Completed 4e Druid (Updated 7/11, New Items; More Versatile)

[malcolm_n]

This is the final update I plan to make to the druid for a while. I'll create a separate document with Errata and update this file only if there is a major change to be made.

DOWNLOAD COMPLETED THE DRUID PDF levels 1-30 HERE

Here are some templates for DMs

Here is the Expansion for the druid. It includes errata, a couple new feats, an epic destiny, and flight.Special thanks goes to dcviana and Dire Human for helping me to work kinks out.

The full download now includes all of the expansion information. The expansion is for anybody who doesn't want to redownload the complete file.

Because it is a lot of work to format every detail in a document, I don't quite feel up to doing it again within this thread. I may get around to it, but you'll probably be best off looking at the PDF instead. Sorry if this is an inconvenience for you. If anybody wants to write out all 1-30 levels, I'll post it here and thank you for the contribution.

[malcolm_n]

Known errata already:

Okay, here's a hotfix for your level 1 defensive druid, and I'll include it in my next update.
1) All druids have Proficiency 3 to attacks while in wild shape.
2) Offensive form gives +2 AC and +1d6 damage with combat advantage (+1d6 at 11 and 21) instead of +1 to attack and Str to damage with Combat Advantage.
3) Tear's Hit should read: "1[W] + Strength modifier damage and the target is marked and takes a -1 penalty to attack you until the start of your next turn."
4) Pack tactic's effect should read: "The target is marked by you and takes an additional 1[W] + Strength modifier damage."

[malcolm_n]

Pros for wild-shape at-will


cons for wild-shape at-will

[malcolm_n]

Reserved 21-30 and Related Feats

[malcolm_n]

Reserved for FAQ

1) Since an unarmed attack is synonimous with a natural attack in 4e, I've left the verbage Natural attack.

2) Wild Shape as a Channel Divinity Variant: Both here and on the WotC boards, it's been said over and again that druids should have their wild shape represented by different shapes they take through their powers. This is a mechanic I think was very well done by Wizards and so I have used a similar method to my approach with wild shape. Unlike Channel Divinity, not all Wild Shape feats will grant you a new power. Some, rather, tack onto the existing powers. Since I decided Wild Shape itself would be best represented as a stance, writing feats is easier since they all run only as long as you stay in your wild shape.

3) Druids and Items: Druids get a +3 proficiency bonus when in wild shape to attacks; after all, even a rites druid should be as good at dealing 1d4 + Strength damage as a Wizard. Druids gain +2 AC in offensive form and +3 in defensive (tweaked by choice of focus).

4) Offensive druids should deal an average of 3-12 damage less than a rogue of their level on an increasing scale to level 30. They also get to knock foes down quite a bit, which grants decent combat advantage if they decide to spend an action point.

5) Defensive druids should have about 1 less AC than fighters at any level. Their schtick for keeping monsters on them is similar because they get attacks when the monster tries to do something; in this case, attack other creatures. A defensive druid who takes all defensive encounter powers is also surprisingly very good at grappling, so they stick to monsters by literally sticking to them.

6) Rites druids should deal reasonable damage compared to a warlock. Although they don't get a damage bump, they do get versatility in having an additional encounter power at any given level.

7) A defensive druid in offensive form is a lesser rogue with a short-sword. A rites druid in offensive form is a lesser rogue with a dagger.

8) An offensive druid in Defensive form is a lesser fighter with a great-sword. A rites druid in Defensive form is probably running away.

9) Any druid outside of wild-shape during combat is either rite's focused, multiclassed, or doing something sneaky.

[malcolm_n]

Known errata already:

Alternate defenses - +1 Fortitude/+1 Will
or
+1 Fortitude and choose
+1 Fortitude with Nature's Protector
+1 Reflex with Feral Warrior
+1 Will with Master of Rites
__________________________

STOMP Druid Attack 1
With crushing hooves, you buck into your opponent.
At-will * Primal, Wild
Standard Action, Melee touch
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage
Special: If target is prone, this attack deals +4 damage.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Strength modifier at 21st level.
__________________________
OVER HEAT Druid Attack 1
The foe becomes first uncomfortably, then painfully hot.
At-will * Implement, Fire, Primal
Standard Action Ranged 5
Target: One creature
Attack: Wisdom vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1d6 + Wisdom modifier fire damage.
Special: If you hit the target with this power last round, this attack deals +2 damage.
Increase damage to 2d6 + Wisdom modifier and 3d6 + Wisdom modifier respectively at 21st level.

