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In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, Druids hold a unique position as guardians of nature and masters of elemental forces. These mystical savants, known for their close ties to the natural world, command the powers of nature with unmatched prowess, utilizing both spell and shape-shifting abilities to challenge their foes, aid their allies, and maintain the balance of the wilds.
But how does one delve into the mysterious and fulfilling world of the Druid class? That’s where this comprehensive guide comes in. Whether you’re a newcomer aiming to understand the fundamental mechanics of the Druid class or an experienced player seeking advanced tactics, this Druid 5e guide will serve as your in-depth source of knowledge.
In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the Druid class, from class features to abilities, races, skills, backgrounds, feats, weapons, armor, magic items, and even multiclassing. We’ll culminate with a practical example of a Druid build to demonstrate how these components can come together in an actual game.
Druid Class Features
The Druid class in Dungeons & Dragons 5e is packed with fascinating and impactful features that resonate with their strong ties to nature and the elements. Let’s dive deep into these features to get a clear picture of what being a Druid means in gameplay terms.
Spellcasting
As wielders of nature’s raw energy, Druids are full spellcasters, meaning they gain access to higher level spells at a faster pace. Starting at level 1, you’ll have access to a variety of spells focused on healing, defense, crowd control, and utility. As you progress in levels, the list expands, adding even more depth and variety to your spellcasting arsenal. The Druid’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom, which means a higher Wisdom score will enhance your spellcasting effectiveness.
Wild Shape
Starting at level 2, Druids gain the Wild Shape feature, which allows them to transform into beasts they’ve seen before. The CR (Challenge Rating) of the creature, the number of transformations per short or long rest, and the types of creatures you can transform into (like creatures with flying or swimming speed) all depend on your Druid level. This powerful ability offers a wide range of utility both in and out of combat.
Druid Circle
At level 2, you also choose a Druid Circle, representing a philosophical path that provides additional features and spells. This decision significantly influences your Druid’s gameplay, as each Circle provides a distinct flavor and set of abilities. For example, the Circle of the Land enhances your spellcasting, while the Circle of the Moon improves your Wild Shape.
Timeless Body, Beast Spells, and Archdruid
As you advance in the Druid class, you’ll gain access to even more potent abilities. Timeless Body grants you ageless longevity, Beast Spells allow spellcasting in Wild Shape, and Archdruid offers unlimited Wild Shapes, to name a few. These high-level features further enhance the Druid’s power and versatility, solidifying them as a potent force on any adventure.
| Druid Class Features Summary |
|---|
| Full spellcasting with a focus on Wisdom |
| Ability to transform into beasts with Wild Shape |
| Choice of Druid Circle for additional abilities |
| High-level features for enhanced power and versatility |
Optional Class Features
As part of an effort to provide more customization options to players, Dungeons & Dragons 5e introduced optional class features in the supplement book, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. These additions offer alternative paths to enhance your Druid’s capabilities, fostering a greater degree of character diversity.
Optional Class Features Introduction
In essence, optional class features are additional abilities or enhancements that players can opt for when leveling up their characters. However, these features aren’t automatically gained. They require the Dungeon Master’s approval and must often be traded for existing class features. Always consult with your DM before opting for these alternative class features.
Druidic Optional Features
Druids gain three potential optional class features:
- Wild Companion: At level 2, you can sacrifice a use of your Wild Shape to cast the Find Familiar spell, allowing you to summon a spirit that takes an animal form of your choice.
- Primal Awareness: At level 3, you gain several spells centered around detection and communication, such as Speak with Animals and Beast Sense. These spells do not count against the number of Druid spells you can know, but each can only be cast once per long rest without expending a spell slot.
- Beast Spells Improvement: At level 10, your Beast Spells feature improves, allowing you to perform certain spells in beast form that require the use of somatic or verbal components.
| Optional Class Features Summary |
|---|
| Alternative enhancements to character abilities |
| Require DM approval and often exchanged for existing features |
| Druids have three optional class features: Wild Companion, Primal Awareness, and an improved Beast Spells |
Ability Scores
Ability scores play a pivotal role in determining a character’s capabilities in D&D 5e, and Druids are no exception. These scores provide a quantifiable measure of your character’s fundamental attributes. Let’s take a look at each ability score and how it impacts your Druid character.
Wisdom
Wisdom is the Druid’s primary ability score. It’s the source of their spellcasting power, dictating the potency of their spells, the spell save DC for their adversaries, and their overall spellcasting ability. Therefore, this should generally be your highest score.
