Druid of the Deep

A relatively new edifice within the cavernous cultures of the Shonakkar is the druidic order known as the Circle of the Crystalline Heart, or the Druids of the Deep (dwf. 'Erdeklerik'). Its inception began as an attempt for a now nameless dragonkin to connect with the dwarves and other deepkin over more than just zealotry, but the practicality of applying the magicks of earth and stone for creation, protection, and combat.

The magicks of Shonak revolve heavily around magma, iron, and stone. The outward perception of Shonak in the wider world is one of relative positivity, and part of the Deep Circle's credo is to help dull the sharp edge of the Shonakkar dwarves' fanatacism in coming years with a helpful nature.

Currently, the order is not limited to any one ancestry, but the relative lack of newcomers under the mountains makes recruitment and teaching of the ways of Shonak to be difficult, both because of the unwelcoming nature of the dwarves and the harsh living conditions. This has caused the order to focus less on leadership and more on expansion, sending pilgrims across all of Ahrd to help teach the way, and learn more from the outside (something the largely dragonkin population of the order is more than happy to do).

Some of these pilgrims do not return, either setting up temples or circles elsewhere, learning much of another culture and losing touch with Shonak, or dying in the dangerous world. Those that deepen their connection with the Iron Orb return to the Crystalline Heart, the core of the Shonak mountains and the repository of knowledge and teachings of the Deep Circle.

Whether the need is the wider acceptance of the Shonak people, or a stone warrior who channels living magma, the power of the Deep will not leave a faithful druid no matter what danger they find themselves in, and no matter how far they stray from home.

## Druid: Circle of the Deep

**Circle Spells**

Your ability to commune with the deep grants you access to certain spells. At 2nd level, you learn either the Mold Earth or Produce Flame cantrip.

At 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th level you gain access to the spells listed for that level in the Circle of the Deep Spells table. Once you gain access to one of these spells, you always have it prepared, and it doesn't count against the number of spells you can prepare each day. If you gain access to a spell that doesn't appear on the druid spell list, the spell is nonetheless a druid spell for you.

Circle of the Deep Spells
 3rd
 5th
 7th
 9th

**Fidelity Bonus**: Shonnakar dragonkin receive Inspiration at the start of every session.

**The Crystalline Heart**: The druid can spend 4 hours in contact with cold rock to commune with the Crystalline Heart. This must be uninterrupted meditation, and upon completion they are transported to the Crystalline Heart. They can repeat this ritual to return to a spot within 15 feet of where they left. When this is used, 10 days must pass before it can be used to travel back to the Heart.

**Shonak's Teeth**: The druid can use Spears and Crossbows in place of a spellcasting focus, and always have proficiency in both.

**Ironblood**: You are able to utilize metal weapons and armor.

### Lava Floes

Starting at level 2, you are able to tap into the blood of Shonak that runs through Ahrd. When a spell you cast of level 1 or higher deals damage to a creature, you can add half your druid level (rounding up) fire damage to all creatures harmed.

### Volcanic Armor

Starting at level 2, you can reinforce the defenses of yourself and your allies with the magicks of Shonak. When you are concentrating on a spell that affects willing creatures, those creatures receive a +1 to their AC.

### Quicksilver

Starting at level 6, you can cast slide through magma floes and cold rock like the silver tears of the Iron Orb. You add your Constitution modifier to your Initiative. Your movement speeds in any forms increase by 10ft.

### Deep Shift

At 10th level, you are able to assume draconic and magmic forms. You can spend a use of Wild Shape to transform into any Elemental or Dragon associated with fire, earth, magma, or iron. The creature must have a CR equal to half your druid level (rounded down).

### Avatar of the Iron Orb

When you reach 14th level, your body is altered by the will of Shonak. As long as you are not incapacitated, any critical hit against you counts as a normal hit, and you add your Constitution modifier to your AC.