Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Skojar 11-23-04, 11:21 PM	I'm looking to make a druid in the vein of the Batman villain Poison Ivy. By that I mean: ALL PLANTS; as much plant-related as possible. I see some handy spells, but the selection is limited and its a long time before I can put my plant-theme to use with wildshape. Does anyone know any products (WotC, preferably) that give ANY plant-related feats that I could take early-on? Are there rules anywhere for determining alternatives to the standard animal companions? I know of a few plant/animal mix templates. How can I manage to take a templated animal as my companion? Any suggestions? Thanks.
eshadowe 11-24-04, 12:02 AM	That is a REALLY great idea, I can't wait to hear what you'll do (especially with the Awaken spell) There are a few good spells in the Magic of Faerun I good 'synapsis' of spells/book is my coworkers site http://www.ambiguous.com/~mu/cherum/spells/druid.html I really wish i could help more, this sounds like a totally awesome idea
ksbsnowowl 11-24-04, 01:13 AM	Well, there is the Verdant Lord PrC from Masters of the Wild IIRC, it allows you to wildshape into plants, and you eventually become a plant creature. Maybe you even gain treat 'animal' companions - I'm not sure, I haven't looked at that class in a long while. Another option might be Tolontar Blightlord from Unapproachable East. It is an evil PrC that promotes disease, but it does turn you into a plant creature, and your animal companions gain a template that also makes them plant creatures. As was mentioned, Magic of Faerun probably has some decent plant-related druid spells. Another way to increase your plant abilities would be to pick up a level of Contemplative (Defenders of the Faith, and I'm pretty sure it was updated in Complete Divine) to gain the plant domain.
DrMorganes 11-24-04, 01:17 AM	Unearthed Arcana also offers some variants on Wildshape. I believe a plant form is among them. No feats are necessary, just a level requirement as I recall. You will, of course, need your DM's approval as well.
The Morninglord 11-24-04, 08:30 AM	Take a look at my Summon Monster list (link below). I've offered a CR-rating for the different animal companions/nature's allies, so you can probably find a plant creature you like and replace it with some of the usual creatures. You can use the woodling template from MMIII as well, but it will give you a +2 CR to the base creature.
Skojar 11-24-04, 11:21 PM	Thanks, some great ideas. When I get something put togehter I;ll post it.
Shard of Suzail 11-25-04, 02:55 PM	As ksb says, check up on the verdant lord. Alternatively, look at geomancer and tailor its drifts accordingly.
kliate 11-25-04, 03:31 PM	Look to the MM3 for the Topiary Guardian and Woodling Templates - they might be to your taste.
Skojar 11-27-04, 11:35 PM	I looked through the suggestions made, and there's definately some good stuff. Unfortunately, a lot of it would either increase my ECL or only be attainable at higher levels. Also, the selection of plant creatures to fill out an alternate Summon Nature's Ally list is sadly lacking. There seems very little available to a 1st Level druid that relates to plants, excluding good old entangle. So, inspired by the Child of Winter chain of feats in the Eberron setting, I was wondering about a feat that would allow even a 1st level Druid to have an alternative companion that fits my theme. What I hit upon is something based on the living spell template (also from Eberron). I know this probably isn't the appropriate forum, but what do you think of this?: Vine Minion Prerequisite: Ability to gain an animal companion Benefit: In place of a standard animal companion, you are accompanied by a living entangle spell. It behaves in all ways as an animal companion, but does not gain bonus hit dice or special abilities as normal, except for any natural armor bonus appropriate to your class level. Unlike a normal living spell, it has an intelligence of 2, and is of the Plant type. A vine minion has the following has the following game statistics: Size: based on your Druid level. 1-6 (Medium), 7-12 (Large), 13+ (Huge) Type: Plant, but affected by your spells as if it were an animal. Hit Dice: Hit Dice equal to 1+ 1/2 your Druid Level, rounded down. Hit Dice are d8s Speed: 60ft, or 20ft in areas without vegetation. Attack: A vine minion has a slam attack that deals 1d4 slashing damage. Its base attack bonus is 3/4 of its hit dice, as a Cleric. Special Attacks: Spell Effect (Su): A creature hit by a vine minion's slam attack risks becoming entangled as per the spell, DC 11+your Wis modifier. Engulf (Ex): A vine minion can engulf any creature of its size or smaller, subjecting the engulfed creature to the Spell Effect. Special Qualities: Plant Traits, DR 10/magic or fire, SR 10+your Druid Level. Saves: A vine minion gets saves as a plant (good Fort saves) and has a +1 resistance bonus to all saves. Abilities: Str 11, Dex 8, Con 11, Int 2, Wis 8, Cha 11. Skills and Feats: By Hit Dice, as a plant. A vine minion gains a +10 bonus to Hide checks in areas of heavy vegetation. This seems like it might be a little powerful at 1st and 2nd level, but it does cost a feat, and by mid levels the Spell Effect is less of a factor. Too weak? Too strong? This is my first try and before I try to put it into use, I'd like some feedback. Thanks.