Conquest of the Horde

This is a work in progress, and criticism is encouraged.

You could call Druids the lesser custodians of Nature.

World of Warcraft Roleplaying Game Wrote:Druids are keepers of the world who walk the path of nature, following the wisdom of the Ancients and Cenarius, healing and nurturing the world. To a druid, nature is a delicate balance of actions, in which even the smallest imbalance can create storming turmoil from peaceful skies. Druids draw their power from this wild energy, using it to change their shapes and command the forces of nature.

Considered loners, that is not often the case. Druids group together, and most align themselves with the Cenarion Circle. The Cenarion Circle answers to none but itself, and the highest rank one can reach within is Archdruid.

They will put the welfare of the land, the wood, and nature over that of people and civilised society. The natural order of things and the balance of the world will typically win out over personal perils when a Druid is to make such a decision. Sometimes, most notably in the case of Malfurion and Tyrande, nature considers it more prudent in the long run that a selfish wish is granted, and grant the Druid the power to save someone close to them.

Druids disdain the unnatural: This includes and isn't limited to Undead, Abominations, Demons, machinery and anything you might describe as a man-made life-form. This also extends to anyone who would bring such things into Azeroth (Necromancers, Warlocks, etc.), thereby artificially upsetting the natural order.

Not all Druids are opposed to technology, but some can be. Animals survive by adapting, but advances in technology only force nature to adapt to the encroachment of sentient creatures. Poaching is another matter where opinions differ, and that organisation that's one letter off my username shows an extreme view on it.

What do Druids believe in?

Natural balance is the fundament of their philosophy. Too much of anything is a bad thing, as is too little.

Their powers come from belief, like the Light and Shamanism. The spirits of the wild answer their call if nature feels they're acting justly and according to its way. Like all spirits, unfortunately, nature is a fickle and difficult-to-understand beast, and it comes in many flavours...

Even Elemental Deities may be worshipped, apparently.
(There's nothing invalid about this, from a natural perspective: Fire ecology. The thing they forgot to toss into the pot was 'balance', 'cause too much destruction isn't good, either.)

What types of Druid are there?

There are some good Totemic Druid guides out there[1][2], do read those.

Mechanically, Druids have the full range of abilities. There's nothing stopping your Druid from knowing everything in his spellbook, just like a Mage might know Arcane, Fire, and Frost. It's considered polite and fair to avoid declaring one's character adept in all things, though.

Alternatively, they could be a specialist in one field, a totemic Druid. There's a lot of paths open for a Druid to walk, each unique. You're not limited to the three talent trees; Druids have seven forms and a variety of powerful spells.

A totem need not be a physical implement (it refers more to the specialisation and favoured shape of the Druid), but many totemics carry a symbol of their totem through which they focus their powers. That symbol could take any form; a charm, a staff, even a place, though the latter is inconvenient for combat purposes.

Druids of the Claw

This is a great read for anyone looking to roll a Druid of the Claw. Supposedly, there was once a similar quest available for cat form, but it was removed quite a long time ago.

Druids of the Talon

Not many Druids of the Talon are trained, ever since the group were integrated into the Cenarion Circle[1]. They take the form of the noble Stormcrow.

Druids of the Grove

Restoration-focused Druids who adopt the Tree of Life form.

Druids of the Antler

Seldom spoken of, and presumably seldom seen, these secretive Druids take Malorne's form.

Druids of the Pack/Scythe

These Druids took Goldrinn's form, but their feral natures got the best of them. Most have been banished into a pocket of the Emerald Dream. It's revealed that the Scythe of Elune is what caused them to transform into Worgen.

(If you want to learn more about the War of the Satyr, the Worgen, and the Druids of the Scythe, pick up all five issues of the Curse of the Worgen comic! It's a decent read. From what it touches on, it seems like it might be possible to play a former Druid of the Scythe, come Cataclysm.)

Druids of the Fang

I've never gone through the questline for these fellas, but the wiki has an interesting read on 'em. Took the form of the serpent, and most of them are suffering corruption.

Druids of the Nightmare

Considered a variant class, these are corrupted Druids who channel the Nightmare.

Druids of the Tide / Aquatic Druid

Taking a bit of artistic license with the title, these types of Druid aren't officially recognised, but would probably spend most their time in the water.

Druids of the Wild

Blizzard's in-game interpretation of the class are Druids of the Wild. The explanation given is that the Cenarion Circle decided that it would be better if all Druids had a hodgepodge of skills, ergo, the disciplines were merged into one cure-all class.

Savagekin

A dangerous path to walk, the Savagekin spend most of their time in form. They battle for the sanity that their animal skins whittle away gradually.

How does one become a Druid?

The process is a mixture of theory and practice. A mentor, generally titled Shan'do in Night Elven culture, will teach a willing student the basic principles and concepts. They will be tutored in all things to do with the natural order, and tested to ensure that they are fit and able to uphold the balance of things. These tests can be dangerous, and not everyone survives them.

