The Complete Druids Handbook

II putes between druids of neighboring circles
An acolyte’s term of service lasts until the and struggles involving members of the mys-
terious Shadow Circle (described later in this
master’s experience level changes or until the chapter).
acolyte advances a level. In the latter case, the
acolyte leaves service, and the inner circle Normally the circles act with autonomy.
member must select a replacement. However, if a circle appears in great disar-
ray-for instance, an enemy has killed most
e Grand Druid of its members or forced them into hiding-
Above all others within the Order stands the Grand Druid may try to rally the circle or
the figure of the Grand Druid,the highest- recruit aid from other domains. If a circle has
tanking (although not the highest-level) been effectively destroyed, the Grand Druid
druid in the world. The Grand Druid, a 15th- might decide to rebuild it from scratch. After
Level character, attains this position through a selecting a rising archdruid from a neighbor-
selection processrather than by the challenge. ing circle to step in as the new great druid, the
Since only one person can hold the title of Grand Druid helps recruit volunteers from
Grand Druid, each world can have only one nearby domains to replenishthe circle. Often
15th-leveldruid at a time. this assignment proves difficult and danger-
Duties of the Grand Druid. First and fore- ous; whatever destroyed the previous circle
most, the Grand Druid acts as a politician, probably still lurks nearby, ready to pounce
responsible for keeping harmony between the on the new circle that, while wary, will remain
Feat druids of each domain and between the understrength for some time.
various druidicbranches.
The Grand Druid also rallies the circles Servants of the Grand Druid. Like other
lagainst the rare global threat to Nature or the inner circle druids, the Grand Druid has per-
cosmic balance. This alwaysproves a difficult sonal servants: an entourage of nine druids of
‘task, as many circles fiercely cherish their various levels. These druids no longer owe
lautonomy,believing each one should remain allegiance to their original circles but are sub-
self-sufficientand not meddle in other do- ject only to the Grand Druid. All druids con-
mains’ affairs. Few circles willingly send con- sider it a high honor to serve the leader of the
Itingents off to aid other circles unless they Order, an honor that bears great responsibil-
Ifeel absolutely certain that the threat will ity but gives a druid prestige and influence
menace their own domain as well. To make far beyond others of similar level. Assuming
matters worse, the inflated pride of many a vacancy arises-and service involvesenough
circles prevents them from accepting help danger that openings occur reasonably often
from ”foreign” druids.As a result, often only -a druid of any level can seek out the Grand
one thing can convince the Order a threat Druid and petition to become a retainer. This
warrants a combined effort: the destructionof relationship lasts as long as both sides wish-
an entire circle.Fortunately, such occurrences often many years-and can end by mutual
are few and far between. agreement at any time.

bel low)The Grand Druid and entourage (detailed Three archdruids, often called the Emis-
spend most of their time visiting dif- saries, always serve the head of the Order.
ferent regions and speaking to the great They act as the GrandDruid’spersonal agents
druids, archdruids, druids, and, rarely, lowly -their leader’s eyes, hands, and voice. To aid
initiates. In particular, this leader serves as a them in their duty, they receive four addi-
diplomat and peacemaker, who mediates dis- tional spell levels (one 4th-level spell, two
2nd-level spells, etc.), usable as they see fit. To

T’7e Druidic Order 51

ceep tHe Grand Druid informedon the opera- duties each Grand Druid must perform is
tions of the circles in every land, they roam appointing a successor, always an acting
he world, visiting the various circles as well great druid.After serving usually a minimum
1s other places of interest to their master. The of four years, a Grand Druid steps down to
mivallof an Emissary often coincides with allow the chosen successor to assume the
he asckndanceof a new great druid. While mantle of leadership.
?onvey’ingthe respects of the head of the
3rder, the archdruid takes the new leader’s In theory, selecting a new Grand Druid i?
neasure and reportsback to the Grand Druid. solely up to the last Grand Druid. In practice,
rhese servants also visit a circle in response druidic order politics plays a major role. For
LOa great druid‘s request for aid. instance, if the forest druids have held the
position of Grand Druid for several genera-
Traveling Emissariesnormally find them- tions, they may come to consider it ”their
;elves welcomed, for their visits give circles a right” to do so. However, in the name of fair-
.hance to learn news from far-off lands. An ness and harmony, druids from other
Emissaty also may offer counsel about a men- branches may lobby to convince the current
ace or carry a request for help to the Grand Grand Druid to pick a successor from a differ-
kuid or neighboringcircles. ent branch. On the other hand, choosing a
Grand Druid from a minority branch could
But Emissaries also must remain on the alienate large segments of the druidic order’s
ilert fod problemswithin a circle that the great membership,even with an extremely compe-
h i d has failed to adequately handl-uch tent Grand Druid.
IS widespread conflicts between druids or
<onupdonin the ranks. In such cases, it is the As a result, when a Grand Druid begins
Emissay‘s solemn duty to take action to rem- getting on in years, the impending choice of
edy the problem or, lacking sufficient power, successor becomes the subject of much gos-
to report it the Grand Druid. For this reason, sip, speculation, lobbying, and intrigue by
some circles- particularly those secretly archdruids, great druids, and hierophant
dominated by the ruthless Shadow Circle- druids. For instance, a great druid afraid of
regard the arrival of an Emissary with deep beiig passed over for the position in favor of
suspicion.In their role as agents of the Grand a rival may encouragea powerful, ambitious
Druid, these archdruidssometimes resemble archdruid to challenge that rival, hoping to
spies. &ore than one Emissary has met a put the favorite out of the runningbefore the
mysteribus end while visiting a supposedly Grand Druid can finalizethe succession.
friendly circle.
Hierophant Druids
Besides the Emissaries, a Grand Druid has The hierophants make up a unique part of

six other servants. These druids, usually of 7th the druidic order. Some even go so far as to
to 11thlevel, come from a variety of branches say they are the Order, and that the other
ranks represent mere practice for hierophant
but have all proven their dedication to the
status. Check p. 38 of the PH for details on
Order. Many Grand Druids have been known
to take on the occasional lower-level druid, achievingthe rank of hierophant(pictured on
the next page) and the powers that go with it.
either because they feel the need for a fresher
riewpoint or because they sense a special Hierophant druids live as freeagents. They
vorthiaess in a particular individual. These
six druids of mixed level act as servants, cow- are encouraged to respect the Grand Druid,
selors, bodyguards, and useful agents. but need not obey the druidic leader’s man-

