D&D General Druids and Path Dependency: Why the Scimitar Helps Illuminate D&D

[DrunkonDuty]

One thing later editions seem to have right is the shape changing. Many of the the Irish/British examples of druids involve changing their own and others' shapes. I have heard a theory that the Song of Amergin, from the Book of Invasions, is an expression of belief in reincarnation.

One possible translation of Amergina is "White Knees." I suspect it is a mistranslation and is supposed to be "White Russian."

 

[Starfox]

A fun note here is that the 5E weapon table (PH p 149) has sickle as a weapon separate from the scimitar.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Hope you got the apology you clearly deserved.

Mod Note:

This was not anywhere near subtle enough to escape notice.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Mod Note:

This was not anywhere near subtle enough to escape notice.

Save us some time and ring me up too (two!).

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Mod Note:

As you wish.

 

[Tonguez]

The khopesh, the jambiya, the saber, the cutlass, the falx, maybe even the nagamaki?

Interesting enough of course Falx is indeed derived from the Sica (Sickle) and referred to a range of Sickle bladed weapons of various lengths. So having Druid sickles inspire longer Falx-like weapons makes sense for DnD worlds, calling them Scimitar is just a result of different cultural influences converging

 

[James Gasik]

Interesting enough of course Falx is indeed derived from the Sica (Sickle) and referred to a range of Sickle bladed weapons of various lengths. So having Druid sickles inspire longer Falx-like weapons makes sense for DnD worlds, calling them Scimitar is just a result of different cultural influences converging

Ever since I heard about the Dacian Falx and how devastating it was in combat, I've wanted to use one in a game. Though I'll probably just end up refluffing a glaive and sighing, lol.

 

[Charlaquin]

As Gygax put it, "Heh, It is because the scimitar is as close a sword weapon I could come up with to match the druids' mistletoe-harvesting sickle."

Apparently he’d never herd of Khopesh

 

[Tonguez]

Apparently he’d never herd of Khopesh

Kopesh is an axe blade weapon though not a sickle blade,

 

[James Gasik]

I do recall a Pathfinder game where the GM allowed a Druid to use a falcata. Not really the same thing, but it sure was nice of him!