Help me build a dual-wielding Druid

[Immoral]

I have just started playing NWN and I am very interested in the Druid class, but I want to (for RP reasons) dual-wield scimitars.

My character is Calodan Vinewilde (from PnP days - long ways back). He is an avid, if not a bit over zealous, protector of Nature and her inhabitants. He wields two scimitars, foregoing any type of shield or ranged attacks, and loves to go toe-to-toe with pure fighters that attempt to harm the natural balance of things. (with his spell protections of course. He's brave, not stupid)

Anyway, what in NWN terms would be a good way to build him? Feats, Skills, Etc..?

Thanks for reading. All replies are welcome and appreciated.

[Raistlin Majere]

Well, i would suggest a human druid, for starters(gives an extra feat). then pick at least dual wield and two weapon fighting(gives youre druid a chance to hit someone). then later pick weapon speciality on scimitar and at ninth level improved two weapon fighting. the rest of the feats youll possibly get should go to either combat casting and the likes or improved critical on scimitar. atleast thats my opinion.

edit: almost forgot ambidexterity. dont leave that out. i never had to take any of these dual wielding thingies, since i have a female ranger in a tight leather suit [img]smile.gif[/img] (rangers get them for free, as long as they use light armor)

[ 04-25-2003, 04:31 PM: Message edited by: Raistlin Majere ]

[Nerull]

Originally posted by Immoral: I have just started playing NWN and I am very interested in the Druid class, but I want to (for RP reasons) dual-wield scimitars. My character is Calodan Vinewilde (from PnP days - long ways back). He is an avid, if not a bit over zealous, protector of Nature and her inhabitants. He wields two scimitars, foregoing any type of shield or ranged attacks, and loves to go toe-to-toe with pure fighters that attempt to harm the natural balance of things. (with his spell protections of course. He's brave, not stupid) Anyway, what in NWN terms would be a good way to build him? Feats, Skills, Etc..? Thanks for reading. All replies are welcome and appreciated.

Definitely go human, since you need two feats (Ambidexterity and Two-Weapon Fighting) to be able to dual-wield without significant penalties. Weapon Focus helps to circumvent the -4 to hit with each hand for using two weapons of the same size. I would recommend the following feats at the following levels for a melee-oriented druid (assuming you are human):

1st-Ambidexterity, Two Weapon Fighting
3rd-Weapon Focus (Scimitar)--increases chances of finding magical scimitars
6th-Combat Casting (since you are going to be casting in close quarters)
9th-Toughness (the extra hp will help)
12th-Improved Critical (Scimitar)
15th & 18th-your choice, but I would recommend Dodge (+1 AC versus target you are fighting) and Mobility (+4 AC versus attacks of opportunity). You could go with Power Attack and Cleave as well; it all depends on if you want offense v.s. defense.

Your character must have at least a 15 dexterity to take Ambidexterity, and a good strength is helpful for fighting. However, you also need to have a 19 wisdom by the time you hit 17th level (so you can cast 9th level spells). Thus, I would go with stats of:

Strength 14
Dexterity 15
Constitution 12
Intelligence 10
Wisdom 16
Charisma 8

Make sure to max out skills in Concentration (since you will be casting in melee), Persuasion (the most valuable skill in the game) and Discipline (helps avoid knockdowns, disarming, etc. that are deadly for someone in light armor).

Hope this helps!

[Nerull]

Actually, just thought about it, and at 15th level, I would take Improved Two-Weapon Fighting (to get an extra attack with the off-hand). That means you could only take Dodge or Power Attack (and the main reason to get Power Attack is to get Cleave, which you won't have enough feats to get).

[koconnor100]

Level 1 : Druid Combat Casting, Toughness
Level 2 : ranger (ambidex, 2 weapon free)
Level 3 : Druid, Weapon Specialization, Scimitar
Level 4+: Druid....

[Drifter287]

if you want him to dual wield....you could just take a level of ranger, wether you start off like that or take it later.

[Heatmiser]

I just created a new character for the same purpose, Immoral.
I started him as a Human Ranger and took 2 levels in that. Then switched him to Druid. Their skills are complimentary and I also wanted to dual wield (not scimitars, maybe Katana/Short sw or Longsword/short sw- we'll see what he comes up with. In the interest of role-playing, the combination makes sense as well. Started out more martial in nature, then decided to change his pursuit to the more arcane side of nature. Just make sure if you go with the Ranger/Druid combo, you make him Neutral Good as you need some neutrality to play a Druid.
My Ranger/Druid is on hold while I work on finishing the game with my Human Monk/Lvl 11 (in NW Woods currently).

[Target]

Just wondering, I was thinking of trying a Druid, but I'm not sure what sort of feats to go for, I would like a split between spells and fighting, long sword most likely. What would be good to pick?? I am also looking forward to being able to change into a dragon, is there a particular choices you have to make to do that??

Also the animal companions, are there any real differences between them all??

Cheers
Target

[Bardan the Slayer]

The problem with taking a level of Ranger is that rangers do not automatically get Ambidexterity and Two-Weapon Fighting. What they get is a feat called Dual-Weild, which accomplishes the same as those other two feats when in light armour. If you go this route, you will be *unable* to pick *improved two weapon fighting*, as Dual-Weild does not meet the prerequisites.

[ 05-13-2003, 10:30 PM: Message edited by: Bardan the Slayer ]

[offshore33]

If you go Druid for several levels, build up your base attack bonus, and then later take a couple key levels of Fighter you can get the improved dual wielding, and maybe even Weapon Specialization (which is Fighter only I believe.) I think you might only need 2 levels of fighter to get 2 bonus feats, but I'm not positive.

(edit) Oh, and can't you get Keen Scimitars in Neverwinter Nights? If you can, DEFINITELY try to get the Improved Criticals skill. You'll be a walking critcal quisenart.

[ 05-27-2003, 05:14 PM: Message edited by: offshore33 ]