doing bludgeoning damage

[@hubertdejong9980]

Nice to see a different kind of view for the Moondruid. I still have some questions you have said. For example Outlander as a background with Stealth and Athletics as your skills. As Stealth is being replaced by your beast statistics, why bother with that? As is the same with Athletics. Why not backgrounds wich give proficiency in Int, Wis or Cha - skills? As you procede and several times repeat: Wildshape becomes less and less atractive. Why are you focusing on the spell list? Isn't that something for a Druid of the Land build? What kind of role could you get when wildshaped in combat? That is what I am curious about.

[@mykeybarbee2587]

Like a level 20 druid casting a level 1 fireball, or ice bolt, or arcane missile. The bread and butter for battle control for the druid, is "wrath of the vine" in short it's the root spell on steroids. Chance to root multiple targets with chance to poison target, except bgg if the armor class exceeds the piercing thorn concept. Example: dragon rooted but thorns don't penetrate dragon scale. Concept limit by area, no trees, no vines, no spell...

[@3of6mylove]

Would the Thri-Kreen be an even better option now? They also get telepathy.

[@totallynotalpharius2283]

I made a moon Druid who started at being indifferent to cities ( bees make hives beavers make dams humans make cities ) but after witnessing the injustice and inequality of our feudal world , they have slowly become an anarcho primitivist of sorts .

[@TheSpinoza43221]

Is the Moon Druid really that far behind martial classes? Really you have to consider it with the creatures it can summon. At level 5 you can be a brown bear with 2 brown bear buddies. At level 10 air elemental with your air elemental buddy is 4 attacks at +8 attack each doing 2d8+5 damage.

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

Shift into something with Pack Tactics, and have the melee bruiser ride you.

[@micahiwaasa9304]

@@BlackTempleGaurdian Be a kobold druid and install the pack tactics into any critter.

[@OpticalShadow]

this is exactly what i do, plus kobolds are fun, and going from a 2.5 ft tall creature to a towering brute is always a fun sight. @@micahiwaasa9304

[@abandonmentissues1887]

Can you use breath weapons while wildshaped?

[@bdgienger22]

Did druid get changed? Beast Spells is 18th Unlimited Wild Shape is 20th

[@Mr_Ne0]

if you wildshape after cast conjure animals you would'nt be able to give orders to your summoned animals would you?

[@valentinrafael9201]

As per RAW, they do. "They obey any verbal commands that you issue to them (no action required by you)." Cast Conjure Animals > Order them "attack what I attack" > Wildshape ( you could have Telepahty or be a Kalashtar or something similar to change that command ). Notice that it says "no action required" so you don't have to take an action to tell them what to do and it does not say that you have to tell them every turn for the same action. Your DM might say different, but then you can just take the Telepahty / Race with Telepathy if that's the case.

[@captainpandabear1422]

Correction, wild shape does not stay limited to two at level 20. It becomes unlimited. That's why druids are just the best.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

If you read the text at that point in the vid, I already corrected myself.

[@captainpandabear1422]

@@TreantmonksTemple Ahh, on phone, so can't see the text. Cool beans!

[@rothgartheviking858]

How many druids ever get to 20? 1%? Capstones don't mean anything in the games i play.

[@Duranous1]

I can attest the multi classing problem, it's a total trap. You become incredibly level dependent and you never quite feel like you're where you thought you should be and once your at high level the battle wild shape is still lackluster, it's just extra hp. Additionally, if you were a high level character it would still be better to be exclusively a moon druid.

[@101BadBreath]

We normally only play up to 10-12th level in our group... so what ever I build normally keeps this in mind and can make some multi-class options very attractive

[@Duranous1]

@@101BadBreath I meant the multiclass problem for moon druid specifically. Not multiclassing in general.

[@101BadBreath]

@@Duranous1 ahhh OK, well I have a Hobgoblin Barb/Druid (tanking focus) waiting for a upcoming game so should get to test that soon.

[@theeye8276]

Well if your started as a barbarian that gives you con proficeny, than you can just not look back. This would make you stronger than a straight druid at lvl 3 I think and your stay stronger than them for a while #better con saves and higher ac from unarmed defense

[@my2cents265]

the problem with doing this to level 20 is that most of the time a campaign is over by the time you reach these high levels. Carrying a character over to the next campaign is up to the DM, but even so you rarely get to spend much time as a high level character.

[@brannenpfister2579]

I still like the totem barb multiclass option too much haha. With the race Kalashtar, you’re neigh unkillable!

