I’m thinking about playing a Circle of Stars Druid / Celestial Warlock multiclass using the 2024 rules. My table is also allowing other official books that are compatible with the 2024 system.
I know this combo isn’t the easiest to optimize and probably isn’t the strongest out there, but I really like the theme of a star-guided support character with celestial magic.
I rolled these stats (before background bonus): 15, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11
I’m still pretty new to D&D, so I’d love some advice on:
What level split might work best?
Which class should I start with?
How to focus mostly on support, but still be able to deal decent damage?
Any spells or invocations that really help this combo?
I know it’s a bit of an unusual multiclass, so I really appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks!
If you are new to D&D, I would recommend not multiclassing. Pick one and learn it. You have stats that can make an initial multiclass work, but you will have to neglect one class or fall behind trying to boost both. If you would focus on one class and neglect the other, I would just drop the class you would neglect.
What do you like about Circle of the Stars Druids? What do you like about Celestial Warlocks?
Can you achieve a "star-guided support character with celestial magic" by perhaps playing an Aasimar Circle of the Stars Druid? Almost all of the spells the Celestial subclass brings to the character are already Circle of the Stars Druid spells and multiclassing will delay access to your more powerful spells, support or otherwise.
Note that as a Circle of the Stars Druid, you can cast spells in your Starry Form. Using Wild Shape to shape-shift prevents you from casting spells until much later.
I am not sure how Circle of the Stars will be updated for 2024 when that happens.
It might be a little harder to attach "star-guided" to Celestial Warlock, but it should still be possible. A Sphinx of Wonder Familiar could deliver touch support spells and the Burst of Ingenuity can treated as inspiration from signs and portents.
I know you've said that you want to multiclass and I just said you shouldn't. Have I swayed you? I've also talked more about Circle of the Stars since that felt like more of your theme. Was I off base?
Thanks, I really appreciate you taking the time to write all of that.
You make a lot of good points, especially about delaying spell progression and how most of the Celestial features overlap with Circle of the Stars. That definitely helps put things into perspective.
Honestly though, the main reason I want to multiclass is just for fun. From what I’ve played so far, Druid and Warlock ended up being my two favorite classes, and I really like the idea of combining them — even if it’s not perfectly optimized.
I know it might not be the most efficient build, and I’m okay with that. I’m mostly trying to build something that feels fun and thematic to play, even if it’s a little behind mechanically.
That said, I do appreciate the suggestion about just going full Circle of the Stars (especially with something like Aasimar). I’ll definitely think about it.
You’ll want to get a high leveled druid before you even think about muliclassing to grt thr best transformations you can among other things.
You’ll want to utilize the warlock spell Armor of Agathys for temporary HP boost while wild shaped. For your first Eldritch Invocation go Pact of the Chain and them get Gift of the Everliving Ones as soon as possible to use your druid magic to keep it healed.
I must confess, I don’t entirely understand it myself as I have never done it, but if you or someone can make sense of it for you that’s all that matters.
Having said that, I must agree with SmiteMakesRight_3_5. Not only is this multiclass really not worth it in my opinion, but it adds a layer of complexity that will just bog down gameplay for yourself and others.
Not to make this about me, but before 5.5 my first one-shot character was an OP Hexblade/Divine Soul. I barely used any of the metamagic because it was all too much to keep track of, so I went for a Celestial Warlock for my next one-shot and it went much better. I have updated it since with a slight starting dip in fighter, but it is very minor yet adds very helpful things.
If you REALLY want warlock, perhaps just one level for an advanced familiar could be enough to quench your thirst. That way you aren’t putting anything else off by much, you can choose when you are most comfortable to do it, and you can still get your epic boon at level 19.
Either way, the best way to learn is to play, so I wish you luck.
I am not sure how Circle of the Stars will be updated for 2024 when that happens.
FYI, there is already a 2024 version of Circle of Stars, which is included in the Player's Handbook.
It's almost exactly the same as the 2014-style version from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. The only really meaningful difference is that the number of free castings of Guiding Bolt you get per Long Rest is now based on your Wisdom modifier rather than your Proficiency Bonus, as is the number of uses of Cosmic Omen you get per Long Rest.
I am not sure how Circle of the Stars will be updated for 2024 when that happens.
FYI, there is already a 2024 version of Circle of Stars, which is included in the Player's Handbook.
