Well, this is my first guide :) I hope this helps beginner and advanced Nidalee players alike. A forewarning though, DO NOT follow this build like a bible, you will get nowhere trying to buy a doran's 15 minutes in. Go with the flow of the game, and all will be well.

I choose all ability power runes and mana regen seals to get the maximum damage and sustain possible out of Nidalee. There's not much else to say except that conserving mana is a big issue if you don't land spears. So if you find yourself landing very few, stop throwing until you have a clear shot.

Standard AP masteries ensure that you get the maximum possible damage out of your spear. The extra tower damage is always nice to have as well. I can't stress enough that your spear is your most important ability when playing AP Nidalee.

My item build may seem a bit... strange. Or out of order. Or just plain wrong. But it works for me, after many games of experimentation, I find this to work best for me. A quick note on Tear of the Goddess and Seraph's Embrace: If you have full stacks on TotG, don't be afraid to grab Seraph's before other items. Like I mentioned, do what works for you and conform to the game.

This is pretty much a no-brainer. Nidalee's spear can get up to 250% of 230 plus 65% of your AP. Long story short, you can take out half of an ADC's health with that kind of damage. I prefer her heal second for the sustain and the amazing attack speed boost it gives. That boost can turn around a fight for an ADC in trouble, never forget about teammates.

Farming is normal last hitting until level 6. Once you hit 6, you can jump in with pounce, damage with swipe, and finish with takedown and auto attacks. If you have lane dominance, your farming will be extremely easy and quick.

Like I mentioned before, Nidalee's heal can turn around a 1v1 for an adc, or even yourself. This becomes more effective in teamfights and taking Dragon and Baron. How I like to use Nidalee in a teamfight is to poke once or twice with my spear then run in and finish them off in cougar form. Placing traps around the map can save you and your teammates from some nasty ganks.