Like for example, Fandral Staghelm, even back in Vanilla he was up to no good, doing things that were bad for nature. (Growing a world tree without the blessing of the Aspects, and keeping Malfurion in a Coma for starters.) His personality was also unbalanced, he was very impatient, never accepted the loss of his son, and was envious of Tyrande’s leadership. Despite all of these unbalances we never saw, or was it even hinted that Fandral was losing his natural druidic powers. So do you need to be in balance with nature to keep your Druidic powers?
Do they have something equivalent to Paladins and Priests losing their powers when they lose faith?
The only thing I can think of is when the Druids of the Talon lost their flight forms in Legion. But that was due to a demon stealing and corrupting their religious relics, instead of any untoward acts on their part.
As far as I can tell for the most part they draw their power of the Emerald dream. Which is why fighting anywhere the Nightmare is so devastating even for the strongest of them.
The Wild gods do appear to be able to bless, not only druids but, other mortals with temporary or long term effects.
I think he means Druidism and Druidic powers are not derived from a dogmatic religion. They can be a part of a religion, or the basis of a religion, but the ability to tap into Druidic powers does not require adherence to a religion.
Extreme examples that come to mind: Cenarius taught Druidism to Tauren even though technically Malfurion was the first Druid. The Zandalari Druids have their own form of worship for Loa separate from the Night Elves. And we have that High Botanist Blood Elf who was able to manipulate Nature magic through investigation and experimentation.
This is only marginally related but i wanted to say that dark shamans did nothing wrong, at this point the elements deserve to be bullied- minus Neptulon, he’s chill.
Even when he became Archdruid of the Flame he retained his ability to grow Plants despite them being literally on Fire.
Druidism is use of Nature Magic while Shamanism is use of outside Spirit Magic(which can grow Plants as seen with Draenor) and Monks require use of inner Spirit Magic.
WoD Botani aren’t Druids but Shaman since they utilize Spirit Magic. Some are even Restoration Shaman who use Water!
The Nightborne High Botanist Tel’arn and the Blood Elf High Botanist Freywinn are Balance Druids due to using Nature Magic alongside Arcane. Of course Tel’arn probably isn’t by any means Mortal so Malfurion still counts as the First Mortal Druid.