Circle of the Abyss (Druid Subclass)

Some druids choose the path of nature, while some stray from it. Some stray so far, that their attunement reaches past the Material Plane. The Abyssal Plane beckons for mortal souls, and the entrancing promise of otherworldly power tempts many into attuning with the Abyss, whether the cost be sanity or soul.

Chaotic attunment to the Abyss

Druids very rarely stray from their natural upbringing, but a lust for power, a search for secrets, or even being tricked by cultists of Fraz-Urb'luu are all reasons for a druid to turn from their natural way. Connecting to the Abyss does not equal an alliance with it. Those following this Circle could have a relationship that is symbiotic, parasitic, or apathetic towards the Abyss, which may or may not know its follower even exists. Baphomet, Demogorgen, and Juiblex are common entities of worship, although these demon lords consider followers as little more than thralls.

Abyssal Form

Starting at 2nd level, when this circle is chosen, you forgo bestial forms for abyssal forms when using Wild Shape and certain spells. You instead manipulate the forms of the many demons, with special rules:

You may change into a fiend, that is also a demon, or a monstrosity with an evil alignment. You may only change into these creatures with a max CR of 1/3 your druid level, rounded down. You ignore the max CR column of the Beast Shapes table for demons and monstrosities, but must abide by the other limitations there. You follow all other rules of Wild Shape.

All demons and monstrosities are considered seen by you, through visions or in physical form, for the purpose of Wild Shape, as your attunement with the Abyss has granted you the knowledge of these creatures. Using Wild Shape to change into a monstrosity shows the truly infinite variety of denizens inhabiting the abyss. You take a form familiar to the Material Plane, but retain some features of those creatures found in the infinite Abyss, such as a demonic visage, abhorrent skin defects, and/or protruding horns. You are considered both monstrosity and demon when you use Wild shape in this way.

You do not retain the Magic Resistance ability of fiends and monstrosities that you change into, if that ability is on such a creature.

You are able to retain a number of beasts from the Material Plane in memory for Wild Shape. This number equals your Wisdom modifier (min. 1). If your Wisdom modifier increases, the number of memorized beasts increases. You do not need to be able to change into the beast to have it in your memory, but it must have been a beast you have seen. The max CR for beasts follows the rules of the Beast Shapes table. Excluding the memorized beasts, you may no longer use Wild Shape to turn into beasts.

Conjure Animals and Conjure Woodland Beings can be instead used to summon fiends with the demon tag, following the same spell level requirements, CR rules, and number summoned as the respective spells.

Eternal Conflict

At 2nd level, your encounters with fiends shift, because of your connection to the Abyss. Demons may consider you an ally, or a thrall, and you have advantage on Charisma skill checks when speaking to one. Conversely, devils more so have a hatred towards you for your pledge to the Abyss, and may be hostile towards you, singling you out specifically. Additionally, you can speak Abyssal, if you could not already.

Abyssal Inoculation

At 6th level, you are able to withstand greater mental challenges. You gain proficiency in Charisma saving throws. Your proficiency bonus is added to all saving throws against spells or magical effects while in Wild Shape, in addition to the normal modifiers.

Chaotic Grasp

At 10th level, using Wild Shape also has the added effect of echoing tendrils of the Abyss at your slain foes. While in Wild Shape, if a creature you have hit with an attack roll in the last minute dies within 30 feet of you, you may use your reaction to transform them into a Manes. In combat, the Manes' turn is immediately after yours. The creature uses the Manes statistics in the Monster Manual. The Manes gains a bonus to attack and damage rolls equal to your proficiency bonus, and lasts for one minute, after which time it dies.

Tharizdun's Lucidity

At 14th level, old whispers of its creator strengthen you as the nature of the Abyss melds within your physical being. You can expend two uses of Wild Shape at the same time to transform into a fiend or monstrosity with a max CR of 1/2 your druid level, rounded down. Using Wild Shape in this way is especially taxing, and doing so again before a long rest incurs a level of exhaustion for each time after the first.