Discussion:Druids and Elves

Hello, I'm a big fan of multiple MMORPGs, and recently am wanting to role play D&D style, my questions here will be obviously about Druids and Elves because it just so happens, I want to make a Elven Druid. I will post the questions below, thanks to all whom reply and give their ideas! I'm completely new to D&D, I'm sorry if I ask stupid or weird questions!

Elves common physical features: I looked around, and some people say that Elves are tall, some people say that Elves are short, from the D&D core, I want to know the common (if you know some rare ones, please add them too!) physical features which elves normally have.

Druids: Do they HAVE to be True Neutral? Or are there some rare cases which they can be other alignments? If so then what? I played WoW and admire the Druids greatly, what can Druids transform into? I'm more of a shapeshifter, not so much one to have a pet.

Pwsnafu 23:44, 28 September 2009 (MDT)

Firstly, some advice. Actually sit down with your group and work out what "D&D style" means to each person. Some people love sandbox while others prefer strong plots. Do you like character centric play, or a deep plot with hack-and-slash? Do you love politics? Most groups stay together for months to years, so it can go sour very easily. Also, go through the rules with your group, because some people will have problems with certain rules. Should the DM be a rules lawyer? Or are you going to let thing run? What is the experience of your group with RPGs in general? These things should be worked out before the first play session.

Now, concerning your questions. Height will never come in play. If your taller than the mean, then he's a tall elf. That's it. If your an elf, your "around human height". (This doesn't apply to halflings & gnomes.)

The main physical features are:

• Pointy ears (which is life or death for some people),
• Long life spans/immortal (which you can't/won't roleplay),
• Sleeping...stuff,
• Splat bonuses.

My point is, its not that important.

As for alignment, I'm a strong advocate of throwing it out the window. If your lawful, roleplay being lawful. Writing a word on a sheet of paper doesn't mean anything. There are people (and settings) where it is important. Your mileage may differ. Oh, and by the rules, druids need to be lawful-anything or anything-lawful. Druids shapechange into animals, but the specifics will depend on what splat books you use.

Alignment

Its not lawful its neutral anything because nature is a non-biased thing it is neither good nor evil. It is chaotic and lawful and thus you must somehow be neutral.--Milo High-Hill 16:10, 20 November 2010 (MST)

Badger 17:00, 20 November 2010 (MST)

To address your questions in order, using 3.5e D&D rules:

• Medium size. They are all medium size. Variance occurs, but that is minimal and has no mechanical impact. Small "fey" do exist, but playable race elves described in the Player's Handbook are medium.
• The Player's Handbook has physical descriptions of elves (eye colors, hair colors, etc.)
• Alignment: They can be any alignment that has "Neutral" in the name. That mean Lawful Neutral, Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Good, Neutral Evil, and True Neutral.
• Wild-Shape: A druid can, in time, turn into any animal he or she is familiar with. If you look at the class table it gives restrictions on size. At first they can only transform into medium size creatures, but as they level they can shift into smaller or larger creatures. If you're into shape-shifting, you're going to want to check out other classes or some alternate class features, as the PHB's druid is kinda weak in the shape-shifting department.

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