* * * Wizards Community Thread * * * -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Thread : Druidic scimitars Started at 12-03-07 06:43 AM by True_Atlantean Visit at http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=960967 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 1] Author : True_Atlantean Date : 12-03-07 06:43 AM Thread Title : Druidic scimitars Hi everyone, Probably been asked before, but the one thing has bugged me since playing 2nd ed - the inclusion of the scimitar as a Druids weapon. I recall reading somewhere the reason given was some sort of ancient compact that allowed them to do so. I am wondering if anyone else recalls reading this, if there was ever a better explanation (why would you bargain for scimitars?), or if it was just left as the odd weapon out. Thanks in advance. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 2] Author : havard Date : 12-03-07 12:46 PM Thread Title : Re: Druidic scimitars I thought it was because they have some resemble to the sickle, which druids use to collect their special herbs.... Havard -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 3] Author : True_Atlantean Date : 12-04-07 08:26 AM Thread Title : Re: Druidic scimitars I thought it was because they have some resemble to the sickle, which druids use to collect their special herbs.... Havard I had to chuckle at this one (not at you Havard, but the image that was conjured) - Getafix the Druid and his golden scimitar, cutting down the mistletoe. Thanks for the conjecture though. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 4] Author : kipper Date : 12-04-07 09:26 AM Thread Title : Re: Druidic scimitars I thought it was because they have some resemble to the sickle, which druids use to collect their special herbs.... Havard That was always my impression as well. I am not sure where it came from though... According to the Mentzer Dungeons and Dragons Companion Rules from 1984 (Book One, page 14) Druids may only use wooden blunt weapons, so the use of the scimitar is probably later than that (ie with AD&D1e? I no longer have my AD&D1e books...) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 5] Author : Extempus Date : 12-04-07 07:30 PM Thread Title : Re: Druidic scimitars I found a few references that might explain it; in the 1e PHB (1978, p. 21): The more powerful druidic spells, as well as their wider range of weaponry, make up for the fact that druids are unable to use any armor or shields other than leather armor and wooden shields (metallic armor spoils their magical powers). In the 1e Unearthed Arcana (1985; p. 78, in reference to the khopesh): Because of this weapon's ancient origin and unusual shape, it is an ideal druidical instrument. The DM should consider placement of both normal and magical khopeshes in the campaign, aiming especially at druidical use. Of all magical scimitars discovered, 10% will be khopeshes. Then, in the 2e Arms and Equipment Guide, (1991; p. 92): Druids favor the sickle due to its strong association with agriculture. And on p. 100, referring to the khopesh: "Still, the weapon resembles a sickle in some ways and is usable by druids. This gives these nature priests a chance to wield a sword, yet stay within their weapon restrictions." It seems that scimitars and khopeshes are usable by druids because they are curved weapons reminiscent of the sickle, which in turn is associated with agriculture, which is in the druids' sphere of influence, and it gives them an edge since they must use inferior armor... I also suspect that since the scimitar is unusually shaped and not typical of a weapon normally used by medieval fighters, and undoubtedly someone wanted to include it somewhere, it was decided that druids could use it (odd, since it's Persian in origin, and the druids were Celtic). In Slavers (p. 127), there is a weapon called the sabre of storms; while it's not specifically stated as being a druidic weapon (it's owned by a pirate), it has druidic powers: water breathing and call lightning, so at least someone was being consistent... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 6] Author : True_Atlantean Date : 12-07-07 06:08 AM Thread Title : Re: Druidic scimitars Thanks all (especially Extempus) It is still a little strange, but at least they tried to justify the use. I have a player who is keen on Druids whenever we play and this question comes up all the time. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 7] Author : Vrykolas2k Date : 12-07-07 01:19 PM Thread Title : Re: Druidic scimitars *Shrug.* One of my few house-rules is that Druids don't use scimitars or khopeshes... they use broad-swords (basket-hilt claymores) and two-handed claymores. Those are Celtic weapons. Along with the spear and dagger, shillaleagh/ cudgel (club), et cetera. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 8] Author : Extempus Date : 12-12-07 03:14 PM Thread Title : Re: Druidic scimitars I came across this reference last night in the 2e The Complete Druid's Handbook (1994; pp. 8-9): Most of the weapons permitted to druids of a particular branch resemble tools used in herding, hunting, and farming, or hold symbolic meaning to the druid. For instance, the curved scimitar and khopesh represent both the sickle used in the harvest and the crescent moon, which stands for birth, death and rebirth in the cycle of Nature. Seems I was right about that, and it only took them 20 years to explain their reasoning... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Downloaded from Wizards Community (http://forums.gleemax.com) at 05-10-08 08:22 AM.