Oksy so obviously not the most original idea out there but DUDE! With RAW you can be even more change-y than any individual changeling or Druid out there. Let’s look at race first. Changelings most iconic ability Change Appearance,
Change Appearance.As an action, you can transform your appearance or revert to your natural form. You can’t duplicate the appearance of a creature you’ve never seen, and you revert to your natural form if you die.
You decide what you look like, including your height, weight, facial features, the sound of your voice, coloration, hair length, sex, and any other distinguishing characteristics. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your game statistics change. You also can’t appear as a creature of a different size than you, and your basic shape stays the same; if you’re bipedal, you can’t use this trait to become quadrupedal, for instance. Your clothing and other equipment don’t change in appearance, size, or shape to match your new form, requiring you to keep a few extra outfits on hand to make the most compelling disguise possible.
Even to the most astute observers, your ruse is usually indiscernible. If you rouse suspicion, or if a wary creature suspects something is amiss, you have advantage on any Charisma (Deception) check you make to avoid detection.
Notice that it’s a racial ability, and that it never actually says humanoid, just creature and race. These are important so let’s go to Druid’s Wildshape. I’m only putting the part that’s relevant because it’s so long but feel free to look it up yourself!
You retain the benefit of any features from your class, race, or other source and can use them if the new form is physically capable of doing so. However, you can’t use any of your special senses, such as darkvision, unless your new form also has that sense.
So, as you can see, you can CHANGE SHAPE WHILE IN A CHANGED SHAPE! Obviously some limitations like size same basic body type but still think about it. Let’s use the bare minimum example of bipedal quadrupedal. We’re gonna say Moon Druid for the most options. A mammoth is a huge quadruped. You know what else is a huge quadruped? Adult dragon. Oh but they have wings maybe that’s no good. Ankylosaurus is huge and only challenge Rating 3 versus the mammoth’s 6. Appear weaker than you actually are? Yes please. Or maybe the other way around. Let’s try tiny. You’re a harmless little cat that sends people running as an intellect devourer. Bat imp rat cranium rat.
Final statements. It’s up to your DM so don’t rules lawyer it. It might be more fun than practical but it’s fun to be impractical sometimes! Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
Actually, as of just before replying to this, copy and pasted for your viewing pleasure:
Change Appearance.As an action, you can transform your appearance or revert to your natural form. You can’t duplicate the appearance of a creature you’ve never seen, and you revert to your natural form if you die.
You decide what you look like, including your height, weight, facial features, the sound of your voice, coloration, hair length, sex, and any other distinguishing characteristics. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your game statistics change. You also can’t appear as a creature of a different size than you, and your basic shape stays the same; if you’re bipedal, you can’t use this trait to become quadrupedal, for instance. Your clothing and other equipment don’t change in appearance, size, or shape to match your new form, requiring you to keep a few extra outfits on hand to make the most compelling disguise possible.
Even to the most astute observers, your ruse is usually indiscernible. If you rouse suspicion, or if a wary creature suspects something is amiss, you have advantage on any Charisma (Deception) check you make to avoid detection.
Nowhere does it say humanoid. Now I’m willing to admit this could be any number of errors. It might be a typo that, since it’s still technically playtest, they will change. Maybe it’s just an error by Beyond. But until it is changed that qualifies it as RAW but thank you for trying if it is officially different somewhere else let us know!
It looks like we've been using different sources-I was using the UA Ebberon found here That says this on Shapechange-
Shapechanger. As an action, you can polymorph into any humanoid of your size that you have seen, or back into your true form. However, your equipment does not change with you. If you die, you revert to your natural appearance.
It looks like yours is more finished up, so it could just be a new edition
Very Interesting idea. I've checked the Wayfinder's rules and your correct. So how can we abuse/utalise this?
I also have some questions Say your a Changeling druid, and turn into a Crag Cat (my fav) and then Change Appearance into a horse. What happens when the wildshape runs out...
I would assume that your stats revert to normal, but you still look like a horse? But does that then break the Change Appearance, or does Change Appearance only apply when you CHANGE?
I hope you are going to bring an errata hammer onto the wording here. My concern is over the discrepancy between wildshape and change shape. Assuming you wildshape first and you can then change shape without it ending the wildshape (first point of contention) nowhere in change shape does it imply your natural modes change. This is unlike wildshape, meaning your lion form looking like a horse means the horse could pounce and bite as lion. I suppose you would if you wanted to back it up as acceptable say that on impact their is a partial minor transformation reversion? If it proceeds with the current wording the game statistics not changing means a giant eagle wildshape then changed shape could appear as a horse (if four limbs is enough to qualify) and fly but only walk 10' which makes me cry. Not sure whether the tears are of laughter or sadness yet.
