Brainstorm: Alternative Druid-Like Nature Classes (UPDATED!)

[Remathilis]

Heya...

So I have an idea to make an alternative nature-caster, but I'm not sure yet what direction to take him. I'm looking at a spontaneous caster that uses the druid spell list, something like sorcerer or mystic/favored soul.

More than actual finished classes (though if you have one, it please list!) I'm looking for inspiration. I'm trying to find something OTHER than D&D's shapechanging-nature-priest idea. Some of my initial ideas were a shaman/primal caster or a witch/pesudo-Wiccan idea. However, any ideas people might have is good.

Please chime in thoughts or ideas!

UPDATE BELOW!

 

[diaglo]

1edADnD DMG (1979 revised) look up the witch doctor and shamans for humanoids

also mystic in the BECMI Frank M version ... or just find the Rules Cyclopedia

or maybe the adept in the 2000ed


for some ideas for mechanics

 

[catsclaw227]

Is it safe to assume that this request is for 3.x or Pathfinder?

 

[Azgulor]

Here's a few sources of possible inspiration:

Shaman's Handbook - Green Ronin
Witches' Handbook - Green Ronin
Greenbond (Arcana Evolved) - Malhavoc
Thieves' World Players Manual - Green Ronin

Given your decription of abilities, the Witch from TWPM may be the closest fit. You could easily use the Sorceror's spell progression and spontaneous casting. The Witch uses a modified druid spell list (has some selected wizard/sorcerer spells) and has class abilities that could derive from a natural source if you chose to play it that way. (Since the abilities are "naturally occurring" within the witch's heritage, you can decide what the source of that power is.)

If you're hoping to emphasize the "one with the land" nature aspect, then the Greenbond is tough to beat.

 

[Remathilis]

Is it safe to assume that this request is for 3.x or Pathfinder?

Third-edition is the system being built for, but the inspiration is system neutral.

 

[Remathilis]

Here's a few sources of possible inspiration:

Shaman's Handbook - Green Ronin
Witches' Handbook - Green Ronin
Greenbond (Arcana Evolved) - Malhavoc
Thieves' World Players Manual - Green Ronin

Given your description of abilities, the Witch from TWPM may be the closest fit. You could easily use the Sorceror's spell progression and spontaneous casting. The Witch uses a modified druid spell list (has some selected wizard/sorcerer spells) and has class abilities that could derive from a natural source if you chose to play it that way. (Since the abilities are "naturally occurring" within the witch's heritage, you can decide what the source of that power is.)

If you're hoping to emphasize the "one with the land" nature aspect, then the Greenbond is tough to beat.

I don't have any of those books, but I found a "preview" of the Greenbond.

Care to explain a bit about the shaman and whatever is in Thieves World?

 

[Dagredhel]

An "intellectual" nature-themed caster would be interesting. Perhaps the Archivist could serve as the model. The class would start with spells from the Druid list, for starters.

There is (at least) one such variant posted here on EnWorld: Biosoph Class - Archivist of Nature.

It would be interesting to see a wizard-like class based on bending nature to the caster's will and needs, rather than "serving" nature in some sense. It is a nice reversal of the usual trope, and different perspective on man's relationship with the natural world.

A "transformational" elemental-themed class could also be interesting. You'd combine themed spellcasting with the acquisition of characteristics based on chosen element: earth, air, fire, water, air, wood, etc.

 

[fba827]

why not take the sorcerer (or favored soul), strip it's spell list and replace it with one adequate for the flavor you're going for? (and replace an odd feature or two that you don't think fits, like familiars if you go with sorcerer as the base with nature's stride or some other druid ability)

 

[yesnomu]

Have you seen the Spirit Shaman in Complete Divine? Uses the druid spell list, is a spontaneous caster, and has various (kinda weak) spirit powers instead of wild shape/animal companion. Uses Cha, I believe. Looked fine to me, as long as you didn't mind being completely overshadowed by a real druid.

 

[Set]

An elementalist priest, perhaps using some ideas from the Athasian elemental clerics, would be a neat idea. Either it could be a specific elemental theme, such as a Wind Witch or Sea Mage or Adept of Flame or whatever, or it could be a more generalized priest of all four elements, or of natural forces (weather, life-death-rebirth, etc.) in a more generic sense. Skip the shapeshifting Druidy stuff since that doesn't fit the elementalist theme. Various weather control spells, and elemental summoning effects, would be key. A specialist might have an at will elemental blast, such as a wind blast that does a ranged trip, or an earth priest who has an at will magic stone type power or a fire priest using a produce fire power.

Another naturalist option is a spirit shaman, connected to natural spirits of animals, plants, weather, the natural world, etc. Instead of summoning actual animals, they might summon spirit animals, etc. and various buffs would be interpreted as channeling the strength or abilities or natural talents of the various animals or whatever that he conjures up within himself.

A Totemist spirit shaman would be a variation based on a single totem creature (or elemental force). In this case, shapeshifting would be a common theme, but the totemist would be more of a barbarian / warrior type with self-buffs through channeling the power of the specific totem animal (the totem-warrior, from Arcana Uneathed / Arcana Evolved could be considered a sort of totem-priest in this case).