Constitution
Constitution affects your character’s hit points, which determine how much damage they can sustain. A higher constitution means more hit points, which is particularly vital when maintaining concentration on spells amidst the heat of combat.
Dexterity
Dexterity influences your Armor Class, initiative, and certain saving throws. As a class with light and medium armor proficiency, a higher dexterity can improve a Druid’s defense and reaction speed.
Intelligence, Strength, and Charisma
While these abilities might not be as crucial for a Druid as Wisdom, Constitution, and Dexterity, they still have their uses. Strength could be important if you opt for more melee-focused builds, Intelligence could aid in certain skill checks, and Charisma might help in social interactions.
| Ability Scores Summary |
|---|
| Wisdom is the primary ability, affecting spellcasting |
| Constitution influences hit points and spell concentration |
| Dexterity impacts Armor Class, initiative, and certain saving throws |
| Intelligence, Strength, and Charisma have specific use cases |
Selecting your ability scores is a critical step in character creation, and as a Druid, focusing on Wisdom, Constitution, and Dexterity can significantly enhance your effectiveness in various game situations.
Druid Races
In D&D 5e, your choice of race can provide valuable bonuses to your ability scores and grant unique racial features that complement your class abilities. For Druids, the ideal race will often provide bonuses to their key ability scores (Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity) and potentially offer additional benefits aligned with a Druid’s connection to nature.
Hill Dwarf
Hill Dwarves are an excellent choice for Druids, granting a +2 bonus to Constitution, increasing your hit points and aiding in maintaining concentration on spells. The +1 bonus to Wisdom also bolsters your spellcasting abilities. In addition, their Dwarven Toughness racial trait provides extra hit points, enhancing their overall survivability.
Wood Elf
Wood Elves offer a +2 Dexterity bonus, boosting your Armor Class and initiative. They also receive a +1 to Wisdom, aiding your spellcasting effectiveness. The Wood Elf’s racial traits like Mask of the Wild and Fleet of Foot align well with the Druid’s natural themes, granting better mobility and improved stealth in natural environments.
Firbolg
Firbolgs, introduced in Volo’s Guide to Monsters, are a race deeply connected with nature, much like Druids themselves. They gain a +2 bonus to Wisdom and +1 to Strength. Firbolg Magic offers limited access to useful spells like Detect Magic and Disguise Self, and their Speech of Beast and Leaf feature allows for communication with animals, adding a layer of utility to your Druid abilities.
| Druid Races Summary |
|---|
| Hill Dwarves provide bonuses to Constitution and Wisdom, and additional hit points |
| Wood Elves offer bonuses to Dexterity and Wisdom, improved mobility, and better stealth in natural environments |
| Firbolgs gain bonuses to Wisdom and Strength, access to extra spells, and the ability to communicate with animals |
Each race has its unique attributes that can complement the Druid class differently. Consider your preferred playstyle and the campaign context when choosing the race for your Druid.
Druid Skills
Skills in D&D 5e represent a character’s proficiency in various tasks and challenges that they might encounter during their adventures. As a Druid, your class and background will determine which skills you’re proficient in, allowing you to add your proficiency bonus to any ability checks you make with those skills.
Class Skills
As a Druid, you start with proficiency in two skills chosen from the following list:
- Arcana: Represents knowledge of magic and magical traditions. Since Druids are spellcasters, this can be a valuable skill to have.
- Animal Handling: This skill reflects your ability to interact with and handle animals. It aligns well with the Druid’s connection to nature.
- Insight: Useful for understanding people and their intentions, which can be beneficial in social situations.
- Medicine: Given the Druid’s role as a potential healer, this skill can enhance your ability to tend to the wounded.
- Nature: An understanding of flora, fauna, weather, and natural cycles. This skill is thematic for Druids and often proves useful.
- Perception: One of the most commonly used skills in D&D, perception helps you notice details in your environment.
- Religion: Knowledge of deities, rites, religious hierarchies, and holy symbols.
- Survival: Knowledge of how to survive in the wilderness, including tracking, hunting, and finding water and shelter.
Background Skills
In addition to the skills you gain from your class, your character’s background will also grant you proficiency in two additional skills, as well as potential tool proficiencies and languages. While the optimal choice of background will often depend on your character’s backstory and the campaign context, backgrounds like Outlander or Hermit can be thematically and mechanically fitting for a Druid.
| Druid Skills Summary |
|---|
| Druids start with proficiency in two skills from a defined list |
| The choice of skills should align with your playstyle and character concept |
| Backgrounds grant additional skill proficiencies and can complement the Druid class |
Skills are an integral part of your Druid character, reflecting their knowledge and competencies outside of combat.
