Talk:Circle of the Beast (5e Subclass)

As written, this "Archetype" grants 100% of the features of two other archetypes, and 3 additional features at level 2. The only listed cost is the loss of armor and weapon proficiencies. I'm not certain what the intent was, but please re-visit this error, as it makes the archetype appear much more powerful than it should be.

Response: I agree that the archetype was more powerful than it should be. I removed a number of features from the Player's Handbook circles. I added that this circle is to be taken at the 1st level and lowered the level requirement on most 2nd level features. While this does make this a powerful 1st level Druid, it also removes the weirdness of forgetting how to wear armor at 2nd level.

An important part of this class to consider is the role of the animal companion which is required to cast spells and have the effect of Nature's Sanctuary. As an additional update I added access to the features Beast Spells and Archdruid if the animal companion is present and the Beast Shape is a low enough challenge rating.

I know the ability to stay in Wild Shape indefinitely is powerful, but hopefully the challenge rating limit will balance this out.

Overall this archetype's goal is to create a weapon/armor-less Druid that focuses on spellcasting and wild shape with the cost of needing to protect an ally to retain the bonuses.

OK, so now I know where you're coming from. I actually did a full pass to clean up what you have--basically re-wrote it from scratch and moved some features around for balance. I didn't want to totally blot out your work, [so I'll attach the document here]https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4Qi32tagz7fbEl4TnlJOFdpenc. Go ahead and take a look. If it looks like I got some part of the idea altogether wrong, let me know.

Responce

I'd love to see your suggestions. I can't access your file without permission though. Alternatively you could post you suggestions here in the discussion. I like to check up on my submissions semi-regularly.

Ah, OK (I thought I made that doc public...):

Primal costs

When you choose this circle at 1st level, You lose your proficiencies in light and medium armor, clubs, daggers, darts, javelins, maces, quarterstaffs, scimitars, sickles, slings, and spears.

Unarmored Defense

At 1st level, while only wearing clothing made specifically from furs or hide (no armor) you may add your Wisdom modifier to your AC.

Animal Companion

At the 2nd level, you learn the find familiar spell and can cast it as a ritual. You can also have your companion gain the effects of the find steed spell if it takes the form such as a horse, a pony, a tiger, or any suitable creature. The spell doesn't count against your number of spells known. The creature is a beast rather than the normal celestial, fey, or fiend. You may use your animal companion as your spellcasting focus.

Improved Wild Shape

When you choose this circle at 2nd level, you can stay in beast shape indefinitely if you are a creature with a challenge rating of 0. This increases to include up to challenge rating 1/4 at 6th level, challenge rating 1/2 at 11th, and challenge rating 1 at 16th.

Despite the increased duration of your Wild Shape, you still retain only 2 wild shape uses per short rest, meaning that while you may have any form at any time, you can only change form a limited number of times.

Primal Magic

At 6th level, you learn Beast Spells, the druid feature normally gained at 18th level.

Additionally, at 6th level you gain the Combat Wild Shape feature from the Circle of the Moon.

The Faces of Men

At 10th level, you may use your Wild Shape ability to assume the form of a humanoid creature, similar to the Alter Self spell.

Additionally, you may use Wild Shape up to 3 times between rests. At 18 Shape up to 4 times between rests.

Nature's Sanctuary

As the feature granted by the Circle of the Land, PHB 69. --Entropicscholar (talk) 21:40, 24 October 2015 (MDT)