[@Jacob-Day]

@14:40 this is beautiful

[@CaitSith87]

If a water genasi shifts can the beast still swim?

[@TreantmonksTemple]

Up to your DM. I would say no, but that's up for interpretation.

[@alanschaub147]

It should! I would allow it.

[@coldhotshot]

Does warcaster work in wildshape? The wildshape description states you can concentrate on spell but specifically stated you can't cast spells. The warcaster feat states you need the ability to cast at least one spell. So when you wildshape, don't you lose warcaster because the new form isn't capable of casting spells.

[@Jvstm]

I think he refers specifically to the first part of the feat where you get advantage on Concentration checks.

[@predwin1998]

@@Jvstm I think that what coldhotshot means is that because the ability to cast spells is a prerequisite of having Warcaster at all, by RAW the entire feat, including the advantage on concentration, would turn off when you are incapable of casting any spells. And while I never considered that point before, I am inclined to agree that would technically be the case by RAW, but at the same time I wouldn't rule it that way myself, and I think most DMs would still allow Warcaster to function in wild-shape.

[@Jvstm]

@@predwin1998 That makes sense. I also would rule it that way if I ever had a player play a Druid in my game. Which has only ever been one time, and they didn't bother with the War Caster feat or Circle of the Moon anyways. Food for thought if it ever does come up, though.

[@TreantmonksTemple]

The DM of course can make that call. My viewpoint is that the character can still cast spells, just not in that form. By your reasoning, a spellcaster that runs out of spells would also lose the feat, which seems like a strange interpretation to me.

[@Jvstm]

@@TreantmonksTemple For sure, for sure.

[@SuperDre1990]

With no feats is a 1 level dip into monk worth it for unarmored defense?

[@ChristnThms]

Assuming that this would work as it appears to, this would be the biggest boost to Wildshape possible, while simultaneously boosting your casting. It would even benefit your non-wildshaped form, of your DM is being stingy with nonmetallic med armor.

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

Not just unarmored defense, but Martial Arts too.

[@fredfredson9392]

There should be list out there how much which kind of special defense gives how much bonus AC. I belief magic initiate with Mage Armor was one of the best ways to increase your armor. Monk is also okay, for the armor, you will loose the lv20 benefit though if it goes that far. Contraty to what others say, wildshape doesn't benefit from martial arts or flurry of blows since you don't use the attack action, but the multiattack action and you also don't count as using a unarmed weapon. The latter was sage adviced via tavern brawler feat.

[@BlackTempleGaurdian]

@@fredfredson9392 Of courde you use the Attack action! You just avoid beasts with Multiattack. It also *does* count as Unarmed Strike. See: Every feature that gives a PC natural weapons.

[@fredfredson9392]

Nope it doesn't: www.sageadvice.eu/2016/03/21/how-do-wild-shape-attacks-interact-with-unarmed-strikes/

[@Khazidhea87]

Hey Treantmonk, thanks for another great video! Off topic, but if I recall correctly you're a fan of wall spells. I recently came across a Cube of Force in an AL game which struck me as being able to offer similar abilities, but had never heard of it being used before. Any thoughts on it?

[@fhuber7507]

I'd rather do Circle of the Shepherd with variant human, Mage Ritual Caster feat, selecting Find Familiar, and I really don't care what other ritual spells accumulate (but I expect to eventually get them all)

[@jordanflutes]

PHB says Tough feat is based on level, not hit dice.

[@alanschaub147]

This was super helpful! 👍🏻

[@Travisb71]

What website are you using to map out this character. I’m sorry I’m new to playing D&D again after 30 years. My son has gotten me back into it playing a campaign with him. I played as a teenager back in the Stone Age lol.

[@heyitsMattyP]

When DMing for a druid, what do think it's better to limit the wild shapes available to them or let them pick anything with an appropriate CR? I think it would be fun to let players add the exotic animals to their repertoire as they see them over the adventure like Pokemon.

[@DVDMaster2009]

I like giving them all the beasts to the one area (mountain, forest, etc.) that they are most familiar with. Then only what they have seen before.

[@OpticalShadow]

i generally let them be whatever, honestly it takes a few gold to go to a wizard and have him minor illusion magic you all the shapes. but most of the best options are not even exotic, the best options tend to be kinda things everyone would reasonably see, so your not giveing them keys to the kingdom. even in cases where an exotic animal is better, were talking minorlly so. just let them have fun.

[@KhaosDCrab]

Did you skip a feat/ stat improvement at 16?

