Thing is, this is specialization. Only a really feat intensive one. All of these feats do one thing: make AoO combat better (and tripping better). If I can't get all these feats I want for this, I'm going to focus on only defensive battlefield control, and not worry about doing damage, like, at all. With the whip it's currently a static 1d4. No str, no nothing. The tentacles do 1d8+wis right now, and they are pretty much summons, so they can dish out the hurt, but I need a lot of water to do that. I might take Golem eventually for another strong damage option, but I doubt it. With the defensive BC though I can make difficult terrain (next level), trip a 60' area, make walls, that sort of thing. Also I might take a SoL seed. And Steady Stance, which immobilizes enemies.
EDIT: Yeah, I'm thinking I'll just go with Incarnate and use solely defensive melds. This will be interesting, my other class doesn't contribute much to my character, and I really have no reason to be using souls. Spirit world it is! Flavor change.
Hey Sifir, know of any good defensive melds from other sources? Or is MoI the best source for them?