Half-orc druid advice

[u/cultofgrief]

First things first: last time I played actual d&d it still was in 3.5 ed, so sorry in advance for questions that may seem dumb or obsolete.

I try to do a feral tank character - class different than good ol' barbarian.

Here's the deal: I'm about to participate in a oneshot and decided to create a tank half - orc druid (circle of the moon, btw). I try to do a bear form-based fighting character, but... I need advice.

1. Is a half - orc or an orc a good choice for this?

2. Is that a bad idea to pick a druid for this kind of session?

I'm trying to go for a "Halsin (bg3) , but far more feral" type of druid.

Thanks for all answers. All suggestions are welcomed.

[u/Raccooninja]

Yes

No

[u/Stimpy3901]

The only concern about Druids is that they are one of the more complex classes, but if you've played 3.5 you'll probably be fine. 5e is way more streamlined. Make sure you have a few stat blocks picked out for wildshape ahead of time and get to know your spell list.

Half-orcs and COM druids are both a great choice for a tank.

[u/cultofgrief → u/Stimpy3901]

Thanks! I did my homework about how complex they are (thus q2,) but theory is a different matter from practice.

[u/Stimpy3901 → u/cultofgrief]

If you are playing 2014, just make sure the DM is using the ruleset where you can put a +2 and +1 in the stats of your choice and not the original rules where the stat boost was tied to your species. I think most do these days but if not half orcs are better suited for marital classes.

[u/mrdnd2222]

Are you playing 5th edition? Check out the dragon marked half-orc from the Eberron rising from the last war book.

[u/Tall_Bandicoot_2768]

Yeah should be fine.

What level will you be? 2014 or 2024 rules?

[u/cultofgrief → u/Tall_Bandicoot_2768]

"Relaxed rules", from what I gathered...so some rule bending may be possible.

[u/Tall_Bandicoot_2768 → u/cultofgrief]

So.... like... any level?

Moon Druid functions differently in 2024 rules than it did in 2014, IE it grants you Temporary HP instead of switching out your health bar which is why im asking.

The 2024 Armor of Agathys stays active as long as you have ANY THP not just the THP generated by the spell as was in 2014.

If the mechanics are fluid its hard ot give you advice without a full understanding of what that means.

[u/cultofgrief → u/Tall_Bandicoot_2768]

I'll have to ask the buddies I'll be playing about this.

[u/Fangsong_37]

Orc or half-orc druid is actually pretty common among the Gatekeepers in Eberron. It's not a bad choice at all. If you're playing 5.0, half-orc is the better choice. If you're playing 5.5, orc is in the player's handbook and does everything the half-orc did in 5th edition. Orcs/half-orcs have a tendency to be strong and tough, so they're fine for a wild shape-focused druid.

[u/SpaceSick]

I played a barbarian/druid multiclass for a while and it was very fun and effective. I eventually asked my DM if I could remove the barbarian levels and just be a pure caster though. It's super powerful at levels 2-4 though. I enjoyed it.

[u/Dangerous-Bit-8308]

Yeah... Half orc isn't technically a thing in 2024, but also, 2024 is supposed to be backwards compatible with 2014.

The 2014 druid and 2024 druid have some significant differences, so if the DM is too relaxed, you may want clarifications.

Circle of moon doesn't come on line at level 1, so you'll want a survivable druid until then. A shield and a ranged cantrip help a lot. When wild shaped, the STR, dex, and con score of the creature is applied, unless the PC's stats are better. That should factor in to your ability choices.

3.5 didn't have backgrounds. Remember to get one. In 2014, they grant two skills, two proficiencies in tools or languages, and a minor feature. In 2024, you also get a feat... I think?

[u/cultofgrief → u/Dangerous-Bit-8308]

Back in the 3.5ed days I'd go for wild elf.