Bow-wielding Druids

[UltimaGabe]

I see a lot of sling wielding rabits running around my yard though

Valid point, although it's easier to imagine a sling to resemble a natural weapon (or at least something close to it) than it is to imagine a bow to resemble a natural weapon. A sling could be an extension of the image of a creature throwing a rock (and using an extremely simple device to extend its range), whereas a bow is too complex to be easily comparable to a natural weapon. I doubt it's a balance issue.

 

[Mouseferatu]

For the record, I allow druids to take bows in most of my campaigns, and it hasn't caused a balance issue yet.

It's never made much sense to me that the two basic tools of woodsmen, hunters, and other wilderness types--the bow and the axe--were forbidden to druids. I tend to allow them those, but remove scimitar.

 

[RigaMortus2]

For the record, I allow druids to take bows in most of my campaigns, and it hasn't caused a balance issue yet.

The restriction is not based on balance issues, it is based on the flavor of the class. Just as you can not play an "evil" Paladin, because the flavor of a Paladin is that of a Lawful Good person. Speaking of the core paladin only of course...

 

[frankthedm]

It's never made much sense to me that the two basic tools of woodsmen, hunters, and other wilderness types--the bow and the axe--were forbidden to druids. I tend to allow them those, but remove scimitar.

Axes to me are a symbol of forests destruction. I pulled scimitar[reasoning fealt too thin] and added great club [large heavy cudgel], scythe [extension of sicle] and an exotic Claw-type weapon [1d8 x3 light weapon]

 

[Mouseferatu]

The restriction is not based on balance issues, it is based on the flavor of the class. Just as you can not play an "evil" Paladin, because the flavor of a Paladin is that of a Lawful Good person. Speaking of the core paladin only of course...

Sure. But he asked if anyone saw any balance-related reasons not to allow bow-wielding druids. I'm simply pointing out that I don't, and I have some prior experience with it.

 

[Kemrain]

With all the new weapons coming out in books other than the Player's Handbook (Complete Series and 3rd party supplements) We house-ruled that Druids can use any weapons than can be made naturally (pseudo-primitive), plus anything that resembles the curve of the cresent moon.

So our Druids can use the short & long bow, but not crossbows. It also allows newer exotic weapons to be used (but not proficiency with them). Never seen any balance issues, and it still keeps the flavour to them...

Hooray for the Falcion and Longbow wielding Druid. That doesn't seem a little off to you?

- Kemrain the Curvey.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Axes to me are a symbol of forests destruction. I pulled scimitar[reasoning fealt too thin] and added great club [large heavy cudgel], scythe [extension of sicle] and an exotic Claw-type weapon [1d8 x3 light weapon]

I don't like scythe on that list, as a scythe is a weapon born of agriculture - the antithesis of wild nature.

EDIT: Otherwise, it's a good list.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

I don't like scythe on that list, as a scythe is a weapon born of agriculture - the antithesis of wild nature.

So's a sickle

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

So's a sickle

But a sickle is small enough that it can be used on a "single branch" kind of basis.

A scythe seems so much more about the mass-production of grain.

 

[RigaMortus2]

Sure. But he asked if anyone saw any balance-related reasons not to allow bow-wielding druids. I'm simply pointing out that I don't, and I have some prior experience with it.

Actually, he asked (in big blue letters at the top there):

What problems, if any, do all foresee with allowing druids to use bows?

The only problem I see is that "flavor-wise" it doesn't mesh well w/ WotC's vision of a Druid.