UESGEXGE Part 2: Clerics & Druids
Two classic D&D classes that don't appear in the UESTRPG Basic Rules are the Cleric and the Druid. Today we take a look at how you can bring these classes into your Elder Scrolls game.
CLERIC
Although most people revere a god, or pantheon of gods, few devote their lives to them. Even fewer are blessed by the gods and invested with divine power.
The cleric class doesn't appear in the UESTRPG Basic Rules, as the cleric and paladin were combined to create the crusader class. However, there is no reason why a cleric wouldn't make an appearance, as there are many temples dedicated to the divines. A cleric in Tamriel might worship a single god, or a whole pantheon. One might devote themselves to Arkay, to all of the divines, or to the dunmer Tribunal.
If you wish to play a cleric character, Xanathar's provides some ways to add some detail to that character's history and personality. Consider the temple you came from, any keepsakes you might keep, and what secrets you might hold.
Temple. Most clerics start their service in a temple to their god. Some temples are secluded from society, while others are the center of their city. Consider what your temple was like.
Keepsake. Clerics often hold on to personal trinkets that symbolize their faith, or remind them of their vows. These symbols aren't typically imbued with divine power, but their importance lies with what they represent.
Secret. Even the most devout beings wrestle with their mortal pitfalls. Not even clerics are immune to dark desires and forbidden attractions that can turn them against their deity.
DIVINE DOMAINS
At 1st level, a cleric gains the Divine Domain feature. The following describes how to use these options in your Elder Scrolls game.
FORGE DOMAIN
Artisans and blacksmiths often keep symbolic anvils and other icons of Zenithar nearby, the god of work and labor, even if they aren't particularly devout. Clerics of Zenithar are strong willed, and aspire to achieve peace through earnest work and honest profit. Orsimer forge-masters keenly worship either Malacath or Trinimac, the standard religion of the orcs.
Clerics of the forge believe in hard work and patience. They search for objects that have been lost to forces of evil, liberate mines from goblins, and uncover rare and wondrous materials to make potent magic items. Other deities of this domain include Saint Aralor, Sotha Sil, Zeht, and Z'en.
GRAVE DOMAIN
Deities that watch over the cycles of life and death are worshiped as part of the domain of the grave. They believe that desecrating the peace of the dead is an abomination. Deities of this domain include Arkay, Meridia, and Tu'whacca.
Arkay. Lord of the Wheel of Life, known as the mortals god, Arkay is a member of the Divines and is the god of Burials and Funeral Rites. Both Arkay and his followers are staunch opponents of necromancy and all forms of undead.
Meridia. Lady of Infinite Energies, also known as the Glister Witch, Meridia is associated with the energies of all living things. Similar to Arkay, she and her devotees have a burning hatred for the undead, although she is a Daedric Prince, rather than a Divine.
Tu'whacca. The Tricky God, Lord of the Far Shores, and the Yokudan God of Souls. After the creation of the world, Tu'whacca became the caretaker of the Far Shores where he helps Redguards on their way to the afterlife.
DRUIDS
Wardens of the natural world, druids embody the forces of nature, producing magical phenomena that links them to the spirit of nature and the flow of life.
Druids do not make an appearance in the UESTRPG Basic Rules but they are not unheard of in Tamriel. Most druids reserve themselves to the fringes of society. Priests of the Green, bosmer followers of Y'ffre and proponents of the Green Pact weave powerful nature magic and have deep connections with animals.
Bosmer. Legend has it that the bosmer have the ability to shape-shift into animals, although they choose not to out of respect for the Green Pact, and because if they are caught, they will be punished as Oathbreakers and put be to death in the Ouze. However, during the Wild Hunt, the bosmer are allowed to perform a ritual in dire times to take on the shape of beasts to lay waste to their enemies.
Ashlanders. The Ashlanders of Vvardenfell had a strong connection with nature and took part in tribal animistic traditions. With the desctruction of Vvardenfell, these Ashlanders likely would have died on the island, or were otherwise displaced. It is possible that these people had shape-shifting powers not revealed to outsiders.
Forsworn. Another example is the native Bretonic Reachmen, known as the Forsworn. Although, this is a good illustration of druidic magic gone horribly wrong. Also known as the Madmen of the Reach, the Forsworn are a vengeful society bent on driving out the nords and the empire, ensuring their independence. They decorate themselves with fur, feathers, antlers, and bones, giving themselves a truly barbaric appearance.
The matriarchal forsworn revere the hagravens, witches that surrendered their last remnants of humanity in exchange for powerful dark magic. These hagravens bestow great power onto the most impressive leaders through a gruesome ritual that involves removing the person's heart and replacing it with a briar heart.
BRINGING DRUIDS INTO YOUR GAME
If you are determined to play as a druid in Tamriel, you could work with your DM to see if they would allow it. Perhaps your character was chosen by Y'ffre as a champion of the pact, allowing you to shift at will. Hircine could have gifted your character with a form of beast shape that wasn't full out lycanthropy, or possibly Kyne passed on a unique blessing for a previous feat that favored the protection of nature.
Using Xanathar's Guide, you can further develop your druid character's background through Treasured Items, Guiding Aspects, and Mentors.
Treasure Items. Some druids hold on to mementos of personal significance or items of sacred meaning that connects them to their spiritual outlook. Consider what meaning the item has and how you may have acquired it.
Guiding Aspects. Certain druids identify with particular aspects that represent their beliefs. This can be a particular animal, tree, or natural element, like wind.
Mentor. Although many druids are hermetic by nature, they often seek out mentors to hone their craft and help shape their attitudes and beliefs. Consider who your character's mentor was, if they had one, and how they may have influenced your chosen path.
DRUID CIRCLES
At 2nd level, a druid gains the Druid Circle feature. The following describes how to use these options in your Elder Scrolls game.
CIRCLE OF DREAMS
Druids that are members of the Circle of Dreams seek to fill the world with dreamy wonder. They mend wounds and bring joy to those with downcast hearts. Followers of the Green Pact and devotees of Y'ffre spin powerful stories and songs that can soothe the restless, reveal hidden secrets, and mix illusion with reality.
Khajiit priests and lunar champions have a special connection with the two moons gods, Jone and Jode. Consider using the demi-plane of Jode or Jone to influence your features rather than the Feywild or Summer or Gloaming Court.
Worshipers of Kyne have been blessed with certain powers over nature, and as with Kyne herself, have learned how to soothe and calm others.
CIRCLE OF THE SHEPARD
Druids of the Circle of the Shepard call for aid from beasts and fey spirits. The focus on protecting animals and fey creatures, especially those that have difficulty protecting themselves.
Hircine is known for evoking avatars of beasts and gifting hunters and others with similar abilities. As with the divine Kynareth.
The lesser known Brackenleaf Briar's, followers of Y'ffre, find themselves with many fey creatures, including the spirits of beasts and spriggans. Another lesser known bosmeri god, the Wilderking, is responsible for keeping the balance of nature.
Consider that your character may have a direct or indirect connection with these deities, which is where your unique powers come from.
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