Something I've noticed about Druid.

[holyplankton]

From what I've noticed, everyone writes and believes that Druids can only use wooden weapons. After re-reading the PHB I believe Druids are only limited to non-metal armors, and they simply have a very specific lost of weapons with which they are proficient. As far as I can tell, a Druid who multiclasses as a Fighter/Barbarian/whatever would have no problem swinging around a giant greatsword or axe. I know the Druid's main form of damage is their wild shape, which does not allow for normal weapons anyway, but I never saw anything in the PHB disallowing them from using non-wooden weapons (other than the scimitar).

Am I wrong, or is there actually nothing prohibiting a Druid from using metallic weapons other than their proficiency limitations?

 

[Ashtagon]

You are correct. The only thing stopping them is the -4 non-proficiency penalty.

 

[Greenfield]

A lot of people remember, and still play, some of the 1st Edition restrictions. They don't apply in 3rd Edition.

As far as Wild Shape and weapons are concerned, consider Gorilla.

 

[Sekhmet]

In AD&D and 2e, Druids were restricted to non-metal weapons and armor.
In 3.x, the weapon restriction was removed, probably because it doesn't make any real sense.

 

[the Jester]

From what I've noticed, everyone writes and believes that Druids can only use wooden weapons.

Everyone who?

In AD&D and 2e, Druids were restricted to non-metal weapons and armor.

Nope. Even back in 1e, the trusty ol' scimitar- never heard of a wooden one- was on the druid weapon list, along with (after UA came out) the khopesh.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Yeah, druids have been able to use sickle-shaped metal weapons since their introduction.

Getafix: The original iconic druid.

 

[holyplankton]

Everyone who?

Every time I see someone posting about a Druid build or Druid advice they seem to mention needing the best wooden weapon, just wanted to make sure I was reading the PHB right. I remember trying to clarify that for myself when I was getting ready for a Gestalt campaign in which I was tempted to go with a Cleric/Druid, but I didn't want to be limited to using a Scimitar.

 

[paladinm]

Just FYI, in BECM, druids (and druidic-magic-users) were limited to non-metallic armor And weapons.. so much so that when the Princess Ark series introduced "Druidic Knights", there was a special spell that made wood as hard as metal, so as to make effective wooden weapons.

One more curious difference between versions..

 

[nogray]

Every time I see someone posting about a Druid build or Druid advice they seem to mention needing the best wooden weapon, just wanted to make sure I was reading the PHB right. I remember trying to clarify that for myself when I was getting ready for a Gestalt campaign in which I was tempted to go with a Cleric/Druid, but I didn't want to be limited to using a Scimitar.

They could be referencing the desire to use a spell like Brambles or Spikes, both of which require a wooden weapon.

 

[Jackinthegreen]

If using a club or quarterstaff, the druid can stack stuff like shillelagh (PHB), spikes (Complete Divine) and Greater Mighty Wallop (Races of the Dragon) for some pretty darn good weapon damage.