Druids, Armor and Mielikki

[Tracker]

In the original game, Druids were balanced by having access to Medium Armor, and the game didn't lock off metal ones. Here, on EfU:A, they only really get Light, unless they get DM granted exotic armors.

However, you can get round all of this by just saying "I'm a Druid of Mielikki", and I've noticed a fair number of newer players who seemed to have just taken it to avoid the armor/weapon penalties, not for any reason beyond it. I've seen this especially for Elves, as then they get to use their racial weapons, getting powerful ranged and melee weapons free. These also tend to be non-faction app, lone druids.

So, what I'd like to suggest is this. Since Mielliki as a deity breaks all the RP-based restrictions on the class, this should require an app to play.

On the other side of things, there should be several fairly basic "natural" Chainshirts and Chainmail that are either labelled as Druid Usable OOCly or class restricted to Druid/Ranger Only. Exactly like the ones in the Underdark Svirf Ranger's Shop were. Either from a merchant, a couple of quests, or even both.

[Sandstorm]

There are already medium and heavy armors that druids can use, as well as towershields! Though they are not as common as other armors.

[Cruzel]

On the other side of things, there should be several fairly basic "natural" Chainshirts and Chainmail that are either labelled as Druid Usable OOCly or class restricted to Druid/Ranger Only. Exactly like the ones in the Underdark Svirf Ranger's Shop were. Either from a merchant, a couple of quests, or even both.

IIRC there is a fairly common quest which drops a loto f heavy/medium armor druids can use.(AFAIK)

Chitin is not metal last I checked, which means druids should be able to use these armos no problem.


Also edit; Isn't mielikki only for weapons? I thought metal armor was still a no-go for mielikki druids?

[Thomas_Not_very_wise]

Mielekki is okay with metal armor.

Not okay with non druid weapons.

[Yalta]

I know of some nice medium armour that drops on one quest that is useable by druids.
 
There is also non-metal heavy plate that drops. I am sure i remember a Dm saying this wasn't desirable though afaik?
 
So on EFU:A the non-metal armour requirement is not harsh.

[CunningPlan]

Actually, I was told by Mort in a tell query that unless it specifically says, you can't use it. He also said the Lizard Hide Banded Mail is NOT usable by druid multiclasses. I think maybe we need a DM ruling one what is definitely OK.

[Jayde Moon]

Thomas, Page 23 of the FRCS says you're WRONG in terms of general discussion.

It says they can use anything a ranger could use.

[core]

Mielikki, who is famous for the number of druid/rangers who worship her, has more lenient spiritual oaths than most deities that druids worship in the Realms. Druids of Mielikki can use any of the standard armor or weapons that rangers normally use (all simple and martial weapons, all light and medium armor, and all shields) without violating their spiritual oaths.

From the Druid class page on our very own forum.

[PanamaLane]

These kinds of things I usually find are solved in the way of DM observation. I'd likely wager that any DM that thinks you choose to be a druid of Mielikki -just- for the metal armor and weapons is not going to pay much attention to your character. Some might even decide to squash you for it (i'm looking at you metro).

If, however, you prove them wrong and rock out with a really great, deep character, who wears metal with the pride of your diety behind it, expect rewards. If you're going to go for it, have the RP to back it up, is all I mean.