Blues

Imperial Druid

Most druids in the DS: DragonEmpire are enlightened nature-lovers. They see the coexistence of nature and civilization as a fundamental problem, but one that can be eased through the proper application of technology, life sciences, and magic. They are not screaming fanatics hell-bent on the destruction of civilization. As such, they fully employ all the technological marvels of this day and age - including technological weapons and armor, as appropriate.

However, there is an Old Ways tradition, an order of druids who see civilization, especially interstellar civilization, as fundamentally flawed. They will not use any form of technology in their lives, and many of them become xenophobic, technophobic and violent, sometimes joining terrorist groups. Even law-abiding druids of the Old Way are often under suspicion for sedition.

Limitations

Faith: Druids must believe in the sanctity of nature and that intelligent creatures are just a part of creation. They must respect - but not love - nature and natural forces. There is no need to champion nature at every turn - this is not really a behavior code. But abandoning nature, thinking it insignificant next to the powers of civilization, is the certain bane of a druid. Some druids worship gods; from the DS:UnificationChurch, DS:DualistHeresy or some other divinity, but this is not required.

Hocus Pocus: Songs, chants, and gestures are all part of the druidic tradition. Druids rely on natural substances like mistletoe, holly leaves and spring water to work their magic. These supplies must be replenished, so druids have to spend time in a verdant environment every so often or lose their power. This is a downtime activity that doesn't generally interfere with adventuring, but can be used as a plot hook.

Bane: (Old Way Special) Iron and steel is the mark of civilization, a symbol of all that druids are opposed to. Large amounts of iron or steel worn or carried prevents you from using your powers. Smaller amounts - like a belt buckle, a dagger, or similar small items, have no adverse effect. Neither do larger items if shaped in the druidic tradition - scimitars, sickles and scythes are prime examples. High-technological items and materials are even more alien, so a druid of the old tradition may not use these at all. Only druids of the Old Way have this limitation. By way of compensation, they get the Nature schtick for free.

Common Schticks

Animal, Nature, Polymorphism.

Allowed Schticks

Animal, Artificing, Blast (as appropriate), Divination, Enhancement, Familiar, Fertility, Flame, Forces (with appropriate manifestations), Fortune, Healing, Ice, Polymorphism, Sand, Sea, Wind.

BlueDragonBlues | ImperialMagicTraditions