Gnome Circle of the Moon Druid Build Guide
Unleash the wild power of a massive beast while keeping your sharp gnomish mind protected against enemy magic with this durable, defender-focused build.
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Why Circle of the Moon?
As a Circle of the Moon Druid, you are the ultimate shapeshifting defender. While most druids cast spells from the backlines, you use your Circle Forms feature to transform into powerful, high-health beasts as a bonus action, charging straight into the frontline to absorb damage for your party.
Being a small Gnome might make you seem fragile, but your beast shapes completely replace your physical stats. Even better, your Gnomish Cunning trait carries over into your wild shapes. This means while you are soaking up hits as a giant bear, you still have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws, making you highly resistant to mind-controlling magic.
When you aren't transformed, your high Wisdom (WIS) keeps your spellcasting potent. Combined with Darkvision for scouting in the dark, this build offers the perfect blend of gnomish intellect and raw, beastly brawn.
Circle of the Moon Features
Circle Forms
Level 3You can channel moonlight magic when you use Wild Shape, granting you the following benefits: You gain a number of Temporary Hit Points equal to your Druid level when you assume a Wild Shape form. You gain the ability to take a Bonus Action on each of your turns while in a Wild Shape form.
Circle of the Moon Spells
Level 3When you reach certain levels as a Druid, you gain spells based on the Circle of the Moon.
Improved Circle Forms
Level 6While in Wild Shape form, you gain the following benefits: Lunar Radiance: Each of your attacks while in Wild Shape deals extra Radiant damage equal to your Druid level. Lunar Armor: You gain an AC of 13 + your Dexterity modifier (natural armor) while in Wild Shape.
Moonlight Step
Level 10You magically transport yourself, appearing in moonlight. As a Bonus Action, you can spend a Druid spell slot and teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space within moonlight that you can see.
Lunar Form
Level 14The power of the moon fills you, providing you with the following benefits: Enhanced Lunar Glow: You shed Bright Light for 10 feet and Dim Light for an additional 10 feet. You gain Advantage on Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
Recommended Ability Scores
Gnome Traits That Benefit Circle of the Moon Druid
Gnomish Cunning
Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.
Darkvision
Gnome Darkvision helps Druids scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.
Combat Effectiveness
| Level | HP | Melee DPR | Spell DPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 38 | 3.9 | 7.8 |
| Level 11 | 80 | 3.58 | 10.18 |
| Level 17 | 122 | 3.58 | 13.2 |
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ Circle of the Moon grants Circle Forms at level 3
- ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
Weaknesses
- ♦ May require careful feat selection to optimize
Pro Tips
Use your Gnomish Cunning to confidently charge enemy spellcasters while in your Circle Forms, as your mental magic defenses remain incredibly high.
Cast a concentration spell like Fairie Fire before using your bonus action to shapeshift, letting you support allies while tanking hits.
Save your Moonlight Step teleport at later levels to instantly reposition or escape grapple effects without dropping your beast form.
Utilize your Darkvision to scout pitch-black caves in beast form, ensuring your party is never surprised by threats in the dark.
Other Druid Subclasses for Gnome
Other Races for Circle of the Moon Druid
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Circle of the Moon a good subclass for Gnome Druid?
What makes Circle of the Moon different from other Druid subclasses?
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