I have a few questions regarding spellcasting focus options for a sea elf Circle of Stars druid that I’m theorycrafting ...
First, could a sea elf druid (Level 1) use a trident (made out of coral, narwhal horns, bone, and/or other sea-related items) as a spellcasting focus? Seems more thematic for the sea elf to carry a non-metal trident rather than a wooden quarterstaff (or other woodsy item).
Second, would it be game breaking to allow Shillelagh to work with the non-metal (though not wooden) trident? The sea elf druid would be Dexterity-based (light or medium armor plus shield) and wouldn’t carry other weapons (other than a couple of nets) ... so being able to cast Shillelagh on the trident would be nice.
Third, what happens to the Level 1 spellcasting focus when the Level 2 star map can serve as a spellcasting focus and is required to cast Guidance and Guiding Bolt? Does a stars druid use the star map as their main spellcasting focus, with the previous item (trident, staff, or whatever) as a back-up spellcasting focus?
Fourth, would it make sense to carve the star map into the trident so that the Level 1 spellcasting focus and star map are the same object? Perhaps the carvings were evident at Level 1 but not active/powerful until Level 2. Seems like the sea elf stars druid wouldn’t have enough hands to hold the trident (main weapon), star map (if an object other than the trident), and shield.
I think trident vs quarterstaff as a focus would be up to the DM. It's got the thrown property, which the quarterstaff does not, so they might want to tweak it if they allow it. Shillelagh is also an up to the DM thing -- note the bit where the spell ends if you let go of the weapon, so again this ties in to the thrown property, and might mess with your action economy.
Yes, you end up with 2 spellcasting focuses. I'd probably only use the new one, as it's the only way to cast some spells.
You could also put the star chart on the shield. That might make a little more sense than trying to carve it onto a pole.
It would all fall onto your DM to allow it, but I know if you came up with these ideas and presented them to me as a DM, I would allow it. Trident vs Spear Vs Quarterstaff is minimal.. piercing vs bludgeoning, and throw for minimal distance isnt ground breaking.
Flavor texting the Trident as a club or staff for Shillelagh also isnt a big deal, as past level 5 your other cantrips might become more reliable. And because your character seems to be very Trident oriented, I see no reason why it couldnt be a spell focus the same way a staff might be.
As for spells... I can't say much as i haven't played a star druid myself, but that seems to be the right assessment
And agreed with pocketmouse about using the shield for the Star Map vs the trident... not a lot of canvas on the Trident to draw a map... but if you describe how it might fit on a trident you might be able to convince your DM. The question is, can you visualize it yourself ? Heck, You could argue that when using Druidcraft on the Trident, the tip of Trident projects an illusion of the star map (like a holographic projection). You would be required to use druidcraft to access the map, but its cool flavor text. . ... otherwise, i agree, use the shield.
Use homebrew as a manner of flavoring exceptions to RAW. Don't make it to simply buff your character unless it makes sense at some level, and you've got the right thematic approach with the sea elf and its trident
For a sea elf circle of stars druid, seems like a starfish is just right there begging to be your spell focus.
The star map can be your spell focus, it doesn’t have to be. It can be a separate item.
Trident could maybe be house ruled to work with Shillelagh, check with your DM. Besides thrown, it’s also piercing, which thematically doesn’t fit with the idea of one (traditionally, they are sticks/cudgels). But mechanically, it shouldn’t really matter much. Though if it is a problem, you could use a quaterstaff made of driftwood.
I have a few questions regarding spellcasting focus options for a sea elf Circle of Stars druid that I’m theorycrafting ...
First, could a sea elf druid (Level 1) use a trident (made out of coral, narwhal horns, bone, and/or other sea-related items) as a spellcasting focus? Seems more thematic for the sea elf to carry a non-metal trident rather than a wooden quarterstaff (or other woodsy item).
Second, would it be game breaking to allow Shillelagh to work with the non-metal (though not wooden) trident? The sea elf druid would be Dexterity-based (light or medium armor plus shield) and wouldn’t carry other weapons (other than a couple of nets) ... so being able to cast Shillelagh on the trident would be nice.
Third, what happens to the Level 1 spellcasting focus when the Level 2 star map can serve as a spellcasting focus and is required to cast Guidance and Guiding Bolt? Does a stars druid use the star map as their main spellcasting focus, with the previous item (trident, staff, or whatever) as a back-up spellcasting focus?
Fourth, would it make sense to carve the star map into the trident so that the Level 1 spellcasting focus and star map are the same object? Perhaps the carvings were evident at Level 1 but not active/powerful until Level 2. Seems like the sea elf stars druid wouldn’t have enough hands to hold the trident (main weapon), star map (if an object other than the trident), and shield.
I think trident vs quarterstaff as a focus would be up to the DM. It's got the thrown property, which the quarterstaff does not, so they might want to tweak it if they allow it. Shillelagh is also an up to the DM thing -- note the bit where the spell ends if you let go of the weapon, so again this ties in to the thrown property, and might mess with your action economy.
Yes, you end up with 2 spellcasting focuses. I'd probably only use the new one, as it's the only way to cast some spells.
You could also put the star chart on the shield. That might make a little more sense than trying to carve it onto a pole.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
It would all fall onto your DM to allow it, but I know if you came up with these ideas and presented them to me as a DM, I would allow it. Trident vs Spear Vs Quarterstaff is minimal.. piercing vs bludgeoning, and throw for minimal distance isnt ground breaking.
Flavor texting the Trident as a club or staff for Shillelagh also isnt a big deal, as past level 5 your other cantrips might become more reliable. And because your character seems to be very Trident oriented, I see no reason why it couldnt be a spell focus the same way a staff might be.
As for spells... I can't say much as i haven't played a star druid myself, but that seems to be the right assessment
And agreed with pocketmouse about using the shield for the Star Map vs the trident... not a lot of canvas on the Trident to draw a map... but if you describe how it might fit on a trident you might be able to convince your DM. The question is, can you visualize it yourself ? Heck, You could argue that when using Druidcraft on the Trident, the tip of Trident projects an illusion of the star map (like a holographic projection). You would be required to use druidcraft to access the map, but its cool flavor text. . ... otherwise, i agree, use the shield.
Use homebrew as a manner of flavoring exceptions to RAW. Don't make it to simply buff your character unless it makes sense at some level, and you've got the right thematic approach with the sea elf and its trident
For a sea elf circle of stars druid, seems like a starfish is just right there begging to be your spell focus.
The star map can be your spell focus, it doesn’t have to be. It can be a separate item.
Trident could maybe be house ruled to work with Shillelagh, check with your DM. Besides thrown, it’s also piercing, which thematically doesn’t fit with the idea of one (traditionally, they are sticks/cudgels). But mechanically, it shouldn’t really matter much. Though if it is a problem, you could use a quaterstaff made of driftwood.
Just remember that starfish are living creatures so your DM may require you to add to it as part of a Totem.
You use a dead one. That died of natural causes. After a long and fulfilling life.
Maybe a starfish fossil.
And you should definitely name it Patrick :-D