[malcolm_n]

Okay, it's done. Please, as always, feedback is appreciated. If you notice any glaring errors, please let me know so I can create an errata document.

Also, if you are going to or have playtested this, let me know how it runs. I'll be updating this thread with our own playtests as we start our campaign this tuesday.

[VBMEW-01]

Malcolm this is awesome as always. I think I'm going to run one as soon as I can get out from behind the screen. Have you considered making a druid template to go into the file, so us DMs can enjoy your creation?

[malcolm_n]

druid template? do you mean in the dmg? I'll write one up here in a sec

[malcolm_n]

Okay, how's this?

DRUID
Power Source: Primal

Defensive Form Druid - Elite Soldier
Defenses: +1 Fortitude, +1 Reflex
Saving Throws +2
Action Point 1
Hit Points +8 per level + Constitution score
Weapon Proficiency None
Armor Training Cloth, Leather, Hide
Trained Skills: Nature and one other from Druid List
features: Wild Shape: Defensive Form, Nature's Protector, Stride

Offensive Form Druid - Elite Skirmisher
Defenses: +1 Fortitude, +1 Reflex
Saving Throws +2
Action Point 1
Hit Points +8 per level + Constitution score
Weapon Proficiency None
Armor Training Cloth, Leather, Hide
Trained Skills: Nature and one other from Druid List
features: Wild Shape: Offensive Form, Feral Warrior, Stride

Master of Rites Druid - Elite Artillery
Defenses: +1 Fortitude, +1 Reflex
Saving Throws +2
Action Point 1
Hit Points +6 per level + Constitution score
Weapon Proficiency None
Armor Training Cloth, Leather, Hide
Trained Skills: Nature and one other from Druid List
features: Defensive or Offensive Form, +2 damage when using non-wild powers, Stride

[VBMEW-01]

very awesome accommodation. Now I can enjoy som druid fun. Thanks bud.

[Jack Colby]

Right off the bat: Having a "hybrid" role doesn't sit well with me. I don't think that fits into the game.

But good job on finishing the class completely to level 30. I do like the way you handled wildshape.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by Jack Colby

Right off the bat: Having a "hybrid" role doesn't sit well with me. I don't think that fits into the game.

Hmm. Do you think the four existing roles completely describe all possible combat niches?

[malcolm_n]

Thank you for the input .

The reason for the "hybrid" feel is that WotC has stated the druid would fit multiple roles, thus a hybrid concept. The druid presented above was my closest interpretation to what I would expect to see when it comes out next year.

That said, it was surprisingly difficult to find a good way to combine several types. I settled on the less is more concept. I looked at powers that other classes got in their role at one stage lower. So, for a 19th level Defender druid power, I looked at what the fighter (and to a small degree the paladin) got at 15. I picked an idea that meshed well and ran with it. I did the same with the rogue for the dps set and the fey warlock (and rarely the wizard) for the spellcasting.

[Imperialus]

Bloody Brilliant! Love it.

I'm gonna have to look it over in more detail but at first blush I'm loving it. Have a player who loves druids so I'll be forwarding this PDF to her.

I like how it's viable to build a druid who either focus' on using his wildshape or one who acts more like a caster. A combination of the two would be pretty interesting too.

[Doc Eldritch]

Very nice, I am impressed! Quite a useful druid class, and something I think I will definitely use, until we see an "official" one and I decide which I like better.

Since the one WotC makes is slated to be a hybrid as well (according to everything I have read), I am wondering how theirs will work!

[Evenglare]

Job well done sir. My girlfriend will be happy to see this (she plays a druid). This is very awesome indeed.

[Alarius]

Goodberry should be a ritual I believe. It hardly fits the nature of a utility power.

[Otterscrubber]

Impressive amount of work you've put in here. Although at first glance some of the abilities seem a little too good to be true, I think I saw an at-will that gives Str. vs Reflex? Not sure that makes a lot of sense, as most Str vs. something powers I've seen don't quite work that way. Seems a little skewed. This write up has everything I'd want, which usually means it's a little unbalanced. Still, its nice to see a druid out there in any form, I think they're a great class and I'm a little bummed that they got bumped for one of the newer classes.

[Holy Bovine]

Awesome job malcolm! Maybe you should get WotC to give you a job! I am forwarding this to the 4Emaniacs in my group. I know they will love it.