Druid Backgrounds
Backgrounds in D&D 5e provide a narrative foundation for your character, shaping their history, skills, and role in the world. Besides enriching your character’s backstory, each background also provides mechanical benefits, including additional skill proficiencies, tool proficiencies, languages, and special features.
When selecting a background for a Druid, consider options that align with their connection to nature, enhance their key abilities, and provide useful skills. Here are a few examples:
Acolyte
Acolytes are devoted to a deity or a pantheon, providing a spiritual angle to your Druid. This background offers proficiency in Insight and Religion, and the Shelter of the Faithful feature can provide aid and support from those who share your faith.
Charlatan
For a Druid with a more deceptive edge, the Charlatan background could be fitting. It grants proficiency in Deception and Sleight of Hand, and the False Identity feature provides a second persona you can assume.
Criminal
The Criminal background might suit a Druid with a shady past. It grants proficiency in Deception and Stealth, providing a level of cunning and stealth unusual for the class.
Entertainer
An Entertainer Druid could be a travelling bard or a circus performer. This background grants proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance, and the By Popular Demand feature ensures you always have a place to perform.
Folk Hero
A Druid with the Folk Hero background might be a protector of a local community or a celebrated local figure. This background grants proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival, and the Rustic Hospitality feature provides support from common folk.
Guild Artisan
A Guild Artisan Druid could have a past as a craftsman or a trader. This background grants proficiency in Insight and Persuasion, and the Guild Membership feature can offer assistance and social connections.
Hermit
The Hermit background aligns well with the solitary nature of many Druids. It grants proficiency in Medicine and Religion, along with a Herbalism Kit. The Discovery feature can provide a compelling personal quest or secret knowledge.
Noble
For a Druid from a high social standing, the Noble background could be apt. It grants proficiency in History and Persuasion, and the Position of Privilege feature can provide social leverage.
Outlander
The Outlander background represents a life lived in the wilderness, a common backstory for Druids. It grants proficiency in Athletics and Survival, and the Wanderer feature allows your Druid to recall geographic details and find food and fresh water.
Sage
The Sage background might be a good fit for a Druid who spent time studying nature and magic in an academic setting. It grants proficiency in Arcana and History.
Sailor
A Sailor Druid might be a former pirate or a naval officer, adept at navigating waters. This background grants proficiency in Athletics and Perception, and the Ship’s Passage feature can secure free sea travel.
Soldier
A Soldier Druid could be a battle-hardened veteran, experienced in the harsh realities of war. This background grants proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation, and the Military Rank feature provides a measure of authority.
Urchin
An Urchin Druid might have a past as a street child, surviving in urban environments. This background grants proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Stealth, and the City Secrets feature allows quick navigation through cities.
| Druid Backgrounds Summary |
|---|
| Backgrounds provide narrative foundations and mechanical benefits |
| A range of backgrounds from Acolyte to Urchin |
| Your choice should align with your character’s history and the campaign context |
The chosen background can greatly enhance both the narrative depth and mechanical effectiveness of your Druid character. It provides you with additional skills and can often offer unique role-playing opportunities that make your character more engaging and fun to play.
Druid Feats
Feats in Dungeons & Dragons 5e offer optional enhancements that provide new capabilities or improvements on existing ones, allowing for increased character customization. While gaining feats can mean forgoing an increase in ability scores, the unique benefits can often outshine basic numerical improvements.
Let’s delve into a few feats that are often beneficial for Druids:
War Caster
This feat is an excellent choice for spellcasters. War Caster grants advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration—a critical advantage for a spellcasting class like Druids, especially during combat. It also allows for the performance of somatic components even when weapons or a shield are in hand.
Observant
This feat increases your Wisdom score and enhances your passive perception and investigation skills, making you more alert to your surroundings. It is particularly beneficial for Druids who often play the role of a scout in wilderness settings.
Resilient
Resilient can be a strategic choice if you frequently find yourself needing to make saving throws in a certain ability. You can choose one ability score to gain proficiency in saving throws for.
Magic Initiate
This feat grants you knowledge of spells from another class. If you want to broaden your spellcasting options, Magic Initiate can be a great choice.
Sentinel
Sentinel is useful for Druids who find themselves in melee combat often. This feat allows you to hinder opponents’ ability to disengage, creating battlefield control.
Alert
Alert significantly increases your initiative and prevents you from being surprised. This feat is beneficial for Druids who want to act sooner in combat rounds.