It's almost exactly the same as the 2014-style version from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. The only really meaningful difference is that the number of free castings of Guiding Bolt you get per Long Rest is now based on your Wisdom modifier rather than your Proficiency Bonus, as is the number of uses of Cosmic Omen you get per Long Rest.
I don't know how I missed that. Thanks. I think I referenced the 2024 version but also cross-referenced some advice for 2014 and got confused.
You’ll want to utilize the warlock spell Armor of Agathys for temporary HP boost while wild shaped.
This strategy might not apply to here since Circle of the Stars will probably want to expend Wild Shape uses for Starry Form instead of shape-shifting so Wild Shape won't be boosting Armor of Agathys. Temporary Hit Points are still good, but they won't last as long as with a Moon Druid. Temporary Hit Points are good, but using Archer Form to deal Bonus Action damage and refreshing with Fiendish Vigor may be better when you need it.
I do mostly agree with getting to 10th level Druid before multiclassing because you'll want Twinkling Constellations as soon as possible. You may want to dip into Warlock 1 for Pact of the Chain to get a familiar that can park next to someone that needs touch range heals.
Honestly though, the main reason I want to multiclass is just for fun. From what I’ve played so far, Druid and Warlock ended up being my two favorite classes, and I really like the idea of combining them — even if it’s not perfectly optimized.
Another option would be Great Old One Warlock, leaning into the Mysteries from Beyond. Unfortunately, the two classes don't multiclass well. Because of Warlock's special spell progression, you don't get higher level slots to cast more powerful versions of your lower-level Druid/Warlock spells.
One of the Sorcerers would multiclass better but still has many of the same challenges as Warlock, competing stat progression, delayed access to higher level spells, delayed access to class features, but at least your slot access continues and Font of Magic plus Wild Resurgence could be interesting.
Divine Soul (2014 subclass) has overlap with Druid, depending on what affinity you pick, but if you take Divine Soul 4, you get a feat and can choose to replace the spell with a level 1 or 2 Cleric spell.
Since you will progress your spell slots normally, you can use them to cast stronger versions of your spells even if you won't have access to you more powerful spells.
I other questions I forgot to ask is what level are you starting at and how high are you expect to go?
I would not advise Actionsparda's playstyle. For a support-focused character you do not need a super high casting stat since enemies failing their saves isn't that important for you, so I think this combo can work if you focus on Charisma and using Eldritch Blast + Agonizing Blast as your go-to damage action, which you then supplement with support & utility spells from Druid. Since Eldritch Blast automatically scales off your character level is remains a solid (though not awesome) source of damage without needing the keep taking Warlock levels, thus enabling you to MC without too much penalty.
With that in mind, start with 3 levels of Celestial Warlock, pick up Hex, Eldritch Blast, and Agonizing Blast. Your other invocations are free for whatever you want, Pact of the Tome or Pact of the Chain are both good options, Lessons of the First Ones is also very good for Magic Initiate or background feat that lets you give out Heroic Inspiration or Alert. I'd highly recommend Alert since Druids get a lot of area of effect stuff which you'll want to cast before your allies run into melee and get in the way. For spells, with Celestial I'd pick up some of really good low-level cleric-specific spells like Bless, Command, Aid or Spiritual Weapon in addition to Hex.
Then swap to Druid for all your remaining levels, you'll want to focus on spells that aren't save-or-suck since you'll only have a +3 Wisdom for most of the game as well as those that you can cast or use without using your Action, but there are plenty of these : all the healing / restoration spells, Absorb Elements, Conjure Animals, Summon Beat/Fey/Elemental, Spike Growth, Enlarge/Reduce, Polymorph, Pass without Trace, Protection from G/E. For damage focus on a mix of summoning creatures (good against solo boss monster) and big area of effect spells (good against hordes of minions).
For feats you have flexibility because Dragon-Constellation is one of the best protections for Concentration in the game, Fey Touched is good, Resilient: Constitution ensures your concentration almost never breaks, or just focus on increasing your Charisma and then your Wisdom.
I’m thinking about playing a Circle of Stars Druid / Celestial Warlock multiclass using the 2024 rules. My table is also allowing other official books that are compatible with the 2024 system.
I know this combo isn’t the easiest to optimize and probably isn’t the strongest out there, but I really like the theme of a star-guided support character with celestial magic.
I rolled these stats (before background bonus): 15, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11
I’m still pretty new to D&D, so I’d love some advice on:
What level split might work best?
Which class should I start with?
How to focus mostly on support, but still be able to deal decent damage?
