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Understanding the Circle of the Land Druid in Dungeons & Dragons
In Dungeons & Dragons, druids are generally divided into two types: one that transforms into animals and charges into battle, and another that harnesses nature’s forces to eliminate evil. The Circle of the Land druids fall firmly into the latter category.
If your aim is to be a spellcasting druid who focuses on magic, then you should choose the Circle of the Land. These druids gain access to powerful spells based on their chosen terrain, along with a unique ability to recover spell slots during short rests, similar to wizards. Keep reading to discover how to master the role of a nature-inspired support caster by selecting the Circle of the Land.
Circle of the Land Druid Features
Opting for the Circle of the Land grants you the full spectrum of nature-infused magic. At level 2, you learn an additional cantrip and gain the Nature’s Recovery ability, enabling you to regain spell slots equal to half your druid level (rounded down) with every short rest.
Upon reaching level 3, you’ll start learning Circle Spells. The specific spells you acquire depend on the terrain type you’ve selected, as detailed in the following sections.
Terrain-Based Spell Selections
Here’s a look at the spells you can learn based on different terrains:
Arctic
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | [Empty] |
| Fifth Level | [Empty] |
| Seventh Level | Freedom of Movement, Ice Storm |
| Ninth Level | Commune with Nature, Cone of Cold |
Coast
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | [Empty] |
| Fifth Level | Water Breathing, Water Walk |
| Seventh Level | Control Water, Freedom of Movement |
| Ninth Level | Conjure Elemental, Scrying |
Desert
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | [Empty] |
| Fifth Level | Create Food and Water, Protection from Energy |
| Seventh Level | Blight, Hallucinatory Terrain |
| Ninth Level | Insect Plague, Wall of Stone |
Forest
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | [Empty] |
| Fifth Level | Call Lightning, Plant Growth |
| Seventh Level | Divination, Freedom of Movement |
| Ninth Level | Commune With Nature, Tree Stride |
Mountain
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | Spider Climb, Spike Growth |
| Fifth Level | Lightning Bolt, Meld Into Stone |
| Seventh Level | [Empty] |
| Ninth Level | [Empty] |
Grassland
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | Invisibility, Pass Without Trace |
| Fifth Level | [Empty] |
| Seventh Level | Divination, Freedom of Movement |
| Ninth Level | [Empty] |
Swamp
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | [Empty] |
| Fifth Level | Water Walk, Stinking Cloud |
| Seventh Level | Freedom of Movement, Locate Creature |
| Ninth Level | [Empty] |
Underdark
| Druid Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Third Level | [Empty] |
| Fifth Level | Gaseous Form, Stinking Cloud |
| Seventh Level | Greater Invisibility, Stone Shape |
| Ninth Level | [Empty] |
As you can see, while some terrains offer fewer spells, you can switch among options depending on the needs of your adventure.
Key Features and Abilities
Upon reaching level 6, you’ll gain Land’s Stride, allowing you to traverse non-magical difficult terrains effortlessly. You won’t take damage from non-magical plants either. At level 10, Nature’s Ward grants immunity against charm and fear effects from fey and elementals, while also providing immunity to poison and diseases.
At level 14, Nature’s Sanctuary enables plants and creatures to make a Wisdom saving throw before they can attack you. If they fail, they must target someone else or miss their attack.
2024 Player’s Handbook Updates
Changes in the 2024 Handbook adjust how Circle of the Land druids engage with their chosen terrain. While spellcasting remains their primary feature, your options have become more streamlined. You can now swap your selected land during a long rest, allowing more flexibility in your spellcasting strategy.
Selecting the Best Species for Your Druid
Any D&D species can embrace the path of nature, but some provide distinct advantages for a Circle of the Land druid:
- Autognome: Access to Mending without using a spell slot and poison immunity.
- Elf: High-elf subclass offers access to a useful wizard cantrip like Produce Flame.
- Firbolg: Receive Disguise Self and Detect Magic, plus the ability to communicate with plants and animals.
- Human: Variants provide early access to a free feat, giving an edge in spellcasting.
Best Ability Scores
To maximize your potential as a Circle of the Land druid, focus on Wisdom (for spellcasting) and Constitution (to maintain concentration and improve hit points). Ideally, your score distribution might look like this when using the point buy method:
| Strength | Dexterity | Constitution | Intelligence | Wisdom | Charisma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8(-1) | 14(+2) | 16(+3) | 10(0) | 17(+3) | 8(-1) |
Starting Equipment Recommendations
Your equipment choices should primarily support your spellcasting goals. Opt for a wooden shield over a weapon, along with either a quarterstaff or a sling for cantrip use. For armor, leather armor, an explorer’s pack, and a druidic focus will set you up nicely for your adventures.
Ideal Spells for Your Circle of the Land Druid
Given the importance of spells to your role, here are some solid choices across different levels:
- Cantrips: Guidance, Produce Flame, Thorn Whip
- 1st Level: Animal Friendship, Detect Magic, Goodberry
- 2nd Level: Enhance Ability, Lesser Restoration
- 3rd Level: Conjure Animals, Revive
- 4th Level: Dominate Beast, Polymorph
- 5th Level: Greater Restoration, Awaken
- 6th Level: Heal, Sunbeam
- 7th Level: Fire Storm, Plane Shift
- 8th Level: Earthquake, Tsunami
- 9th Level: Shapechange, True Resurrection
By choosing your spells wisely, you can optimize your spellcasting prowess and make a significant impact in-game, embodying the full essence of nature in your adventures.
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