This is a FAQ that should answer some common questions about the druid and help newer players out. I will continue to expand it.
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EDIT (11/18/08): Mostly updated for WOTLK/3.0.3
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Table of Contents:
Search for these numbers (CTRL + F or COMMAND + F) to get to the respective areas of the faq. Ex: z1 will return the first section
z1 - General Druid Information
z2 - Professions and Grouping
z3 - Shapeshifting
z4 - Druid Specific Quests
z5 - Druid Spells
z6 - Introduction to PvP
z7 - Druid PvP Tips
z8 - Druid Movies (PvP/PvE) and Other Links
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Section z1 - General Druid Information
Who wrote this piece of junk?
I did! (Azoth) I played a level 60 Druid in closed beta and now I play a druid and a warrior. You can contact me by sending an in game mail to Azoth on the Hyjal server.
What the heck is a druid?
A druid is a class that can adapt to situations and fit the roles of other classes. We are not quite a "jack of all trades" class; that is more the shaman. The druid is supplements other classes by filling their place. Though we are not as versatile, we are every bit as powerful in our own way! Here is blizzard's description:
The Druid gives players several play style options. A Druid in normal form is a caster that can fight with spells or weapons. In Bear form the Druid becomes a Warrior with Rage. While in Cat form the Druid becomes a Rogue with Energy and stealth. The Druid can also transform into two other special animal forms. With its ability to heal itself and fellow characters, the Druid can also take on the role of a Priest. A Druid is not as versatile in its abilities as a Priest is, lacking the spells Holy Word: Shield and Resurrection, but is otherwise a very capable healer.
What is the best race for a druid?
There is no "best" race for a druid, but Nightelves and Tauren do give different advantages.
Nightelves start off with 18 strength, 25 agility, 19 stamina, 22 intelligence, and 22 spirit.
Tauren start off with 26 strength, 15 agility, 22 stamina, 17 intelligence, and 24 spirit.
The most important stats for a druid tend to be pretty much everything. Each of the two races has a healthy mix of these so this is personal preference. Tauren get warstomp (stuns nearby enemies for 2 seconds, 2 minute cooldown), endurance (5% more hp max), cultivation (+15 max herbalism), and nature resistance (+10 nature resist) for their racial abilities. Nightelves get shadowmeld (stealth while out of combat and immobile), quickness (dodge chance + 1%), wisp spirit (25% faster ghost speed), and nature resistance (+10 nature resist). Just remember that when picking a druid, pick the race that appeals most to you, and remember that Tauren are the Horde and Nightelves are the Alliance.
How do I get to the human lands as a Night Elf?
As a night elf, you start out on Teldrassil, a great tree growing in the ocean in North Western Kalimdor. To reach the lands of the Eastern Kingdoms, you will have to enter Darnassus, the capital city of the elves. Take the pink portal down to Rut'theran Village, and take the boat to Auberdine. Then at Auberdine, take the boat to Stormwind Harbor. If you would like to get to the Dwarf lands, take the train in Tinker Town.
What weapons can I use as a druid?
Druids can use staves, two handed maces, one handed maces, daggers, and fist weapons. When using a two handed weapon, we cannot hold anything in our offhand. When using a one handed weapon (dagger/fist weapon/mace), we can use an offhand item (not a weapon). Using a two handed weapon generally gives more dps, slower attack speed, and high ability bonuses. Using a one handed weapon + offhand gives faster attack speed, lower dps, and higher ability bonuses.
Can druids use ranged weapons?
No. Druids can only use the weapons described above. If you want to attack something from far away, use one of your ranged spells. Without any talents, these are: entangling roots, wrath, moonfire, or starfire.
What kind of armor can I use?
Druids can wear leather and cloth. Leather gives higher armor, so use it whenever possible if you think taking damage will be a concern.
Can I use a shield?
No.
Can I dual wield?
Never.
Relics, Idols, oh my!
Relics take the place of a ranged weapon for druids, shaman, and paladins. It is similar in nature to a trinket slot. The druid variant of a relic, the Idol, is designed to give a subtle boost to a particular aspect of the druid. Idols are found in instances and raid dungeons.
A current list of idols is available here: http://www.wowhead.com/?items=4.8
I mainly use restoration/balance/feral combat. Which stats are best for me?
Ideally, you want an even mix of all stats as a druid. If you are going to be healing more than anything else, high +spellpower, mp5, spell haste, spirit, and intelligence are good stats to look for. Spirit increases your mana regeneration rate and intelligence increases your maximum mana. MP/5 increases your mana regeneration in combat while casting spells, and +healing increases the effectiveness of every heal you cast. Spell haste will decrease cast times and your global cooldown, allowing you to cast more often. If you are going balance, the same applies, but focus on things such as +crit and +hit as well. If you are going feral, strength, agility, and stamina are your most important core stats. Also look out for crit, hit, haste, AP, as well as tanking attributes: dodge, defense, resilience. Stamina is extremely important no matter how you spec your druid. If you are dead, you can't heal, can't do damage, and can't well, do anything!
How fast am I moving?
See this link for information on speeds in all forms with various enchants and speed boosts:
http://www.forgoodnotevil.com/druid/speed.html
Moonglade? Is that on THE Moon?
No! Moonglade is the druid sanctuary located in Northern Kalimdor. It is connected to the rest of the world by Timbermaw Hold, a cave held by the Timbermaw (level 50ish and up). It connects with both Winterspring and Felwood (level 50-60 zones). At lower levels, your only way here will be via your teleport spell and your only way out will be via the flight path (flight masters are in the middle of Nighthaven). Moonglade will be the source of many druid quests, and is held by the Cenarion Circle. As you do druid quests, your reputation (press U) will raise with them, allowing you to gain access to special things at higher levels. Also note that there is a flight path that connects to other areas in the south part-west part of Moonglade that you will need a higher levels.
Moonglade is a contested zone on the PVP server, which means you can kill and be killed by the opposite faction. There is nothing stopping you from doing this, but just have some respect for your fellow druid and remember that they are here to quest just like you are.