Any spells or invocations that really help this combo?
I know it’s a bit of an unusual multiclass, so I really appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks!
If the idea is just to have fun with the multiclass combo, don't worry about what works "best" or is the most optimized/efficient progression. Focus on the features you think are the most fun
If Starry Form is one of the main things attracting you to the concept, for instance, then take your three levels of druid first before you start mixing in warlock (or start on warlock after level 4, if you want to bank that feat or ASI)
In terms of feats and invocations that might be useful, Resilient CON is always nice if you're casting a lot of concentration spells. Pact of the Chain (and Investment of the Chain Master) would boost your support role, both with Help actions and touch spells being deliverable at range
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Active characters:
Edoumiaond Willegume "Eddie" Podslee, Vegetanian scholar (College of Spirits bard) Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric) Peter "the Pied Piper" Hausler, human con artist/remover of vermin (Circle of the Shepherd druid) PIPA - Planar Interception/Protection Aeormaton, warforged bodyguard and ex-wizard hunter (Warrior of the Elements monk/Cartographer artificer) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
I think that a Star Druid / Celestial Warlock can be viable with the right build. There are two basic ways to do this.
Multiclassing is tricky for new players because of how multiclassing works. Talk to your DM about moving the stats into the right places. You need at least 13 wisdom and 13 charisma for this multiclass but will want level 17 in your primary stat at level 1.
**Sage Advice:**
I would go peak Charisma and view wisdom as the secondary. The reason is that Eldritch Blast and Pact of the Blade are simply better than Shillelagh and Starry Wisp. Additionally, Tome of the Shadows grants access to all cantrips and level 1 rituals in the game with the charisma stat and is so ridiculously awesome it almost merits a 1 level Warlock dip on all builds that can afford 13 charisma.
This being the case I would be tempted to start with a single warlock level, take Eldritch Mind for concentration protection, and then Go Druid for 5 levels to get all the druid things. Druids are very versatile so almost nothing is a forever choice other than subclass and warden/magician.
At Druid 4 take warcaster feat and bump charisma.
At PC7: take another warlock level. Eldritch Mind is switched to pact of the blade. The two new invocations should be tome of shadows and Agonizing Blast.
At PC8: warlock subclass. When other players are just getting an ASI, you are meeting a celestial. The power boost and extra features here will give you goosebumps compared to a simple AI increase.
At PC9 you take warlock 4 and get an ASI. I would bump charisma to 20 if possible.
At PC10 you take warlock 5, get two more invocations, and warlock spell slots are now 3rd level. I would probably take thirsting blade and, maybe…. Misty Visions. It just seems like the right choice for this build.
At this point I would keep going in Warlock until the campaign is over.
Hey everyone,
I’m thinking about playing a Circle of Stars Druid / Celestial Warlock multiclass using the 2024 rules. My table is also allowing other official books that are compatible with the 2024 system.
I know this combo isn’t the easiest to optimize and probably isn’t the strongest out there, but I really like the theme of a star-guided support character with celestial magic.
I rolled these stats (before background bonus):
15, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11
I’m still pretty new to D&D, so I’d love some advice on:
What level split might work best?
Which class should I start with?
How to focus mostly on support, but still be able to deal decent damage?
Any spells or invocations that really help this combo?
I know it’s a bit of an unusual multiclass, so I really appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks!
If you are new to D&D, I would recommend not multiclassing. Pick one and learn it. You have stats that can make an initial multiclass work, but you will have to neglect one class or fall behind trying to boost both. If you would focus on one class and neglect the other, I would just drop the class you would neglect.
What do you like about Circle of the Stars Druids? What do you like about Celestial Warlocks?
Can you achieve a "star-guided support character with celestial magic" by perhaps playing an Aasimar Circle of the Stars Druid? Almost all of the spells the Celestial subclass brings to the character are already Circle of the Stars Druid spells and multiclassing will delay access to your more powerful spells, support or otherwise.
Note that as a Circle of the Stars Druid, you can cast spells in your Starry Form. Using Wild Shape to shape-shift prevents you from casting spells until much later.
I am not sure how Circle of the Stars will be updated for 2024 when that happens.It might be a little harder to attach "star-guided" to Celestial Warlock, but it should still be possible. A Sphinx of Wonder Familiar could deliver touch support spells and the Burst of Ingenuity can treated as inspiration from signs and portents.
I know you've said that you want to multiclass and I just said you shouldn't. Have I swayed you? I've also talked more about Circle of the Stars since that felt like more of your theme. Was I off base?
