Druid Description [Archive] - Wizards Community

Druid Description [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Dabriel
07-06-07, 11:38 PM Well, I come to the collective community in need of a bit of help. I am making a druid for an upcoming game and I would like to see if others have suggestions for my character descrpition before I present it to my fellow players. Keep in mind it has been a very long time since I have played D&D, so I am a bit rusty with some minor details of game mechanics and such. As it stands now, my char is level 4, so no mention of wildshaping. Anyway, let me know what you think. What areas I could expand on, improve, etc.? (I realize the name may be a bit familiar to some of you that have played a certain computer game. I am not a name guy, so suggest away.)

Without further delay:

Cairne of the Old Grove is a tall man (6’2”) with long, dark red hair and a beard. As he has aged, streaks of white have begun to appear. In the mornings after he has meditated in the forest, it is not uncommon to see small twigs, leaves, and even flowers sprouting out from his hair and beard. Although not very strong (low strength score), he is quite healthy (high constitution score) and has been known to keep pace with the packs of wolves that roam the Great Forest. He has a dark complexion with deep brown eyes. If you look close enough, small specks of green can be seen within the brown.

When Cairne is defending the forest from those who would harm it, he can be seen wearing face paint common among the savage people. Upon his head he wears the antlers of a great stag. He is often seen wearing the hides and feathers of many animals, the most prominent of these being the hide of a large wolf that he wears over his head and the paws of a large bear that cover the backs of his hands. At all times, Cairne carries a large, wooden club fashioned from an ancient tree long since dead. Upon closer examination of the club, intricate carvings depicting many animals can be seen. Along with his club, he carries a scimitar and a large spear with a tip carved from stone. Whenever Cairne has spent time in the forest, he takes on a faint smell of trees, grass, flowers, and soil.

Cairne is a very wise man (high wisdom score). Over the years, he has also shown to be quite intelligent (high intelligence score). Due to the long years spent communing with plants and animals, Cairne is a bit awkward when speaking with civilized people (low charisma score). Descriptions of him from local townsfolk range from rough and unkempt to savage and barbaric. If forced to spend time in any type of settled area such as a town or city, Cairne will often seek out a nearby forest or even park to spend his time.

Although he has spent most of his life in the Great Forest, Cairne is comfortable in any place where nature is predominant (swamps, jungles, plains, deserts, oceans, mountains, and even underground). As long as he can communicate with the forces of nature around him, Cairne can feel at home. If forced to spend long amounts of time in an area where nature is not dominant, such as a castle or dungeon, Cairne begins to become a bit more feral. He begins to become impatient and his skin color fades a bit. Once he returns to a natural surrounding, these problems quickly remedy themselves.

In battle Cairne is quick to think and slow to act. He spends time searching his enemy for weaknesses. Once he finds one, he strikes fast and hard. If the enemy is threatening an animal or plant, Cairne will often lose his cool demeanor and lash out in a rage. Aside from his melee abilities, Cairne can wield the very power of nature. Onlookers have been witness to his power manifest in a thick fog, raging fire, and even a rejuvenating touch for his injured allies.

Cairne is often seen with his wolf companion. She is a large gray wolf that serves him obediently in battle and out. While some speculate that the wolf is his pet, those more knowledgeable claim that they are merely friends and that the wolf comes and goes as she pleases. In battle, any number of animals can be found in the company of Cairne. Everything from eagles, wolves, and snakes to bears, dinosaurs, and lions can be found fighting at his side.

Thanks for any help you can provide!
warwinner
07-07-07, 02:10 AM what are his motivations for adventuring ?
probably he'd look for ways to get quickly out of urban areas if they stay a little too long and may bluntly ask allies to let him go [low charisma] or maybe he tries to find the nature in these unnatural parts
Terjon of the Blue Rose
07-07-07, 06:12 AM Previous question is a good one. Also what is his circle like (assuming he has one)? Do they have a specific cause or just general defenders of nature?

As for physical wolf pelt and antlers is a strange image combined. Perhaps consider having the wolf head over his shoulder creating the image of a man with 2 heads?
Dabriel
07-07-07, 06:27 AM Vey interesting suggestions. As far as his motivation for adventuring, I am thinking of something along these lines:

Cairne has been sent out by the Oak Father to the far reaches of the world to explore nature in it's many forms. If he is to one day take up the mantle as Archdruid of the Old Grove, he must first understand the natural balance in all things (true neutral alignment).

Something along those lines. It needs fleshed out more, but you get the idea. I also like the idea of the wolf head on the shoulder. It does make for a confusing description for both antlers and a hide to be on his head.

