The Faithful Summons ability that Circle of the Shepherd grants at 14th level allows Druids to gain the benefits of the Conjure Animals spell as though it were cast using a 9th level spell slot. The ability's description then goes on to specify that it "...summons four beasts of your choice that are challenge rating 2 or lower."
Does this mean I can't use this ability to summon a greater number of beasts that are a lower challenge rating (for example, eight beasts of challenge rating 1 or lower, or perhaps thirty-two beasts of challenge rating 1/4), like casting the spell normally would allow? If so, why does this feature limit the player's use of the spell it claims to grant the benefits of, rather than simply allowing the player to gain the full benefits of the spell?
Yes, obviously it doesn't allow you to summon more than four beasts if they have a CR lower than 2. That's the whole point of that clause. As for the reason, well, you're getting a free usage of a 9th level spell slot three levels before you'd be able to cast the spell normally. Of course it's going to be limited.
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
The Faithful Summons ability that Circle of the Shepherd grants at 14th level allows Druids to gain the benefits of the Conjure Animals spell as though it were cast using a 9th level spell slot. The ability's description then goes on to specify that it "...summons four beasts of your choice that are challenge rating 2 or lower."
Does this mean I can't use this ability to summon a greater number of beasts that are a lower challenge rating (for example, eight beasts of challenge rating 1 or lower, or perhaps thirty-two beasts of challenge rating 1/4), like casting the spell normally would allow? If so, why does this feature limit the player's use of the spell it claims to grant the benefits of, rather than simply allowing the player to gain the full benefits of the spell?
Yes, obviously it doesn't allow you to summon more than four beasts if they have a CR lower than 2. That's the whole point of that clause. As for the reason, well, you're getting a free usage of a 9th level spell slot three levels before you'd be able to cast the spell normally. Of course it's going to be limited.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Reason might be to avoid 32 horses suddenly swarming the battlefield...
Note that this feature does allow you to choose the exact beasts which appear. Normal uses of the spell it is the DM who chooses the animals.