Can Druids Wield Metal?
Druids can wield metal weapons, but they are prohibited from wearing metal armor and using metal shields, as part of a traditional taboo that emphasizes their connection to nature. The D&D 5th edition Sage Advice Compendium explains that this restriction is due to the fact that worked metal is not considered part of the natural world, and therefore goes against the druid’s primal and pure nature.
Understanding the Druid’s Taboo
The druid’s taboo against metal armor and shields is a fundamental aspect of their class and is deeply rooted in their connection to nature and the elements. This taboo does not extend to metal weapons, and druids are free to wield metal weapons such as swords, scimitars, and sickles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Druid Use a Metal Weapon?
Yes, druids can use metal weapons, but they are prohibited from wearing metal armor and using metal shields.
2. Can Druids Touch Metal?
Druids are not forbidden from touching metal, they simply won’t wear metal armor or use a metal shield.
3. What Can Druids Wield?
As far as weapons are concerned, druids can use slings, spears, darts, staves, daggers, and many other types of weapons.
4. Can Druids Wear Metal Jewelry?
A druid can wear or carry as much metal as they want, as long as it is not armor.
5. Can Druids Use Silver Weapons?
Yes, they’re only prohibited from wearing metal armor, jewelry and other metal trinkets are also allowed.
6. Can Druids Wear Mithril?
Druids should be able to wear any armor that is non-metal, and shields that are non-metal.
7. What Can Druids Not Turn Into?
At level 10, a druid of the Circle of the Moon gains the ability to Wild Shape into an air, earth, fire, or water elemental.
8. Can Druids Wear Living Steel?
No, the druid’s prohibition says “metal”, and Living Steel doesn’t specify an exception.
9. Why Do Druids Wear Red?
Within the Druid class, it is believed that there were subsections, all with colour-coded robes, and the Sacrificers would fight and wear red.
10. Can Druids Wear Ring Mail?
Ringmail is actually an acceptable armor for druids, because it is not necessarily made of metal rings.
11. What is the Best Weapon Type for a Druid?
The best weapon type for a druid depends on the specific game or scenario, but staves, daggers, and scimitars are popular choices.
12. Can a Druid Use a Hammer?
Druids are proficient in every simple weapon, except the greatclub, handaxe, light crossbow, light hammer, shortbow, and unarmed strike.
13. Can an Elf Druid Use a Sword?
Yes, Elven Druids can use bows, swords, and rapiers, due to their automatic proficiency in these weapons.
14. Can Druids Carry a Shield?
Yes, but druids should be able to use a shield and staff or club without losing the ability to cast somatic spells.
15. Do Druids Use Scythes?
Yes, druids are proficient with the scythe, as well as other weapons such as clubs, daggers, and sickles.