Mobile
This feat increases your speed and allows you to avoid opportunity attacks, improving your maneuverability on the battlefield.
Ritual Caster
Although Druids can already cast some spells as rituals, this feat allows you to expand your ritual spell options even further.
Spell Sniper
Spell Sniper doubles the range of your spells that require attack rolls and makes it easier for you to cast spells in combat. This feat can be a good choice for Druids who prefer long-range spellcasting.
Tough
The Tough feat grants additional hit points, making your Druid more resilient.
| Druid Feats Summary |
|---|
| Feats provide unique benefits and allow for character customization |
| War Caster, Observant, and Resilient are among the many beneficial feats for Druids |
| Feat choice should align with your character’s role and your campaign’s context |
Druid Weapons
Druids in D&D 5e have a distinct set of weapon proficiencies that align with their deep respect for nature. Rather than using weapons made of metal, which they view as anathema to their beliefs, Druids commonly employ tools crafted from natural materials like wood, bone, or stone.
Let’s explore the primary weapons available to Druids:
Clubs
Clubs are simple, one-handed melee weapons. They are lightweight and can be used with a shield or cast a spell with a somatic component.
Daggers
Daggers are light, finesse weapons that can be thrown. This versatility makes them useful for Druids in various situations, from melee combat to ranged attacks.
Darts
Darts are simple ranged weapons. Their light weight allows them to be used in one hand while casting spells with the other.
Javelins
Javelins are versatile weapons, offering both melee and ranged capabilities. Druids can use them to engage enemies from a distance or up close.
Maces
While Maces are made of metal, most DMs allow them for Druids as they are similar to clubs but deal more damage. They are one-handed melee weapons that can pack a punch.
Quarterstaffs
Quarterstaffs are simple melee weapons that can be used with one hand or two. They are a common choice for Druids due to their versatility and the fact that they’re made of wood.
Scimitars
Scimitars are light, finesse melee weapons. They are one of the more damaging options available to Druids, making them a solid choice for those who expect to engage in melee combat.
Slings
Slings are simple ranged weapons. They can be useful for Druids who prefer to keep their distance in combat and support their allies with spells and ranged attacks.
Spears
Spears are simple melee weapons that can also be thrown. This versatility allows Druids to adapt to changing combat situations.
| Druid Weapons Summary |
|---|
| Druids employ weapons crafted from natural materials |
| Clubs, Daggers, and Darts offer a balance between melee and ranged options |
| Javelins, Maces, and Quarterstaffs are potent in melee combat |
| Scimitars, Slings, and Spears provide diverse options for damage and combat style |
Druid Armor
Druids in Dungeons & Dragons 5e are known for their unique relationship with armor. Due to their deep connection with nature, they avoid donning armor or shields made from metal. Thus, they rely on armors made from natural materials like hide, wood, or bone. Here’s an overview of the armor options available to Druids:
Leather Armor
Leather armor is the lightest armor available to Druids. It offers a base Armor Class (AC) of 11 + your Dexterity modifier. This can be an excellent choice for Druids who value mobility and have a high Dexterity score.
Studded Leather Armor
Studded Leather Armor offers a bit more protection than simple Leather Armor, providing a base AC of 12 + your Dexterity modifier. It’s a fantastic middle-ground choice for Druids who want to strike a balance between protection and mobility.
Hide Armor
Hide Armor is a type of medium armor offering a base AC of 12 + your Dexterity modifier (up to 2). It’s a suitable choice for Druids with moderate Dexterity and who don’t mind the extra weight.
Chain Shirt
While Chain Shirts are typically metal, your DM might allow versions made from natural materials. They provide a base AC of 13 + your Dexterity modifier (up to 2). This can be an excellent option if your campaign allows for some flexibility with the Druids’ armor restrictions.
Scale Mail
Again, while Scale Mail is traditionally metal, some DMs may allow non-metal versions. Scale Mail provides a base AC of 14 + your Dexterity modifier (up to 2) but imposes disadvantage on Stealth checks.
Shield
Druids are also proficient with shields, which are typically made of wood and can provide an additional 2 points to your AC. They can be very beneficial for those Druids who find themselves in the thick of combat.
| Druid Armor Summary |
|---|
| Druids avoid wearing metal armor, preferring natural materials |
| Leather and Studded Leather Armor are excellent for high-Dexterity Druids |
| Hide Armor and Chain Shirt provide better protection for Druids with moderate Dexterity |
| A Shield can significantly boost your AC, providing better survivability in combat |
Multiclassing
Multiclassing can be a potent tool in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, offering the chance to combine abilities from different classes to create a character with a unique blend of skills and capabilities. However, multiclassing as a Druid requires careful consideration, as the Druid’s class features and spellcasting mechanics have unique synergies and trade-offs with other classes.
