Ancestral Spirits
Source: The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial
Type: Spirit Fae Entity
Sentience: Yes
Physical Description
It is not clear if Ancestral Spirits exist separately from the druid who calls upon them or not. They may be the actual souls of the departed, or they may exist solely through magic interacting with the druid's perception—manifestations of ancestral memory and spiritual connection rather than independent entities. Their appearance varies but often reflects how they looked in life, though they may appear translucent, ethereal, or with features that indicate their spiritual nature. Some may appear as they were at the time of death, while others may appear in their prime.
Ancestral Spirits may have a faint glow or shimmer, and their presence is often accompanied by feelings of nostalgia, wisdom, or protection. They may appear as fully formed humanoid spirits or as more abstract presences that communicate through feelings, visions, or symbolic representations.
Personality
Ancestral Spirits are protective, wise, and often concerned with the well-being of their descendants and family lines. They offer guidance based on their life experiences and may be sources of ancestral knowledge, traditions, and cultural memory.
Different ancestral spirits may have different personalities based on who they were in life. Some may be stern and demanding, others nurturing and supportive. They are generally benevolent toward those they consider family or descendants, but may be neutral or even hostile toward those who dishonor their memory or traditions.
Location
Ancestral Spirits can only be called upon using sophisticated rituals in places that held great meaning to them in life: - Family gravesites or burial grounds where the ancestor is interred - Ancestral homes or lands where they lived and worked - Places of great personal significance to the ancestor (battlefields where they fought, places they built, landmarks they protected) - Sites where important family events occurred - Locations where the ancestor's presence would be felt most strongly
They cannot be casually encountered—they must be summoned through elaborate rituals that honor their memory and connect to the places where they left their mark on the world. The ritual requires preparation, offerings, and knowledge of the ancestor's life and significance.
Bond Tiers and Rewards
As a Druid's bond with Ancestral Spirits strengthens, they gain cumulative abilities and spells. Ancestral Spirits grant powers of guidance, protection, and communion with the dead.
Tier 1: Initial Bond (Minimum Level 10)
Special Ability: Ancestral Guidance Once per short rest, you can ask your ancestors for guidance, gaining advantage on one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
Granted Spells: Augury, Detect Evil and Good
Tier 2: Growing Bond
Special Ability: Spirit Ward Your ancestors protect you. You gain +1 to all saving throws and have advantage on death saving throws.
Granted Spells: Divination, Locate Object
Tier 3: Strong Bond
Special Ability: Commune with the Dead Once per day, you can cast Speak with Dead without expending a spell slot. Additionally, you can sense the presence of undead within 60 feet.
Granted Spells: Speak with Dead, Commune
Tier 4: Deep Bond
Special Ability: Ancestral Resurrection Once per week, when you drop to 0 hit points, your ancestors intervene. You instead drop to 1 HP and regain hit points equal to half your maximum.
Granted Spells: Legend Lore, True Seeing
Spell Slot Bonuses
In addition to granted spells and special abilities, your Ancestral Spirit patron grants bonus spell slots based on bond strength:
- Tier 1: No bonus (baseline)
- Tier 2: +1 spell slot at highest available level
- Tier 3: +2 spell slots distributed across levels
- Tier 4: +3 spell slots distributed across levels
Note: Ancestral Spirits may have different backgrounds (warrior, sage, healer, etc.) which can influence their personality and guidance, but all grant the same mechanical benefits.
Related: Fae Beings | Druid | Fae Magic Overview | Fae Bond Tiers