[@Porphyrogenitus1]

Why does the "Brown Bear" picture look more like a shadow leopard than, say, the Bear Necessities bear (who can talk, btw. My druid has seen the "Bear Necessities" bear. It's simple).

[@undrhil]

You mean Baloo?

[@Porphyrogenitus1]

@@undrhil Ballou is a cat tho! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWqrlJ9or6uApbc

[@Babidi111]

- Does anyone know if the Church of the Silver flame have anything against druids over wild shape? We just basically got arrested by them after defeating Strahd and the mist clearing. It's gonna be homebrew content from now on but we had a priest who knew enough with religion check to know they are a militant church that while good has that ends justify the means attitude and full on hate against lyncanthropes. - As a Moon druid i'm worried i could be executed, we just finished a huge boss fight so we have very few spell slots or abilities, I do have a wild shape though. So it comes down to either going with them and hoping that they are okay with my existence, or bail and let the rest of the party (warlock might bail too, but he's the face character so it's a tough choice for him, he took a curse that has him at 22 charisma at lvl 9, but it did change his alignment to chaotic evil, and a flaw about not liking to take no for an answer) do the diplomacy while I lay low. - since the DM is my bro, and I know he's not a complete dick, it makes me consider that this is probably just a plot hook for whatever he has plan and i'm probably just being paranoid. unless of course the silver flame guys consider it lyncanthropy as that would mean they will go all ultra violence on me.

[@mbohlin01]

Hi! Great vid. What would you consider multiclassing your Moon Druids to? I know most would not, but just asking.

[@M0ebius]

Surtyr There aren’t alot of obvious synergies with Druid multiclasses, but Life Cleric is always a solid option when combined with Goodberry and Healing Spirit.

[@mbohlin01]

Thanks M0ebius. SO I have heard some who splash monk for a better AC calculation, although I hear flurry is not ok with most DMs in wild shape. Also 3 levels barb for resists and to make a more tanky build? Would lose progression and some 9th level slot and capstone. Is Capstone more a trap since most characters don’t play their 20th level much or go Epic levels without Homebrew. I hear for some DMs preparing for high level content is a drag since combats can be much more complicated? Thanks

[@DVDMaster2009]

You can rage while wildshaped, so barbarian is an option. Barbarian and Monk both offer alternative AC calculations that work when whildshaped.

[@M0ebius]

If you don’t care at all about spell progression, a Barbarian dip is very strong at lower levels. However later on your concentration spells will far outpace the Wild Shape, so personally I think it’s too big a cost (can’t cast spells while raging). Also Rage takes bonus action to set up as does Wild Shape, so there is some competition in terms of Action Economy. Fighter is always good for two levels, since Action Surge is great on anyone. You also get CONsave proficiency and Defense Fighting Style and some extra HP starting Fighter, and can pick up the second level at any point. Rangers are good up to 5 levels if you want Extra Attack, and you pick up a few extra spells. Not exactly optimal though if you are the primary caster, and better if you aren’t Circle of the Moon. But it makes sense thematically. Monk for 1 level is good for some extra AC, though check with the DM on whether it applies on Wild Shape. All in all Life Cleric for 1 is still the best in my opinion, since it’s Wisdom based, you don’t lose spell slot progression, gets a massive boost to your healing, and can pick up some great spells useful your entire career.

[@Iamstrad]

I'm thinking 1 level dip of Divine Soul Sorcerer for Mage Armour and Shield of Faith spells, Favoured by the God's feature that gives 2d4 on a fail, 4 Cantrips and can be flavoured to a nature deity.

[@xdiamond7157]

I myself personally don’t like using Moon Druid, it’s amazing early on, no mistake, but after about level 6, other characters have stronger attacks then Moon Druid, and Dan do it more often as well, I prefer Star and Wildfire Druids, they have much more flexibility and usage then Moon Druid imo, but I do see why the Moon Druids a popular choice

[@kenshi4296]

where did lvl 5 go ?

[@ethanjohnson2849]

My idea is all the beasts in the player's handbook are the animals the Moon Druid can turn into at the beginning.

[@jomoelle]

Do less “I’ve talked about this before” this is my first video and it leaves some big gaps in an amazing video. Thank you for this content!

[@acm4bass]

I think of beast forms a bit like the illusions of mages. I think as a dm it would be ok to upgrade a single form like a bear to fit each of the CR levels. Or If you are in a Certain CR level and the creature you want isn't available, as a DM I would make equivalent beasts... so if you needed a CR 6 octopus- why not?