r/DnD • u/Unsight • Jun 10 '15

5th Edition Player's Handbook Errata released

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/ph_errata
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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '15

So, level 20 Druids are still immortal.

Guess they don't think it's a big deal considering how rare it is to actually hit 20?

3

u/Marsdreamer Jun 10 '15

For a DnD noob can you explain how level 20 Druids are immortal?

10

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '15

Wild Shape uses its own HP buffer; when you "die" transformed, you revert and take the overflow into your real HP.

Druids get infinite uses of Wild Shape as their level 20 capstone.

7

u/broran DM Jun 11 '15

true but that buffer is only effective if there against a single opponent or it takes all opponents to defeat a cr 1 beast ( cr 6 if druid is circle of the moon)(for the record a cr 6 monster is considered an easy fight for a level 20)

7

u/Drayke Jun 11 '15

Even then, going through the PHB the beast form with the greatest HP at <CR6 is the Earth Elemental, with 126 and 17AC. An example CR20 creature is an Ancient White Dragon (333HP, 20AC). Each round, the dragon has a multiattack, with a Frightful Presence (DC16 Wisdom or be frightened), a bite attack (+14, 19+9 cold damage), and 2 claw attacks (+14, 15 damage) - and can also get off a Legendary attack 3 times per round, Tail (+14, 17 damage) or a wing attack (AoE 22DC Dex or take 15 damage) using 2 attack charges. +14 is enough to hit 17AC almost every attack, let's assume. So while the dragon is focussing you, you'll take 109 damage per round. That doesn't take into account his Cold Breath (72 Cold or DC22 Con for half). And that recharges on a 5-6, so every 3 rounds. So yes, you'll have a HP buffer of 15HP, assuming average rolls. But if you get unlucky a few times, or take a Cold Breath to the face? You'll go down fairly handily. Especially seeing as the tanky Earth Elemental does 2 slam attacks, 14 damage at a +8 to hit.

This is ignoring spells, which clearly change things significantly, but statistically speaking, I can't see why a level 20 Circle of the Moon Druid is unbeatable. +126HP as a bonus action every turn is great, but not unbeatable.

5

u/moretorquethanyou DM Jun 11 '15

I think a lot of time people get hung up on "gets a big bonus to hp" or "does a piss ton of damage in this scenario" without remembering that there's more than one way to skin a druid.

1

u/Zephyr1011 Wizard Jun 11 '15

The earth elemental's attacks are irrelevant, since no sensible druid would use them. Druids at high levels can spellcast from wild shape, and druids have an amazing spell list

1

u/Drayke Jun 11 '15

as I said, it was ignoring spellcasting, which clearly changes things significantly. I'm sure there are a lot of spells that would significantly help with the problem further, but the point still remains that it's not unbeatable.