Generally, multiclassing will grant you the proficiencies associated with that class, but I'd suggest keeping multiclassing at arms' length until you have the game's basic mechanics down.
High Elves have the same weapon proficiencies as Wood Elves. If the DM allows it, a Variant Human could use the Weapon Master feat to gain weapon proficiencies as well.
As others have stated above, the easiest thing would be to play an elf to get those weapon proficiencies right from the start. Just so you can avoid having to multiclass (if that's something you want to do).
Trance, having advantage against being charmed, and not having magic put you to sleep is always nice. Just a suggestion :)
I’m brand new to D&D as well! I can confirm using an elf Druid makes all the difference, I made the lucky choice and chose elf the first time I built my Druid character, so that’s how I figured out we can use bows when others usually can’t.
Something I wanted to ask is, I’m trying to do an art design of my character for a competition my DM sent out… and, are druids centered around magic or can they also be more proficient at martial arts type stuff?? I didn’t want a whole lot of magic so much as fighting and strength my first go round so I’m starting to wonder if I made a poor choice in Druid? (The wildlife and animal prospects were what originally caught my eye)
I’m brand new to D&D as well! I can confirm using an elf Druid makes all the difference, I made the lucky choice and chose elf the first time I built my Druid character, so that’s how I figured out we can use bows when others usually can’t.
Something I wanted to ask is, I’m trying to do an art design of my character for a competition my DM sent out… and, are druids centered around magic or can they also be more proficient at martial arts type stuff?? I didn’t want a whole lot of magic so much as fighting and strength my first go round so I’m starting to wonder if I made a poor choice in Druid? (The wildlife and animal prospects were what originally caught my eye)
Druids are usually more oriented toward magic than toward physical combat. The core of the class is really the spellcasting and the ability to change into animal forms. It's possible to make a Druid with a more martial bent but it's less common.
If you're interested in a character with a nature flavor that's more combat-oriented, you might consider the Ranger class instead, or some kinds of Barbarian.
I’m brand new to D&D as well! I can confirm using an elf Druid makes all the difference, I made the lucky choice and chose elf the first time I built my Druid character, so that’s how I figured out we can use bows when others usually can’t.
Something I wanted to ask is, I’m trying to do an art design of my character for a competition my DM sent out… and, are druids centered around magic or can they also be more proficient at martial arts type stuff?? I didn’t want a whole lot of magic so much as fighting and strength my first go round so I’m starting to wonder if I made a poor choice in Druid? (The wildlife and animal prospects were what originally caught my eye)
Druids are a full caster class, and what's more, each day they can choose from the entire list of Druid spells available at their level, which can certainly lead to a lot of decision paralysis.
If you're more interested in being a fighter, then a Ranger would be a better approach: they still have the nature/animals theme, and they still have magic, but they're half-fighter and only a half-caster - they can't learn as many spells and their spell progression is slower, which makes your selection simpler, and they can only change one of their spells each day. A Ranger is primarily a fighter, either close range (usually with two weapons), or long range with bows or crossbows.
thank you for the info!! That makes a lot more sense! My first character is a Druid no doubt in my first campaign, but I will definitely consider Ranger for my next character!👍🏻
thank you for the info!! That makes a lot more sense! My first character is a Druid no doubt in my first campaign, but I will definitely consider Ranger for my next character!👍🏻
If you don’t know where I am, I’m either sleeping or roleplaying. If I’m doing neither of those things, except the worst. (Do not actually expect the worst) If you need to talk then PM me. Head Acolyte of The Tree Cult.
I have other characters I want to play for example, I have a character that was in the emerald enclave lost their memories started being a ranger and found their Druid abilities and are now a multi class!
If you don’t know where I am, I’m either sleeping or roleplaying. If I’m doing neither of those things, except the worst. (Do not actually expect the worst) If you need to talk then PM me. Head Acolyte of The Tree Cult.
If this should be a new thread, just let me know. Also new to DnD 5e and specifically Druids. Played many many years ago, so waay out of date. I am creating a 1/2 Elf Druid. At some point, if he survives long enough he will want to use Wild Shape to become a Crow, much less conspicuous than giant Eagles. No one pays attention to a lowly Crow. My Druid thinks that would be a great advantage. Anyway, at what level can this 1/2 Elf Druid accomplish this ... 8th? Sooner? Thanks
If this should be a new thread, just let me know. Also new to DnD 5e and specifically Druids. Played many many years ago, so waay out of date. I am creating a 1/2 Elf Druid. At some point, if he survives long enough he will want to use Wild Shape to become a Crow, much less conspicuous than giant Eagles. No one pays attention to a lowly Crow. My Druid thinks that would be a great advantage. Anyway, at what level can this 1/2 Elf Druid accomplish this ... 8th? Sooner? Thanks
Yes, you gain the ability to transform into flying forms at level 8.
Shilleagh is a 1st level spell that my Druid can use. It requires Verbal, Somatic, and Material; in this case mistletoe, a shamrock leaf, and a club or quarterstaff. My Wooden staff is my Druidic Focus. Am reading and understanding correctly that relieves the need to carry mistletoe, or shamrock leaf?
Shilleafh is a 1st level spell that my Druid can use. It requires Verbal, Somatic, and Material; in this case mistletoe, a shamrock leaf, and a club or quarterstaff. My Wooden staff is my Druidic Focus. Am reading and understanding correctly that relieves the need to carry mistletoe, or shamrock leaf?
That's correct. Your Druidic Focus can take the place of the material component for any of your Druid spells.
