Circle of the Crypt

Some druids condemn the undead as unnatural, but you know better. The undead are as much a part of this world as the phages in your blood and the worms in the earth, another stage in the complex emergence, transition, and dissolution of the mind in life’s formless womb. The Circle of the Crypt understands these things, and tasks its inductees, somewhere between mourners and shamans, with caring for the restless dead. These cryptkeepers tend to the liminal conclaves of ghosts that congregate in abandoned places. They glide through ancient catacombs, guided by the hands and voices of the dead, and ensure the spirits sleep restfully, waking them to walk again when they desire it. They free undead from the thrall of necromancers, and lead them to forgotten places where they can live in peace. While they may never meet another member of their circle, they may sometimes hear rumors of their kind deeds from the lips of ancient vampires, or carried on the wings of moths.

Rites of Veneration

When you join this circle at level 2, you learn the complex rites of veneration and mourning that carry the dead to and from their rest. You add your profficiency bonus to any history, performance, or religion checks relating to funeral rites, mourning practices, or the veneration of the dead, and to any persuasion or insight checks made against undead creatures. If the bonus would already apply, add it twice.

Sorrowful Liturgy

At level 2, initiates to the circle also receive an engraved handbell, as a symbol of office. As an action, you may ring the bell to replicate a spell effect from the list below. The bell has a number of charges equal to your wisdom modifier, and recharges fully after you complete a long rest.

It can produce the effect of the cantrip Toll the Dead on any creature who can hear it.

It can use a charge to produce the effect of the spell Calm Emotions on any undead creature who can hear it.

Beginning at level 5 it can use a charge to produce the effect of the spell Speak with Dead.

Beginning at level 11, it can use a charge to produce the effect of the spell Create Undead. The type of undead created is determined individually for each corpse, depending on the circumstances of its death, regardless of the level of the druid. The undead are Awakened Undead, under no one’s control but their own, and may act as they see fit, including returning to the grave if they tire of their reanimation. If they do not wish to be reanimated, they may simply ignore the summons.

Wine and Dust

At level 6, you learn the rituals of communion with the dead, and how to care for their unique ailments. Your healing spells no longer exclude undead creatures. You may also cast the spell Commune as a ritual. When cast from this feature, you may only use it to commune with the dead.