Druid Wildshape and combat

[DarkelvenSFi]

I've been having some trouble finding some rules on combat in wildshape. Specifically the base attack bonus that is used.

If a druid changes into a bear, does she gain the three attacks allowed a bear, or only those allowed by her level?

Does she use the base attack described in the Monster Manual for a bear, or does she use her own:

If using the bears base attack, do we add on her attack bonus?
If using her own, do we add on the strength modifier for the new creature?

If using the animals base with no modifications, this leaves many animals being less beneficial in combat than the druid.

The main concern I have is with creatures available at higher levels; specifically those with multiple limbs (such as the squid). It seems odd that she would not gain the benefit of those limbs, but it also seems odd that she could turn into a smaller creature and not have the benefit of her combat training (attack bonus transferred over). But the combination of these leaves the druid at a marked advantage in terms of options and damage dealt.

Imagine a rogue/druid with in giant octopus shape dealing 8 sneak attacks against a creature.

I'm assuming that others know how it's done because despite a long time searching, I cannot find anyone else with a similar query.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

First of all, natural attacks are not dependent on BAB. If a creature has two claws and a bite, it gets them (on a full attack), regardless of BAB. Likewise, you never get iterative attacks with natural weapons, even if your BAB would grant them. There are specific exceptions, such as an animal companion without enough attacks to qualify for Multiattack, in which case they do in fact get an iterative attack with their primary natural weapon instead.

So, to answer your questions:
Yes, she gets all three attacks.
She uses her own BAB.
She uses the creature's strength score for attack and damage rolls, not her regular score.

So yeah, wildshape is actually quite good for combat. As for Rogue/Druid, it's a poor multiclass (really, losing any Druid is bad), but check out the feat Savage Grapple if you make such a character. Lets you deal SA damage to anything you're grappling while wildshaped. I think it's in Complete Adventurer.

 

[DarkelvenSFi]

Thanks

Thanks for the reply. This makes a lot of sense in hindsight.

Makes high strength animals a much better option, along with those with multi-attack possibilities.

And it's relatively easy to calculate stats for a druid in animal shape.