Of course there are a lot of ways to bring it down but come on people I’m trying to see how this would be fun! I for one love the visual I get from a horse pouncing on and biting something ant think it’s hilarious. Wildshape running out would, to me at least, mean your basic form has changed so you revert completely. If you really want to tear it down I’m sure they might reword something or if you look at the wording on the wildshape, “if your new form is capable of doing so” could easily imply most things can’t change form. Basic shape wise I would argue that a Giant Eagle and a Horse are different horse has four legs Eagle has two legs and two wings. So if you want to continue finding the errors so be it but let’s be imaginative and have some fun!
If its just about amusement and assuming anything could work then:
Wildshape to giant octopus (when in water or you will die) hold your breath 'walk' out and transform into a giant spider with stretchy taffy legs that grapple.
Wildshape to Ape and make cosmetic changes to the face approximating the strongest character in the groups face / hair colour then impersonate them.
The Agent 4.7cm. Wildshape into a singular rot grub, give yourself a barcode pattern on the back. Play silent assassin.
Parrot Pride, works better if you have performance, transform into a parrot, sing, dance and switch colours frequently.
If its just about amusement and assuming anything could work then:
Wildshape to giant octopus (when in water or you will die) hold your breath 'walk' out and transform into a giant spider with stretchy taffy legs that grapple.
Wildshape to Ape and make cosmetic changes to the face approximating the strongest character in the groups face / hair colour then impersonate them.
The Agent 4.7cm. Wildshape into a singular rot grub, give yourself a barcode pattern on the back. Play silent assassin.
Parrot Pride, works better if you have performance, transform into a parrot, sing, dance and switch colours frequently.
This is what I’m talking about! Particularly like the octo-spider
Or say, Wildshape into a Giant Frog make yourself look like a pony. Party sells the Druid-pony to unsuspecting NPC gnome. When nobody is looking, Druid-pony eats the gnome (b/c still a Giant Frog) and makes off with all of the Gnome's gadgets.
I feel that you may be slightly confused. When Wildshaped, you retain features that your wild form is capable of doing. What I mean by this is, say you're a Water Genasi and turn into a bear. You would retain your swimming speed since it's a skill, but not your water breathing because that's a biological feature. Similarly, as an Aarakocra, you would lose your flying speed as a bear since the bear doesn't have wings, but you would still understand the Auran language (Though you're not capable of speaking.)
The ability to change your form as a changling is a part of your biology, it's not a skill you learn. Ergo, you can't change while Wildshaped.
HOWEVER, you did say that this wasn't a rules discussion. In that case, here's an idea:
Giant Eagle Wildshape, Change Form to look like a GIANT GOOSE! Automatic success on Intimidation Checks >:D
I feel that you may be slightly confused. When Wildshaped, you retain features that your wild form is capable of doing. What I mean by this is, say you're a Water Genasi and turn into a bear. You would retain your swimming speed since it's a skill, but not your water breathing because that's a biological feature. Similarly, as an Aarakocra, you would lose your flying speed as a bear since the bear doesn't have wings, but you would still understand the Auran language (Though you're not capable of speaking.)
The ability to change your form as a changling is a part of your biology, it's not a skill you learn. Ergo, you can't change while Wildshaped.
that may be how you rule it but other dms may not and is there an official ruling on this?
I did ask in the 5e RAW Facebook group a while back. The verdict was DM fiat, with a strong leaning towards yes. The Sage advice rulings are generally very liberal; dragonborn breath weapon and the like are carried over.
I would say the "can use them if the new form is physically capable of doing so" part is the important part, and leaves interpretation pretty much entirely to the DM at the table..
That said, this is part of one of my favourite builds - the Changeling Moon Druid/Beast Barb, for the most mutable character you've ever seen and a pretty darn effective mount if you've got a cavalier in your party >:)
Oksy so obviously not the most original idea out there but DUDE! With RAW you can be even more change-y than any individual changeling or Druid out there. Let’s look at race first. Changelings most iconic ability Change Appearance,
Change Appearance. As an action, you can transform your appearance or revert to your natural form. You can’t duplicate the appearance of a creature you’ve never seen, and you revert to your natural form if you die.
You decide what you look like, including your height, weight, facial features, the sound of your voice, coloration, hair length, sex, and any other distinguishing characteristics. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your game statistics change. You also can’t appear as a creature of a different size than you, and your basic shape stays the same; if you’re bipedal, you can’t use this trait to become quadrupedal, for instance. Your clothing and other equipment don’t change in appearance, size, or shape to match your new form, requiring you to keep a few extra outfits on hand to make the most compelling disguise possible.
Even to the most astute observers, your ruse is usually indiscernible. If you rouse suspicion, or if a wary creature suspects something is amiss, you have advantage on any Charisma (Deception) check you make to avoid detection.
