How to further differentiate the Druid from the Mage:
I do know I am being Naive, but i also do hope this reaches the D IV team as I believe it has merit.
Something often associated with Druids: balance and extremes. A way to incorporate this into the play style of the Druid that would push it further in a unique direction from the Mage, would be to induce a Fury like system: The more the druid casts or uses abilities that are in the same category, (I.E. Beast vs Nature) the more it pulls a bar in that direction. if the bar fills up in one direction, then the Druid enters a fury mode and has to "burn off" the built up energy from the opposite spell side, OR has to "burn out" the side he maxed out.
I.E. : Casting a lot of shape-shifting abilities, the pent up nature energy creates an overload of storm or earth energy in the druid. OR he enters and enraged animal form with increased power, but can’t exit the form until the energy is burnt off. Kind of a berserker thing? They are related to Barbarians after all. IF he/she casts a lot of storm and earth spells, either the wild beast within builds up and must be released, OR the Druid becomes overloaded, and could be surrounded by a static field of pent up energy. a great pun joke for this would be to call the state “Thunderstruck” :p.
By having to focus on this balance, rather than just depleting and refilling a basic mana pool, this would greatly add a unique style to the druid that can quickly be picked up upon, but take much effort to fully master. I think this mechanic would drive the Druid class in the right direction.
Just don’t make the druid a light weight, pansy fairy like D&D and other games make them out to be. I like the druid from D2 because you could fight WITH your pack, lead from the front lines, and lead the charge. Much like the shaman in WoW, but so much better.
I personally would prefer the “burn out” type, where you enter an exagerated state of the type of abilities you were casting, consider it a forced Archon (D3 Wizard) mode that you must stay in until you “burn out” from overload. This would allow you to focus on the side of druid abilities you prefer as a player, rather than having to play both ability sides. Could also incorporate a bonus or benefit for riding the edge of the bar just before entering the burn out state. I know referring to another game is probably frowned upon, but I am thinking something loosely similar to how Rumble in League of Legends works. once you cross a certain threshold, you have to deplete the pent up energy. the “balance”
Thank you for reading this, if you do. Take care.
hmmm… “Gone Feral” for beast overload. maybe the druid gets more and more exagerated animal characteristics as the bar builds (Claws, mane, fangs, tail, then finally goes full animal form. would love to see something other than bear and wolf. maybe a tiger.)
for earth side, could be “stormstruck” or “thunder struck” and continue off the hurricane idea from the Monk in D3.
