Malcolm Rivera
When creating a character in D&D, one of the most important decisions is how to allocate your ability scores. This decision can significantly impact your character's effectiveness in different areas of the game. For a Druid, one of the key considerations is whether to focus on Constitution. Constitution is an important ability score for any class, as it determines a character's hit points and their ability to maintain concentration on spells. However, Druids have unique features that can affect how valuable Constitution is for them. For example, Druids can use their Wild Shape ability to transform into beasts, assuming their hit points and physical attributes. This means that a Druid's own Constitution score may seem less important, as they can rely on their Wild Shape forms' hit points in combat. On the other hand, increasing Constitution can still provide benefits such as increased durability and concentration checks, which can be particularly useful for a Druid's spellcasting abilities. Ultimately, the decision of whether to focus on Constitution as a Druid depends on the specific build and playstyle of the character.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Strength | Not important if in melee as you will be in animal form |
| Dexterity | Not important while in Wild Shape |
| Constitution | A bit for hit points is nice, but the Moon Druid will spend most of their time burning through Wild Shape hit points, which don't rely on your Constitution at all |
| Intelligence | Only needed for Knowledge skills |
| Wisdom | The Druid's spells are powered by Wisdom |
| Hit Points at 1st Level | 8 + your Constitution modifier |
| Hit Points at Higher Levels | 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per druid level after 1st |
| Constitution changes | If an effect or spell changes an NPC's Constitution, it will affect that creature's max HP |
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What You'll Learn
Druids' hit points and Constitution
In D&D, a druid's hit points and Constitution work as follows:
Druids have 1d8 hit dice per druid level. At 1st level, a druid has 8 hit points plus their Constitution modifier. At higher levels, they gain 1d8 (or 5) hit points plus their Constitution modifier per druid level. This means that a druid's Constitution modifier affects their hit points, with a higher modifier resulting in more hit points.
Constitution is important for a druid's hit points, but it is not their primary focus. While a bit of Constitution for hit points is beneficial, druids, especially Moon Druids, tend to rely on their Wild Shape forms and their associated hit points, which are independent of their Constitution. Instead, druids prioritize Wisdom as their primary ability score, as it powers their spells and is crucial for their effectiveness.
However, some druid subclasses, such as Circle of Spores and Circle of the Moon, may engage in melee combat, where increases to Constitution and Dexterity can help improve their durability. Additionally, certain items like the Manual of Bodily Health provide a permanent Constitution bonus, increasing a druid's maximum hit points.
When it comes to NPC or monster druids, a change in Constitution, such as through magical items or effects, can impact their hit points. If the NPC druid is statted like a PC, normal PC rules for gain or loss of hit points based on level apply. For monster druids, there is no official rule, and designers assign hit dice retroactively to achieve the desired hit points for the creature.
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Constitution and Wild Shape
In D&D 5th Edition, a druid's Constitution modifier affects their Hit Points at 1st level and higher. At 1st level, a druid's Hit Points are 8 + their Constitution modifier. At higher levels, a druid's Hit Points are 1d8 (or 5) + their Constitution modifier per druid level after 1st.
Constitution also affects a druid's durability, which is relatively poor compared to other classes like the Cleric. While in Wild Shape, a druid's hit points don't rely on their Constitution at all. However, some magical items that modify Constitution, such as the Belt of Dwarvenkind or the Fortitude Ioun Stone, may affect a druid's Hit Points while in Wild Shape.
When a druid reaches 4th level and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, they can increase one ability score of their choice by 2, or they can increase two ability scores of their choice by 1. This allows druids to increase their Constitution score, which can be beneficial for their Hit Points and durability.
Additionally, certain feats and items can provide bonuses to Constitution. For example, the Chef feat allows druids to choose between increasing their Constitution or Wisdom score. The Manual of Bodily Health provides a permanent Constitution bonus and raises the druid's Constitution cap by 2.
In summary, while a druid's Constitution score is important for their Hit Points and durability, it is less crucial for their Wild Shape form, where their hit points are separate from their own. However, certain magical items and effects that modify Constitution may still affect a druid's Wild Shape Hit Points.
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Constitution-enhancing items
While a Druid's spells are powered by their Wisdom, increases to their Constitution can help with their relatively poor durability compared to classes like the Cleric. Here are some items that can enhance a Druid's Constitution:
Belt of Dwarvenkind
The Belt of Dwarvenkind is a magical belt that not only makes the wearer more Dwarf-like in terms of appearance but also grants them the ability to interact better with Dwarves. Additionally, it increases their Constitution score by 2, up to a maximum of 20.
