The Druid makes me chew the furniture

[F5]

I'm thinking we'll see weaker powers of shapechange actually be stuff like "encounter move action - you change in to a bird and fly up to your movement speed and then change back"

I think this has the ring of truth to it. The druid will retain its shapeshifting abilities in the form of specific shapeshifting powers, but I expect the powers will not be "You turn into a bird, so you can fly", but rather a Power that says "You can fly from point A to point B. You do this by turning briefly into a bird"

It's the effects, not the form, that it will focus on.

Tak, my little Chaotic Neutral Goblin Barbarian/Druid...I fear in the new edition, I will barely recognize you. We had some good times together, but it's probably for the best that you wildshape into a horse and ride off into the sunset...

 

[frankthedm]

Well, starting to think the Druid and Shaman will be leader and contoller.

 

[Byronic]

An important part of the Druids shapeshifting ability will be a class feature which will make the class more unique and less easy to copy through a feat or two.

 

[yesnomu]

That's funny, because to me a druid is about pretty much everything EXCEPT shapechanging.

It's true that shapechanging is a 'unique schtick' - but should it be the Druid's? I don't think so. But maybe I'm just spoiled by other rpg systems (like Ars Magica) and put too much weight on a name.*

Who shapeshifts in fantasy archetypes besides a druid? (And werewolves and things, but talking classes here) What other unique things do druids do?

Races and Classes made the rather excellent point that shapeshifting is what makes the druid different from every other nature-based divine caster. (Ranger, Spirit Shaman et al) It would be silly to not play that up for the 4e class. If not the main focus, at least a defining feature.

 

[Rechan]

Who shapeshifts in fantasy archetypes besides a druid?

Wizards.

When I think about it, there's little lore out there of a guy turning into a bunch of different animals. There is, however, a lot of folklore and tales about people who turn into one type of animal. A guy who can turn himself into a bird, a man who has a wolf pelt that can turn himself into a wolf, that sort of thing.

I mean, D&D is one of the only places outside of superhero comics I've seen "When I need to fight, I'm a bear! When I need to scout, I'm a bird! When I need to sneak in, I'm a snake!"

 

[Phaezen]

5 Days and counting...

Till...

Dress Like a Druid Day?
Talk Like a Druid Day?
Shift Like a Druid Day?
Play Like a Druid Day?

What is the iconic thing that druids do? Pirates Talk, Ninjas Sneak, Druids?

Phaezen

 

[Rechan]

Till...

Dress Like a Druid Day?
Talk Like a Druid Day?
Shift Like a Druid Day?
Play Like a Druid Day?

What is the iconic thing that druids do? Pirates Talk, Ninjas Sneak, Druids?

Burn sacrifices alive in giant wicker men.

 

[Phaezen]

Burn sacrifices alive in giant wicker men.

Tempting, but that isn't all that socially acceptable these days. Which is a pity as I do have some prime candidates, at work.

Phaezen

 

[Andor]

That's funny, because to me a druid is about pretty much everything EXCEPT shapechanging.

It's true that shapechanging is a 'unique schtick' - but should it be the Druid's? I don't think so. But maybe I'm just spoiled by other rpg systems (like Ars Magica) and put too much weight on a name.*

I realize 4e is the the 'Sacred cows? F*** *** *** uncle **** ***** rutabega *** *******!' edition, but shapeshifting has always been the signature power of druids in AD&D. You could, in any edition, replace his spell list with either the wizard or cleric spell lists and it would seem like less of a change than taking away his shapeshifting.

 

[Cadfan]

Wizards.

When I think about it, there's little lore out there of a guy turning into a bunch of different animals. There is, however, a lot of folklore and tales about people who turn into one type of animal. A guy who can turn himself into a bird, a man who has a wolf pelt that can turn himself into a wolf, that sort of thing.

I mean, D&D is one of the only places outside of superhero comics I've seen "When I need to fight, I'm a bear! When I need to scout, I'm a bird! When I need to sneak in, I'm a snake!"

I've had the same thoughts. I'd really prefer if D&D had a way to make a character who shifts into only one animal, but does it very, very well. Instead of the current system, in which the shape shifting types shift into multitudes of different forms.