Selection of the Grand Druid. One of the

52 * ChbpterThree

~~ ~ Ii

dates nor operate within the borders of any
circle. Although a few settle down in particu-
lar groves, many become famous wanderers,
some even visiting other planes or (by spell-
jamming) distant worlds. They often travel
@boutin disguise, using their appearance-
Blteration powers. Wherever they go and
whatever they do, they always aim to pro-
mote the ethosand values of the druidic order.
Unlike lesser druids, hierophantstypically
have a global perspective and agenda. They
roncern themselves with the rise and fall of
Empires, the migrations of peoples, the
(growthor extinction of species, and the role
of each race in the destiny of the world. Some
devote their lives to a particular cause, such
las reclaiming the forests of a continent in-
lfectedby evil, or acting as the personal neme-
sis of a being whose actions threaten the
world's balance.
Hierophants are notorious behind-the-
'scenesmanipulators.They use their long life
spans to weave subtle schemes with far-
reaching plots that might take decades to
hatch, but which-they believe-ultimately organized structure. The variety of different
will benefit their cause. The 17th-leveldruidic branchesdemonstratesthis scope. So does the
ability to hibernate enables most of them to existenceof the Shadow Circle.
appear effectively immortal: some hiero-
phants will hatch the initial elements of a A secret society of druids within the larger
scheme, go into hibernation, then awaken druidic order, the Shadow Circle accepts
decades later, unaged, to bring the next stage members who see Nature as a hostile, cleans-
into play. Such druids might become patrons ing force that ensures the survival of the
of gifted families of adventurers, recruiting fittest. According to their philosophy,civiliza-
the latest generationwhen they need heroes. tion-especially the building of towns and
The existence of hierophant druids tends to cities-has weakened humankind and many
make great druids and Grand Druids very demihuman races.
nervous, for they represent a power beyond
their control-and sometimes beyond their Methods
ken. Whether any hierophant druids belong The Shadow Circle sees barbarian humans
to the Shadow Circle is not known.
and more primitive races as inherently more
The Shadow Circle vital than civilized peoples.Thus, the Shadow
Circle often allies itself with barbarian tribes
The druidic order tolerates a wide range of or hostile humanoids such as orcs, giants,
philosophiesunder the umbrella of its loosely and goblins, especially those who choose to
live in forests or mountains in the wilds.

M

They deliberately encouragepeople to aban- among inner circle members. These duel
don ciuiilization’s “decadence” and return to
the more natural existence of hunting and almost invariably turnquite bloody.
gathering.
An arc of the Shadow Circle exists in any
But while their intentions are neutral, the domain where druids live, and its members
methods of Shadow Circle members tend to m y come from any druidic branch. Typically
promoie chaos and evil. They behave as they only one in five initiates-butas many as one
do not ,dueto an evil nature-their enemies in three 12th-levelor higher druidssecretly
mdudq powerful evil empires as well as good belongsto the Shadow Circle. A great druic
kingdom. Rather, they feel their cruel activi- usually is not a member, but one never can
ties work toward the best interests of evolu- tell for sure. In some troubled domains-par-
tion arid of Nature itself. For instance, the ticularly those in which druids face persecu-
Shadow Circle may provide magical assis- tion and the wilderness displays signs of
tance to barbarian hordes trying to sack a city wanton destruction from human cities-most
31 lead humanoid tribes in raids against of the druids may join the Shadow Circle!
human101dwarven towns.
Shadow Circle druids adopt secret names
Sometimes the Shadow Circle even assists to conceal their identities from each other.
When they meet, they do so while shape-
!he cause of good. For instance, members changed or wearing masks carved to repr
would consider an evil city-statebased around sent predators native to the domain.
slavery a fair target, and they would feel as secrecy is important. Although the Shado
eager as any lawfulgood paladin to support a
slave revolt in the hopes of toppling the city. Circle ethos correspondsto that of the Order,
The difference?The Shadow Circle would
encourage the slaves in revolt to burn the city most druids disdain the group’s methods-
to the ground and then settle down as farm- and therefore, its members.
srs, hunters, or outlawsin the countryside.
A known Shadow Circle initiate faces the
Lower-ranking members of the Shadow enmity of other druids-and possibly the
Circle often wage campaignsof terror against ban, for refusing to recant- well as the ire
of local authorities. Lower-level druids con-
~ stantly challenge exposed Shadow Circle
druids 12thlevel and higher, seeking to de-
small settlements, usually working behind pose-and possibly destroy+ffenders.
he scenes. Their favoritepuppets are intelli-
gent monsters like evil lycanthropes. In turn, the Shadow Circle often tries to
cause trouble within the druidic order. For
Membdahip instance, in order to recruit disaffected druids
The hembers of the Shadow Circle keep into their midst, group members covertly
encourage rivalry between druidic branches
heir allegiance secret from other druids while (such as the jealousy between the dominant
naintaiping their parallel ”circle” rankings. forest druids and the membersof less influen-
4n archdruid in the Shadow Circle is also an tial branches). Characters may learn of the
archdruid in a mainstream circle, for example. Shadow Circle when they discover a plot to
ferment such trouble between druids from
Shadow Circle druids of 11thlevel or higher rival branches.

follow the normal druidic practice of advanc- Note that these are the methods of a group
ing in level through the challenge; in fact, of extremist druids, not evil ones. Their anti-
Shadow Circle druids encourage each other to civilization feelings do not alter their neutral
challenge nonmembers in mainstream circle alignment.
hierarchy, thereby increasing their number

