Druids and Metal

[GodPhoenix]

So, a druid can't wear metal armor w/o losing their spells...do metal bracers of armor count as metal armor?

Thanks!

 

[heliopolix]

nope. Metal Armor doesnt actually hinder the druid, it just violates vows they take, so they lose access to spellcasting/druid abilities. They arent against using Magic Items, however, so the Bracers of armor wouldnt be a problem.

 

[Li Shenron]

So, a druid can't wear metal armor w/o losing their spells...do metal bracers of armor count as metal armor?

Thanks!

I think the oath regards only metal armors and shields, and doesn't apply to other metal items such as bracers (even if they provide an armor bonus through magic), and therefore they should be very ok.

 

[Mac Callum]

nope. Metal Armor doesnt actually hinder the druid, it just violates vows they take, so they lose access to spellcasting/druid abilities. They arent against using Magic Items, however, so the Bracers of armor wouldnt be a problem.

That's a rather overly-technical, cavalier attitude to take with a sacred Oath. They are Bracers of Armor after all.

Here's a quick test: Imagine explaining that one to your Druid mentor. Think he's buy it? I wouldn't.

Mac Callum

PS - IMC Druids can wear torcs, bracers & belts if they are silver or gold, and thay can wear studded leather if the studs are cold-iron or bronze. It's just forged steel (or better) they are sworn away from - but that's how I structure my Oaths. Depends on your campaign.

 

[Keith]

I agree that fitting that particular rule into a campaign requires some tweaking of the background material. The rule itself is pretty simple, though. Druids are not banned from wearing either armor or metal. They are prohibited from using metal armors. Bracers do not serve any armor purpose in the game, and so a druid can wear metal bracers as a fashion statement all they want. Metal belts, armlets- pants, whatever. As long as they are not serving as armor, they are not prohibited by the rules. This does make it harder to explain WHY they don’t use metal armor, but that is a separate question.
That something is magical also does not affect whether or not a druid can wear it; they can certainly wear magical bracers of metal.

 

[Cheiromancer]

You wouldn't want to be too much of a purist about metal, as that would mean druids couldn't wear most rings and magical jewelry. IIRC, a torc is a typically druid item, and torcs are usually metallic. So they can wear some metal items, at least.

To address the ring issue, you *could* say that "jewelry" metals like gold and silver can be worn, but not "martial" metals like iron and bronze. But that would make the use of iron weapons kinda puzzling.

I think the best approach is not to focus on the metal, but just go with the book and say that it is metal armor which causes a problem for druids. Does anyone know if there is a historical/legendary basis for this class feature? Knowing the basis of this restriction might help to adjudicate its applicability to other items a druid might wish to wear or use.

 

[Zhure]

That's a rather overly-technical, cavalier attitude to take with a sacred Oath. They are Bracers of Armor after all.

Here's a quick test: Imagine explaining that one to your Druid mentor. Think he's buy it? I wouldn't.

He sure would, seeing as he is wearing some, too. Bracers of Armor aren't armor. There's no Light/medium/Heavy proficiency associated with them.

If Druids can't use them, neither can Monks.
Greg

 

[jarlaxlecq]

if this was FR just be a druid of mil.....Drizzt's God, she allows all light and medium armors and simple and martial weapons

 

[Kae'Yoss]

if this was FR just be a druid of mil.....Drizzt's God, she allows all light and medium armors and simple and martial weapons

Goddess. Mielikki

 

[Mac Callum]

He sure would, seeing as he is wearing some, too. Bracers of Armor aren't armor. There's no Light/medium/Heavy proficiency associated with them.

If Druids can't use them, neither can Monks.
Greg

You're right, there's no Proficiency related to them - but I don't see how that's relevant. Druids do have the Armor Feats to wear metal armors after all; it's the oath that stops them.

And Druids & Monks do not wear armor for entirely different reasons. They aren't useful for comparison.

It comes down to this (for me) - the ban of metal armors is part of the "implied setting." There's no logic to it; it's just an oath they swear, like the Paladin's Oath. Rangers, Rogues, Monks & Wizards can wear bracers because they do not interfere with their required freedom of movement. Druids aren't physically bound, they're spiritually bound.

I think that Bracers of Armor are just that - Armor. If they're Metal to boot, then they're Metal Armor, and forbidden.