Circle of Dragons

The Circle of Dragons is an old order of druids steeped in rigid tradition. These honor-bound wardens of nature and draconic heritage are members of a secret society that have influenced governance, war, and culture across the world. High-standing members of this Circle have ties to royal bloodlines that date back generations, a connection that’s subtly showcased in royal family crests and insignia. Druids from this Circle know that dragons, and draconic magic, are as connected to the world as plants or beasts, and utilize that connection to transform into a unique and powerful draconic form all their own.

The Griffon's Saddlebag

This subclass is adapted from the third-party publisher, "The Griffon's Saddlebag". It is strongly encouraged that you support the creators if you enjoy this subclass.  

Only one change has been made to this subclass: since DNDBeyond requires a 3rd level druid subclass feature to publish a homebrew, even though druids don't get a feature at this level, a new one has been added. This new feature adds additional spells that you can choose from to prepare each day, including the non-druid Fizban's Treasury of Dragons spells if you have the content unlocked.

Draconic Lore

When you choose this circle at 2nd level, you can speak, read, and write draconic.  Additionally, you are proficient with Intelligence (History) checks. When making a Intelligence (History) check related to draconic history or lore, you can add double your proficiency bonus. 

Dragon Shape

The rites of your circle grant you the ability to transform into dragons in addition to other animals. Starting at 2nd level, as a bonus action you can expend a use of your Wild Shape feature to turn into a unique form: your dragon shape. You become a Medium dragon while in this form, standing on all fours, but retain your normal character statistics and senses. Your Dragon Shape's Armor Class is equal to 13 + your Dexterity modifier (Maximum 2) and has a climbing speed equal to your walking speed. In addition, when you take this form you gain temporary hit points equal to your maximum total hit points. When you return to your normal form you lose any remaining temporary hit points. 

You can remain in this form for a number of hours equal to half your druid level, rounded down. You can revert to your normal form earlier by using a bonus action on your turn. You automatically revert if you fall unconscious, drop to 0 hit points, or die. 

When you use your Dragon Shape, you determine what type of dragon you turn into. Your dragon type determines your scale color and breath weapon damage type, as shown in the table below, but your appearance is otherwise up to you. Your wings aren't yet fully formed at 2nd level, but will become stronger as you gain levels in this class.

You can't cast spells while in this form, but gain a different set of actions that you can use on each of your turns:

Bite: When you take the attack action, you can use your dagger-like teeth to make an unarmed strike. You can use your Wisdom modifier, instead of Strength, for the attack and damage rolls with your bite. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d12 + your Wisdom modifier instead of the normal bludgeoning damage of an unarmed strike.

Breath Weapon: You can take an action to exhale a plume of powerful energy from inside of you. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC. A creature takes 2d6 damage of your dragon's damage type on a failed save, and half as much on a successful one. Once you use this feature it can't be used again for another minute.

Your breath weapon improves at certain levels. At 6th level your breath weapon deals 3d6 damage and extends in a 20-foot cone. At 10th level it deals 4d6 damage and extends in a 25-foot cone, and at 14th level it deals 5d6 damage and extends in a 30-foot cone. 

 

Dragon Shape Type

Dragon	Damage Type
Black	Acid
Blue	Lightning
Brass	Fire
Bronze	Lightning
Copper	Acid
Gold	Fire
Green	Poison
Red	Fire
Silver	Cold
White	Cold

Circle Spells

 2nd-level Circle of Dragons feature

Your mystical connection to dragons grants you access to certain spells. At 2nd level, you learn the create bonfire cantrip.  You also gain additional spell options that you can prepare each day.

Improved Dragon Shape

By 6th level, your control over your Dragon Shape has improved, granting you the following benefits while in that form:

• Your Armor Class is equal to 14 + your Dexterity modifier (Maximum 2).
• You gain a new way to attack:
  

  Claws: Your razor sharp claws are natural weapons which you can use to make unarmed strikes. You can use your Wisdom modifier, instead of Strength, for your attack and damage rolls with your claws. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 2d6 + your Wisdom or Strength modifier instead of the  bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. 

• When you take the Attack action on your turn, you may make one attack with your bite and one attack with your claws. Your attacks count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical damage.
• You have darkvision out to 60 feet. If you already have darkvision from your race, its range increases by 30 feet.

Draconic Magic

At 10th level, you're able to cast certain druid spells while in your dragon shape. To cast a spell while in this form, it must use a druid spell of 3rd or lower, and it can't require material components. 

In addition, your scales continue to harden and your wings become strong enough to carry you. You gain the following benefits while in your dragon shape:

• Your Armor Class is equal to 15 + your Dexterity modifier (Maximum 2).
• You have resistance to the damage type associated with your dragon shape.
• You have a flying speed of 30 feet.

Heart of a Dragon

By 14th level, you can use your breath weapon even while you are not in your dragon shape. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.

In addition, you gain the following benefits while in your dragon shape:

• Your Armor Class is equal to 16 + your Dexterity modifier (Maximum 2).
• Your flying speed increases to 40 feet.
• When you take the Attack action on your turn, you may make 3 attacks: one with your bite, and two with your claws.

Finally, when you take on your dragon shape, you can choose to become a large dragon, instead of medium. If you do, your bite has a range of 10 feet instead of 5.