Any more suggestions would be great!
Dabriel
07-07-07, 05:25 PM I am also curious as to if dinosaurs exist in the forgotten realms campaign. I am new to this setting, but would love to have a fleshraker. The druid guide makes it out to be quite a potent companion.
Terjon of the Blue Rose
07-07-07, 11:21 PM I believe in FR dinos can be found in the jungles of Chult.
Dabriel
07-11-07, 02:23 AM Well, the char is coming along nicely. I have decided that I will take the dragon wild shape feat at level 12, so I am going to play him up to that point as constantly searching for new and exotic plants and animals. This quest will hopefully take him to other planes in search of more knowledge. Any other suggestions as to best play this aspect of him? Also, I think my deity in forgotten realms has to be silvanus, but I'm not sure. Anyone know any others a druid can follow?
Terjon of the Blue Rose
07-12-07, 01:24 AM Silvanus I think is more on the plant aspect of nature. Take a look at Nobanion or Meilliki
Dabriel
07-12-07, 04:45 AM Thanks for the advice Terjon. As I have researched druids on the boards here, I have come across the Arcane Hierophant prc. This raised some very interesting ideas for backstory and reasons for adventuring. I was wondering if anyone had any neat angles to play an AH with. Thanks again!
warwinner
07-12-07, 07:03 AM 1] Druid,Cohabitation with arcane spellcasters and thus became interested in arcane spells and learned them through study hardwork etc
2] Inborn arcane magical powers due to heritage [dragons, celestial etc] and divine powers attained through faith and belief
3] All magic must serve nature, i'll try and bend this unnatural and destructive arcane magic to serve/protect nature
4] Druidic or clerical Land where mages shunned because of unnatural or destructive magic, son or friend of mage or a mage wants to prove that arcane magic is as user wishes it, and wants to prove that it can assist and nurture nature and divine causes
5] A sage or showoff wanting to master all/many forms of magic
6] Studies either form of magic because of necessity [example: fireball needed to fight water elementals commonly attacking in a seaside town]
Dabriel
07-12-07, 11:52 AM great suggestions warwinner. Here is one I've been kicked around upstairs. It's kind of a play off the AH description in RoTW.

Cairne, a druid of some renown, has come to the point that he views magic not as some outside force, but as just another part of nature. As such, he strives to learn more about the balance of nature through arcane and druidic ways. As he travels, he takes every opportunity to speak with druids and arcane casters to try and persuade them over to his way of thinking. In fact, he is in the process of researching for a book that he plans on writing on the subject. According to him, this book will "change the way the world views the nature of magic and its place in the natural world."

What do you think?
Terjon of the Blue Rose
07-13-07, 12:07 AM Arcane Hierophant is nice. Though, I think one could take a bit of advantage by living amongst redwoods... technically they're all one big plant. But I digress.

I always like the idea of a AH who followed ley lines or who view the weave as the source of all magic and thus as a natural creation. I especially like the idea of book research being a motivation for travel by the way..
warwinner
07-13-07, 02:22 AM Wow, book research is a very good idea
Got me thinking about how that book looks and feels when it's finally sold in bookshops or more likely available in druidic libraries

Probably cover of mossy bark, dragonskin
What about images in the front, any illustrations
What would a druidic book look like etc
Dabriel
07-13-07, 03:11 AM Yeah the more I toy around with this book idea, the more I'm liking it. I will think about it more tonight, but lets see what I can do with what I have now:

As you wander the small bookstore, you spot an interesting find upon one of the tables. A large, heavy book with what appears to be tree bark for a cover. Upon further inspection you notice arcane markings around the border of the book. Intrigued, you pick it up and begin to examine it closer.

"On the Nature of Magic: A Look at the Transparency of Nature and the Arcane" by Arch-druid Cairne Varr of the Circle of Seven.

"What an interesting topic for a druid to write about," you think to yourself.

After flipping through a few pages, you come across the title for the 3rd chapter: "The Blending of Two Worlds: Impossible?"

Your curiosity gets the best of you. You must know more.

After making your purchase, you walk back into the bustling, noisy streets.

"I wonder if this Cairne Varr guy will teach me how to explain to my wife that I bought yet another book without sending her into a rage," you mutter under your breath as you head off down the alley. "Talk about impossible."