#I

Shadowmaster. The highest-level druid in Shadowclave
the Shadow Circle-usually an archdruid or Members of the Shadow Circle work in
druid-takes command of the group as the
Shadowmaster.If two or more druidsof equal secret, pretending to be mainstream druids.
level seek the post, they generally duel to the For example, they attend all druidic moots.
death, though one combatant-usually the But every season each arc of the Shadow
younger-could agree to serve under the Circle also holds its own secret meeting-the
other. Unlike the semiautonomous main- Shadowclave-in the dark of the moon. The
stream circles, the Shadow Circle maintains meeting lasts three nights, during which the
strict disciplineover its various far-flung arcs. membership celebrates its own version of tra-
The Shadowmaster exercises absolute author- ditional druidic ceremonies and receives new
ity over the membership. orders from the Shadowmaster and inner
circle. Prisoners the Shadow Circle has taken
Inner Circle. Under the Shadowmaster are throughout the season-along with disloyal
the members of the inner circle, which con- or disobedient members-are kept alive until
sists of all the druidic order’s Shadow Circle the Shadowclave. There, the inner circle tor-
druids (12th level) and archdruids (13th tures and publicly executes them, to remind
level). (The Shadowmaster remains apart the membership of what happens to traitors
from the inner circle.) Together, the Shadow- and enemies of the Shadow Circle.
master and the inner circle make policy and
direct the initiates. Only the Shadowmaster Recruitment
knows the real names of members of the The Shadow Circle does not take volun-
inner circle-the identities of even these high-
ranking members remain unknown to each teers-it finds new members on its own.
other. Recruitment, by invitation only, is in the
hands of the Shadowmaster and the inner
The 1st- through 10th-levelinitiateswithin circle, always on the lookout for druids who
this secret society, unlike the more indepen- seem ready to embrace the ruthless Shadow
dent initiates of mainstream circles, are ex- Circle philosophy.
pected to obey all orders from inner circle
members and the Shadowmaster. Failure For example, if a druid massacres a party of
means punishment-death. travelers who ventured into a sacred grove,
the Shadow Circle soon comes looking for
Shadowed Ones. Initiates who have this prospective candidate. Another good
reached 11th level have special status in the possibility is a character who has destroyed a
Shadow Circle. These initiates are known as village whose peasants dared to clear a wood
”Shadowed Ones,” the Shadowmaster’sspe- for use as farmland.
cial tools. In particular, they act as enforcers
and assassins for the secret group, hunting A Shadowed One spies on the potential
those who have disobeyed their fearsome member for a few weeks or months, often
leader or have been expelled from the myste- using animal spies as additional eyes. If the
rious society. The Shadowmaster sometimes druid‘s deeds and words seem in sympathy
encourages Shadowed Ones to serve as am- with the Shadow Circle’s goals, the character
bassadors to arcs of the Shadow Circle oper- receives a visit from this Shadowed One (or a
ating in other domains. Shadowed Ones auto- pair for a candidate 11th level or higher)
matically advance to the inner circle in this before the next Shadowclave.The Shadowed
secret group when they achieve 12thlevel in One explains the group’s purposes, inviting
their mainstream circle.

The Druidic Order 55

i

- -' , 'I along (secretly), ready to slay a newcomer
)1 (I who shows weakness, risks capture, or tries
to betray the group. Those who succeed, the
the newcomer to join. Of course, druids who Shadow Circle embraces as full members.
refuse-or even waver-coincidentally turn
up dead shortly thereafter. Creating a Druidic History

Candidates who agree to join are blind- The druidic order and hierarchy presented
folded, given a mask, and taken to the here are designed to work as a defaultor base
Shadowclave.There the Shadowmaster gives system. Many circles of druids have their
each a secret name. After receiving their own customs, and on many worlds the dru-
sworn allegiance,the Shadowmaster formally idic order has its own unique history that
welcomes the new members into the Shadow shapes its structure.
Circle and commands them to perform some
symbolic but dangerous task to prove their The DM always should understand the his-
ruthlessness and dedication. (The difficulty of tory of the druidic order before beginning a
the assignment depends on the character's campaign involving druids. A typical Order,
experience level.) like the one this chapter has detailed, is an
ancient organization whose origin has be-
This kind of mission usually involves assas- come lost in the dim reaches of the past.
sinating a specific enemy of the Shadow
Circle, such as a noble or priest in a city the But that doesn't have to be the case. Instead,
group has targeted for destruction. However, the druidic order may have an origin alive in
the task might be physically much simpler- history or myth. This background should
say, poisoning a town well. The Shadowed explain where the first druids came from,
One who recruited the druid will follow why they worship Nature (or a specific
Nature deity), why they protect the wild, and
their purpose in standing at the crossroads
between good and evil. The druidic origins
might reflect true history, a legend whose
truth remains uncertain, or a mixture of both.
In any case, the origin tale must have a pro-
found effect on how druids see themselves in
the campaign.

As an example of how the druidic order
springs from a more detailed history, three
very different possible beginnings for the
druidic order are sketched out below.

The Exiles

The secretfounders of the druids were the crew
of a spelljamming vessel, long-ago exilesfrom a
world that would not accept their neutrality fol-
lowing fhefinal triumph of evil-orgood. (Exile
was preferable to thefate of the members of the
vanquished alignment, however.) The present























the en& day (or night) to sacred ceremonies. clearing. In some cases, a druid high enough
Druids typically spend two full days every in level casts a commune with nature spell to
nonth observingthe holy days of theirpartic- determine if permittjng the destruction is the
ilar branch and of the Order as a whole. right thing to do.
Minor celebrations usually take place in
xcordance with the lunar calendar; on the A druid unable to perform the rites before
iighly important first days of the full moon the clearing of the land begins will become
and new moon, most druids hold daylong or very upset. At the DM's discretion, this lack
iightlong rites, either on their own or in the of appeasement also may lead to the appear-
:ompany of other druids. ance of creatures such as treants, who seek to
avengethe destruction.
Even more important are those ceremonies
ield four times a year to celebrate the chang- Rites of Passage. A young person coming
ng of the seasons. At such times, an arch- of age usually undergoes a rite of passage
lruid or the great druid summons most into adulthood. A druid living among the
druids in the circle together for a great moot. local folk administersthis usually secret rite,
Initiations and challenges often, but not which may involve anythingfrom a spiritual
ilways, o c a at these times. revelation to a painful ordeal, depending on

Festivals. Festivals are holy days cele- the culture.
brated not just by druids but by the entire For example, the druid, after invoking a
community. If a village or tribe openly fol-
lows the druidic philosophy, some or all the blessing, might lead the candidate into the
seasonal rites include a joyous public festival. deep woods, then leave the adolescent to find
Druids praise Nature and bless the village, the way home. Along the way, the druid may
livestock, and crops. Then, with the locals, appear in shapechanged forms to act as a
they sing, dance, and make merry for the rest guide. Candidates who make it out of the
of the day around a tree or Maypole in the vil-
lage green. woods (very likely, unlessthey ignore or mis-

Following the day of celebration, the treat their animal guides) are considered
issemblage builds bonfires on the hills to adults from that day forward. If they guess
vard off evil, enjoysperformancesby visiting that the druid had been watching over them
>ards,and watches locals dressed as animals in animal form,they may find their destiny
lance to ensure good hunting. Springtime lies in a druidic career.
ites, the most important, end with the cast-
ng of plant growfh on the fields to guarantee Mamages. Druids perform marriage cere-
heir fertility come harvest time. monies for locals under their spiritual care,
usually simple affairs in a druid's grove or
Private rites involving only the druids usu- village green. There, the man and woman
illy follow a festival-ften late at night. share vows to love, respect, and protect one
another, with the druid serving as witness.
Appeasement. Druids, while they do not Following the vows comes an exchange of
ilways object to replacing wilderness with tokens, prayers for the couple's health and
-ropland,insist on performing a ceremony fedity, and finally a party and feast.
>eforeany land is cleared. These rites, de-
igned to appease, comfort, and lay to rest the Druids themselves, rarely celibate, usually
,piritsof the trees and plants about to be cut choose to marry and raise children. Some
lown, normally require a druid's presence circles prefer their druids to limit their choice
or half a day per acre of wilderness slated for to "suitable" mates: druids or bards, and per-
haps elves, dryads, or sylphs. Independent
rural folk like tinkers, rangers, Gypsies, or
foresters also constitute good choices. Love

