Modified Classes
Modified Classes
Starting at 2nd level, a druid can transform into any Small or Medium animal once per day per druid level. To take on the form of any creature, the druid must be familiar with it. Druids start familiar with common animals native to the area where they trained as a druid.
Transformation Mechanics:
Physical Stats (STR, DEX, CON) are replaced by those of the chosen animal.
Reflex and Fortitude Saves: Use the druid's base save bonus along with the animal's Dexterity and Constitution modifiers.
Mental Stats (INT, WIS, CHA), Hit Points, and Base Attack Bonus remain those of the druid.
Will Saves: These remain unchanged, using the druid’s Wisdom ability score and base save bonus.
Abilities: The druid gains all physical abilities and sensory capabilities of the animal (including flying, swimming, natural weapons, darkvision, blindsight, etc.).
Transformation: Using Wild Shape is a standard action and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Duration: The transformation has an unlimited duration, allowing the druid to remain in animal form indefinitely until choosing to revert to their original form.
Communication: The druid loses the ability to speak while in animal form but can communicate naturally with other animals of the same type as the new form.
*The normal sound a wild parrot makes is a squawk, so changing to this form does not permit speech.
Equipment: All gear and items in the possession of the druid at the time of transformation meld into the new form and cease to function, though they can still be detected by spells like detect magic.
Reversion on Death: If a druid dies while in animal form, they automatically revert to their original form. This reversion does not occur if the druid is merely unconscious.
Form Expansion:
At 5th level, the druid can also transform into Large or Tiny animals, or Small elementals.
At 8th level, additions include Huge animals or Diminutive animals, Medium elementals, or Small plant creatures.
At 10th level, transformations can include Large elementals, and Large plant creatures.
At 12th level, the ability expands to include Huge elementals, and Huge plant creatures.
At 20th level, the druid can use Wild Shape at will, reflecting their ultimate mastery over the ability to transform.
Learning New Forms:
*The Druid must have access to the appropriate Size and Type of Creature to attempt learning its form.
Observation and Study: A druid can learn the form of a new animal by observing it in its natural environment for a total of at least 24 hours. This observation doesn’t need to be continuous, but it must be conducted within a range that allows detailed study of the creature’s behavior and physical characteristics.
Knowledge Check: After completing the observation period, the druid must make a Knowledge check. The DC for this check depends on the rarity and complexity of the creature:
Common: DC 10 + CR of Creature
Uncommon: DC 15 + CR of Creature
Rare or Exotic: DC 20 + CR of Creature
Very Rare or Highly Magical: DC 25 or higher + CR of Creature
Success and Failure:
Success: The druid becomes familiar with the creature and can transform into it using Wild Shape.
Failure: The druid must spend another 12 hours observing the animal before attempting another Knowledge (Nature) check.
Special Note on Identity: Some druids may choose to live in their animal form for extended periods, so much so that they might begin to forget their true nature as a druid. This can lead to profound existential journeys or crises, depending on individual experiences and the duration of their transformation.