Bag of Beans
The Bag of Beans is a magical item with a multitude of possible effects. When a bean is planted, there is a 10% chance per bean to get 1d4 + 3 eggs, resulting in an average of 5 eggs per bag. These eggs can increase the user's lowest ability score by 1, randomly chosen if there is a tie. While this may not seem advantageous at first, stacking eggs on the same person can eventually lead to increases in useful stats.
Manual of Bodily Health
The Manual of Bodily Health grants a permanent Constitution bonus and raises the user's Constitution cap by 2.
Dragonmark Feat
The Dragonmark feat provides a +1 bonus to Constitution and grants the user a free cantrip and a first-level spell from the sorcerer's spell list. Additionally, it allows the user to use their Constitution as their spellcasting modifier, making it particularly useful for tanks.
Chef Feat
The Chef feat allows the user to choose between a Constitution or Wisdom increase. However, the challenge lies in finding a meaningful way to incorporate it into the Druid's build.
Knight of the Crown Feat
The Knight of the Crown feat provides a +1 bonus to Constitution, Strength, or Dexterity, depending on the user's choice. It also grants the ability to use a bonus action to allow an ally to make a weapon attack with their reaction, gaining an extra 1d8 for their damage roll if they hit.
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Constitution and spellcasting
A druid's hit points are determined by their Constitution modifier, with higher scores granting more hit points. This can be important for a druid's survivability, especially when they are not in Wild Shape form, as Wild Shape hit points don't rely on Constitution. Additionally, a higher Constitution score can help compensate for the druid's relatively poor durability compared to other classes like the Cleric.
However, it's worth noting that a druid's Constitution score may not directly impact their spellcasting ability. In D&D, spellcasting abilities are typically tied to a character's primary ability scores, such as Wisdom for druids. This means that increasing a druid's Wisdom should be a higher priority than increasing their Constitution when it comes to improving their spellcasting prowess.
That being said, there are certain items and features in D&D that can enhance a druid's abilities through their Constitution. For example, the Manual of Bodily Health grants a permanent Constitution bonus and raises the Constitution cap by 2. Additionally, certain subclasses, like Circle of Spores and Circle of the Moon, may encourage melee combat, where increases to Constitution can be beneficial.
In conclusion, while a druid's Constitution may not directly influence their spellcasting abilities, it can impact their overall effectiveness in combat and survival. A balanced approach to ability score improvements is recommended, with a focus on Wisdom increases, while also considering the benefits of enhancing Constitution through items, subclasses, or other features.
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Constitution vs. Wisdom
When it comes to Druids in D&D, both Constitution and Wisdom have their own significance and offer different advantages.
Constitution determines a Druid's Hit Points, providing a bonus to their durability. A higher Constitution score grants more Hit Points, which can be beneficial for a Druid's overall survival. This is especially true when the Druid is not in their Wild Shape, as their own Constitution score comes into play more directly. However, it's worth noting that when a Druid assumes the form of a beast, their Hit Points are determined by the specific beast they transform into, and their own Constitution has less of a direct impact.
On the other hand, Wisdom is crucial for a Druid's spellcasting abilities. The power of a Druid's spells is directly tied to their Wisdom modifier. A higher Wisdom score results in more effective spellcasting, making it a key attribute for any Druid who relies heavily on their magical abilities. Additionally, when preparing spells, the number of spells a Druid can choose is determined by their Wisdom modifier plus their Druid level. This further emphasizes the importance of Wisdom for Druids who want to have a broader selection of spells at their disposal.
While Constitution provides a boost to the Druid's overall resilience, Wisdom is essential for unlocking the full potential of their spellcasting capabilities. It is worth noting that Dexterity can also play a role in improving a Druid's durability, but Wisdom increases are generally considered more crucial for their overall effectiveness. Ultimately, the decision to focus on Constitution or Wisdom depends on the specific playstyle and preferences of the player controlling the Druid character.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there are certain items and abilities in D&D that can provide bonuses to a Druid's Constitution or Wisdom, further enhancing their capabilities. For example, the Chef ability allows Druids to choose between increasing their Constitution or Wisdom, providing a way to bolster these attributes.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution can help with a druid's durability, but it is not necessary as their Wild Shape hit points don't rely on Constitution at all. Wisdom increases are more crucial for a druid.
Focusing on Constitution can help increase a druid's hit points. This can be done through items like the Belt of Dwarvenkind, the fortitude Ioun Stone, or the Belt of Giant Strength.
Constitution may not be as useful for a druid compared to other classes as they often rely on Wild Shape, which does not depend on Constitution. Additionally, some feats that increase Constitution, like Savage Attacker, may not provide a significant advantage.
Wisdom is crucial for a druid as it powers their spells. Dexterity can also be useful to improve their durability. Intelligence is only necessary if you want your druid to have Knowledge skills.
