Confusion about the Druid class

[tennyson]

Hi Everyone,

A question came up in my group last session that I (as the DM) was unclear on. One of the players (a level 7 rogue), just took a druid level. The class description for the druid says that he/she is prohibited from wearing metal armor, and if it is worn the character cannot cast druid spells for a 24 hour period from the armor being removed.

I was under the impression that the character gains the benefits from all of his/her classes. Therefore I ruled that since the character in question already had levels in rogue, he could still cast druid spells even though he was wearing metal armor. Was I wrong?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Scion]

Would you also let a wizard who has levels in fighter cast spells without arcane spell failure?

Technically you were incorrect, but if you wish to make a houserule to some effect then that is your perogative of course.

 

[Epametheus]

Hi Everyone,

A question came up in my group last session that I (as the DM) was unclear on. One of the players (a level 7 rogue), just took a druid level. The class description for the druid says that he/she is prohibited from wearing metal armor, and if it is worn the character cannot cast druid spells for a 24 hour period from the armor being removed.

I was under the impression that the character gains the benefits from all of his/her classes. Therefore I ruled that since the character in question already had levels in rogue, he could still cast druid spells even though he was wearing metal armor. Was I wrong?

Thanks for the help!

I think the armor restriction still applies. A monk that takes fighter levels still loses access to a bunch of abilities if he wears armor, after all.

 

[Caliban]

Hi Everyone,

A question came up in my group last session that I (as the DM) was unclear on. One of the players (a level 7 rogue), just took a druid level. The class description for the druid says that he/she is prohibited from wearing metal armor, and if it is worn the character cannot cast druid spells for a 24 hour period from the armor being removed.

I was under the impression that the character gains the benefits from all of his/her classes. Therefore I ruled that since the character in question already had levels in rogue, he could still cast druid spells even though he was wearing metal armor. Was I wrong?

Thanks for the help!

The ability to cast druid spells in metal armor is not a benefit of the rogue class.

Proficiency in wearing some types of armor is an ability of the rogue class, and he keeps that. But knowing how to wear metal armor is not the same thing as casting druid spells in metal armor.

 

[Painfully]

Well, there is that druid spell that turns metal into wood that is just as hard as metal. Thus, you could turn a chain shirt into a darkwood shirt and continue to cast druid spells.

Then the distinction lies in the list of "prohibited" weapons/armor. Is it really the metal that is prohibited, or is it the particular weapons/armor that is prohibited?

Since it has been argued that the weapons list for druids is flavor anyway, I go ahead and allow just about anything they are proficient with to be used in darkwood form without penalties.

 

[Caliban]

Well, there is that druid spell that turns metal into wood that is just as hard as metal. Thus, you could turn a chain shirt into a darkwood shirt and continue to cast druid spells.

Then the distinction lies in the list of "prohibited" weapons/armor. Is it really the metal that is prohibited, or is it the particular weapons/armor that is prohibited?

Since it has been argued that the weapons list for druids is flavor anyway, I go ahead and allow just about anything they are proficient with to be used in darkwood form without penalties.

In 3.5 the druid is not prohibited from using non-druid weapons, they can gain proficiency in any weapon without breaking their druidic oaths.

However, they still cannot use metal armor. If they are proficient in the armor, they can use non-metallic version of it. The Dragon Hide full plate in the DMG is an example of this.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Would you also let a wizard who has levels in fighter cast spells without arcane spell failure?

I always liked the "My Paladin took a level in Bard, so now he can lie, cheat, steal, and sleep with other men's wives without losing his Paladin abilities!" analogy

-Hyp.

 

[Darklone]

Hey, paladins are not allowed to sleep with other men's wives??? Damn, where does that char get atonement...

 

[Khaalis]

The most simple way to look at class ability/restriction acquisition rules in multiclassing is this: All abilities are acquired; but all Restrictions are also aquired.

With a rare few exceptions that are pretty obvious. If you start literate and later take a class level in Barbarian you dont suddenly become stupid and forget how to read. However all other restrictions apply.

Thus due to restrictions you could never have a Barbarian/Paladin. You could have an Ex-Barbarian/Paladin or an Ex-Paladin/Barbarian.

In the case of the Rogue/Druid the Druid's restriction overrides the Rogue's training because it is a theological restriction. The character has decided to worship a nature deity or the generic forces of nature. To continue receiving those powers, the worshiper must obey certain theological mandates.

Personally, on a Hose Rule note I think its absolutely silly. A druid cant wear metallic armor, only being allowed "natural" armor, yet they are granted proficiency in Daggers, Scimitars, Sickles, spears (all made of metal or part metal)?? Um...logic issue here? That also brings up the whole oddity of their weapon selection but I wont go there.

 

[Darklone]

What's the problem? 3.5 druids can use Greatswords.

Ehehehe, Hose rules.