When a student is ready, they will be guided into the Emerald Dream, where their understanding of nature and their bond with it will grow exponentially. That is to say the longer a Druid spends in the Dream, the more powerful they will become. This doesn't seem to apply for Tauren, who commune heavily with ancestral animal spirits and form close relationships with beasts in the process of learning Druidism.

WoWWiki Wrote:As part of an ancient pact made between Ysera and Malfurion Stormrage, the druids are required to spend long periods of time sleeping in the Emerald Dream in exchange for their powers over the forces of nature, presumably so that they will better appreciate that which they have pledged themselves to preserve. Recently, strange events have been transpiring within the Emerald Dream and it appears that Malfurion himself may be trapped within its confines (see Emerald Nightmare).

The Emerald Dream is the domain of the Green Dragonflight, and is currently being besieged by a mysterious force known as the Nightmare. The short story is that Xavius is responsible for it, and much of it will have been tackled in the events of Cataclysm. Not all, however.


Ysera the Dreamer. She granted the Druids access to the Emerald Dream, her ethereal domain, and mentored the Demigod Cenarius.

She, Alexstrasza, and Nozdormu also blessed Nordrassil together at the end of the War of the Ancients. Her gift was the Emerald Dream, Alex's immunity from disease and sickness, and Nozdormu granted the Night Elves immortality. Coincidentally, the Night Elves do not regain their immortality in Cataclysm - Nozdormu does not bless Teldrassil.

Gods, Demigods, and Ancient Guardians

Elune is the Goddess of the moon, a revered Goddess in Night Elven culture. Though her powers are more commonly associated with the Light and Priests, she holds a deep significance for the Druids, too. She is the purported mother of Cenarius. In Tauren mythology, she is known as Mu'sha, the left eye of the Earthmother.

Malorne would be the Druid of the Antlers' patron deity. Allegedly the lover of Elune, he is also Cenarius's father. Look at this.

Cenarius is the alleged son of Elune and Malorne, patron of all Druids irrespective of race. He is the Lord of the Forest.

Ursol & Ursoc are the twin bear demigods, who fought and fell in the War of the Ancients. Like most Eternals, they continue to remain conduits to divine power.

Aviana was once a crow tasked with carrying Elune's messages to Malorne. A Druid of the Talon may revere her.

Tortolla is a turtle deity! I bet you didn't know turtles had a God. I sure didn't. Aquatic Druids would revere this entity.

Aessina is the soul of the forest, one of the greater wilderness spirits. Most Night Elves revere her on a general basis, and she could be considered the matron of the Druids of the Grove.

Omen used to be a beast, though he is now corrupted. Frankly, I'm not sure which type of Druid would revere a Nian.

Goldrinn, of course, is the patron deity of the Druids of the pack. Unwilling to curb his feral nature, he disappointed Elune.

Agamaggan is a great boar deity. What to say about this guy... He's a badass. Boars are tough cookies. The Quilboar consider him their patron.

Mortals

Malfurion Stormrage was the first mortal Druid on Azeroth, is the leader of all Druids, and slated as being one of the most powerful Druids alive. He is Illidan's brother and since he and Tyrande finally got hitched, her husband. They even wrote a book about him. You might say he's a bit significant.

Broll Bearmantle happens to be my favourite lore Druid, but that's irrelevant. As of Fandral Staghelm's betrayal, he became the leader of the Cenarion Circle, and as with most Night Elves destined for greatness, he was born with antlers. He's one of the protagonists in the Warcraft Comic series.

Fandral Staghelm is one of the least likeable characters you could imagine. He and Tyrande have been fighting for leadership over the Night Elves like cats and dogs, and then he turned traitor and did what he did. He did some good work in the War of the Shifting Sands, and regrettably lost a son in the same war, but it doesn't seem to justify the havoc he wreaks in Cataclysm. He was the steward Archdruid in Malfurion's absence.

Hamuul Runetotem is the highest ranking Tauren in the Cenarion Circle, an Archdruid.

Xarantaur is a speculated Bronze Dragonsworn, and over ten thousand years old in age. He is evidence of the time that Taurens have existed on Kalimdor.

• Aeons ago, when Cenarius was born into the world, Ysera taught him the secrets of the natural world and the Emerald Dream.
  
• He found a pupil in Malfurion, ten thousand years ago.
  
• After the events of the War of the Ancients, Malfurion formed the Cenarion Circle from the remnants of the Moon Guard, the first Druidic organisation. The Druids slept in the Emerald Dream. It may be that the Tauren were taught Druidism around this time, too.
  
• The Druids awoke to assist in the War of the Satyr. The Druids of the Pack became uncontrollable, and were sequestered away in the Emerald Dream by Malfurion.
  
• The Druids awoke to the threat of the Burning Legion, millennia later.
  
• Archimonde is defeated, the Druids remain awake.
  