Well, thats just a quick write up for the idea that I am kicking around. Please feel free to suggest other ideas for the AH class or my book idea. (Actually, in writing this, I came up with an interesting idea. Perhaps the process of writing this book could be like reading a tome of knowledge. What I mean is instead of buying a tome, reading it, and getting an intelligence or wisdom boost, I could research, write a book, and get a similar effect. I would just spend the money on "printing expenses" Let me know what you think!)
Dabriel
07-13-07, 03:34 AM On a somewhat related note, I was looking at the AH class abilities and I am a bit perplexed by their ability to channel plants and animals. Chalk it up to my lack to actual playtime or horrible grasp of mechanics, but how is this useful? I can understand how the animal channel may be use some use with your companion, but plants? There any good ideas out there on how to use this? Maybe its just too late and I am far too tired to be imagining things and expecting them to make sense....
warwinner
07-13-07, 03:44 AM got to look it up, but plants include monster plants [shambling mound, assassin vine ] ?

Maybe the book must have magical qualities and effects, cleans itself with prestidigitation, drys itself etc.Some magical effects - illusion of dfruid appearing and introducing books purpose when you look at preface etc
Dabriel
07-13-07, 04:03 AM "On the Nature of Magic: A Look at the Transparency of Nature and the Arcane" by Arch-druid Cairne Varr of the Circle of Seven.

This book has several interesting qualities. If left in the sun too long, the books tree-bark cover will sprout small buds and will eventually bloom into flowers and leaves. These quickly wilt and die, however, when the book is removed from the sunlight.

Met with much hostility from druids and dismissed as craziness from wizards, this book is the center of quite a bit of controversy. Rumor has it that while writing it, Cairne had to retreat to another plane in order to avoid potential death threats. Now, though, Cairne can be found touring the major universities and druidic circles lecturing on his knowledge. When not speaking, he likes to retreat to the wilderness and continue his studies in this new field.

ok, bedtime...
Terjon of the Blue Rose
07-14-07, 12:09 AM Channel plants is the slightly broken aspect I was talking about. In a redwood forest you can make any tree in the forest your point of origin for a spell since all the trees are part of one big plant. Outside of a redwood forest it means things like using vine mine spell and then having the vines creep around a corner to shoot a lightning bolt off without your needing to expose yourself (no horrific jokes please.)
warwinner
07-14-07, 02:02 AM Outside of a redwood forest it means things like using vine mine spell and then having the vines creep around a corner to shoot a lightning bolt off without your needing to expose yourself (no horrific jokes please.)