Here are some noteworthy multiclassing options for Druids:
Druid/Barbarian
The combination of Druid and Barbarian can result in a potent melee combatant. A Druid’s Wild Shape combined with a Barbarian’s Rage can lead to a fierce, resilient beast form that can soak up damage while dishing out punishing attacks.
Druid/Cleric
A multiclass Druid/Cleric can be an excellent healer and support character, with access to both classes’ healing and buff spells. There could also be thematic synergies between certain Druid circles and Cleric domains.
Druid/Fighter
The Druid/Fighter combination can be useful for a front-line combatant. Fighter features like Action Surge and Second Wind can boost a Druid’s combat effectiveness, especially in Wild Shape form.
Druid/Monk
A Druid/Monk multiclass can create interesting synergies. A Monk’s Unarmored Defense and Martial Arts can enhance a Druid’s combat capabilities, especially in Wild Shape form.
Druid/Rogue
A Druid/Rogue multiclass can be a potent scout or skirmisher. The Rogue’s Sneak Attack can add significant damage to a Druid’s attacks, while skills like Stealth can be enhanced with Druid spells and Wild Shape.
Druid/Wizard
Multiclassing as a Druid/Wizard can provide access to a wide array of spells, enhancing flexibility and utility. However, managing two different spellcasting abilities (Wisdom for Druids and Intelligence for Wizards) can be challenging.
| Druid Multiclassing Summary |
|---|
| Multiclassing offers a chance to combine abilities from different classes |
| Druid/Barbarian and Druid/Fighter combinations can create potent combatants |
| Druid/Cleric and Druid/Wizard combinations can enhance spellcasting and utility |
| Druid/Monk and Druid/Rogue combinations can offer unique synergies and tactical options |
Druid Magic Items
Magic items in Dungeons & Dragons 5e can enhance your character’s abilities, provide new options, or produce incredible effects. As a Druid, specific magic items can complement your class features and spellcasting abilities. Let’s examine some of the most fitting ones:
Staff of the Woodlands
This staff is an iconic Druid item, capable of turning into a tree, summoning woodland beings, and providing a bonus to spell attack rolls and to your spell save DC. It also holds several Druid spells that can be cast using its charges.
Staff of Healing
A Staff of Healing can be beneficial for Druids, especially those who frequently find themselves in the role of a healer. This staff allows you to cast several healing spells without using any spell slots.
Ring of Protection
This ring grants a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws, providing a Druid with a boost to both defense and resilience.
Cloak of Displacement
The Cloak of Displacement projects an illusion that makes you appear to be standing in a place near your actual location, causing any creature to have disadvantage on attack rolls against you. It’s incredibly beneficial for survival, especially for Druids who get up close and personal with enemies.
Wand of Entangle
A Wand of Entangle can be a significant asset for a Druid, allowing you to control the battlefield by restraining your enemies without expending any spell slots.
Bag of Tricks
This fun item allows you to pull out fuzzy objects that turn into various animals. It could be a potent tool for a creative Druid, offering unique solutions to problems or reinforcements in battle.
| Druid Magic Items Summary |
|---|
| Magic items can enhance abilities, provide new options, or produce powerful effects |
| Staff of the Woodlands and Staff of Healing are specifically useful for Druid spellcasting |
| Ring of Protection and Cloak of Displacement provide defensive boosts |
| Wand of Entangle and Bag of Tricks offer tactical advantages and creative options |
Common Magic Items
Common Magic Items in Dungeons & Dragons 5e can provide a fun, sometimes quirky, addition to your character’s repertoire. While they might not be as powerful as rarer items, they can still offer interesting options and capabilities. Here are some Common Magic Items that Druids might find interesting:
Perfume of Bewitching
This magical perfume grants advantage on Charisma checks directed at humanoid creatures of your choice. It could be useful for a Druid who needs to be persuasive or deceptive.
Rope of Mending
A Rope of Mending can be quite handy during your adventures. It’s a 50-foot rope that can mend itself back together when broken.
Moon-Touched Sword
This simple weapon sheds bright light in a 15-foot radius and dim light for an additional 15 feet. It can be helpful for those nighttime excursions or in the darkest depths of a dungeon.
Druidic Focus
A Druidic focus—like a wooden staff or yew wand—serves as a spellcasting focus for Druid spells, which means you can use it in place of the material components of spells, provided they have no cost and aren’t consumed.
