Dungeons & Dragons’ New Circle Of Stars Druid Class Explained

The Circle of Stars Druid was introduced in Unearthed Arcana, and it became an official Dungeons & Dragons subclass in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. These new D&D Druids are fueled by the power of starlight and have studied heavenly patterns and secrets throughout the constellations since ancient times.

Such Druids are known to hold detailed records of the stars, meditating on their effects on the natural world. Seeking to harness the powers of the cosmos, it’s common for those in this Circle to observe and document their findings at long-standing megalithic sites like pyramids, stone circles and underground temples.

Circle of Stars Druids create and own a star chart that can also serve as a spell casting focus, and it may take the shape of a scroll covered with constellations, a stone tablet, a collection of maps bound in an ebony cover, a crystal that projects starry patterns with the shining of a light, a glass disk that depicts constellations, or a speckled owlbear hide from the common D&D creature. If lost, an hour-long ceremony can be performed to get a replacement.

Dungeons & Dragons’ Circle of Stars Druid Explained

A second-level Circle of Stars Druid can create a “Star Map” or chart and knows the Guidance cantrip. The subclass also knows the Guiding Bolt spell, which counts as a Druid spell, is automatically prepared, and doesn’t count against the number of spells the player can have prepared. Additionally, it can be cast without expending a spell slot for a number of times equal to the player’s proficiency bonus. All expended uses are regained after a long rest.

Also at second level, this Druid can expend the use of the Wild Shape feature to take on a “Starry Form” instead of transforming into a traditional D&D beast. This form retains game statistics and makes the player’s body luminous, with joints that glimmer like the stars and glowing lines connecting them, much like a constellation. A Starry Form sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light an additional 10 feet, and it lasts for 10 minutes. It ends when the player is incapacitated, dies, or dismisses it at no cost of an action.

Starry Forms can take the shape of the following constellations: “Archer” lets the player make a ranged spell attack as a bonus action, hurling a luminous arrow at a target within 60 feet and dealing radiant damage equal to 1d8 plus the Wisdom modifier; “Chalice” allows the user to heal themselves or an additional creature within 30 feet for HP equal to 1d8 plus their Wisdom modifier whenever they cast one of D&D‘s healing spells; and “Dragon” lets the user maintain a concentration spell when making an Intelligence or Wisdom check – or a Constitution saving throw – by treating any roll of a nine or lower on the d20 as a 10.

At level six, the “Cosmic Omen” feature lets the player consult their Star Map after finishing a long rest. The player rolls a die and gains access to a special reaction depending on if the number rolled is even or odd. If even, “Weal” allows for using a reaction to roll a d6 to add the number rolled to a creature within 30 feet’s attack roll, saving throw, or ability check. If odd, “Woe” does the same but subtracts the d6 roll from the total. These new D&D reactions can be used a number of times equal to the Circle of Stars Druid’s proficiency bonus and are regained after a long rest.

At level 10, the “Twinkling Constellations” feature improves the constellations of Starry Form. The Archer and Chalice’s 1d8 becomes 2d8, and while the Dragon form is active, the player has a flying speed of 20 feet and can hover. The player can also switch out the constellation form at the start of each turn. At level 14, a Circle of Stars Druid in Starry Form becomes partially incorporeal and has a resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage – making this shimmering cosmic subclass a unique and powerful new option in Dungeons & Dragons.

About The Author