Elemental Earth
Elemental druids are not druids in the classical sense. Elemental Druids see the universe in terms of primordial forces that shape the world emanating from other planes. These druids recognize the need for all the basic elements (fire, water, earth, air) and their balance to create the world in which humanity lives, but specialize in one element (and chagrin its opposition) that they feel is lacking in order to bring the world into a harmony of force.
Contrary to other druids, these druids are not interested in social hierarchies or any other governance – they operate according to their own moral compass. Therefore, these druids operate alone and eschew the classic Druidic circles established and maintained by other orders (thus, being opposed to all other orders).
These druids respect, but do not obey the authority of the Gruenvater – they see their call as being far more primal and only see authority in Tsu Tao and the elemental plane they represent. It is their nature to be loners and outsiders. Typical communities see them as ill-tempered wanderers and a detriment to local communities as their goals usually outweigh the needs and desires of the populace.
Elemental druids revere the natural world, much like standard druids, however, they favor creatures they deem born of their element. Druids revere, or even worship, creatures that derive directly from their chosen elemental plane. For example, a Fire Elemental is a close to a god as is possible for an Elemental Fire Druid.
Elemental druids tend to be vagabonds and spend little time in their home territory as they seek to spread the influence of their element in other places that, to them, have a deficiency. It is not unusual to see a Druid of Elemental Fire travel to the Sebaste to start wildfires. They see the machines and other creations of man as devoid of the influence of the elements and seek to avoid these settlements when possible. A castle may be built of stone, but an Earth Elemental Druid sees the stone as lifeless after having been removed, worked, and put to man’s purpose over its own (Yes, an Earth Elemental Druid believes that stone has its own agency and purpose…).
Over all things, Elemental Druids detest mages who wield elemental power. They see these mages as arrogant parasites who deplete the elemental plane of its power as they use it for their own gain.
As player characters, it would not be outside a Elemental Druid’s ethos to align with a small group who may help them achieve their goals, particularly if the group is sensitive to and understands their views of the world.
Additionally, these druids may seek assistance from others to help them wipe out groups that they think are perverting their cause or charlatans. While a druid of fire may want to burn a section of forest to instill a greater presence of fire, they would not do so callously or with the purpose of destroying the habitats of the creatures of people therein – they would choose more appropriate locations or aid in rehoming displaced creatures.
Elemental druids do not see creatures from elemental planes as “good” or “evil,” rather they see them as having different levels of zealousness and prefer to work with these creatures or send them home rather than destroying them (unless they are from their opposed element).
Tenets of Faith
Protect the wild places of the world from destruction and overuse.
Oppose the rampant spread of cities and empires.
Hunt aberrant monsters and other abominations of nature.
Do not fear or condemn the savagery of nature. Live in harmony with the wild.
Follow your goals and seek your own destiny.
Keep to the shadows, avoiding the blazing light of zealous good and the utter darkness of evil.
Seek new horizons and new experiences, and let nothing tie you down.
Shapechange, into a normal, real-world creature that burrows in the ground (excluding giant forms) up to three times per day at 7th level. Each animal form can be used only once per day.
Gains a modifier of +3 to experience level when determining the effects of a spell from the Elemental Earth or Weather spheres cast. For instance, say Dansil, a 5th-level druid, cast the Weather spell Obscurement. That spell, which has effects normally lasting 20 rounds (four rounds per level), has an adjusted duration of 32 rounds, as though Dansil were 8th level. Modify its normal area of effect of 50 feet - 50 feet (10 feet - 10 feet per level) to 80 feet - 80 feet.
Senses the stability of natural land formations and can predict seizmic (eathquakes, shifting sand, etc.) activitiy up to 10 mintues ahead of the event on a 1-5 on a d6. This also allows the Druid to sense earth-based traps 50% of the time.
Learns the languages of sentient creatures from the Elemental Plane of Earth, gaining one extra proficiency slot for this purpose every three levels (at 3rd, 6th, etc.).
Identifies plants, animals, and pure water with perfect accuracy at 3rd level.
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