Talk:Wildshape Monk (3.5e Alternate Class Feature)

1. Wild Shape is a VERY powerful ability: the loss of a progressing AC bonus, and faster movement speed is not enough (the forms available in wild shape can provide better AC through natural armor, and superior movement modes. this combine with versatility is a noticeable power boost)

2. Removing a monk's progressing AC bonus but leaving behind the wisdom bonus: indecisive: you shouldn't split a class feature in half when supplying alternative features. If you don't want to give up the AC bonus give up something else. (besides, I like the AC bonus. Not to mention the nice synergy with you can't wear armor in wild shape)

My Suggestion:

Lose:

Slow Fall

Fast movement

monk bonus feats at levels 1, 2, and 6.

Gain:

Knowledge (nature) as a class skill level 1.

Flurry of blows may be used with any natural weapon.

Woodland Stride at level 2.

Wild Shape at level 6: do not gain Elemental Wild Shape.

Note: yes, this does make for a weaker monk at level one, in exchange for a stronger one down the line.

Gaining wild empathy might be nice in exchange for that level one feat?

Maybe lose Quivering palm in order to balance later benefits of Huge wild shape forms?

If I were to do either, I would do both, as well as delaying gaining Woodland stride (and maybe Wild shape) by one level. (I'm assuming in this that 1. wild empathy is appropriate to your original idea, 2. wild empathy is better than a feat, 3. Str 30+ is arguably better than quivering palm.)