Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Shadow_Gryphon 01-13-04, 05:33 PM	I must admit, this thought derived its inspiration from reading some posts on the Character Optomization board, but I think it a fruitful roleplaying option. I have long disliked the classic, rather stereo-typical notion of the druid as a nature-loving, tree-hugging character, ill-suited to any campaign that was not heavy on the classic fantasy genre. However, in skimming through the CO boards, I hit upon numerous builds that incorporated one level of Monk, and included the Vow of Poverty feat, to maximize a number of options, including the addition of the Druid's wisdom bonus to their AC. No explanation was given for why a Druid would have one level of Monk, so I began to think about what such a combination would mean. The notion of a character modeled in part after classic Taoist teacher/scholar/monk/hermits greatly appealed. The character could be a wanderer, a martial artist who reveres not some fantastical "Nature", but rather a follower of the Tao, someone who seeks the natural order in the universe, to live in harmony with their world. Additionally, the Shaolin animal forms spring to mind as a means through which to reconcile the Monk martial arts capabilities and the Druid's wildshape abilities. This character has perfected the martial forms, so that he need not emulate the movements of creatures in combat, but can instead actually become the creature in question. His spells would stem from his ability to see the true path, his connection with the Tao, permitting him abilities that would seem supernatural to others. Instead, he has simply found how to maximize his potential as a beling living the Tao. With the Vow of Poverty abilities, such a character could remain viable while forgoing attachment to material goods, something that is highly prized in both Buddhist and Taoist philosophies. What do people think? Would the Taoist Philosopher be viable way of roleplaying a Monk1/Druid19 combination? Any suggestions on how to best play such a character? Cheers, S_G
SmiloDan 01-13-04, 06:23 PM	I like it. I've always seen monk/druids as hermits, with little need of the outside world. The Vow of Poverty feat really emphasizes that.
Moridin Shadar 01-13-04, 08:08 PM	I really like that idea as well, and might steal it from you as your not into nature have you thought about switching out Nature sense and Wild empathy for something else...and woodland stride for that matter....and possible animal companion
Moridin Shadar 01-14-04, 01:29 AM	I just realized that by the rules this dosen't actually work. as a druid you alignment must be neutral, and as a monk it must be lawful. So alignment is Lawful Neutral....exalted feats, such as Sacred Vow and Vow of Poverty, require you to be of good alignment....and as you can't be Lawful Good due to druid levels it just dosen't work. I have just recently decided that Sacred Vow and Vow of Poverty, in this case, are not 'exalted' feats but more of a way of life for this character...or something like that.
Shadow_Gryphon 01-15-04, 02:04 PM	Would it be possible to have the character start as a Lawful Good monk, take the various Vows, etc, and then, upon reaching second level, give up the staunch training regimen of the monk in favor of that of the wandering philosopher (druid). This could account for an alignment shift from Lawful Good to Neutral Good, thus satisfying the requirements for the Druid progression.
Moridin Shadar 01-15-04, 08:06 PM	Yes that would work out fine...I don't feel that simlply becoming a wandering phlisopher is enough for an Alignment change like that...but It would work