Cloak of Many Fashions
This cloak allows you to change its style, color, and apparent quality. It could be useful for Druids who need to blend into different social situations or environments.
| Common Magic Items Summary |
|---|
| Common Magic Items provide fun, often quirky additions to a character’s abilities |
| Perfume of Bewitching and Cloak of Many Fashions can help in social situations |
| Rope of Mending and Druidic Focus can be handy in adventuring scenarios |
| Moon-Touched Sword provides a light source for dark areas |
Uncommon Magic Items
Uncommon Magic Items in Dungeons & Dragons 5e offer a variety of benefits that can greatly enhance your Druid’s capabilities. They’re a step up from common items and can provide more potent effects. Let’s dive into some Uncommon Magic Items that are especially suitable for Druids:
Pearl of Power
A Pearl of Power allows a spellcaster to regain one expended spell slot of up to 3rd level once per day. This can be incredibly valuable for a Druid, providing extra spellcasting stamina during long adventuring days.
Bag of Holding
A Bag of Holding is an extra-dimensional space that allows you to carry more than you could typically manage. It can be incredibly beneficial for holding onto items you find on your adventures.
Wand of the War Mage +1
This wand grants a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and ignores half-cover when casting spells. It’s a valuable tool for a Druid who often finds themselves in combat situations.
Boots of the Winterlands
The Boots of the Winterlands allow you to withstand cold environments, traverse ice without difficulty, and even move across snow as if it were normal terrain. These boots are a fantastic fit for a Druid, especially those drawn to colder climates.
Ring of Animal Influence
A Ring of Animal Influence has three charges and allows you to cast Animal Friendship, Fear (but only targeting beasts), and Speak with Animals. This can be a potent tool for a Druid, given their connection to nature and animals.
| Uncommon Magic Items Summary |
|---|
| Uncommon Magic Items offer potent abilities and enhancements |
| Pearl of Power and Wand of the War Mage +1 boost spellcasting capabilities |
| Bag of Holding provides extra carrying capacity for adventurers |
| Boots of the Winterlands and Ring of Animal Influence enhance a Druid’s connection with nature |
Rare Magic Items
Rare Magic Items in Dungeons & Dragons 5e introduce a layer of power and capabilities that can dramatically change the way your Druid character interacts with the world. Here are some noteworthy Rare Magic Items that are particularly useful for Druids:
Staff of Swarming Insects
The Staff of Swarming Insects allows you to create a cloud of buzzing insects that provides you with cover, or to call forth a swarm of insects that attacks for you. It’s a potent item for Druids who embrace the more bestial aspects of nature.
Winged Boots
The Winged Boots grant the power of flight, which can be incredibly useful for exploration, strategic combat positioning, or even making a quick escape when things get too dangerous.
Cloak of Arachnida
This cloak gives you the abilities of a spider, including moving up walls and ceilings, casting the Web spell, and immunity to being restrained by webbing. It can provide a Druid with new and unique ways to navigate and control the battlefield.
Necklace of Prayer Beads
The Necklace of Prayer Beads contains beads that allow you to cast certain spells. The spells are generally related to healing, divination, and protection, making this a fantastic item for Druids focusing on support roles.
Ring of Spell Storing
The Ring of Spell Storing can hold up to 5 levels worth of spells that can be cast from the ring at a later time. This allows a Druid to prepare in advance for future encounters or to share spellcasting duties with other party members.
| Rare Magic Items Summary |
|---|
| Rare Magic Items provide powerful capabilities and dramatically enhance a character’s abilities |
| Staff of Swarming Insects and Cloak of Arachnida offer unique abilities tied to nature |
| Winged Boots enable flight for strategic advantages |
| Necklace of Prayer Beads and Ring of Spell Storing enhance spellcasting versatility and support roles |
Very Rare Magic Items
Very Rare Magic Items in Dungeons & Dragons 5e offer incredible powers and game-changing abilities that can greatly enhance your Druid’s prowess. Here are some Very Rare Magic Items that can be particularly beneficial for Druids:
Tome of Understanding
The Tome of Understanding not only increases your Wisdom score by 2, but it also raises your maximum for that score by 2. Given that Wisdom is the primary spellcasting ability for Druids, this tome can significantly enhance your spellcasting capabilities.
Staff of the Magi
While the Staff of the Magi is not strictly a Druid item, it is a powerful magic item that enhances spellcasting abilities. It contains a wide array of spells and can absorb spells aimed at you to recharge itself.
