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This new subclass from Brittney Hay (@FNDungeonMom), a pillar of the online D&D community, is an awesome take on an elemental subclass with the emphasis on infusing the Druid's Wild Shape with primordial power. This supplement distinguishes itself, standing tall over the sea element-based subclasses due to its quality, originality and flexibility. Rather than being another Shyamalan take on element-bending, this is a unique and beastly take on a Druid Circle. Rather than Avatar, in some ways the Druid themselves become their own Wild Shape Pokemon, which evolve as you level up. And if Pokemon isn't your thing, how does becoming an earthquake causing bear made of rock sound!?
The first thing you see with this subclass is the absolutely sensational cover art by David Barrentine (@DavidBarrentine) depicting a Circle of the Elementals Druid harnessing their power, flanked by wonderful representations of the Elemental Aura infused Wild Shapes. This quality artwork sets the beautifully flavored tone of this supplement. Barrentine is also responsible for the evocative subclass description and a joyous illustration of Goblin Druid Controlling Water inside.
Bonus Spells
Taking this Circle at 2nd level opens up the opportunity to learn an additional element-based Cantrip from a list not normally open to Druids, providing greater utility and damage, as they "tap into the magic that flows forth from [the Elemental] planes, connecting them with something more primal and powerful than anything found on the material plane." This really gives the Elemental Druid the opportunity to have more magical damage to hand compared to the single offensive Cantrip on the base Druid Spell List.
Primordial Speaker
This grants an in depth knowledge of the Primordial language as the magic drawn from the planes opens the Elemental Druid's mind, enabling them to converse with their potential Elemental allies, as well as being particularly handy if they are invited a Dawn Titan coffee morning. But seriously, this is nice flavor that will only come in handy in certain situations, but when it does it will be their time to shine.
Elemental Fury
This is where this Circle really starts to set itself apart and establish its core...element. At 2nd level the Druid's "beastial fury is infused with the power of the Elements" enabling them to choose an element when using Wild Shape, which allows them to cast the first level spell assigned to the element once while in Wild Shape. Again, these are predominantly not from the base Druid Spell List and allow more offence and damage than usually available. This is all the more awesome as Druids in Wild Shape are not able to cast spells and the image of spells launching from the maws and claws of beasties is freaking epic! Even better, at higher levels where applicable these spells can be cast at higher levels, providing the appropriate Spell Slot is available.
Elemental Spells
In the same way Circle of the Land Druid have a mystical connection to their chosen terrain, Elemental Druids draw magic from the Elemental Planes. These spells are added at the usual 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th levels. These Elemental Spells really open up a whole heap of potential damage dealing and manipulating the elements.
Elemental Soul
At level six Elemental Druids become so connected to the Elemental Planes that they flow through their entire being, bringing with them resistances and additional bonuses depending on which element the Druid focuses on from day to day. This is hugely exciting as the bonuses and resistances are all awesome, but also rather situation specific, so the Druid with a decent calendar can plan ahead which element they attune to while seeing to their morning ablutions.
Elemental Aura
At 10th level the Elemental infusion of the Druid's Wild Shape increases, corresponding to and stacking with Elemental Fury. These grant even greater bonuses, spells and/ or advantages aligned with then chosen element for the Wild Shape. I believe these are what are represented on the sensational cover art by Barrentine. This is what the Circle of the Elemental is all about; becoming a seriously powerful elementally supercharged beast and I am here for it!
Improved Wild Shape
At level 10 and 14 the maximum CR of the Beasts the Elemental Druid can become improves. Not as much as the Circle of the Moon Druids, but bigger, scarier, more teeth is their whole thing. However, it is an improvement on the baseline for the majority Druids, which is awesome and fits the emphasis on the augmented Wild Shapes of this Circle perfectly.
Elemental Guardian
At 14th level "the elements protect you when you are the most vulnerable." When the going gets tough and things look bad and Elemental guardian is sent to watch your back once per long rest. This is a somewhat bizarre, but completely awesome ability that shows at this level not only do you have the ability harness great power from the Elemental Planes, the Planes themselves are watching over you.
These Druids are not so much the rolling around with in the field with beasts or tending the land, they themselves are beasts of another kind, and rather than being in harmony with nature, the primordial forces of the elements flow through them, granting access to destructive powers and the ability manipulate their elements. The new options on top of the standard Druid spells and abilities make the Elemental Druids a seriously portent and versatile party member, able to hold their own against more traditionally offensive classes.
This is one seriously awesome subclass with style, flare and substance for the incredibly low price $1.99. I have absolutely fallen in love with this Druid Circle and if I'm not mistaken rolls dice yeah I'm definitely in the process of rolling up a Elemental Druid character. I want to be a big, rocky earthquake bear of awesomeness!
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