Swarm Druid

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Locksley

Aug 31, 2014 7:49:13

I may be among the few, but I loved playing a Swarm Druid in 4th edition, (even after the mega-nerf).  I am really hoping that there is a way to maintain this flavor.  I am hoping so since swarm creatures do exist in 5th edition, and collectively they are given a single stat block.

 

Wild Shape

Starting at 2nd level, you can use your action to magically assume the shape of a beast that you have seen before.

 

I assume that to mean that I can turn into any creature that has the "beast" keyword.

 

Swarm of Insects
Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned

 

Would the inclusion of the beast keyword in that listing allow a Druid to use Wild Shape to a Swarm of Insects?

 

Thanks,

Jason

#2

Noctaem

Aug 31, 2014 7:56:33

Yes, if you houserule a creature to include the beast keyword, you can then wildshape into it.  Check with your DM of course and be careful, swarm creatures have unique rules that may or may not be good for you.

#3

Locksley

Aug 31, 2014 8:04:28

I should note that I am hoping to play this character in public organized play via Adventurers League: Expeditions

#4

mellored

Aug 31, 2014 8:25:02

Noctaem wrote:
#5

Noctaem

Aug 31, 2014 8:25:13

I don't think you will be able to implement houserule material in organized play.

#6

mellored

Aug 31, 2014 8:27:01

Noctaem wrote:
#7

Locksley

Aug 31, 2014 8:31:03

Thanks for the reponses.

I'm not asking if I can house rule it.

 

I'm asking if using the exact wording, can a Druid use Wild Shape to turn into a swarm creature since it has the "beast" keyword in official, public organized play?

 

Thanks

#8

Captain_Kobold

Aug 31, 2014 8:40:26

I do not believe so, since it isn't "a beast" but a composite of many.

#9

mellored

Aug 31, 2014 9:46:26

Locksley wrote:
#10

Belzad

Aug 31, 2014 10:26:17

My guess would be no, since there is a big difference between "a beast" singular and "beasts" plural. You could transform into one insect that you have seen before, but not the entire swam. 

#11

shivafang

Aug 31, 2014 10:33:37

Locksley wrote:
#12

FarBeyondC

Aug 31, 2014 10:43:47

shivafang wrote:
#13

shivafang

Aug 31, 2014 10:50:53

FarBeyondC wrote:
#14

Mechatarrasque

Aug 31, 2014 14:16:35

Let me add a +1 to those that would like a swarm druid subclass.  At least in the Basic document, medium swarms are low CR and only target one enemy at a time, so it won't be so powerful now.  I can't say I have had many players use them, but I like them for NPC villians.

#15

Locksley

Aug 31, 2014 15:56:53

I definitely concur.  

 

Hopefully they create a subclass build for swarm druids, with some variation on swarm, like they did in 4th.

#16

Locksley

Sep 01, 2014 16:48:11

Side Note:

I have to disagree with the response about only being able to use content from the PHB in public organized play.  At 10th level, the PHB states that a Druid who takes the Circle of the Moon path can turn into an air elemental, water elemental, fire elemental or earth elemental.  But no Elemental creatures are listed in the back of the PHB, while the origingal benefit is listed in the PHB.  

 

Another ruling that points this out is for which 'beasts' you can turn into.  The PHB states, for Wild Shape that you "assume the shape of a beast that you have seen before."  Meaning, that you may encounter new beasts during your playing and adventures that aren't listed in the PHB either.

 

It must be assumed that, even for Adventurers League, the Druid is able to change into beasts beyond what is listed in the PHB.

Just clarifying.

 

 

#17

shivafang

Sep 01, 2014 17:51:05

Locksley wrote:
#18

danyc

Sep 01, 2014 23:49:21

Even using the DM basic rules monsters, the druid still has a pretty narrow selection of (effective) choices for wild shape. I'd be pretty shocked if they restricted it further than that (neither Tyranny nor the PHB has any valid options over CR2, I believe?).

(Reply to #17)

AndrewJO

shivafang wrote:
#20

RCanine

Sep 02, 2014 0:11:02

I actually think a great addition would be feats that alter the restrictions of wild shape. Druids aren't as tied to their stats or feats as other classes, so some class-specific feats would neat.

 

Druid of the Swarm

Your Wisdom increases by 1. When you use your Wild Shape power, you may take the form of a swarm of beasts. All other requirements for Wild Shape (such as max CR and movement modes) still apply.

 

The biggest problem is that the basic rules dont't incude any CR 1 swarms other than piranhas, so they're not particularly useful.