Cleric vs Psion: No Contest, Right?

[CalibronXXX]

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

[Catharz]

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?

[shirak]

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.

[Jacob_Orlove]

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.

[JonSetanta]

Holy shit those are some nice dirty tricks.

[Draco_Argentum]

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