Mooids or Muids. Whatver you want to call them

[Michael]

I've loved Mooids (love the term, too ) since NwN1.

I have not experimented with the combination in NwN2 (focusing more on warrior classes for the extra smackage effect), and, frankly, do not care overly for powerbuilds. I do enjoy, however, concepts behind the characters, and the idea of a tree hugger turning into a huge bear to lay smackage on his oponents simply tickles my fancy.

That said, what's the problem with RP behind a Mooid build?

I would presume a druid spending a lot of time in wildshape form would, in fact, learn similar abilities as a level 1 monk, given that they are combat-focused rather than powers developed from inner focus and whatnot.

A shapeshifted druid is -not- an animal. He has all the intellectual capacities and wisdom (primary stat, anybody) to learn and improve from the experience, far over what the animal is capable of.

Why wouldn't said druid develop their own fighting style dependent on the shape they are in, without outside help? Note that there is a considerable number of martial art styles that are based on observation of animal behavior. That's simply observation - now imagine the ability to -become- such an animal.

And, yes, in the end getting that extra armor boost from wisdom while shapeshifted does help.

As to the technicalities, I understand there are problems with the code right now. Monks should definitely not run around in armor with a shield if they want to retain their monk class abilities. However, it is something already addressed by the 1.04 patch, meaning it should be fixed sometimes halfway next year

The unaddressed issues -are- a problem, but I think given the lifespan of the game addressing any balancing issues occuring right now is quite a waste of time. Balancing attempts should hardly begin when there is no stable base to draw upon...

In conclusion, I'd like to note another thing - my Mooid has been level 2 for quite some time now. I do not plan on power-leveling while all the bugs make it easier, either, so please do not treat the above as a defense of "exploiting" actions taken by the author of the post

It did amuse me, though, to run into a druid every five minutes I did get to play. Now I realize why

[broncoblitz]

Fighting in a druids shifted form is NOT the same as learning how to become a monk. Becoming a monk requires discipline, study and contemplation, not rampaging around the woodlands as a bear.

Barbarian, Ranger or Fighter are much more intuitive choices for a nature based character who has chosen to attack as much with claws and teeth as with spells. However, they do not provide the same statistical advantages as a monk would, so they are largely dismissed.

[ormane]

In conclusion, I'd like to note another thing - my Mooid has been level 2 for quite some time now. I do not plan on power-leveling while all the bugs make it easier, either, so please do not treat the above as a defense of "exploiting" actions taken by the author of the post

It's actually quite easy to level without exploiting. I haven't used the armor exploit at any level and I'm level 10.

Your AB is a little screwy until level 3 or so, but you can use Sleep and your animal companion to grind a bit. Use Flurry of Blows with a Quarterstaff if you can (strength and a half bonus applies). Once you hit 6, you can get Elephant Hide and then your AC worries are pretty much done with!

[Wyvern]

I would love to see a Dire Bear standing on the top of a pole trying to do the Crane Technique...

[ormane]

I would love to see a Dire Bear standing on the top of a pole trying to do the Crane Technique...

Can you all work something out in the toolset?

[StormRunner]

Hrm. Seems like my initial post turned into a full blown derailment. Anyway, I'm currently agreeing with bronc on this. Can't say I don't understand the reasoning, though. Being powerful is always fun.

[Michael]

Fighting in a druids shifted form is NOT the same as learning how to become a monk. Becoming a monk requires discipline, study and contemplation, not rampaging around the woodlands as a bear.

Barbarian, Ranger or Fighter are much more intuitive choices for a nature based character who has chosen to attack as much with claws and teeth as with spells. However, they do not provide the same statistical advantages as a monk would, so they are largely dismissed.

I obviously disagree.

A level 1 monk focuses on combat techniques - her power originating from inner focus begins to develop later in the level advancement.

Improved Unarmed Combat, Flurry of Blows and Cleave are clearly combat feats, not dependent on Ki focus. The requirement of self-discipline is present in the alignment requirement for a druid to take a monk level.

A level 1 monk can be as much self-taught as trained, particularly given the druid's primary stat being wisdom.

I will never argue that the power package coming from a selection of the level of monk is not a factor (let's face it... AC bonus -plus- three free feats, one exclusive to monk... of course it is), but I think such immediate dismissal of validity of such a combination from the roleplaying point of view is flawed.

A lever 1 class choice mean to me a rudimentary affinity toward a particular career path, rather than advancement on it.

Besides... nature induces contemplation.

I shall refrain from causing any further strife by my words...

Do excuse me while I go and meditate over the nature of daffodils.

[obsoletenihilist]

Fighting in a druids shifted form is NOT the same as learning how to become a monk. Becoming a monk requires discipline, study and contemplation, not rampaging around the woodlands as a bear.

Barbarian, Ranger or Fighter are much more intuitive choices for a nature based character who has chosen to attack as much with claws and teeth as with spells. However, they do not provide the same statistical advantages as a monk would, so they are largely dismissed.

I actually tried the Druid/Frenzied Zerker combo in the OC. Sadly it's horrible and you can't activate rage or frenzy while in animal form.

Also, I think everyone is deviating from the real true powergaming class combination to whine about..

Bard/Harper Scout!

I mean really, just think of how well they can ID magic items. It's gone on for far too long and something should be done!

[broncoblitz]

I actually tried the Druid/Frenzied Zerker combo in the OC. Sadly it's horrible and you can't activate rage or frenzy while in animal form.

If there is something better than whipping yourself into a frenzing shifting into a bear and then mauling your opponents I dont want to know about it.

[ormane]

Do excuse me while I go and meditate over the nature of daffodils.

And then karate punch someone with your paws!

[obsoletenihilist]

I actually tried the Druid/Frenzied Zerker combo in the OC. Sadly it's horrible and you can't activate rage or frenzy while in animal form.

If there is something better than whipping yourself into a frenzing shifting into a bear and then mauling your opponents I dont want to know about it.

Well, I did 10/10 and it didn't seem to work out that great. Maybe less frenzied zerker levels and more druid so you can get dire bear?

[Kazak]

Becoming a monk requires discipline, study and contemplation,

Thank you, from the purest of monks around

[Michael]

Do excuse me while I go and meditate over the nature of daffodils.

And then karate punch someone with your paws!

Such is the Tao of Pooh.

[Stormknife]

Pooh-t to the head?

[ormane]

Pooh-t to the head?

Kung Fu Action Honey Pot.