Circle of Predation

Nature favors those strong enough to survive.  It often creates environments which kill off any creatures not strong enough to survive.  While some call this view of nature narrow minded, and dangerously ignorant, those Druids who belong to the circle of predation find this natural perfection in the form of the apex predator, the creature with no natural rival.  This often is not limited to ordinary beasts, as some who follow this circle believe creatures like Griffons and other monstrosities to be the pinnacle of what it means to be a hunter.  Generally shunned by other druids, those in the Circle of predation form small tight knit groups in the wilds, far from the prying eyes of others.

Supremacy

At 2nd level as a Bonus action, you may attempt to prove to a beast or monstrosity that you are the apex predator, and that you are not to be trifled with.  Against a target Beast, Plant, or Monstrosity within 30 ft, make a Cha check against the target creatures Str or Dex score whichever is higher.  On a successful role, the creature becomes frightened of the Druid for a number of rounds equal to the druids Wis Mod, or until the Druid ends the effect.  If the Druid succeeds this check by 10 or more, the creature flees, using the dash action to move as far away from the druid as possible until they are no longer in line of sight.  Creatures immune to being frightened are immune to this effect.  This feature can only be used between long or short rests.

Devour the Meek.

While taking a long or Short rest, a Druid may consume part of any Beast, Plant, or Monstrosity they dealt the killing blow to, and gain HD equal to the defeated creature's Constitution Modifier.  The Druid can gain more HD than their maximum this way per Long Rest, but must use the extra HD before the finish resting as they do not retain extra HD.  The Druid cannot gain more bonus HD than their Constitution Modifier.

So for Example, a Second Level Druid in the Circle of Predation has just landed the killing Blow on an Allosaurus, and the party is taking a rest.  The Allosaurus has a Con of 17, so the Druid could gain 3 HD, but only has a Constitution of 15, with a modifier of +2, and so they gain 2 extra HD.  The druid decides to use one of these HD, and loses the other at the end of the rest.

Circle Spells

Your mystical connection to predators and hunters grants you access to some of their ferocity in the form of spells.

Once you gain access to a circle spell, you always have it prepared, and it doesn’t count against the number of spells you can prepare each day. If you gain access to a spell that doesn’t appear on the druid spell list, the spell is nonetheless a druid spell for you.

Druid Level	Spells
3rd	Ray of Enfeeblement, Spider Climb
5th	Fear, Vampiric touch
7th	Locate Creature, Stone Skin
9th	Steel Wind Strike, Circle of Power

 

Ambush Predator

Starting at 6th level, whenever you attack an opponent who is unaware of your presence, (Either because they are unaware of you, or because they are unaware that you are their foe), you gain an additional Bonus action that can be used for a single melee weapon attack roll, or to cast any Cantrip known by the Druid, even if the normal casting time is an Action.

In addition, you gain proficiency with the Stealth Skill, and if you already had proficiency in stealth, you gain expertise.

Apex

When you reach 10th level, you can’t be charmed or frightened by Beasts, Plants, or Monstrosities, and you are immune to poison and disease.

Monstrous Wildshape

Beginning at 10th level, you may use your wild shape ability to transform into a Monstrosity.  Normal restrictions for wildshape apply to this feature.

Alpha

When you reach 14th level, creatures of the natural world sense your predatory nature and become hesitant to attack you. When a beast, plant, or monstrosity attacks you, that creature must make a Wisdom saving throw against your druid spell save DC. On a failed save, the creature must choose a different target, or the attack automatically misses. On a successful save, the creature is immune to this effect for 24 hours.

The creature is aware of this effect before it makes its attack against you.