How to add Tooltips.
My houserulings.
Thanks, I really appreciate you taking the time to write all of that.
You make a lot of good points, especially about delaying spell progression and how most of the Celestial features overlap with Circle of the Stars. That definitely helps put things into perspective.
Honestly though, the main reason I want to multiclass is just for fun. From what I’ve played so far, Druid and Warlock ended up being my two favorite classes, and I really like the idea of combining them — even if it’s not perfectly optimized.
I know it might not be the most efficient build, and I’m okay with that. I’m mostly trying to build something that feels fun and thematic to play, even if it’s a little behind mechanically.
That said, I do appreciate the suggestion about just going full Circle of the Stars (especially with something like Aasimar). I’ll definitely think about it.
Thanks again for the thoughtful reply!
This is based off a old Moon Druid multiclass. I’m not sure how it will translate to Stars Druid.
Stars Druid 10/Celestial Warlock 3
Farmer +1 Constitution +2 Wisdom
Strength 11, Dexterity 13, Constitution 15+1, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 15+2, Charisma 14
You’ll want to get a high leveled druid before you even think about muliclassing to grt thr best transformations you can among other things.
You’ll want to utilize the warlock spell Armor of Agathys for temporary HP boost while wild shaped. For your first Eldritch Invocation go Pact of the Chain and them get Gift of the Everliving Ones as soon as possible to use your druid magic to keep it healed.
I must confess, I don’t entirely understand it myself as I have never done it, but if you or someone can make sense of it for you that’s all that matters.
Having said that, I must agree with SmiteMakesRight_3_5. Not only is this multiclass really not worth it in my opinion, but it adds a layer of complexity that will just bog down gameplay for yourself and others.
Not to make this about me, but before 5.5 my first one-shot character was an OP Hexblade/Divine Soul. I barely used any of the metamagic because it was all too much to keep track of, so I went for a Celestial Warlock for my next one-shot and it went much better. I have updated it since with a slight starting dip in fighter, but it is very minor yet adds very helpful things.
If you REALLY want warlock, perhaps just one level for an advanced familiar could be enough to quench your thirst. That way you aren’t putting anything else off by much, you can choose when you are most comfortable to do it, and you can still get your epic boon at level 19.
Either way, the best way to learn is to play, so I wish you luck.
FYI, there is already a 2024 version of Circle of Stars, which is included in the Player's Handbook.
It's almost exactly the same as the 2014-style version from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. The only really meaningful difference is that the number of free castings of Guiding Bolt you get per Long Rest is now based on your Wisdom modifier rather than your Proficiency Bonus, as is the number of uses of Cosmic Omen you get per Long Rest.
pronouns: he/she/they
I don't know how I missed that. Thanks. I think I referenced the 2024 version but also cross-referenced some advice for 2014 and got confused.
This strategy might not apply to here since Circle of the Stars will probably want to expend Wild Shape uses for Starry Form instead of shape-shifting so Wild Shape won't be boosting Armor of Agathys. Temporary Hit Points are still good, but they won't last as long as with a Moon Druid. Temporary Hit Points are good, but using Archer Form to deal Bonus Action damage and refreshing with Fiendish Vigor may be better when you need it.
I do mostly agree with getting to 10th level Druid before multiclassing because you'll want Twinkling Constellations as soon as possible. You may want to dip into Warlock 1 for Pact of the Chain to get a familiar that can park next to someone that needs touch range heals.
Another option would be Great Old One Warlock, leaning into the Mysteries from Beyond. Unfortunately, the two classes don't multiclass well. Because of Warlock's special spell progression, you don't get higher level slots to cast more powerful versions of your lower-level Druid/Warlock spells.
One of the Sorcerers would multiclass better but still has many of the same challenges as Warlock, competing stat progression, delayed access to higher level spells, delayed access to class features, but at least your slot access continues and Font of Magic plus Wild Resurgence could be interesting.
Divine Soul (2014 subclass) has overlap with Druid, depending on what affinity you pick, but if you take Divine Soul 4, you get a feat and can choose to replace the spell with a level 1 or 2 Cleric spell.
Since you will progress your spell slots normally, you can use them to cast stronger versions of your spells even if you won't have access to you more powerful spells.
I other questions I forgot to ask is what level are you starting at and how high are you expect to go?
How to add Tooltips.