LOL
Dabriel
07-15-07, 06:41 PM I guess I will have to get some playtime in with this char to see how I can really optimize the channel plant/animal ability. At least it adds an interesting twist as far as role-playing. Hopefully, I will spend some time this week fleshing him out a bit more. As always, I am open to suggestions.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dabriel 07-06-07, 11:38 PM	Well, I come to the collective community in need of a bit of help. I am making a druid for an upcoming game and I would like to see if others have suggestions for my character descrpition before I present it to my fellow players. Keep in mind it has been a very long time since I have played D&D, so I am a bit rusty with some minor details of game mechanics and such. As it stands now, my char is level 4, so no mention of wildshaping. Anyway, let me know what you think. What areas I could expand on, improve, etc.? (I realize the name may be a bit familiar to some of you that have played a certain computer game. I am not a name guy, so suggest away.) Without further delay: Cairne of the Old Grove is a tall man (6’2”) with long, dark red hair and a beard. As he has aged, streaks of white have begun to appear. In the mornings after he has meditated in the forest, it is not uncommon to see small twigs, leaves, and even flowers sprouting out from his hair and beard. Although not very strong (low strength score), he is quite healthy (high constitution score) and has been known to keep pace with the packs of wolves that roam the Great Forest. He has a dark complexion with deep brown eyes. If you look close enough, small specks of green can be seen within the brown. When Cairne is defending the forest from those who would harm it, he can be seen wearing face paint common among the savage people. Upon his head he wears the antlers of a great stag. He is often seen wearing the hides and feathers of many animals, the most prominent of these being the hide of a large wolf that he wears over his head and the paws of a large bear that cover the backs of his hands. At all times, Cairne carries a large, wooden club fashioned from an ancient tree long since dead. Upon closer examination of the club, intricate carvings depicting many animals can be seen. Along with his club, he carries a scimitar and a large spear with a tip carved from stone. Whenever Cairne has spent time in the forest, he takes on a faint smell of trees, grass, flowers, and soil. Cairne is a very wise man (high wisdom score). Over the years, he has also shown to be quite intelligent (high intelligence score). Due to the long years spent communing with plants and animals, Cairne is a bit awkward when speaking with civilized people (low charisma score). Descriptions of him from local townsfolk range from rough and unkempt to savage and barbaric. If forced to spend time in any type of settled area such as a town or city, Cairne will often seek out a nearby forest or even park to spend his time. Although he has spent most of his life in the Great Forest, Cairne is comfortable in any place where nature is predominant (swamps, jungles, plains, deserts, oceans, mountains, and even underground). As long as he can communicate with the forces of nature around him, Cairne can feel at home. If forced to spend long amounts of time in an area where nature is not dominant, such as a castle or dungeon, Cairne begins to become a bit more feral. He begins to become impatient and his skin color fades a bit. Once he returns to a natural surrounding, these problems quickly remedy themselves. In battle Cairne is quick to think and slow to act. He spends time searching his enemy for weaknesses. Once he finds one, he strikes fast and hard. If the enemy is threatening an animal or plant, Cairne will often lose his cool demeanor and lash out in a rage. Aside from his melee abilities, Cairne can wield the very power of nature. Onlookers have been witness to his power manifest in a thick fog, raging fire, and even a rejuvenating touch for his injured allies. Cairne is often seen with his wolf companion. She is a large gray wolf that serves him obediently in battle and out. While some speculate that the wolf is his pet, those more knowledgeable claim that they are merely friends and that the wolf comes and goes as she pleases. In battle, any number of animals can be found in the company of Cairne. Everything from eagles, wolves, and snakes to bears, dinosaurs, and lions can be found fighting at his side. Thanks for any help you can provide!
warwinner 07-07-07, 02:10 AM	what are his motivations for adventuring ? probably he'd look for ways to get quickly out of urban areas if they stay a little too long and may bluntly ask allies to let him go [low charisma] or maybe he tries to find the nature in these unnatural parts
Terjon of the Blue Rose 07-07-07, 06:12 AM	Previous question is a good one. Also what is his circle like (assuming he has one)? Do they have a specific cause or just general defenders of nature? As for physical wolf pelt and antlers is a strange image combined. Perhaps consider having the wolf head over his shoulder creating the image of a man with 2 heads?
Dabriel 07-07-07, 06:27 AM	Vey interesting suggestions. As far as his motivation for adventuring, I am thinking of something along these lines: Cairne has been sent out by the Oak Father to the far reaches of the world to explore nature in it's many forms. If he is to one day take up the mantle as Archdruid of the Old Grove, he must first understand the natural balance in all things (true neutral alignment). Something along those lines. It needs fleshed out more, but you get the idea. I also like the idea of the wolf head on the shoulder. It does make for a confusing description for both antlers and a hide to be on his head. Any more suggestions would be great!
Dabriel 07-07-07, 05:25 PM	I am also curious as to if dinosaurs exist in the forgotten realms campaign. I am new to this setting, but would love to have a fleshraker. The druid guide makes it out to be quite a potent companion.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 07-07-07, 11:21 PM	I believe in FR dinos can be found in the jungles of Chult.
Dabriel 07-11-07, 02:23 AM	Well, the char is coming along nicely. I have decided that I will take the dragon wild shape feat at level 12, so I am going to play him up to that point as constantly searching for new and exotic plants and animals. This quest will hopefully take him to other planes in search of more knowledge. Any other suggestions as to best play this aspect of him? Also, I think my deity in forgotten realms has to be silvanus, but I'm not sure. Anyone know any others a druid can follow?
Terjon of the Blue Rose 07-12-07, 01:24 AM	Silvanus I think is more on the plant aspect of nature. Take a look at Nobanion or Meilliki
Dabriel 07-12-07, 04:45 AM	Thanks for the advice Terjon. As I have researched druids on the boards here, I have come across the Arcane Hierophant prc. This raised some very interesting ideas for backstory and reasons for adventuring. I was wondering if anyone had any neat angles to play an AH with. Thanks again!
