Do you want to play a character that can shapeshift into animals, elementals, and dragons? Or do you prefer characters that can use their innate influence on the elements in the surrounding terrain? Whether you choose the first or second, we’ll point you to the Druid class anyway. 

To add another point of interest in your character, let’s create a Gnome Druid. Gnomes are carefree, adventurous, and curious peoples. Think about characters with powers like Beast Boy or Poison Ivy but have the personalities of Tracy Turnblad (from Hairspray), Russel (from Up), or Dory. 

Keep reading for a quick guide on how to build and play a Gnome Druid.

The Gnome race AND the Druid class can be found in the Player’s Handbook. Click here to pick up your own copy of The Player’s Handbook!

How to Make a Gnome Druid

In the Player’s Handbook, you get to pick between being a Rock Gnome or Forest Gnome. Between the two subraces, the Forest Gnome is the best fit for a Druid character. Forest Gnomes have the natural gift of speaking with small animals already. You also get the Natural Illusionist trait. 

When you roll for your stats, place the highest roll under your Wisdom ability score. Place the second-highest roll in your Constitution ability score. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability, which means it’s your most important ability score.

The next step is to pick a subclass. If you like adapting to the environment around you and controlling its elements, enter the Circle of the Land. This subclass lets you cast more spells and specialize in certain terrains. And while all Druids have the Wild Shape ability, Circle of the Moon Druids are the expert shapeshifters.

How to Play a Gnome Druid

Every team will do well when it has a Druid on its team. No matter what Druid Circle you follow, you’ll become a key member of the group. Druids are primal powerhouses. After the Wizard class, Druids have the most spells to choose from.

Here are some superb spells you should have in your repertoire as a Gnome Druid:

• Thorn Whip
• Guidance
• Goodberry
• Entangle
• Heat Metal
• Moonbeam
• Call Lightning 
• Spike Growth
• Polymorph 

Circle of the Moon Druids would do well in the frontlines in their Wild Shapes. Circle of the Land Druids should stick in the back or middle of the group. This is the best distance from which they can cast powerful spells to hordes or single foes.

How to Roleplay as a Gnome Druid  

Having trouble roleplaying a Gnome Druid? Why not use your stats as a basis for your personality? A key feature of being a Druid is the high Wisdom score that comes with it. You can be as wise as Iroh or Yoda, but you don’t need to be smart. That equates to high Wisdom, low or average Intelligence. 

This stat dynamic alone creates a lot of great roleplay potential. Stay practical, propose the simplest yet most effective solutions, and drink tea.