58 Chapter Four

can be blind, but a druid generally prefers a to chop down the wood? Are the peasant;
mate of neutral alignment, from a rural back- really in need or just greedy?Is their lord sim
ground, who follows the druidic faith. ply attempting to increase his own income’,, ,

Funerals. Most druids bury their dead Why are the peasants likely to starve?Is th
(although some prefer cremation), returning
the body of a loved one to the earth near a any other land to plant?
sacred grove. Mourners celebrate the de- After investigating, Dannay decides
ceased through poems and prayers, and a
hired bard may offer additional memorials in peasants do have a legitimateneed to develop
the old wood. Next, he considersthe threat-
song. Finally, the presiding druid blesses the ened trees themselves. Is the woodland
anaent?(Druids prefer to preserve the eldest
departed spirit and-since most druids be- trees.) Doesit harbor species of rare animals or
lieve in reincarnation-prays for its safe plants?Will its destruction displace sylvan
rebirth. Friends and family then hold a wake races? Is this forest one of the few unspoiled
to remember the departed person through areas left in the region?Does a samd grovelie
song, dance, and merrymaking.
within the forest?All these, particularly the
Initiations. Worthy aspirants seeking to
enter the druidic order must be initiated by last, constitutegood reasonsfor a druid to take
an inner circle member. The initiation takes a stand opposingthe destruction ofthe wood.
place at a moot or in a sacred grove on a holy
day. The candidate, after being purified with Assume that, for one of these reasons, Dan-
holy water, takes the druidic oath:a promise
to preservethe balance of the world, to follow nay finds this wood of ancient oakworth pre-
the druidic ethos, to respect the freedom of serving. In most caseshe first seeksa peaceful
other druids in and beyond the circle, to act
compromise.
as a guardian of Nature (or the deity that per-
Negotiate a Solution
sonifiesNature to the Order), and to live true For instance, if the area possesses no othe.
to the druidic order and keep its secrets safe.
availableland, Dannay might show the peas-
Character Strategy ants that expansion isn’t necessary. Say the
peasants’ problem is that their current crops
Exactly how do druids go about fulfilling don’t yield enough to feed them and cover
the responsibilitiesdiscussed above?In role- their tithes. Dannay might offer his services
playing terms, there are some interesting as an adviser if the lord agrees to lower the
strategies you, the player, can use to makethe peasants’ taxes. If the baron refuses-or
most of your druid character’s potential. already levies merely reasonable taxes-the
druid could try to help directly.
Suppose the druid Dannay wished to pre-
How should Dannay help? As an expert in
serve an old wood, but the localbaron and his agriculture, he can suggest techniques to
increase the yield of the peasants’ current
peasants want it cut down, claiming they crops so they don’t require expansion. Or he
need the land to plant crops to keep from might make a bargain: In exchange for the
going hungy. What does the druid do? peasants agreeing not to encroach on the
wood, he will use druidic magic to cure (or
m a me Root ofthe Problem prevent) disease among their animals, or heal
sick villagers and livestock.High-level druids
First, Dannay must determine the truth of could promise to control the weather to
the situation-what lies behind the decision extend the growing season or to preven

droughts or floods. Most usefulof all, a druid enters to begin work. Dannay could have
Nith access to the 3rd-level spell plant growth enchanted plants entangle or snare them,
:an increase the prosperity of any farm dra- order chipmunks and squirrels to steal their
matidy. food, cast summon insects to harass them,
make them lose their way using obscurement,
But suppose the idea of a compromise does summon rain and wind down on them, and
lot meet with favor. Maybe the peasantshave so on.
J priest of their own who already provides
this sort of magical aid. Perhaps they follow a Stmng, determined loggers may succeed in
religion that distrusts druids. Maybe the clearing a few acres despiteNature's torment.
baron has determined to expand his land at But, what will they do when, upon waking
all costs-or perhaps he just doesn't like a the next day, they see all their work undone
druid telling him what to do! In any event, thanks to a hallucimtoryforest spell? If they
Dannay may have to turn to harsher mea- are wise, they'll turn around and head for
home!
sures. Exactly what he does depends on his
FW
assessment of the strength and character of Alternately, Dannay might try to convince
the opposition and the importance of the
Yilds in question. the locals that the wood is haunted; he wants
them to stay out just for their own safety.
Several options make themselvesavailable Even if the wood was previously safe, the
when negotiation fails. Many call for the druid may convince the peasants that their
druid, short of destroying an enemy, to break intentions to cut it down have awakened
that enemy's morale instead.
ancient wood spirits ready to riseagainst any
Ultimatum
Dannay could simply announce to the intruders.
Careful use of spells likefapriefire and dust
peasants and lord, "Violate my wood, and
you will regret it." This threat may work for devil can simulate ghosts; obscurement makes
prestigiousdruids; it also may prove success- mysterious mists; control temperature, 10'
h l if backed up with a flashy demonstration, radius creates eerie chills;and druids also can
like a wall of thorns around a portion of the call up packs of howling wolves or flocks of
h e a t & wood OF a cnll lightning spell in the bats. Props like an erected gallows with a
midst of the speech. human skull or twolying aruund in the wood
strike terror into the hearts of peasants and
The DM should judge the effect of the ulti- common soldiersalike.
matum depending on the alignment of the
NPCs involved, how desperately they want Naturally, some people will suspect Dan-
the land, and the reputation and actions of
&e druid. Most likely the lord and peasants MY is behind this, especially if he tried nego-

will not be so easily cowed, and Dannay will tiating with the locals and lord earlier. So,
have to turn to direa action. some druids simply use fear tactics before
attempting a compromise!

