Heathen Druids and Clerics

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Kendermage

Heathen Druids

At least two times during Krynn's long history, the Gods have been absent from the world. The first was after the Cataclysm, and the second was after the Chaos War. During these times there were no gods for mortals to turn to. These periods persisted until the gods once more returned to Krynn - first during the War of the Lance, and again after the War of Souls.

Druids, like clerics (and wizards during the War of Souls), were bereft of spiritual power, losing all abilities granted by their gods as well as the ability to cast spells. They still considered themselves the protectors of the natural world, but had to rely only on their own abilities. They could turn to mysticism to regain their spellcasting abilities, but many have not done so.

Roleplaying a heathen druid is really not much different from playing a traditional druid. A heathen druid has no ability to cast spells and cannot make use of any spell-like (Sp) or supernatural (Su) abilities (i.e. wild shape, thousand faces). These abilities are granted by deities and are not available for use until the return of the druid's patron deity. He or she may still make use of any extraordinary (Ex) abilities (i.e. woodland stride, animal companion). The reasoning is that the extraordinary abilities are learned rather than granted by a deity, thus they are still useable.

Heathen druids lose only a few of their special abilities and function more as second rate rangers.

Heathen Clerics

The above information also applies to heathen clerics. Heathen clerics are either those like the Seekers during the War of the Lance who worship false gods, or are true clerics who have lost connection to their patron deity, as happened after the Cataclysm and again after the Chaos War. The former never had any spellcasting powers, and the latter lost their due to the absence of the gods. It is possible for a heathen to explore mysticism, experiencing an epiphany, and in doing so regain a fraction of the power they have lost or never had.

Playing a heathen cleric is just like playing a traditional cleric, except you have no ability to cast spells or turn/rebuke undead. Instead you must rely only on your own abilities, as mentioned in the section on heathen druids.

Clerics lose a lot of abilities making them little more than second rate fighters.

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