• Tauren join the Cenarion Circle, and gender roles in Night Elf society are relaxed to permit women to join the Circle.
  
• Worgen and Troll Druids emerge.

There are a lot of differing opinions when it comes to these things. I'd encourage you to go with what you feel is best, and what works for the people you roleplay with.

It is mostly flavour and probably won't largely impact on your roleplay, but perhaps it could be compared to the difference between haute cuisine and that chicken you think the dog might like.

Shapeshifting

The act thereof


Shapeshifting is a quick process, but not instantaneous. There is a moment (however brief) of transition - and a Druid is vulnerable during that moment.

Transformed appearance

When a Druid transforms, he often keeps defining features of his humanoid self. An exception to this is an Archdruid's antlers, and any clothes. A Druid in bear form is distinguishable from a normal bear because he would still carry the features of his race.

It is possible to tell who a transformed Druid is because of how the transformation process borrows from humanoid appearance. I imagine this is incredibly difficult, and you would have to know the person well.

Decorations (beads, braids, etc.) on a shifted Druid must have been added by another at some point - a teacher, companion or family member, most likely. They do not 'come with' the transformation.

It is slightly ambiguous as to whether or not all Druids are marked with the distinctive painted markings on their shoulders (which are quite plainly solar/lunar in design, and pictured on the Druid Class logo). Spirit animals are sometimes marked with them, but even in-game forms (Cheetah, Seal, Stormcrow) are completely without adornment (even in their spirit forms).

Can one talk in-form?

There's no lore explicitly stating that you can't, but that a shifted Druid is unable to do so is often a preferred way of roleplaying them. Views aren't as stringent when it comes to Druids conversing between themselves, or with other animals.

Comics - Canon or not? (An off-topic footnote)

In my opinion, they're canon enough. There is the fact that Cho'gall survived his encounter with Med'an, but this wouldn't be the first 'death' Blizzard has hand waved without a word. Also, it's not the first time someone thought they had killed Cho'gall. For something a bit more definite, Cho'gall's Old God transformations can be seen in his Cataclysm model.

This is one of those times when you've just got to use what you know, and fill in the gaps.

... Though apparently Druids of the Antler don't exist.

I still think that's shenanigans.

Awesome, Delta! It makes a bit bit more sense now.

\o/

Love it. Makes me want to bring back Dalar from the shelf.

Ah, thank you for this. It's very useful, especially as I am constantly struggling with my own druids.

This can probably merge some information regarding wearable items and armor from this: http://www.conquestofthehorde.com/Thread...ds-and-You

... Delta. Wow. Just. Wow. You killed any hope of me making a guide.

Oh and it might be irrelevant, but did you mention the giant turtle aspect? (Forgot the name.)

(02-27-2012, 06:09 AM)Xigo Wrote: [ -> ]... Though apparently Druids of the Antler don't exist.

I still think that's shenanigans.

And they're the only Nelf Druid I'd be particularly interested in playing, too.
Still, I do see a Druid of the Antler in the CotH wiki- since it is possible, what would playing a stagdrood likely entail, as a character, their history, etc.? There isn't really (any) lore on them other than "be like Malorne"...

Druids of the Antler happen to be my favourite, whether they're officially classified or not. Maybe I will write a little more on them, based on Malorne's feats. In short, they would represent an important facet of the cycle of life and are symbols of grace.

(Many thanks to Dukica. I added in the rest of the Ancient Guardians.)

Hamuul Runetotem might be worth a mention, seeing as he is the highest ranking Tauren Druid and as such, an important figure. Another important figure to me would be Xarantaur due to his age, proving that Tauren Druids may just have been existing as long as Night Elf Druids.

On another note; Will you add Worgen and Troll lore? If so, I might be capable of aiding in that, seeing as Worgen can be many and different type of Druids.

Thank you, I have added both of those Tauren.

I don't know if I will add Worgen and Troll lore just yet. I've never played through their Cataclysm quest chains, and I will confess that I don't know the exact details of how either of them came about. If you could help, that would be great. Linking to informative quests would be wonderful, too.

I have gone over it all now twice and it is really great!


From what I have read the druids of the Antlers are just a speculated sect and not something lore does not describe beyond this theory.

During the questline when you flightform you are told that the different druidic sects are no more and therefore every druid will get the chance to learn to assume the form of a stormcrow. Everyone would be a druid of the wild according to in-game lore. (But that is boring!)

There is one very impoortant note about the Emerald Dream that has been missed and that is;

Quote:Time is meaningless inside the Dream. As a result, the green dragonflight, which spends the majority of its time in the Dream, is extremely long-lived. Ysera's consorts in particular almost never emerge from the Dream and are effectively immortal, as are all other permanent denizens in the Dream.

This is based on info on the Emerald Dream that was written in the official WoW encyclopedia, but it seems those pages have been removd from the sites. I know that this has been used on CotH before to explain how tauren and elven druids can reach the same power.


Again really great guide with easy info with sources!!