Druid help (Help me, a poor n00b to the Druid)

[Spatula]

As I recall, infusions also cost the same as potions, so they're more expensive to make than scrolls. BUT you can use them while wildshaped (since you only need to eat the infusion in order to activate it), so they're better than scrolls in that respect.

Masters of the Wild really is a great book and I highly recommend it. It's not just for druids, rangers, and barbs, either, it has a lot of great stuff for fighters as well (feats, prestige classes). It's a shame that WotC's other classbooks weren't nearly as good.

 

[Hatchling Dragon]

I can use feats from any of the splat books, I don't own the Barbarian/Druid/Ranger book (thats the next book I was going to purcahse).

If you plan on playing this character more than one or two sessions you really should get this book. I agree with those that have stated it's one of the best splat books put out. Because of this book I've thought about playing a Druid next.

So what are some good feats for Druids? I want to be able to use Wild Shape to the best advantage. I took scribe scroll because I really like scrolls

I'm amazed that this statement/question and the frequent mentions of Masters of the Wild didn't net you the suggestion of aiming for Shifter, or whatever the name is for the PrC that specializes in shapeshifting. It's acutaly the only PrC in the book that would work for Wizards and Sorcerers, as you just have to be able to assume other forms via magic (ie: Polymorph or Wildshape). You'll, eventualy, be able to acutaly use those Su type abilities and assume nearly any size and shape creature, including Dragons! Not to mention using your Wildshape to assume the exact likeness of others, something that not even Polymorph can do!

I also think that having Natural Caster is a pre-req. of the class, so that'd work out.

I thought that Infusions were basicaly a 'themed' version of Potions, designed to be more 'natural' and Druidic-feeling. I thought that whoever ate the Infusion gained the benefit of the spell Infused into it. I don't own the book (yet) but I've read through a friend's copy.

Hatchling Dragon

 

[hammymchamham]

Re: Re: Druid help (Help me, a poor n00b to the Druid)

If you plan on playing this character more than one or two sessions you really should get this book. I agree with those that have stated it's one of the best splat books put out. Because of this book I've thought about playing a Druid next.

On my christmas list, and if I don't get it, I'm going to the store December 26th to get it

My DM told me I can replace scribe scroll with Track, which is perfect. I'll pick up Create Infusion at 3rd and Natural spell at 6th.

Now I had one more quick question (I told you I was a n00b to the Druid), with Wildshape. If I am able to Wildshape into a small and medium sized animal at 5th level, the text of the PHB says "Unlike the standard use of the spell, however, the druid may only adopt one form." What exactly does that mean?

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Re: Re: Re: Druid help (Help me, a poor n00b to the Druid)

On my christmas list, and if I don't get it, I'm going to the store December 26th to get it

My DM told me I can replace scribe scroll with Track, which is perfect. I'll pick up Create Infusion at 3rd and Natural spell at 6th.

Now I had one more quick question (I told you I was a n00b to the Druid), with Wildshape. If I am able to Wildshape into a small and medium sized animal at 5th level, the text of the PHB says "Unlike the standard use of the spell, however, the druid may only adopt one form." What exactly does that mean?

In the old version of the polymorph self spell, which wildshape is based on, you could change forms once a round. While wildshaped, you must remain in one form for the duration.

Also, note that infusions are not themed potions, they are edible scrolls. Thus if you don't have the spell contained in the infusion on your spell list, it justs makes you sick if you eat it. However, despite the higher prereqs for infusions, what makes them very useful for a druid is that if your DM allows you to search for the ingredients yourself, you don't have to spend gold to make your infusion. All you pay is XP (and time).

 

[Dr. Strangemonkey]

I also suggest the Masters of the Wild.

And I would add the additonal wild shapes feat to the rest of the recommendations. That really lets you take advantage of wild shaping as a usefull scouting and fighting power.

Weapons with reach are super nice for druids.

Most importantly, I would work with your DM to tinker with the spell list. Druid spells as in the Core Book are extremely limiting, but a lot of books add spells that really open up the classes caster potential.

I particularly recommend the blinding spittle spell from Masters and any of the number of fast healing enchantments.

Till I picked up some other books my druid always carried a potted plant with him. Too much of your power is tied up in plants to be without one.

And find a wizard who will sell you rhino hide armor and a sylvan blade when you can afford it.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

clarification.

Wildshape gives the Druid an Alternate form. Each time you gain a level that gives you a wild shape option you have to choose the Animal that you can change into. That choice is permanant. Thus at 15th level my character Bolo can assume 5 wild shapes..
1) Medium size = Cheetah (one of the best!)
2) Tiny = Hawk
3) Large = Ape (I get a lot of use out of this one.)
4) Dire = Dire Bear
5) Huge = Elephant

Each form should have different abilities. such as a hawk Bolo does not get into combat but that form is great for scouting and since I have nature spell I can cast in that form. (nothing beats nucking them brom orbit!)
Now if I have to get into melee the size of the battle area determines the size animal I take. The cheetah form has a great boon. once an hour you can make a dash that takes you from 50' move to (I love the first time I did this in game) 500'

Drawbacks of Wildshape....
1) you cannot speak in wildshaped form.
2) Your magic items are not usable. they are absorbed into your body until you shift back to Humanoid form.
3) you cannot cast spells in animal form. (unless you take the nature spell feat)

 

[Acmite]

Re: clarification.

Wildshape gives the Druid an Alternate form. Each time you gain a level that gives you a wild shape option you have to choose the Animal that you can change into. That choice is permanant. Thus at 15th level my character Bolo can assume 5 wild shapes..

Huh? I take it that's a House Rule? It sure isn't from the PHB I own, nor the SRD.

 

[Suldulin]

Re: clarification.

Wildshape gives the Druid an Alternate form. Each time you gain a level that gives you a wild shape option you have to choose the Animal that you can change into. That choice is permanant.

Quite incorrect, you get to choose eachtime you shift, it is not locked.

 

[Suldulin]

Re: Re: Re: Druid help (Help me, a poor n00b to the Druid)

Now I had one more quick question (I told you I was a n00b to the Druid), with Wildshape. If I am able to Wildshape into a small and medium sized animal at 5th level, the text of the PHB says "Unlike the standard use of the spell, however, the druid may only adopt one form." What exactly does that mean?

Wildshape nolonger has any connection to polymorph, in the orginal phb it was refering to how you could change into multi forms with one casting I believe.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Re: Re: clarification.

Quite incorrect, you get to choose eachtime you shift, it is not locked.

I'm sorry but when was this decided? All I have read says otherwise.