Circle of Rats

Surrounded by what many races deem as some of the lowest and most disgusting creatures in creation, Druids of the Circle of the Rat know not to underestimate the intelligence and feral cunning of these so-called vermin. Instead, this circle of druids chooses to embrace the rodents incorporating their skills and ideals into their very being. Be careful where you are and who's listening, you never know when a rat may be around the corner. 

Rat Kin

When you choose this circle at 2nd level, you grow closer to the rats you have chosen to embody. 

You permanently understand rats as though you have cast the speak with animals spell, additionally you may now consume rotten food and contaminated water with no consequences. 

Safety in Numbers

When you take this circle at 2nd level you gain the ability to wild shape into a swarm of rats.

When wild shaping into beasts with a CR of 0 you can become of swarm of that creature equal to twice your druid level rounded down. Creatures of that swarm cannot spread out further then 30ft of each other.

Honorary Rat

At 6th level, you have become so close to the rats you embody that you are basically one of them. 

Rats, Giant rats, and other rodents will not attack you unless you strike first. Rats and rodents in your vicinity will voluntarily bring you food and lead you to shelter. You become resistant to poison and immune to disease. 

Rat-Like Behaviors

At 10th level you further become like the rats you embody by gaining some more of their traits. 

You gain proficiency in Perception, Stealth, and Survival. Additionally rats that you speak with have their intelligence increased to 13 for the next hour, allowing them to understand and carry out complex instructions. 

Plague Carrier

By 14th level you've learned that the most dangerous part of a rat is their ability to spread diseases.

While you are wild shaped into any kind of rat you may cast contagion a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.