My houserulings.
thank you for the reply and about the question we will start at level 3 and go till level 20
I would not advise Actionsparda's playstyle. For a support-focused character you do not need a super high casting stat since enemies failing their saves isn't that important for you, so I think this combo can work if you focus on Charisma and using Eldritch Blast + Agonizing Blast as your go-to damage action, which you then supplement with support & utility spells from Druid. Since Eldritch Blast automatically scales off your character level is remains a solid (though not awesome) source of damage without needing the keep taking Warlock levels, thus enabling you to MC without too much penalty.
With that in mind, start with 3 levels of Celestial Warlock, pick up Hex, Eldritch Blast, and Agonizing Blast. Your other invocations are free for whatever you want, Pact of the Tome or Pact of the Chain are both good options, Lessons of the First Ones is also very good for Magic Initiate or background feat that lets you give out Heroic Inspiration or Alert. I'd highly recommend Alert since Druids get a lot of area of effect stuff which you'll want to cast before your allies run into melee and get in the way. For spells, with Celestial I'd pick up some of really good low-level cleric-specific spells like Bless, Command, Aid or Spiritual Weapon in addition to Hex.
Then swap to Druid for all your remaining levels, you'll want to focus on spells that aren't save-or-suck since you'll only have a +3 Wisdom for most of the game as well as those that you can cast or use without using your Action, but there are plenty of these : all the healing / restoration spells, Absorb Elements, Conjure Animals, Summon Beat/Fey/Elemental, Spike Growth, Enlarge/Reduce, Polymorph, Pass without Trace, Protection from G/E. For damage focus on a mix of summoning creatures (good against solo boss monster) and big area of effect spells (good against hordes of minions).
For feats you have flexibility because Dragon-Constellation is one of the best protections for Concentration in the game, Fey Touched is good, Resilient: Constitution ensures your concentration almost never breaks, or just focus on increasing your Charisma and then your Wisdom.
If the idea is just to have fun with the multiclass combo, don't worry about what works "best" or is the most optimized/efficient progression. Focus on the features you think are the most fun
If Starry Form is one of the main things attracting you to the concept, for instance, then take your three levels of druid first before you start mixing in warlock (or start on warlock after level 4, if you want to bank that feat or ASI)
In terms of feats and invocations that might be useful, Resilient CON is always nice if you're casting a lot of concentration spells. Pact of the Chain (and Investment of the Chain Master) would boost your support role, both with Help actions and touch spells being deliverable at range
Active characters:
Edoumiaond Willegume "Eddie" Podslee, Vegetanian scholar (College of Spirits bard)
Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric)
Peter "the Pied Piper" Hausler, human con artist/remover of vermin (Circle of the Shepherd druid)
PIPA - Planar Interception/Protection Aeormaton, warforged bodyguard and ex-wizard hunter (Warrior of the Elements monk/Cartographer artificer)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
I think that a Star Druid / Celestial Warlock can be viable with the right build. There are two basic ways to do this.
Multiclassing is tricky for new players because of how multiclassing works. Talk to your DM about moving the stats into the right places. You need at least 13 wisdom and 13 charisma for this multiclass but will want level 17 in your primary stat at level 1.
**Sage Advice:**
I would go peak Charisma and view wisdom as the secondary. The reason is that Eldritch Blast and Pact of the Blade are simply better than Shillelagh and Starry Wisp. Additionally, Tome of the Shadows grants access to all cantrips and level 1 rituals in the game with the charisma stat and is so ridiculously awesome it almost merits a 1 level Warlock dip on all builds that can afford 13 charisma.
This being the case I would be tempted to start with a single warlock level, take Eldritch Mind for concentration protection, and then Go Druid for 5 levels to get all the druid things. Druids are very versatile so almost nothing is a forever choice other than subclass and warden/magician.
At Druid 4 take warcaster feat and bump charisma.
At PC7: take another warlock level. Eldritch Mind is switched to pact of the blade. The two new invocations should be tome of shadows and Agonizing Blast.
At PC8: warlock subclass. When other players are just getting an ASI, you are meeting a celestial. The power boost and extra features here will give you goosebumps compared to a simple AI increase.
At PC9 you take warlock 4 and get an ASI. I would bump charisma to 20 if possible.
At PC10 you take warlock 5, get two more invocations, and warlock spell slots are now 3rd level. I would probably take thirsting blade and, maybe…. Misty Visions. It just seems like the right choice for this build.
At this point I would keep going in Warlock until the campaign is over.