Circle of the Wyrm

Druid Subclass

Comments from the writer: Valda’s Spire of Secrets collected and updated the best of the blog since we began writing in 2015. We wanted to make the best version of these subclasses available as freely as the original. We’re starting with one of our favorites, a druid circle infused with draconic essence for half-dragon wild shapes!

Druids who join the Circle of the Wyrm hold dragons in higher esteem than all other works of creation. These druids believe, as many dragons do, that wyrms are perfect creatures: the pinnacle of all life brought into existence by the antediluvian gods. Likewise, these druids aspire to perfect wyrmhood, and gradually become like dragonkind.

Dragonkin

Starting when you choose this circle at 2nd level, you learn Draconic. Additionally, you have advantage on saving throws against the spells and effects of Dragons.

Draconic Wild Shape

At 2nd level, you gain the ability to use Wild Shape on your turn as a bonus action, instead of as an action. Furthermore, your beast shapes resemble dragon hybrids, replete with scales and fangs, and gain the following traits while you are transformed:
Breath Weapon. You can use your action and expend one spell slot to exhale draconic energy from your mouth. Choose a damage type: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d10 damage of the chosen type, plus 1d10 for each spell level higher than 1st. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage.
Resistance. You have resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks.

Fangs and Flight

Starting at 6th level, your Beast form sprouts scaled wings, and its attacks carry the energetic fury of a dragon’s swipes. You gain the following traits while transformed:
Dragon Wings. You have a flying speed equal to your walking speed, if you don’t already have a flying speed that would be higher.
Infused Strikes. When you transform using your Wild Shape, choose a damage type: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. On a hit with a melee attack, you deal an extra 1d6 damage of the chosen type.

Primordial Aura

At 10th level, you can use your bonus action to create a 30-foot aura of elemental magic. Choose a damage type: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison. For the next minute, you and each creature you choose within the aura have resistance against the chosen damage type. Additionally, once on each of your turns for the duration, when you deal damage of the chosen type to a hostile creature, you can choose a creature within the aura to regain hit points equal to 1d10 plus your Wisdom modifier.
Once you use this ability, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.