Manual of Bodily Health
The Manual of Bodily Health increases your Constitution score and its maximum by 2. As Constitution affects your hit points and stamina, this manual can enhance your resilience in combat and your ability to survive challenging environments.
Robe of the Archmagi
The Robe of the Archmagi, though typically associated with arcane casters, can provide a tremendous boost to any spellcaster. It improves your spell save DC, spell attack rolls, and provides resistance to spell damage.
Ring of Three Wishes
The Ring of Three Wishes is as powerful as you make it. It can cast the Wish spell three times, allowing you to produce nearly any effect. Use it wisely, as the magic of the Wish spell is known for its tendency to twist the intentions of those who wield it.
| Very Rare Magic Items Summary |
|---|
| Very Rare Magic Items grant incredible powers that can dramatically enhance a character’s abilities |
| Tome of Understanding and Manual of Bodily Health boost key ability scores |
| Staff of the Magi and Robe of the Archmagi provide significant enhancements to spellcasting |
| Ring of Three Wishes can produce nearly any effect, but must be used with care |
Legendary Magic Items
Legendary Magic Items in Dungeons & Dragons 5e are the ultimate treasures that heroes dream of obtaining. Their immense power can reshape destinies and alter the course of adventures. Here are some Legendary Magic Items that are immensely powerful for Druids:
Staff of the Woodlands (Legendary Version)
While we discussed the Staff of the Woodlands earlier, the Legendary Version takes it a step further, providing even more spellcasting power and an increased bonus to spell attack rolls and to your spell save DC.
Ioun Stone of Mastery
This Ioun Stone increases your proficiency bonus by 1 while it orbits your head. This can enhance many of your skills, your spellcasting, and your combat abilities, making it incredibly valuable.
Ring of Spell Turning
The Ring of Spell Turning gives you advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. Furthermore, if you roll a 20 for the save and the spell is 7th level or lower, it is reflected back at the caster.
Cloak of Invisibility
This cloak grants the power of invisibility at will. Being able to become invisible can be invaluable in numerous situations, from evading enemies to sneaking past obstacles.
Sphere of Annihilation
The Sphere of Annihilation is a dangerous item, but immensely powerful in the right hands. It can obliterate almost anything it comes into contact with, making it a potentially game-changing tool.
| Legendary Magic Items Summary |
|---|
| Legendary Magic Items are the ultimate treasures, capable of shaping destinies |
| Staff of the Woodlands (Legendary Version) and Ioun Stone of Mastery significantly enhance spellcasting and abilities |
| Ring of Spell Turning provides potent defenses against magical effects |
| Cloak of Invisibility offers strategic advantages with invisibility |
| Sphere of Annihilation is a high-risk, high-reward tool of immense power |
Having discussed the breadth of magic items available to a Druid, let’s switch gears and look at a practical example of a Druid build.
Example Druid Build – Hill Dwarf Druid (Circle of the Land)
Creating a successful character in D&D is not just about optimizing your stats and abilities, but also about building a character that fits your desired narrative and playstyle. Here, we present an example build for a Hill Dwarf Druid from the Circle of the Land.
Abilities
Strength (STR): 8 – As a spellcasting-focused Druid, Strength isn’t a priority. The physical heavy-lifting can be left to more melee-oriented party members.
Dexterity (DEX): 14 – Dexterity is fairly important for a Druid, contributing to your Armor Class, initiative, and some saving throws.
Constitution (CON): 14 – Constitution contributes to your hit points and health, so it’s a crucial stat. Hill Dwarves also get a +2 bonus to Constitution.
Intelligence (INT): 10 – Intelligence isn’t a major stat for Druids, but it’s good not to neglect it entirely.
Wisdom (WIS): 16 – Wisdom is the primary spellcasting ability for Druids, so this should be your highest ability score. Hill Dwarves get a +1 bonus to Wisdom.
Charisma (CHA): 12 – Charisma is not a key stat for Druids, but a decent Charisma can help in social situations.
Race
Hill Dwarf: Hill Dwarves make excellent Druids. Their +2 Constitution bonus contributes to durability, while the +1 Wisdom bonus helps with spellcasting. They also gain an extra hit point per level, further enhancing their robustness.
Skills and Tools
Skills: Druids have access to a range of useful skills. This build could benefit from proficiency in Perception (using Wisdom), Survival (also Wisdom-based), and Nature (leveraging Intelligence).
Tools: Druids don’t typically rely on tools, but you could opt for an Herbalism Kit, which fits nicely with the theme of a nature-oriented character.