The only exceptions to this are if the material component has a cost listed in the spell (e.g. "a diamond worth 300+ gp"), or the material component is consumed by the spell, or both. But neither of those apply to Shillelagh, so you're good.
For the record, Shillelagh is a cantrip, not a 1st-level spell, though that doesn't matter in this case.
I'm very new to D&D (I'm starting my first campaign this weekend!) so apologies if this is a silly question.
I noticed there are no bow/crossbow options for my druid character.
Is this because the druid class means that bows aren't an option for me? Or am I missing something obvious?
Do I have the option of adding one as I go?
Thanks in advance for your help!
The Druid is not proficient in bows and crossbows. The Druid can still use those weapons but it will not add the proficiency bonus to the attack roll.
Ah! That makes sense. Will I get the proficiency bonus if I multi-class something that's more suited to bows?
Generally, multiclassing will grant you the proficiencies associated with that class, but I'd suggest keeping multiclassing at arms' length until you have the game's basic mechanics down.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/compendium/rules/basic-rules/customization-options#Proficiencies
Alternatively, a Wood Elf Druid will have shortbow and longbow proficiency.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
High Elves have the same weapon proficiencies as Wood Elves. If the DM allows it, a Variant Human could use the Weapon Master feat to gain weapon proficiencies as well.
Alternatively, you can use a cantrip like Produce Flame, Frostbite or Magic Stone to deal damage from a distance.
The Forum Infestation (TM)
As others have stated above, the easiest thing would be to play an elf to get those weapon proficiencies right from the start. Just so you can avoid having to multiclass (if that's something you want to do).
Trance, having advantage against being charmed, and not having magic put you to sleep is always nice. Just a suggestion :)
I’m brand new to D&D as well! I can confirm using an elf Druid makes all the difference, I made the lucky choice and chose elf the first time I built my Druid character, so that’s how I figured out we can use bows when others usually can’t.
Something I wanted to ask is, I’m trying to do an art design of my character for a competition my DM sent out… and, are druids centered around magic or can they also be more proficient at martial arts type stuff?? I didn’t want a whole lot of magic so much as fighting and strength my first go round so I’m starting to wonder if I made a poor choice in Druid? (The wildlife and animal prospects were what originally caught my eye)
Druids are usually more oriented toward magic than toward physical combat. The core of the class is really the spellcasting and the ability to change into animal forms. It's possible to make a Druid with a more martial bent but it's less common.
If you're interested in a character with a nature flavor that's more combat-oriented, you might consider the Ranger class instead, or some kinds of Barbarian.
pronouns: he/she/they
Druids are a full caster class, and what's more, each day they can choose from the entire list of Druid spells available at their level, which can certainly lead to a lot of decision paralysis.
If you're more interested in being a fighter, then a Ranger would be a better approach: they still have the nature/animals theme, and they still have magic, but they're half-fighter and only a half-caster - they can't learn as many spells and their spell progression is slower, which makes your selection simpler, and they can only change one of their spells each day. A Ranger is primarily a fighter, either close range (usually with two weapons), or long range with bows or crossbows.
@wagnarokkr and @Stabbey_TC
thank you for the info!! That makes a lot more sense! My first character is a Druid no doubt in my first campaign, but I will definitely consider Ranger for my next character!👍🏻
Happy to help!
pronouns: he/she/they
I joined DnD community in august and all I play is a Druid.
Lightning flashes, it creates ash. The ash forms a human.
If you don’t know where I am, I’m either sleeping or roleplaying. If I’m doing neither of those things, except the worst. (Do not actually expect the worst) If you need to talk then PM me. Head Acolyte of The Tree Cult.
My first 5e character was a druid, years ago. It’s a fun class.
pronouns: he/she/they
I have other characters I want to play for example, I have a character that was in the emerald enclave lost their memories started being a ranger and found their Druid abilities and are now a multi class!
Lightning flashes, it creates ash. The ash forms a human.
If you don’t know where I am, I’m either sleeping or roleplaying. If I’m doing neither of those things, except the worst. (Do not actually expect the worst) If you need to talk then PM me. Head Acolyte of The Tree Cult.
If this should be a new thread, just let me know. Also new to DnD 5e and specifically Druids. Played many many years ago, so waay out of date. I am creating a 1/2 Elf Druid. At some point, if he survives long enough he will want to use Wild Shape to become a Crow, much less conspicuous than giant Eagles. No one pays attention to a lowly Crow. My Druid thinks that would be a great advantage. Anyway, at what level can this 1/2 Elf Druid accomplish this ... 8th? Sooner? Thanks
Yes, you gain the ability to transform into flying forms at level 8.
pronouns: he/she/they
Kellisina
druid can use simple weapons
slings, short bow, and light crossbows are listed as simple weapons.
They can in the 2024 rules. The original post was from 2018.
Shilleagh is a 1st level spell that my Druid can use. It requires Verbal, Somatic, and Material; in this case mistletoe, a shamrock leaf, and a club or quarterstaff. My Wooden staff is my Druidic Focus. Am reading and understanding correctly that relieves the need to carry mistletoe, or shamrock leaf?
That's correct. Your Druidic Focus can take the place of the material component for any of your Druid spells.
The only exceptions to this are if the material component has a cost listed in the spell (e.g. "a diamond worth 300+ gp"), or the material component is consumed by the spell, or both. But neither of those apply to Shillelagh, so you're good.
For the record, Shillelagh is a cantrip, not a 1st-level spell, though that doesn't matter in this case.
pronouns: he/she/they