warwinner 07-12-07, 07:03 AM	1] Druid,Cohabitation with arcane spellcasters and thus became interested in arcane spells and learned them through study hardwork etc 2] Inborn arcane magical powers due to heritage [dragons, celestial etc] and divine powers attained through faith and belief 3] All magic must serve nature, i'll try and bend this unnatural and destructive arcane magic to serve/protect nature 4] Druidic or clerical Land where mages shunned because of unnatural or destructive magic, son or friend of mage or a mage wants to prove that arcane magic is as user wishes it, and wants to prove that it can assist and nurture nature and divine causes 5] A sage or showoff wanting to master all/many forms of magic 6] Studies either form of magic because of necessity [example: fireball needed to fight water elementals commonly attacking in a seaside town]
Dabriel 07-12-07, 11:52 AM	great suggestions warwinner. Here is one I've been kicked around upstairs. It's kind of a play off the AH description in RoTW. Cairne, a druid of some renown, has come to the point that he views magic not as some outside force, but as just another part of nature. As such, he strives to learn more about the balance of nature through arcane and druidic ways. As he travels, he takes every opportunity to speak with druids and arcane casters to try and persuade them over to his way of thinking. In fact, he is in the process of researching for a book that he plans on writing on the subject. According to him, this book will "change the way the world views the nature of magic and its place in the natural world." What do you think?
Terjon of the Blue Rose 07-13-07, 12:07 AM	Arcane Hierophant is nice. Though, I think one could take a bit of advantage by living amongst redwoods... technically they're all one big plant. But I digress. I always like the idea of a AH who followed ley lines or who view the weave as the source of all magic and thus as a natural creation. I especially like the idea of book research being a motivation for travel by the way..
warwinner 07-13-07, 02:22 AM	Wow, book research is a very good idea Got me thinking about how that book looks and feels when it's finally sold in bookshops or more likely available in druidic libraries Probably cover of mossy bark, dragonskin What about images in the front, any illustrations What would a druidic book look like etc
Dabriel 07-13-07, 03:11 AM	Yeah the more I toy around with this book idea, the more I'm liking it. I will think about it more tonight, but lets see what I can do with what I have now: As you wander the small bookstore, you spot an interesting find upon one of the tables. A large, heavy book with what appears to be tree bark for a cover. Upon further inspection you notice arcane markings around the border of the book. Intrigued, you pick it up and begin to examine it closer. "On the Nature of Magic: A Look at the Transparency of Nature and the Arcane" by Arch-druid Cairne Varr of the Circle of Seven. "What an interesting topic for a druid to write about," you think to yourself. After flipping through a few pages, you come across the title for the 3rd chapter: "The Blending of Two Worlds: Impossible?" Your curiosity gets the best of you. You must know more. After making your purchase, you walk back into the bustling, noisy streets. "I wonder if this Cairne Varr guy will teach me how to explain to my wife that I bought yet another book without sending her into a rage," you mutter under your breath as you head off down the alley. "Talk about impossible." Well, thats just a quick write up for the idea that I am kicking around. Please feel free to suggest other ideas for the AH class or my book idea. (Actually, in writing this, I came up with an interesting idea. Perhaps the process of writing this book could be like reading a tome of knowledge. What I mean is instead of buying a tome, reading it, and getting an intelligence or wisdom boost, I could research, write a book, and get a similar effect. I would just spend the money on "printing expenses" Let me know what you think!)
Dabriel 07-13-07, 03:34 AM	On a somewhat related note, I was looking at the AH class abilities and I am a bit perplexed by their ability to channel plants and animals. Chalk it up to my lack to actual playtime or horrible grasp of mechanics, but how is this useful? I can understand how the animal channel may be use some use with your companion, but plants? There any good ideas out there on how to use this? Maybe its just too late and I am far too tired to be imagining things and expecting them to make sense....
warwinner 07-13-07, 03:44 AM	got to look it up, but plants include monster plants [shambling mound, assassin vine ] ? Maybe the book must have magical qualities and effects, cleans itself with prestidigitation, drys itself etc.Some magical effects - illusion of dfruid appearing and introducing books purpose when you look at preface etc
Dabriel 07-13-07, 04:03 AM	"On the Nature of Magic: A Look at the Transparency of Nature and the Arcane" by Arch-druid Cairne Varr of the Circle of Seven. This book has several interesting qualities. If left in the sun too long, the books tree-bark cover will sprout small buds and will eventually bloom into flowers and leaves. These quickly wilt and die, however, when the book is removed from the sunlight. Met with much hostility from druids and dismissed as craziness from wizards, this book is the center of quite a bit of controversy. Rumor has it that while writing it, Cairne had to retreat to another plane in order to avoid potential death threats. Now, though, Cairne can be found touring the major universities and druidic circles lecturing on his knowledge. When not speaking, he likes to retreat to the wilderness and continue his studies in this new field. ok, bedtime...
Terjon of the Blue Rose 07-14-07, 12:09 AM	Channel plants is the slightly broken aspect I was talking about. In a redwood forest you can make any tree in the forest your point of origin for a spell since all the trees are part of one big plant. Outside of a redwood forest it means things like using vine mine spell and then having the vines creep around a corner to shoot a lightning bolt off without your needing to expose yourself (no horrific jokes please.)
warwinner 07-14-07, 02:02 AM	Outside of a redwood forest it means things like using vine mine spell and then having the vines creep around a corner to shoot a lightning bolt off without your needing to expose yourself (no horrific jokes please.) LOL
Dabriel 07-15-07, 06:41 PM	I guess I will have to get some playtime in with this char to see how I can really optimize the channel plant/animal ability. At least it adds an interesting twist as far as role-playing. Hopefully, I will spend some time this week fleshing him out a bit more. As always, I am open to suggestions.