Post/Author/DateTime	Post
lordyuri24 01-28-04, 01:38 PM	Whether I like it or not I like to min/max, hence I spend a lot of time reading the min/max board (or Character Optimization to be politically correct). And, I also love playing druids, it is what I do; so it is no surprise that I saw the Monk/Druid builds that just have amazing abilities, so I tried one. And I have to say, even though it was only a hack and slash game (big dungeon really) the build just rocked! I loved playing it, and so I started thinking about how I could incorporate a few levels of Druid into an actual RP campaign, thinking about why a character would have both classes, and what said character would be like, and I came across some interesting "revelation" (or perhaps I read this somewhere, in which case tell me so and I will shut up). Druids are a group of people who use strange magical powers to keep the balance of a mystical force only they seem to understand. Monks persue greatnes through contemplation and martial arts training, by understanding their mind and the world. A Jedi uses a very strange fighting style (not many people use Light Sabres) and a veriety of strange powers to keep the balance of The Force. I don't know if I have just become mentally deficient or what, but this seemed kind of stramge (yet pretty cool) to me.
rogue_lettuce 01-29-04, 01:39 PM	I would say that if you could co-operate with the DM to change druids to psionic rather than divine, and change the monks' unarmed special powers to apply to lightsabers - ingame stas of katanas? - you would be right on. Oh, and allow the char to freely switch between the new druid and new monk, and change the druid's restricted items so they can have their lightsabers/katanas. Good idea? I can just imagine it now...
Shadowalk Nimblefeet 01-30-04, 03:44 PM	I myself wouldn't say the combination is very reminiscent of a Jedi. The Jedi work worth a mystical force that binds the world together, that's true, but what Druids believe in is Nature. The Force is less based in the material world, it's an energy field similar to the Akasha or Brahmin from Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The Force encompasses everything, and is unconcerned, so to speak, with fertility and natural growth. Druids, on the other hand, are concerned mostly or exclusively with nature. However, they do not necessarily care about its balance, unlike Jedi with the Force. That's why you'll find evil druids (such as blighters) that focus only on the predatory or decaying aspects of nature, and good druids that care for and heal wounded plants and animals rather than leaving them to the natural cycle. If you wanted to introduce a Jedi-like element into your game I would suggest looking at the Shaolin Buddhism and certain sects of Zen Buddhism. The Shaolin believe that by truly focusing your chi with the energies of the world around you that one may come to possess supernatural abilities that go even beyond what the standard monk class possesses. Some believe you may learn to fly, become resistant to fire, see into the future, walk on water, or move objects via sheer will power. And they believe one of the ways of harmonizing your chi is by training extensively with a single weapon or martial arts technique (i.e. lightsaber, teras kasi). This would fit perfectly a Jedi-like prestige class, maybe something like 'Enlightened Master.' But, it would be rather unrelated to the Druid, which doesn't quite sound like what you're going for.
kistrup 01-30-04, 03:58 PM	I have seen it as well; inner ballance/outer ballance, natural weapons/magic fang, fastmovement/trackless step and woodland stride. A member of the Emerald Enclave perhaps? Lawfull Neutral? I went further: Asimar Paladin 3/monk+ (go for wis & cha), this is more Jedi style. And perhaps your GM will allow you to change your armour feats with uncanny dodge feats? Give him a staff with holy brilliant/holy disruption ghost touch. A member of the Sun Soul order? or son of Illamater? Beutifull saves and a decent ac. A paladin on foot and light weight. ;P