D&D 3E/3.5 [3.5] New to the druiding world

[Krash]

Hi, I'm about to start playing a low level druid but have never really played one. I used to be more into playing melee characters. I think we are starting around level 4, so what would you choose for starting equipment and what spells would you load up for general adventuring.

I plan on focusing on summoning stuff, but obviously I don't need to load those spells up as I can spontaneously combust.

Thanks !

 

[sithramir]

I absolutely love the new druid. My favorite class is wizard but druid is a very close second now.

Sucks for you at 4th level as 5th level is a big boost for melee combat for the druid. (Ape and Bear give 20ish str and +3 nat ac, etc)

I'd suggest spellfocus (conjuration) sinc e its a prereq for augment summoning. Giving your summons +4 str and +4 (dex is it?) is a very nice thing. More to hit and AC and damage. Thats if you want to be a great summoner. In the future get natural spell so you can cast while wildshaped.

Spells to memorize that are cool.

1st level is definitely a healing spell at least. Entangle if you are outside because its an insane spell.

2nd level roduce flame is a great attack spell. Bulls str is good for boosting you or the fighters melee. Meld into stone is awesome if you are in a dungon setting.

 

[Rashak Mani]

Havent seen the Druids spell list in 3.5, but probably has only gotten better. Compared to Clerics the Druids have many more "offensive" and damage dealing spells. You can almost be a fully fledged spellcaster and use the wildshape abilities only out of combat.

You should think about getting Natural Spellcasting Feat that allows to cast in animal form and the Eschew Material feat too if you intend to cast spells in animal form.

You have many options and thou you are not a specialist in neither area your a pretty decent spellcaster and in wildshape a pretty decent combat character. Make sure you check you animal and summoned animal boosting spells too.

 

[Skaros]

Flaming sphere is good against creatures without fantastic reflex saves.

You can cast one the first round, and have it attack someone. The next round cast another one, and then you can attack twice a round for a couple of rounds since they are move-equivalent actions to attack with.

Shillelagh + barkskin +bear's strength isn't a bad way to prep for some melee work at your level, if you are interested in fighting it out that way.

Of course, summoning a few creatures is a good idea as well.

Plenty of versatility in that class!

Skaros

 

[Dark Dragon]

Natural Spell is an absolute must have at level 6.

If you rely on summoned creatures, take Spell Focus and Augment Summoning (gives "only" a +4 on STR for summoned creatures).

Improved Initiative is always a good choice.

If you want to play a melee druid, go for Improved Natural Attack, Multiattack, Power Attack and perhaps Weapon Focus (Claw).

For a spell casting druid is Extend Spell not bad, as well as Silent Spell. Later, take Craft Wondrous Item and Energy Substitution.

Good spells are: Entangle, Flaming Sphere, Barkskin, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance, Cat's Grace, Flame Blade, Heat / Chill Metal. If your DM allows the splat books, take Creeping Cold (MotW), Briar Web (MoF, quite nasty spell: Entangle + damage) and Brambles (MoF, enhances damage of a club or quarterstaff).

EDIT: Augment Summoning gives a +4 enhacement to both STR and CON of the summoned creatures, IIRC.

 

[Pielorinho]

2nd level : produce flame is a great attack spell.

DO NOT prepare produce flame for a second-level spell slot -- that's a terrible idea.

Instead, prepare it for a first-level spell slot.

Yay 3.5!

(Otherwise, this advice is great)
Daniel

 

[Darklone]

Yeah, Produce Flame got more damage and that's why they made it one level lower

Flame Blade rocks too. Try to get your hands on 1 lvl of fighter, then go for dragonscale full plate and greatsword. harharhar.

 

[smetzger]

I would suggest playing your Druid as if he was a Wizard. Try to stay out of melee and use your spells to the best advantage.

If your party doesn't have a Ranger, get a Riding Dog that can track for your companion.

Scribe Scroll would be a decent feat to pick up.

Also, if your party doesn't have a Cleric (you'll need to burn spells to heal party members) or doesn't have an Arcane caster (you'll have to be the artilery)... Craft Wand may be a good choice.

BTW. 4th level, thats the starting level for RttToEE.

 

[ForceUser]

Hi, I'm about to start playing a low level druid but have never really played one. I used to be more into playing melee characters. I think we are starting around level 4, so what would you choose for starting equipment and what spells would you load up for general adventuring.

I plan on focusing on summoning stuff, but obviously I don't need to load those spells up as I can spontaneously combust.

Thanks !

Augment Summoning is now a fantastic druid feat. In general adventuring I often have barkskin (for the fighters, not for me), entangle (this is an overpowered 1st-level spell outdoors, and useless in dungeons), obscuring mist (a great way to facilitate a withdrawal when your group is overmatched or losing), goodberry (no need to pack food with this spell around), flaming sphere (your best 2nd-level damage spell), and produce flame (a given) memorized. Speak with animals is handy too.

As a low-level druid my marquee weapon was the longspear - with a low AC anyway, the weapon's 10' reach helped me fight from the second rank and still be useful for aiding the fighters.

 

[Dark Dragon]

:snip:
BTW. 4th level, thats the starting level for RttToEE.

So, don't get TOO attached to your druid...