Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gleezus 09-11-03, 03:41 PM	Alright, here's the deal. A friend of mine, who has been a fan of DnD for a long time and several of his friends talked me into trying this with them. Honestly, I knew nothing until this past Tuesday (introductions meeting) and I've borrowed a Player's Handbook and read through some of it. This looks extremely interesting (I read fantasy novels and play RPG video/computer games a lot), but I would like some tips on what a newbie should do. The DM seems reasonable and understands that I'm new and seems willing to help, but I do not want to be a huge annoyance. So here's my thoughts so far. I have pretty much decided on a Neutral-Good Half Elf Druid. Everyone is starting out at LVL 4 and I would like some suggestions on how to get started. What feats and skills and weapons would be good to start out with (and whatever other thoughts you happen to have)? Also, I believe that I read the Druids should not use metal armor or shields (messes with thier magic), but can they use bows and swords which have metal components? thnx for your help.
VirgilCaine 09-11-03, 04:21 PM	This looks extremely interesting (I read fantasy novels and play RPG video/computer games a lot), Yes, it's very interesting, lots of fun, and in general (with most DMs), much "freer" possibilities-wise than a computer game. I have pretty much decided on a Neutral-Good Half Elf Druid. Everyone is starting out at LVL 4 and I would like some suggestions on how to get started. You seem to have a DM and a PHB. Read the Druid class section and the Half-Elf race section and know the Druid spells you want to cast and the powers available to you. As for your background, ask your DM for what he would like to see on your background and what camapign world he is using. Without that information, it's hard to make a very specific background. What feats and skills and weapons would be good to start out with (and whatever other thoughts you happen to have)? Specifics depend on your character's background, but a Druid would know a lot about nature and living in it (Know: Nature and Wilderness Lore/Survival). Handle Animal is also helpful, as well as Heal (Heal can be used to cure ability damage and poison much cheaper than with spells). Also, I believe that I read the Druids should not use metal armor or shields (messes with thier magic), but can they use bows and swords which have metal components? According to the PHB Druids cannot use any weapons not on the listi under Druids in the Class chapter of the PHB without losing their powers. Some of these weapons have metal components-e.g. scimitar. However, some DMs have house-ruled that Druids have different wpn proficiencies.
Gleezus 09-11-03, 04:30 PM	Thanks for your suggestions... I appreciate any help I can get. Also, someone just told me that in 3.5 (which is what we are using) Druids can use bows without violating their oaths... is this true? Side Note: This is my preliminary background (mind you, I do not know locations (DM said he would help me with that part) and only picked up on a few things on the first meeting)... Mother - Elf, Father - Human (son of a dignitary - raped my mother). Mother was a slave to the dignitary, once she bore me she escaped to a elven society. I was raised by mother till about the age of 12, fell in river, mother drown trying to save me. Because I am a half elf and everyone blames my stupidity on her death I become an outcast for several years, living off of handouts for a couple of years (learn how to defend myself). After the couple of years, I am pittied by a local woodworker and work there till meet a female elf who I fall in love with... she disappears (maybe kidnapped, my character won't know what happened) after we are together for a few years (and she is pregnant which I do not know). Leave community in search of her... Some Personality Traits - dislikes humans, mostly because father (mother never told me who he was) was a rapist loves animals (i think i read that a lvl 4 druid can have an animal companion - I want a wolf - find them fasinating) would like to be more elflike and carries around an unknown (to me) elvish artifact that was left to me by my mother which I would like to learn more about... going to have a bit of anger towards orcs and humans and will tend to be overly anxious and jump into battles sometimes without fully thinking things through... there is more in the workings obviously, but it's a start.
Luni 09-11-03, 04:36 PM	In 3.5, druids can use any weapon without violating their oath. The down side is, you would have to spend a feat on a bow, or suffer a -4 to hit penalty with it. And wolves make very good animal companions for druids. Also, your background looks good for now, just got to flesh it out some more.
Gleezus 09-11-03, 04:42 PM	Thanks... :D I looked into some other things as well and the Wildshape idea seems cool as hell... imagine a ****** off bear and wolf charging at you, that'd get your attention wouldn't it... :fight!:
Poukis 09-16-03, 06:51 PM	If he really really hates humans you should pick a couple of ranger levels too and select human as favored enemy... Make something like a 2lvl druid / 2lvl ranger... Then you won't have to worry about the bow since it's on the ranger's weapon list.
Mr. VanderMeer 09-17-03, 04:59 AM	The first and most important rule you should remember is: It is not a computer game. This seems very obvious, but many people expect that a lot of thing they are able to do in Computer games are also possible in Pen and Paper (or as I call it; real) RPG's. I think you are doing fine in the imagination dpartement when it comes to defining your character. About what feats and skills to choose: For skills, look at your class skills and take your skills from that list. Survival (or Wilderness Lore in 3e) is very important. Knowledge (nature) is very suitable for a druid. About feats, it really depends on your playing style. Read through the feats and choose whatever seems to fit your character concept.