Harassment Hit-and-Run
The druid could choose to use passive, A ruthless druid facing a determined foe

nonviolentresistance to prevent the leveling may combine fear with violent actions, such
of the wood. Suppose a party of lumberjacks as killing intrudersand leaving their bodies

TQ Chapter Four

I

11-

for others to find-or just allowing the vic- would mobilize native creatures (using anima
tims to vanish without a trace. This technique friendship and sometimes animal grmth spells)
can prove very effective, especiallywhen the
ieaths are mysterious and not k t l y trace- to attack intruders and-if he has time-
3ble to the druid's magic. But Dannay should would set lethal traps, such as pits and dead-
be wary of doing the job too well: Misleading falls. The druid also may recruit allies, per-
the natives into believing that murderous haps other druids or monsterswho could lose
undead roam the wood, for instance, may their lairs to the axe.
lead them to call upon outsider paladins or
:lerics to purge the area. Like many good generals, Dannay himself
often stays back from the fighting, instead
Defen$e setting up magical traps and sending animals
Dannay may decide merely to defend his and plants into battle. Normally a druic'
would risk himself to save an animal, but ir
land aggressively, attacking anyone who this case he is battling not just for one crea-
enters the wood. Druids frequently resort to a ture,but for an entire habitat. Dannay knows
defensive stance when fear or harassment he must spare his own life so he can continue
fail. The character aims to convinceintruders to meserve the lives of others.
exploitation is too costly to be worthwhile.
The druid's tactics resemble a more violent Usually as a last resort, the druid ma!
form of harassment. In particular, Dannay choose to carry the fight to the enemy's castle

Role-playing Druids 71

or village. Typically, only a high-level druid wish to check the baron‘s morale. Failing this
has the ability to do this. And remember, check, the baron may negotiate.
Dannay has no obligationto use ”honorable”
tactics. If he has chosen to fight, it is because Revenge

he believeshis opponents have failed to com- A druid who has failed bo stop the defile-
ment of Nature often seeks vengeance, for
promise. one of three reasons. First, the druid removes
A druid’s actions in war may range from his foe to make sure the dqfilement doesn’t
happen again. Second, a druid’s act of re-
jubtle tricks,like stealingsome or all the local venge sends a message to others. And third,
plow animals and war horses, to something as most druids are human, they can succumb
direct but nonviolent, like shapechanging to anger and feelings of injustice as easily as
into a bird, sneaking into the offending lord’s anyone else.
bedchamber, and taking hisfirst-born hostage
for his good behavior. Or, Dannay could use Vengeful druids must consider this ques-
spellslike call lightning, conjurefire elemental, tion carefully: Who is the intended object of
creeping doom, or earthquaketo wreak destruc- revenge?For example, a druid may immedi-
tion. Even low-level spells like produceflame ately target as foes trappersmassacring win-
can easily set fire to a peasant’s cottage or a ter wolf cubs for their fur. But, upon investi-
field of grain. gation, the druid discovers that the trappers
are merely poor yeomen or peasants simply
Please note that Dannay will direct his trying to earn money to support their fami-
-.very action solely against those who cause lies. The real enemies become the gentleman
furriers who grow rich off the sale of the
theproblem. If a @y baron represents the pelts, and the lords and ladies who demand
winter wolf fur as this year’s high fashion.
threat to the wood, the druid targets the The druid should take revenge on these
baron. If the problem lies with the peasants, people.
he tries to intimidate them or drive them
away. A druid never engages in wanton vic- A character seeking vengeance will wait
lence for its own sake. patiently and make careful plans. Thisbehav-
ior sometimes makes them seem cold-
When a PC druid uses any of these strate- blooded, but the druidhas a long memory-a
gies, the DM should work out the response of foe who appears too strong today may prove
the factions opposing the druid’s interests. weaker tomorrow.
For instance, perhaps the baron sends up to
three village work parties daily into the Druids prefer subtle forms of vengeance. If
wood, each of which can clear one a m of for- a wicked sheriff were responsible for the
destruction of a druid’s grove, the druidmight
est if allowed to work unimpeded. If the
try to frame the sherifffor w o n against his
druid decidesto harass them or frightenthem
off, the DM should refer to the rules for lord rather than risk a direct attack. For the
sheriff to be executedas a traitor would be a
morale and NPC reaclions (DMG,pgs. 69-72, fitting revenge!

114-115) and make morale checks any time Some druids enjoy irony. Suppose a noble
the druid succeeds with an action the DM cleared an ancient forest to set up a vineyard.
deems would frustrate, impede, or frighten After the first pressing, a druid might sneak
into the wine cellar and spoilthe vintage.
them. If a work party fails enough checks, the

workers either get nothing done that day or
return home, too scared to come back. Per-
haps soldiers or the lord’s mage escort the
wext work parties. If Dannay succeeds in
iealing with this new threat, the DM may

A druid carefully considers the conse-
quences of an act of vengeance and works
them into the overall plan. For instance, if a
king’s sheriff were the druid’s enemy, the
druid would not try to destroy the sheriff
without knowing what would happen after-
ward. In particular, the druid would not try
to destroy an enemy who might be replaced
with an even worse foe. Instead, the druid
might take vengeance in a different form-
perhaps by kidnaping the sheriffs infant to
raise as a druid who one day would prove a
foe to the sheriff.

Relations with Others

Here’s how relations often stand between
druids and the people and monsters that live
in or near the wild.

Woodcutters and Hunters
Druids act much as game wardens do, let-

ting woodcuttersknow which trees they may
cut and which they must leave standing, and
telling hunters which species they may hunt
and which are protected.

Sometimesthese folk resent or even dis-
obey such orders, but most druids temper
their restrictions with reason and balance
punishment with reward. People who live or
work in the wild and follow a druid’s laws
remain under druidic protection. Druids use
their spells when necessary to cure injury or
sickness in hunters’ families, prevent starva-
tion among woodcutters in harsh times, and
so on. Those who don’t follow druidic rules
cannot expect help, even in cases of dire need.

L o d Animals
Druids try to get t o h o w most wild ani-

mals within a few miles of home, learning
their daily habits, the locations of their lairs,
and so on. A druid makes a point of keeping

Role-playingDruids 7:

S- 7

1

track of animals that are pregnant, weak, or For instance, a character wishing to dis-
sick, and usually aids (or puts down) dis- courage farmers or loggers from making
eased, mad, or injured local creatures. How- inroads into a forest might consider an
ever, a druid does not interfere with normal alliance with bandits, while one on good
cycles of predators and prey. Think of this terms with neighboringvillagersand nobility
attitude as that of forest rangem or game war- would seek to drive them away or reveal
dens: Protecting species holds greater impor- their location to the law. But most often, the
tance than safeguarding individuals. Still, druid remainsuninvolved, acting only to pro-
druids often befriend a few local animals, tect the wildernessfrom threats.
whom they respectand protect as they would
human companions. Animals frequently Local Monsters
serve as a busy druid’s eyes and ears. Druids usually stay on good or neutral

