4E Druid Review

This morning, Wizards posted a preview of the 4E Druid for subscribers of D&D Insider. Just like I did with the 4E Bard, I’d like to review the information presented and let non-subscribers know what they have to look forward to.

• Are druids still tree hugging hippies?

Oh. No. Druids are no longer relegated to being the Aquaman of an adventuring group. Druids are all about channeling their primal nature into their actions. When it comes to using powers, the descriptions let you know that the druid is not to be messed with.

You draw forth the savagery that dwells in every creature, compelling your enemies to fight without forethought or plan.

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A howling gust of wind savages your enemies, scattering them.

The 4E Druid is definitely a force of nature.

• Can they still shape change?

Of course. All druids begin with the ability to wild shape as a minor action.

• What kind of creature can you change in to?

You can change in to any beast you wish as long as the beast is your size and resembles a natural beast or a fey beast. Your game statistics don’t normally change.

• What about equipment and powers when they wild shape?

Druids who wild shape can only use powers with the “beast form” keyword. Almost all equipment you’re carrying becomes part of you. If you’re holding anything, it drops unless it’s an implement you can use. You continue to gain all benefits from worn equipment. You can use the properties and powers of implements and magic items you wear unless it’s a wondorous item. You do not have access to anything carried since it becomes part of you.

• Do I have to wild shape?

I’ve known people who played druids and never wild shaped because it was too much to keep track of. Since wild shaping no longer affects your stats in most cases, it’s a lot easier to use. However, if you still don’t want to wild shape, you’re not going to be disappointed. Druids begin with a total of three at-will powers with one of them, but no more than two, required to have the “beast form” keyword. So a player who doesn’t want to wild shape still gets two regular at-will powers, just like other classes.

• What are some other cool features of the 4E Druid?

1. They can choose to either use their Constitution modifier in place of Dexterity or Intelligence when determing AC or they can gain a +1 bonus to their speed.
2. They get as many healing surges as the cleric.
3. You automatically know Animal Messenger.
4. They are no longer “all about balance.” That’s one thing I could never stand about previous versions of the D&D druid. I see the 4E druid more like a true Shaman or even a Samurai; one who knows one’s place in the world and relies upon the guidance of their brethren (in this case, the winds, trees, beasts, etc.) but doesn’t feel obligated to “keep the peace.”

Conclusion

The 4E Druid is a much more savage character than in the past. They are in tune with their Beast Spirit and makes use of it accordingly. They can channel it into a lot of their powers, not just the one that allows them to change shape. All in all, a pretty impressive upgrade from the previous versions.

Now that you’ve read this, tell me which class you’re looking forward to most with this poll!

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Posted in: 4E, RPG, Reviews