Druid Circles Expanded

Naturally flexible in the roles they can fulfill, a Druid Circle's ability and focus is typically defined by the roles it fulfills in a society or in its dedication to nature. While all Druids are protectors of nature and the natural order, the way they choose to protect their sacred spaces vary from Circle to Circle. Circle of the Moon Druids are more comfortable taking on animal forms to fight off threats, while a Circle of the Shepherd Druid will rally the animals and Druids to fight against their enemies. In this packet you'll find additional Circles who utilize their connection with nature in different ways to protect what they care about. Trickster Druids use illusions to misdirect, Ash Druids use powerful fire spells to burn their foes and nourish the land, and Storm Druids are warriors who command wind and lightning to protect the skies. Additional Circles may be added as I think of additional design space the Druid could also be filling.

Circle of the Trickster

While all Druids are capable combatants with their spells and shapeshifting abilities, some prefer to use guile and trickery to protect their sacred spaces. A Circle of the Trickster Druid takes cues from fae and powerful trickster spirits in order to keep nature safe. Creativity is the core tenant of this Druid Circle, and they're known to be benign pranksters as well as powerful illusionists. They are often found in the company of crafty animals like foxes, ravens, coyotes, magpies, and other animals associated with trickery or cleverness.

Circle of the Trickster Features

Druid Level Feature 2nd Circle Spells, Trickster Shape 6th Natural Illusionist 10th Improved Trickster Shape 14th Spirit of Deception

Circle Spells

Trickster Druids learn spells that aid in their deceptions and make them harder to pin down. Their circle grants them access to certain spells. At 2nd level you learn the minor illusion cantrip. At 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th you gain access to the spells listed in your Circle of the Trickster Spells table.

Once you gain access to one of these spells you always have it prepared, and it doesn't count against the number of spells you can prepare each day. If you gain access to a spell that doesn't appear on the druid spell list via this feature, it is considered a druid spell for you.

Circle of the Trickster Spells

Druid Level Spells 3rd Enlarge/Reduce, Invisibility 5th Blink, Major Image 7th Fabricate, Phantasmal Killer 9th Creation, Passwall

Trickster Shape

At 2nd level a Trickster Druid has discovered a new way to change their form. As an action, you can expend a use of your Wild Shape feature to gain the benefits of the Alter Self spell without requiring concentration. This effect lasts for an hour, or until you use your Wild Shape or Trickster Shape class feature again. It can end early if you fall unconscious, drop to 0 hit points, or die.

Natural Illusionist

At 6th level you've mastered the ability to create illusions nearly effortlessly. When casting an illusion spell of 1st level or higher you may infuse it with natural aspects, making it more believable to any observer. An illusion spell empowered in this way has a +2 to its DC to be disbelieved. This bonus increases to +3 at 14th level. You may use this feature a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of once) before completing a long rest. You must choose to use this feature during the casting of the illusion spell.

Improved Trickster Shape

At 10th level you've learned to craft more impressive disguises with your Trickster Shape feature. When you're under the effect of Trickster Shape, you may take the form of any creature within one size category larger or smaller than your base size. You gain no additional benefits from this form, such as their stats, their additional senses, their movement speeds (such as flight) or any other mechanical benefit you don't already have. Your disguise does have tactile elements, however, and can be touched and interacted with.

Spirit of Deception

At 14th level you've learned to call upon a spirit who takes your shape and helps you fight. As a bonus action you may summon the spirit, who mirrors your actions and adds their power to yours. This Trickster Spirit is incorporeal and cannot do damage or be damaged, but their presence empowers you and makes you more difficult to hit. When you deal damage with a weapon attack or a Druid spell you may add 1d8 Psychic Damage to the damage roll. Additionally, attack rolls against you are made with disadvantage as the Trickster Spirit confuses your enemies.

This feature lasts for 1 minute, or until you are incapacitated. You must complete a long rest before you use this feature again.