Sylvan and Faede Creatures terms with local monsters, opposing them
Druidsrespect certain creatures as sentient only if they threaten the entire area or the
druid personally. For instance, a beholder
embodiments of the “spirit” of Nature. Forest that uses a woodland cave as its sanctuary
druids, in particular, would risk their lives to makes a fine neighbor for a druid; one that
protect sylvan or faerie beings and would tries to enslave large numbers of sylvan folk
opposeother humans toprotect thewilderness to conquer a nearby elven kingdom means
where they live. In return, these maturesoften trouble and should be eliminated before it
give druidsofficialstanding in thejr communi- engulfsthe forest in a devastating war.
ties, perhapsas ambassadorsto human realms.
A druid might receivean invitationto speak at In general, the druid will act more favor-
a sylvan or faerie council to offer a “human ably to creatures that “belong” in an area. A
viewpoint,” although only rarely would green dragon, a native of woodlandsjust as
humans extend the same courtq. much as an elf or bear, findsit only naturalto
prey on elves and men. A druid has no argu-
Outlaws, Fugitives, and Bandits mentwith thistendency. After all, the humans
Folk living away from society sometimes and elvescan alwayssend a knight to slay the
dragon.
h d themselves operatingin the same wilder-
Most druids make an effort to stay on
ness areas as druids. As druids know their speaking terms with intelligent monsters,
good, evil, or neutral. The druid may do occa-
woods intimately, they can become vital sional favors for a creature on a quid pro quo
allies-and bitter enemies, for they know basis. For example, the druid might volunteer
exactly where outlawshide and can lead pur- to heal a sick or injured monster; the druid
suers to them if they choose. Thus, any out- wants something in return, like a promise
laws exist on the druids’ sufferance. that the beast will refrain from attacking a
certain village, will free its captives, or will
Druids usually prefer to avoid becomin; aid the druid in battle.
involved with criminals. They sometime
shelter individualfugitives and, rarely, offer Evil Humanoids
assistance to entire bands of outlaws whose The druid knows these evil humanoid
activities further druidic goals and show
proper respect towardNature. Druids’ actions races make up a natural part of the world and
generally depend on the situation.





















bears and green dragons, and twisted, evil found a secret weapon-a dragon or a magi-
versions of normally good or neutral sylvan cal war machine. .. .
beings like dryads and elves. The druids-
possibly allied with good-aligned adventur- The Invitation. The DM can send a Shad-
e d o not know exactlywhat evil corrupted owed One to recruit a PC druid who has been
the sacred grove, so they have to move care- especially ruthless. This isn’t good news for
fully at first, scouting the forest. The cursed most PCs: Few want to become the obedient
woods resembles a dungeon: The farther the pawns of the faceless, secretiveorganization’s
characters penetrate, the more deadly it be- inner circle. However, those who refuse must
comes, with the power that destroyed the foil the dreaded Shadowed Ones intending to
original Guardians waiting, spiderlike, in the kill uncooperative druids.
center of the sacred grove.
The Traitor. One of the PC-a druid loyal
kgainst the Shadows to the Order-learns that one of the three
The Shadow Circle can spark adventures archdruids in the domain belongs to the
Shadow Circle. This inner circle member has
rife with intrigue, betrayal, and druid vs. hired assassins to kill the circle’s great druid
druid conflict. Composing such an adventure next month, rather than have to face the
requires a good understanding of the local leader in a duel. Unfortunately, the PC’s
druidic hierarchy. The DM should sketch out informant mysteriously dies before revealing
the personalitiesof the domain’s NFC druids, the traitorous archdruid‘s identity. Can the
then secretly decide which (if any) belong to PC uncover the traitor in time to prevent the
the Shadow Circle. PCs can glean some infor- Shadow Circle’s victory?
mation about the NPCs but will not know
their secret allegiances. The characters may want to talk to those
who know the three suspects and examine
Here are some adventure ideas: each archdruid’s behavior for any hint of alle-
The Horde. A rumor now circulating says giance to the Shadow Circle. Of course, the
druids from the Shadow Circle have set up a real traitor may speed up the Shadow Circle’s
secret meeting with chieftains of nearby orc agenda if the PCs are discovered-or try to
or barbarian tribes. Obviously they plan to do away with the investigators!
mount an assault on one or more human
towns or cities-but when, how, and where The Defector. A druid defecting from the
will they strike? As druids opposed to Shadow Circle has important information
Shadow Circle policies, the PCs may try to about the sinister organization’s plans, but
find out what is going on so they can sound she will talk only to the Grand Druid, whom
the alann or nip the plan in the b u d 4 u t get- she knows stands outside the group. Her
ting anyone to believe word of an impending defection has not gone unnoticed-the dread
invasion may prove difficultwithout concrete ShadowedOnes plot her death-so the PCs
evidence, for few know the truth about the must protect her on her way to an Emissary
Shadow Circle. of the Grand Druid. They will face magical,
If infiltrating the secret society seems like monstrous, and personal attacks, as well as
too great a challenge, the characters could treachery from those they thought were allies.
kidnap an orc leader for questioning. And
this step mightbe only the beginning;the PCs
might learn that Shadow Circle druids have

CHAPTER

I

Druidic Magic

As detailed in Chapter 3 of the Player‘s only that species of animal can perceive the
Handbook (p. 35),druids have access to priest illusion. The subject may not assume an ani-
spells in certain spheres and can use a variety mal form more than twice or less than one-
of enchanted weapons, armor, and other quarter the character’s size.
magical items. This chapter expands the
magic available to player characters in the The almost perfect illusion the spell creates
druid class, adding many spells and magical deceives the animal’s sight, hearing, smell,
items along with the new field of herbal and touch. For instance, once a character casts
magic. a “bear” illusion on a subject, bears believe
that subject to be a bear, while to humans,
New Spells other races, and other creatures, the subject
remains the same.
Druids have major access to spells in the
following spheres of influence: All, Animal, Characters normally use beastmask to travel
Elemental, Healing, Plant, Weather; they have among or hunt a particular species. This spell
minor access to the Divination sphere. (Note lets a druid assume the guise of a caribou to
any sphere restrictions due to kit or branch.) move among a herd without causing them to
As druids concern themselves with plants, panic. A character also could avoid being
animals, and natural phenqmena more than attacked by a pack of dire wolves by wearing
most priests, they specialize in casting a wolf’s “mask.”
Nature-oriented spells.
Beastmask does not allow communication
Characters of any priest class have the with the animal species, though it can be used
potential to use these spells if they have with animal communication spells.
access to the relevant spheres. However, DMs
may make this magic available only to the The material component is a miniature
druid class, on the grounds that these spells wooden mask carved to look like the animal.
represent secret lore of the Order.
nd beings becomes part of
First-level Spells a Reincarnate kmespart of the Ani-
Beastmask
(Illusion/Phantasm)
Sphere: Animal
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 12hours
Casting Time: 4
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: Neg.

