Beltane Subdomain
The Beltane Subdomain is a third-party Pathfinder 1e replacement layer for the Sun Domain. It represents bonfires, seasonal renewal and protection from cold, but it does not replace the entire Sun Domain spell list.
At a Glance
| Rules Type | Pathfinder 1e third-party subdomain |
|---|---|
| Associated Domain | Sun |
| Source | Book of the Faithful: Celtic Subdomains; also referenced in Book of Magic: Insurgency of Summer |
| Theme | Bonfires, seasonal warmth, communal protection and renewal |
| Other Editions | No official same-named 3.5e, 5e/2014 or 2024 Cleric subdomain |
Edition Applicability
Beltane is a Pathfinder 1e third-party subdomain. It modifies the Sun Domain rather than standing alone. Only the specified power and domain spells are replaced; all other Sun Domain features and spells remain in place.
Beltane Subdomain — Pathfinder 1e
Rules status: third-party Pathfinder-compatible subdomain from Jon Brazer Enterprises.
Replacement Power: Bonfire Dance
This replaces the Sun Domain’s Nimbus of Light power. At 6th level, you can channel the energy of sacred bonfires into a protective dance. You and allies within 30 feet gain a +1 deflection bonus to AC and cold resistance 5 for a total number of rounds per day equal to your Cleric level. These rounds need not be consecutive. The AC bonus increases by +1 for every four Cleric levels beyond 8th, and the cold resistance becomes 10 at 14th level.
Replacement Domain Spells
| 2nd | Snapdragon Fireworks replaces the Sun Domain’s 2nd-level spell |
|---|---|
| 6th | Fire Seeds replaces the Sun Domain’s 6th-level spell |
All other domain-spell levels remain those of the base Sun Domain.
How the Beltane Subdomain Plays
Beltane trades the base Sun Domain’s 6th-level power for a group defensive aura and changes only two spell levels. It is therefore still fundamentally a Sun cleric, but one whose identity is communal warmth and seasonal fire rather than pure radiance.
Rites and Campaign Use
Beltane priests mark the turning toward the warm season with bonfires, dance and rites for livestock, crops and community protection. At the table, the subdomain is most useful when the party benefits from staying close together under pressure from cold or winter-themed enemies.
Related Domains and Character Options
Rules Sources and Licensing
The Beltane Subdomain follows Jon Brazer Enterprises’ Book of the Faithful: Celtic Subdomains. The critical correction is that only Nimbus of Light and the 2nd- and 6th-level domain spells are replaced.