Background
Outlander: The Outlander background meshes well with a Druid’s nature-oriented focus. It grants proficiency in Athletics and Survival and a feature that allows the character to find food and water while traveling.
Feats
Observant: This feat adds to your Wisdom (or Intelligence), and gives you a boost to your passive Perception and Investigation, helping you to become more aware of your surroundings.
| Example Druid Build Summary |
|---|
| Hill Dwarf Druid from the Circle of the Land |
| Primary focus on Wisdom, followed by Constitution and Dexterity |
| Chosen skills: Perception, Survival, and Nature |
| Outlander background for its nature-oriented focus |
| Observant feat to enhance awareness and Wisdom |
This character is not just a competent adventurer but also a compelling personality, closely attuned to the land and able to leverage the power of nature against those who would threaten it. The exact specifics of this character can, of course, be adjusted to better fit your particular campaign or character concept.
Levels
As our Druid progresses through the levels, their powers and abilities grow significantly. In this section, we’ll provide a roadmap of this Druid’s development from level 1 to level 20, showing the key features they gain at each stage. Note that this is just one possible progression – depending on your specific campaign and playstyle, you may wish to take different options at certain levels.
Level 1
Hit Points: 10 (8 from Druid hit dice + 2 from Constitution modifier)
Proficiencies: Light armor, medium armor, shields, clubs, daggers, darts, javelins, maces, quarterstaffs, scimitars, sickles, slings, spears
Skills: Chosen skills are Perception, Survival, and Nature.
Spellcasting: Begin with access to Druidic and a selection of level 1 spells.
Level 2
Wild Shape: Gain the ability to transform into beasts you’ve seen before. Your options are limited at first, but will expand as you level up.
Druid Circle: Join the Circle of the Land, gaining additional spellcasting abilities tied to a specific type of terrain.
Level 3
Circle Spells: Gain additional spells related to your chosen terrain (for instance, if you chose Forest, you get Barkskin and Spider Climb).
Level 4
Ability Score Improvement (ASI): Put your two points into Wisdom, boosting your spellcasting ability.
Feat: Take the Observant feat.
Level 5
Wild Shape Improvement: Your Wild Shape can now include beasts of CR 1.
Circle Spells: Gain level 3 terrain-related spells.
Level 6
Land’s Stride: As a Circle of the Land Druid, your movement isn’t impeded by non-magical difficult terrain, and you have advantages on saving throws against plants that are magically created to impede movement.
Level 7
Circle Spells: Gain level 4 terrain-related spells.
Level 8
Wild Shape Improvement: Your Wild Shape can now include beasts of CR 1 with a flying speed.
Ability Score Improvement (ASI): Increase your Wisdom by 2 points, further boosting your spellcasting ability.
Level 9
Circle Spells: Gain level 5 terrain-related spells.
Level 10
Nature’s Ward: You become immune to poison and disease. Also, beasts and plants have disadvantage on attack rolls against you.
Level 11
Circle Spells: Gain level 6 terrain-related spells.
Level 12
Ability Score Improvement (ASI): This time, bolster your Constitution by 2 points, increasing your hit points and your Constitution saving throws.
Level 13
Circle Spells: Gain level 7 terrain-related spells.
Level 14
Nature’s Sanctuary: Creatures of the natural world sense your connection to nature and become hesitant to attack you.
Level 15
Circle Spells: Gain level 8 terrain-related spells.
Level 16
Ability Score Improvement (ASI): For the final ASI, you might consider boosting your Dexterity for improved AC, initiative, and Dexterity saving throws.
Level 17
Circle Spells: Gain level 9 terrain-related spells.
Level 18
Timeless Body: Your age slows dramatically; for every 10 years that pass, your body ages only 1 year.
Beast Spells: You can now cast many of your spells in any shape you assume using Wild Shape.
Level 19
Ability Score Improvement (ASI): With your final ASI, you can fine-tune your stats based on the needs of your character and campaign.
Level 20
Archdruid: You can use your Wild Shape an unlimited number of times, and you can ignore the verbal and somatic components of your Druid spells, as well as any material components that lack a cost and aren’t consumed by a spell.
This roadmap concludes at level 20, with your Druid having become a veritable force of nature. The specific path you take might differ based on your campaign and personal preferences, but this guide provides a solid framework for your Druid’s journey. Remember, the most important thing is to create a character that you’ll enjoy playing.
Conclusion
Navigating the vast options available to create your Druid character in Dungeons & Dragons 5e can be daunting. Still, with the insights provided in this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make well-informed choices that align with your preferred playstyle and character concept.
