D&D (2024) Wild shape on the core druid should be...

[MarkB]

I think templates have potential, if they're improved over the current offerings. My preference would be to have only a handful of generalist templates, but then have a list of specialist traits that represent specific types of animal - an extra damage type, an unusual form of perception, a specialised mode of movement, etc. You pick a template, then get to add 1-2 traits to it, either from the full list or from a small selection you choose as you level up.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Thinking about this, maybe Druids shouldn't have the versatility with Wild Shape that they currently enjoy; each Circle should have it's own variant, tailored to what they are about. Some could be tanking, some could be melee combatants, others could focus on debuffing with poison, and pure casters could take on a form that boosts their magical ability.

World of Warcraft says hello.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Every druid should at least be able to have the basic combat functionality of a dog, falcon, donkey, or swan. They don't all need to become a t-rex.

A T. Rex wishes it was as scary as an angry swan.

 

[mellored]

Also...I like the elemental forms, but those feel like they belong in a different sub-class, don't they? More of a shamanistic druid, perhaps.

Agreed.
wolf -> bear -> mammoth -> fire elemental is not a great progression.

wolf -> bear -> mammoth ->
manticore -> chimera -> umber hulk -> Kaiju works better.

Having a separate elemental subclass, with elemental wild shape, would be better.

Also, a plant subclass with plant wild shapes.

So...
Moon: beast and monstrosity
Element: earth, air, fire, water
Blossom: trees and plants
Land: more spells.

 

[James Gasik]

World of Warcraft says hello.

Huh, I didn't even think about that. But that doesn't make it a bad idea.

 

[bloodtide]

All druids should get Wildshape, BUT with huge balancing Drawbacks. I recommend:

1.Wildshape does 1/2 your normal health HP is damage. This stops all the "maximum Hit Points per level" exploit, as it cuts down on HPs.
2.Limit the animals not only to where the druid is based, but where they are.....maybe even a nice nature point system, where each point gives a form.
3.Do mental damage, cut the mental scores down by 1/3. So, again, even the character with the exploit of all 18s, would have their Int, Wis and Chr all damaged down to 6.

 

[Clint_L]

One concern with those suggestions is that they are all substantial nerfs...does anyone think druids other than moon druids need a nerf?

 

[James Gasik]

I don't know, I'd have to see someone play a Druid that isn't a Moon Druid.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I don't know, I'd have to see someone play a Druid that isn't a Moon Druid.

Wildfire druids are so cool!

 

[Minigiant]

One concern with those suggestions is that they are all substantial nerfs...does anyone think druids other than moon druids need a nerf?

All the casters of 5e needed some sort of a nerf. The base druid needed a little one but the moon druid needed a big one.

The druid more or less was one of the most powerful classes. Its "complexity" is what made it unpopular.