Beastmask may affect any single person or
animal, or characters may cast it on them-
selves. It allows the subject to take on the illu-
sory form of a single animal species-but

86 * Chapter Five

r Puffball (Alteration) whispenoard can be cast on any single item,
portal, or closure (such as a book, door, or
Sphere: Plant lid). It may ward up to a =foot radius.
Range: Touch The character keys the ward to become
Components: V, S, M activated (like a magic mouth spell) under spe-
Duration: 2 rounds/level of caster cific conditio-uch as when a certain indi-
Casting T i e : 4 vidual enters the area or opens the warded
Area of Effect:1mushroom, etc. closure. When the ward is triggered, a soft
saving Throw: special whispering breeze blows across the caster’s
face. The caster must stay within 1 mile per
A character who casts puffball on a normal experience level of the ward to receive the
mushroom, truffle, or toadstool (up to 6 warning.
inches in diameter) transforms the fungus The material component is the p.riest’s holy
into a magical puffball, which the character ~

may drop or throw. The DM should decide symbol. ..

what type of roll, if any, is required to hit the ona-lev

target (Slirength, Lkxterity, etc.) See the DMG, Animal spy (Divinati
Sphere: Animal
pgs. 62-63, for rules on grenadelikemissiles. Range: 10yards
The puffball bursts upon landing, releas- Components: V, S
Duration: 1tum/2 levels of caster
ing a cloud of spores 10 feet in diameter.
Those caught in the spore cloud must save vs. Only a normal (real-world) animal or a
poison or suffer an attack of coughing and giant version of a normal animal species may
choking. Victims can make no attacks and become an animal spy. This spell enables the
lose all Dexteritybonusesto Armor Classand caster to share the animal’s senses-see
saving throws. The doud dissipatesin ld3+1 through the animal‘s eyes, hear with its ears,
rounds; tesidual effects still afflict characters smell with its nose, and so on. The animal is
m e round after they escape the cloud or it completely unaware of the spell’s effect,
fades. unless the druid warns the beast before cast-
ing. Animal spy grants no control over the
The spell’s effects do not affect undead or creature.However, most casters will use it on
similar nonbreathing creatures. If no one a trained animal or one befriended via the
throws (or drops) the missileby the time its aninzaljhndship spell.
duration expires, the enchantment is lost.
For the duration of the spell, the caster
The caster sprinkles the material compo- remains in a trance, unable to move or use
nent-a pinch of ground puffball- over the human senses. This consequencecan prove
fungus tobeenchanted. dangerous; for instance, characters attacked
while using the spell cannot feel injuries to
Whisperward (Alteration)
Sphere: Guardian, Weather
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M
Duration: Permanent until bigpered
Casting Tme: 4
Area of Effect: 1item
SavingThrow: None

their bodies. However, at the start of any and to avoid a fall if thrown off.
round, the caster may choose to return the An animal extremely loyal to the subject,

1animal's senses to the creature and resume such as a pet dog, a mature influenced by an
animalfiendship spell, a wizard's familiar, or a
ontrol of the humanbody.This decisionends paladin's war horse does not become utterly
e spell immediately. The spell also ends if hostile to its owner. Instead it notices some-
e animal travels more than 100yards away thing "wrong" about the character and art<
er level of the caster. unusually nervous.
Fortifying Stew (Necromancy)
eastspite (Enchantment/Charm) Sphere: Healing
phere: Animal Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M
ge: 10yards Duration: Stew retains enchantment 1 turn
omponents: V, S
Casting T i e : 5
ration: 1hour/level of caster
Casting T i e : 5 Area of Effect: 1bowl of stew, etc./level
Area of Effect: 1 person Saving Throw: None
SavingThrow: Neg.
Any bowl of broth, porridge, or stew the
Beastspite afflicts a single person with a priest has concocted can become subject to
magical aura that induces one species of ani- fortifying stew. A character can enchant one
mal to hate and fear the character. The charac- bowl of stew (about 8 ounces) per experience
ter becomes loathedby any species of normal level. Someone must consume the enchanted
(real-world) animal. While this range ex- meal within one turnof the casting.
cludes monsters, it includes giant animalsof
the same real-world species. (For example, if Anyone partaking of an entire bowlful
beastspite causesbats to hate the subject, giant reaps magical benefits. First, the diner gains
bats will react similarly.) nourishment for an entk day from the single
meal. In addition, for two hours plus one
When the character comes within 30 yards round per the caster's level, the character
of an animal from the target species, the m a - receives ld4+1 temporary hit points. Any
ture will make warning signals (barks, damage sufferedcomes off the extra hit points
growls, etc.). Its further reaction depends on first. The effects of multiple helpings offorti-
the animal'snature.
f y n g stem are not cumulative.
Aggressive animals, including all preda-
tors and most trained guard animals, attack For example, Snapdragon, a 7th-level
the spell mipient. druid, cooks a meaty broth, castsfortifying
stew on it, and eats the bowlful. A roll of 2
Nonaggressivebeasts shun the charactex, gives her 3 extra hit points. When the spell's
fleeing or attacking if approached. effects wear off just over three hours, she
loses these extra points. If she suffers 5 points
Owners can restrain their domesticated of damage in the meantime, she actually loses
animals, but the beasts show obvious distress only 2 hp of her own, since 3 hp came off the
and may become very hostile if the character extra hit points.
tries to touch them.
The material component is a vial of stock
If the subject was riding when the spell made of the first fruit of the harvest.
took effect, the mount tries to throw off the
character. The subject must make a riding
proficiency check each round to stay astride

88 Chapterhe

!!



Gift of Speech (Enchantment/Chann) burned to ash. Upon casting the spell, the
)here: Animal character scattersthe powder in a circle.
inge: 10yards/level of caster Shape Wood (Alteration)
ponents: V, S, M Svhere: Plant
ation: 1turn/level of caster

avine Throw: None Duration: Permanent

1animal) SavingThrow: None
s, along with the ability to understand By means of shape mood, the caster can re-

e increase. form wood. For example, the character can
ct if cast on a creature cast it upon any appropriate-sized piece of
ore of less than 1. wood to fashion a wooden weapon, make a
rough door, or even create a crude figurine.
of this spell is the
The spell also allows the caster to reshar
an existing wooden door, perhaps to escar
imprisonment. Again, the volume of tl.
wooden object must be appropriate to tk
desiredresult and fit in the area of effect.

While a character might form a woodem
coffer from a tree stumD or a door from

casting Tune: 1mund &ere & a 30% chance thefdo not worc.
& e a of Effect:Radius 10feet around caster
The alteration endures permanently, at
aving Throw: None least until the wood rots or is physically
destroyed. The casterblows the material com-
Identical in functiontopass without f m p~as,s ponent, a pinch o f fine sawdust, over the

Fourth-level Spells
Detect Animal Attacker

&he caster to continue to avo& leavinetracks. A Co&vonents: V,S. M

effect after &g are d.

material component is a sprig of pine Saving Throw: None

1 Depending on how it is cast, detect animal mouth with stalactite teeth. The mouth
springs forth on a short serpentine neck,
attacker gives the druid a visual image either much like a water weird, and attacks once in
of a creature that injured an animal or of an a direction the caster dictates. Then it retracts
animal that attacked any victim. into the earth and closes solidly. The site of an
earthmaw spell appears as if the ground has
While casting the spell upon any victim of been tilled recently
an attack by a naturalanimal (a victim whose
body still bears the marks of claws, fangs, or The mouth can attack one large creature,
other natural weapons), the druid touches the two man-sized creatures, or four small-sized
victim’s wound. This brief touch gives the creatures within 10 feet of its outer edge. It
caster a fleetingvision of the animal that can strike multiple creatures only if they
caused the injuries as it looked at the time of remain clustered within a 10-foot diameter
the attack. circle adjacent to the maw.

