Elven Druids

[qstor]

Can an Elven Druid use a longbow? Since it isn't on the druid weapon list in the PHB, the bow isn't on there I would say no.

I guess I could take Ehlonna as a god and take Animal and plant domains? But I wouldnt get wildshape.

Mike

 

[Darklone]

It's a common houserule to allow longbows for druids.

 

[hammymchamham]

From the SRD

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Druids are proficient with the following weapons: club, dagger, dart, halfspear, longspear, quarterstaff, scimitar, sickle, shortspear, and sling. Their spiritual oaths prohibit them from using weapons other than these. They are proficient with light and medium armors but are prohibited from wearing metal armor (thus, they may wear only padded, leather, or hide armor). They are skilled with shields but must use only wooden ones.

Now, your question is "Can an Elven Druid use a longbow?"

Short answer: No

Long Answer: Anyone can use a longbow, even a commoner. Anyone not proficent has a -4 penalty to attack rolls. An eleven Druid could use a long bow without having the -4 penalty. But if an elven druid used a longbow, it would be against their spiritual oath and thus they would lose their Druid powers.


Just remember, the d20 system isn't about what you can't do, but what happens if you try.

(I heard that somewhere)

 

[Wolf72]

I house ruled the weapons list:

 Weapon proficiencies/feats: add Great Club to the Druid list.

 Elf’s can use their free weapon proficiencies without violating their oaths. (longsword or rapier)

 Druids can spend a martial/exotic weapon feat to use the Falchoin (M), Great Scimitar (E), Scythe (M), or Khopesh (E) without violating their oaths.

 

[mikebr99]

Druids of Meilikki (FR) have a relaxed weapon selection... one that allows bows by the way.

 

[Morose]

The devs have said that the weapon restrictions on a druid are there for flavor and not balance too. So whatever your DM rules appropriate is fine. However, as others have pointed out... according to the rules you would lose your druid abilities for a day after using a bow.

 

[qstor]

Thanks all. I made a wood elf druid for Living Greyhawk and he can't use one under the PHB. I guess I'll see it as a break from my favorite PC weapon and go with a sling, longspear and scimtar.

Mike