Exploring the Power of the Sea: The Circle of the Sea Druid in Dungeons & Dragons 2024
In both reality and the captivating universe of Dungeons & Dragons, none hold a greater sway than the ocean. Mastering the forces of the deep gives adventurers immense strength, and no class is more adept at channeling the ocean’s might than the Circle of the Sea druid.
Creating and playing a Circle of the Sea druid is akin to navigating the vastness of the ocean; it requires skill, a touch of luck, and a solid strategy. Think of this guide as your navigational tool to one of the most formidable druid subclasses introduced in D&D 2024.
The Circle of the Sea druid is an evolution of the Circle of the Land but is deeply connected to the water. Starting at level three, you will access an array of water-themed spells alongside lightning and thunder spells (the ocean’s angrier side). You’ll also gain the Wrath of the Sea, a signature ability unique to this subclass.
The Wrath of the Sea ability gives the Circle of the Sea druid a distinct flavor. While you primarily remain a spellcaster, this ability allows you to inflict significant damage on any foes that venture too close to you, serving as a deterrent while you keep your distance.
As you enhance your Wisdom, the damage from Wrath of the Sea increases. By level six, this ability extends to a ten-foot radius, encouraging you to entice enemies into close proximity to bombard them with your ocean’s wrath.
Eventually, you can bestow your Wrath of the Sea upon your party’s frontliner (consider a barbarian, paladin, or fighter), giving you space while sustaining your powerful damage output. However, embracing the chaotic environment of melee combat will likely be the best tactic for the majority of your Sea Druid’s adventures.
| Class Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Circle of the Sea Spells | Fog Cloud, Gust of Wind, Ray of Frost, Shatter, Thunderwave, Lightning Bolt, Water Breathing, Control Water, Ice Storm, Conjure Elemental, Hold Monster |
| Wrath of the Sea | Inflict cold damage on nearby enemies based on your Wisdom modifier. Can also push enemies up to 15 feet away. |
| Aquatic Affinity | Extends Wrath of the Sea to 10 feet, grants swim speed. |
| Stormborn | Gain resistance to cold, lightning, and thunder damage, and acquire the ability to fly. |
| Oceanic Gift | Transfer your Wrath of the Sea effect to an ally. |
When selecting your background, focus on becoming proficient in the essential druidic skills of Nature and Animal Handling while also enhancing your aquatic combat abilities.
The Guide background stands out as the top choice, offering increases to your three pivotal ability scores (Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom), along with valuable skills in Stealth and Survival. Notably, it also provides access to the Magic Initiate Origin Feat.
With the Magic Initiate, you can learn two cantrips and a first-level spell from outside the Druid’s standard spell list, all while utilizing your Wisdom modifier to cast them. The right spell selections can prove instrumental during melee encounters.
Following closely behind is the Farmer background, which grants Animal Handling, Nature, and the Tough feat. However, it’s not quite as impactful as the Guide background.
As a druid, Wisdom is undoubtedly your most crucial ability score. Higher Wisdom enhances your spellcasting effectiveness and boosts the damage of your Wrath of the Sea.
Dexterity and Constitution should follow, as they ensure your survival in melee situations. Dexterity affects your Armor Class, while Constitution contributes to your hit points and spell concentration.
Here’s a recommended ability score guideline:
| Strength | Dexterity | Constitution | Intelligence | Wisdom | Charisma | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Array | 8 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Points Buy | 8 | 13 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 8 |
If you choose the Guide background, boost your Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom scores by +1.
Choosing Human is optimal for a Sea Druid, allowing for an additional Origin Feat. However, consider the following options based on different benefits they provide:
| Species | Reason |
|---|---|
| Human | An additional Origin Feat is a significant advantage. |
| Elf | Access to another wizard cantrip, along with Darkvision and resistance against charm. |
| Dwarf | While Tremorsense may not always be useful, extra hit points and poison resistance are beneficial. |
| Tiefling | Combining Hellish Rebuke with Wrath of the Sea can prove deadly, alongside the benefit of Darkvision. |
| Goliath | Offers speed and useful abilities from Giant Ancestry. |
| Orc | Grants temporary hit points and Relentless Endurance for battlefield resilience. |
| Halfling | Luck always has its advantages, but doesn’t add much to Sea Druid functionality. |
| Dragonborn | Flight may not be necessary, and their breath weapon can feel overshadowed by Wrath of the Sea. |
| Gnome | Speak with Animals is already a druid ability, making the forest gnome less advantageous. |
| Aasimar | The flight ability at later levels diminishes the usefulness of their transformations. |
Choose two additional skills that complement your party’s strengths, particularly those you haven’t gained from your background. If you took the Guide background, select Nature and Perception, as they will serve you well.
