Circle Of The Bestial Companion

Druids of this circle have used their bond with nature to gain a companion who travels with them.

While this companion may begin as a pet, the depths of their bond grows quickly allowing them to share natures gifts between them, until the companion and the druid can function entirely as extensions of natures will, even imparting the ability to wildshape your companion to better act on natures behalf.

 

Bestial Companion

When you choose this circle at 2nd level you gain the ability to befriend a bestial companion.

The beast can be no more than medium sized and of a challenge rating of 1/4, the bestial companion uses the stat block from the relevant Monster Manual with the following exceptions, add your proficiency bonus to the beasts AC, Attack Rolls and Damage Rolls.This also applies to any skills or saving throws it is proficient in. Its maximum hit points is equal to its normal hit points plus four times your druid level. It gains a number of hit dice equal to your druid level appropriate for its size (see hit dice by size table in the Monster Manual) which can be used to heal it at a short rest. It regains all hit dice after completing a long rest. 

The beast obeys your commands to the best of its ability, but retains a level of independence when in danger. Otherwise the companion acts on your turn in initiative but is unable to take an action other than the dodge action unless commanded to. You can use a bonus action to issue simple commands on your turn. If you are incapacitated the beast will act to protect you as best it can. 

If your companion is of a suitable size it can be considered as trained to accept you as a rider.

If your companion dies you may

- revive and heal your companion by spending 1d4 hours and expending 10 gold pieces worth of herbal components,

- summon or establish a bond with another creature of the same type by spending 2d4 hours and expending 10 gold pieces worth of herbal components

- summon or establish a bond with a creature of a different type over 8 hrs and expending 20 gold pieces worth of herbal components

Bestial Companion Wild Shape

Due to the deep connection between the druid and their companion they may expend a wildshape to change the physical shape of their bestial companion.

Using this ability is a concentration check and the druid is unable to wildshape at the same time as the bestial companion

At second level this ability can be used to change your bestial companion to another challenge rating 1/4 shape using the STR,DEX and CON of the new physical shape and average hit pooints but retaining all other features of its initial beast type it does not gain any of the special attacks or abilities of the wildshape and gains the physical abilities only

At sixth level both the druid and companion are able to wildshape however holding the wildshape of the companion remains a concentration check for the druid.

At tenth level the druid and companion are both able to retain wildshape without a concentration check

At fourteenth level the bestial companion can be wildshaped to challenge rating 2 beast shapes

 

Work as One

At second level you develop a mental connection enabling you to communicate with your bestial companion at any range, as long as you are both on the same plane of existance. You learn the spell Beast Sense and it does not count against your known spells or use a spell slot when used on your companion, in addition it does not consume any spell components.

 

Druidic Knowledge

When choosing this circle you can cast druidcraft as a cantrip, it does not count against known spells and is considered always ready.

You gain proficiency in animal handling due to your deepening connection to beasts

DnD Beyond requirement

DnD Beyond won't let me go public without this as a 3rd level feature. it has no practical use

Bestial Companion Wildshape Level Six

At sixth level both the druid and companion are able to wildshape however holding the wildshape of the companion remains a concentration check for the druid.

 

Bestial Companion Wildshape Level Ten

At tenth level the druid and companion are both able to retain wildshape without a concentration check

Bestial Companion Wildshape Level Fourteen

At level fourteen the companion can be wildshaped into creature with a challenge rating of 2

Bestial Companion Spell Casting

At sixth level when casting spells with a range other than self, the spell can originate from you or your bestial companion. In addition if your bestial companion is in affected by a spell you have cast it gains advantage on any saving throws and on a succesful save takes no damage, on a failed save it takes half damage with no lingering effects.

United as One

Your natural connection with your companion becomes deeper allowing you both to share physical damage as such starting at tenth level you or your companion can take up to your druid levels worth of damage on behalf of the other.

Bestial Companion Spell Casting Level Ten

Your bond with your companion has grown so deep taht starting at tenth Level you and your compainion automatically save for any spells cast using the other as point of origin and take no damage or suffer lingering effects.