Likewise, a druid casting the spell upon an The earthmaw attacks as a monster with
injured real-world animal can touch its Hit Dice equal to the caster’s level. Creatures
wound and receive a vision of the person, standing on the site of the maw suffer a +3
monster, or animal that harmed it. penalty to Armor Class for purposes of this
attack only. Creatures standing next to the
Even if the caster receives a vision of an maw suffer no AC penalty.
unfamiliar attacker, the character usually can
get an idea of its size, primary attack method, A successfulhit inflicts ld4 points of dam-
and alignment. (The druid senses good, evil, age per level of the caster. An unmodified roll
or neutrality.) of 19or 20 means the maw has swallowed the
victim whole, burying the character 2d4 feet
In addition, if the creature still lives and below ground. Victims can be dug out manu-
fads a saving throw vs. spell, the caster senses ally, with appropriatespells (such as dig), or
its current position, location, and direction of with magical items (such as a spade ofcolossal
travel. excavation). A creature trapped underground

Defectanimal attackerworks only withinone will suffocate unless freed within a number of

hour per level of the caster after the victim rounds equal to one-third its Constitution
receives the injury in question. The spell is Score.
effective regardless of whether the attack
proved fatal. Earthmaw may be cast on any area of loose
or packed earth, sand, or vegetation-covered
The material component is the priest’s holy soil. It may be cast indoors on an earthen sur-
symbol. face: for example, on the dirtfloor of a barn or
basement, but not on the marble floor of a
Earthmaw (Alteration) home or temple. It may not be cast on an area
containinga tree, any portion of a buildin
Sphere: Elemental (earth) any type of pavement.
Range: 50 yards
Components V, S, M An object present on the site of the m
Duration: 1round (such as a campfire or a tent, etc.) counts as a
Casting T i e : 7 creatureof that object’s size in attacks.

Area of Effect:10-footdiameter circle The material component is a tooth from
any predatory creature.
yving Throw: Neg.

I
I

1 Earthmaw causes a patch of ground 10 feet
in diameter to open and form a gigantic

Hunger (Alteration) maintaining normal activity levels lose 1
Sphere: Animal, Plant Strengthpoint; on the ninth day, they lose 1
Range: 10yards Constitution point. This alternating pattern
Components: V, S, M becomes comatose. If a score reaches 0 before
Duration: 1day/level of caster the hunger spell ends, the recipient dies. The
Casting T i e : 7 victim regains lost points after the spell ends
Area of Effect:1person at a rate of 1 Strength and 1 Constitution
Saving Throw: Neg. point per day.

Those affected by hunger no longer gain When casting the spell, the character
sustenance from food. No matter how much secretly whispers a particular type of food; by
they eat, they still feel hungy If the spell did eating the specified food, the victim breaks
not end, victims eventually would starve, vis- the spell. It must be a single, natural food
ibly wasting away. (such as lamb, honey, or an apple) but can be
exotic (dragon meat)-as long as the caster
After one day under the spell's effect, vic- has tasted it personally at some point.
tims' concentrationsuffers (due to their pre-
occupationwith their constant hungry feel- Hunger cannot be dispelled,but can be bro-
ing), causing them to suffer a -2 penalty to all ken by the r m v e curse spell. Failing all else, a
ability and proficiency checks. On the eighth sufferer must wait to find relief until the
day without food, victims who have been spell's duration elapses.

I The spell's material component is a pinch 2 feet of the subject plant's height.
of the food that can end the spell. Everyone within this area suffers one

attack, which inflicts ld12 points of damage
Knurl (Alteration) for every three f u l l levels the caster has
achieved. Thus, a spruce tree enchanted by a
Sphere: Plant 7th-level character attacks with a THACO of
Range: 5 yards/level of caster
Components: V, S, M 16and inflicts2d12points of damage.
Duration: 1turn/levelof caster
The material component is a spine from a
needle-bearing treeor plant.
Casting T i e : 7
Area of Effect: 1person
Saving Throw: Neg. Fifth-level Spells

Casting a knurl spell transforms a mature's Cloudscape (Alteration)
arm into a tree branch of the same thickness, Sphere: Weather
covered with bark and twigs. The new limb Range: 120yards
possesses neither elbow nor wrist join6not Components: V, S
even a hand. The "arm" remains attached to Duration: 3 turns/level of caster
the shoulder. The spell's recipient can use it Casting T i e : 8
as a club but not to manipulate tools, weap- Area of Effect: 1,000 cubic feet/level of caster
ons,or spell components. Saving Throw: None

The caster chooses which of the recipient's A character can cast cloudscape on a single
arms to affect. A character could use multiple cloud or part of a cloud bank, usually from a
knurl spells to transform both arms of a nearby mountaintop or while flying. It causes
humanoid. The arm is treated for all purposes 1O, OOcubic feet of cloud per level of the caster
as a tree branch: It becomes subject to fire, to become solid enough to support any
weight. The solidifiedclouds remain airborne
wood-alteringspells, and tree diseases. Dispel and feel like a thick carpet.
magic ends the spell's effects.
A creature that falls onto the magically
The material component is a small twig. strengthened cloud sustains falling damage
Needlestorm (Alteration) per the PH, p. 104.An animal or individual
Sphere: Plant that flies into the solidified cloud falls,
Range: 60yards stunned, for a round and must make a suc-
Components: V, S, M cessful Dexterity check to recover. If a crea-
h a t i o n : Instantaneous ture is flying through a cloud at the moment
Casting T i e : 7 it becomes solidified, it may make a saving
Area of Effect: 1tree or plant throw vs. petrification. Those who succeed
escape the cloud in time. Creatures that fail
Saving Throw: Save vs. spell for halfdamage the save become trapped as the cloud solidi-
fies around them. However, as the cloud is
A favorite of cold-fomst and desert druids, porous, they can continue to breathe until the
needlestorm causes the spines on any pine trre spell's duration elapses.
or similar needle-bearing plant to spray out
in a deadly barrage. The shower of needles The solidified cloud itself continues to drift
has a radius of approximately1foot for every with the wind as usual. While the caster