Note: Perception is one of the most frequently used skills in D&D, and your high Wisdom will enhance it significantly, making you a crucial lookout for your party.
Your starting equipment from the druid class and Guide background provides a solid foundation. Leather armor offers decent protection, a shortbow gives good ranged damage (especially when paired with the True Strike cantrip), and your Quarterstaff acts as both melee weaponry and Druidic Focus.
For a custom starting kit beyond the generic options, consider these items for an enhanced boost to your damage and defense:
To enhance your proficiency in medium armor, make sure to select the Warden option for your Primal Order at level one.
With your origin, background, species, and starting gear established, let’s outline your leveling path, including spells:
| Level | Class Feature | Spells Prepared | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primal Order – Warden | Cantrips: True Strike, Shillelagh, Guidance, Elementalism Level One Spells: Entangle, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, Shield | Warden provides medium armor for greater AC at 14 Dexterity. True Strike with a Light Crossbow is your best ranged option initially, and Shillelagh is excellent for melee. Guidance and Elementalism are essential. Entangle and Faerie Fire aid melee, while Shield and Healing Word support survival. |
| 2 | Wild Shape, Wild Companion | Level One Spells: – | Utilize Wild Shape charges for Wrath of the Sea, and get a flying form until you can fly at level 10. A flying companion is a plus. Absorb Elements is good when Shield is ineffective. |
| 3 | Druid Subclass – Circle of the Sea | Level Two Spell: – | You have now embraced the Circle of the Sea, unlocking second-level spells. Barkskin is helpful until you find better armor; once you’ve obtained half-plate, swap it with spells like Aid or Dispel Magic. |
| 4 | Ability Score Improvement – Wisdom | Cantrip: – Level Two Spell: – | Increase Wisdom by +2 for enhanced spellcasting and greater damage from Wrath of the Sea. Lesser Restoration is a useful addition to your spell list for debuffs. |
| 5 | – | Level Three Spells: Aura of Vitality, Summon Fey | Aura of Vitality increases your hit points, while Summon Fey provides a strong ally in combat. |
| 6 | – | Level Three Spell: – | Revivify is a reliable spell for reviving party members during challenging battles. |
| 7 | Elemental Fury – Potent Spellcasting | Level Four Spell: – | Potent Spellcasting boosts True Strike and Shillelagh damage. Use Conjure Woodland Beings alongside Wrath of the Sea for devastating area damage. |
| 8 | Ability Score Improvement – Wisdom | Level Four Spell: – | Boost Wisdom by two to reach the cap of 20, enhancing your spell and damage capabilities. Summon a strong companion for combat support. |
| 9 | – | Level Five Spell: – | Druids are the party’s healers, and Mass Cure Wounds is an exceptional choice when keeping everyone close together. |
| 10 | – | Level Five Spell: – | Congratulations, you can now fly! Greater Restoration addresses issues that Lesser Restoration cannot. |
| 11 | – | Level Six Spell: – | Access to the most effective single-target healing spell, ensuring you remain in the fight longer than your allies. |
| 12 | Feat – Speedy | – | This feat boosts your speeds by 10 feet and makes disengaging from combat much easier. Opt to increase your Constitution for extra hit points. |
| 13 | – | Level Seven Spell: Reverse Gravity | This spell can dramatically change the flow of a battle, making it a fun option. Regenerate is a consideration if you feel you need more healing. |
| 14 | – | – | – |
| 15 | – | Level Eight Spell: – | A powerful spell that can incapacitate mages, giving you a strong advantage. |
| 16 | Feat – Resilient | – | Enhancing your Constitution saving throws aids concentration on spells, and raising Constitution again boosts your hit points. |
| 17 | – | Cantrip: – Level Nine Spell: – | Shapechange lets you gain temporary hit points, allowing you to transform into impressive creatures; Message is perfect for stealthy communication. |
| 18 | – | Level Nine Spell: – | True Resurrection ensures that your allies needn’t fear death, and you can revive favorite NPCs too! |
| 19 | Epic Boon – Boon of Fate | Level Nine Spell: – | Choose Boon of Fate to maximize damage with Wrath of the Sea or to ensure other spells succeed. An additional +1 to Wisdom may also come in handy. Foresight grants advantages in combat situations. |
| 20 | – | Level Eight Spell: – | You’ve become an Archdruid! Tsunami can be your go-to spell, or choose any spell that suits your desired play style. |
In summary, venturing into the world of Dungeons & Dragons as a Circle of the Sea druid offers an exhilarating opportunity to wield the ocean’s might while maintaining a strong presence on the battlefield. Embrace your druidic powers and ride the waves of adventure!