Notice that it’s a racial ability, and that it never actually says humanoid, just creature and race. These are important so let’s go to Druid’s Wildshape. I’m only putting the part that’s relevant because it’s so long but feel free to look it up yourself!
So, as you can see, you can CHANGE SHAPE WHILE IN A CHANGED SHAPE! Obviously some limitations like size same basic body type but still think about it. Let’s use the bare minimum example of bipedal quadrupedal. We’re gonna say Moon Druid for the most options. A mammoth is a huge quadruped. You know what else is a huge quadruped? Adult dragon. Oh but they have wings maybe that’s no good. Ankylosaurus is huge and only challenge Rating 3 versus the mammoth’s 6. Appear weaker than you actually are? Yes please. Or maybe the other way around. Let’s try tiny. You’re a harmless little cat that sends people running as an intellect devourer. Bat imp rat cranium rat.
Final statements. It’s up to your DM so don’t rules lawyer it. It might be more fun than practical but it’s fun to be impractical sometimes! Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
I soooooo wish that thi was RAW, but the text specifies humanoid for what you can turn into
Actually, as of just before replying to this, copy and pasted for your viewing pleasure:
Change Appearance. As an action, you can transform your appearance or revert to your natural form. You can’t duplicate the appearance of a creature you’ve never seen, and you revert to your natural form if you die.
You decide what you look like, including your height, weight, facial features, the sound of your voice, coloration, hair length, sex, and any other distinguishing characteristics. You can make yourself appear as a member of another race, though none of your game statistics change. You also can’t appear as a creature of a different size than you, and your basic shape stays the same; if you’re bipedal, you can’t use this trait to become quadrupedal, for instance. Your clothing and other equipment don’t change in appearance, size, or shape to match your new form, requiring you to keep a few extra outfits on hand to make the most compelling disguise possible.
Even to the most astute observers, your ruse is usually indiscernible. If you rouse suspicion, or if a wary creature suspects something is amiss, you have advantage on any Charisma (Deception) check you make to avoid detection.
Nowhere does it say humanoid. Now I’m willing to admit this could be any number of errors. It might be a typo that, since it’s still technically playtest, they will change. Maybe it’s just an error by Beyond. But until it is changed that qualifies it as RAW but thank you for trying if it is officially different somewhere else let us know!
It looks like we've been using different sources-I was using the UA Ebberon found here That says this on Shapechange-
Shapechanger. As an action, you can polymorph into any humanoid of your size that you have seen, or back into your true form. However, your equipment does not change with you. If you die, you revert to your natural appearance.
It looks like yours is more finished up, so it could just be a new edition
Yeah mine is from the released material in Wayfinder’s Guide
Very Interesting idea.
I've checked the Wayfinder's rules and your correct.
So how can we abuse/utalise this?
I also have some questions Say your a Changeling druid, and turn into a Crag Cat (my fav) and then Change Appearance into a horse.
What happens when the wildshape runs out...
I would assume that your stats revert to normal, but you still look like a horse?
But does that then break the Change Appearance, or does Change Appearance only apply when you CHANGE?
I hope you are going to bring an errata hammer onto the wording here. My concern is over the discrepancy between wildshape and change shape. Assuming you wildshape first and you can then change shape without it ending the wildshape (first point of contention) nowhere in change shape does it imply your natural modes change. This is unlike wildshape, meaning your lion form looking like a horse means the horse could pounce and bite as lion. I suppose you would if you wanted to back it up as acceptable say that on impact their is a partial minor transformation reversion? If it proceeds with the current wording the game statistics not changing means a giant eagle wildshape then changed shape could appear as a horse (if four limbs is enough to qualify) and fly but only walk 10' which makes me cry. Not sure whether the tears are of laughter or sadness yet.
Of course there are a lot of ways to bring it down but come on people I’m trying to see how this would be fun! I for one love the visual I get from a horse pouncing on and biting something ant think it’s hilarious. Wildshape running out would, to me at least, mean your basic form has changed so you revert completely. If you really want to tear it down I’m sure they might reword something or if you look at the wording on the wildshape, “if your new form is capable of doing so” could easily imply most things can’t change form. Basic shape wise I would argue that a Giant Eagle and a Horse are different horse has four legs Eagle has two legs and two wings. So if you want to continue finding the errors so be it but let’s be imaginative and have some fun!
If its just about amusement and assuming anything could work then:
Wildshape to giant octopus (when in water or you will die) hold your breath 'walk' out and transform into a giant spider with stretchy taffy legs that grapple.
Wildshape to Ape and make cosmetic changes to the face approximating the strongest character in the groups face / hair colour then impersonate them.
The Agent 4.7cm. Wildshape into a singular rot grub, give yourself a barcode pattern on the back. Play silent assassin.
Parrot Pride, works better if you have performance, transform into a parrot, sing, dance and switch colours frequently.
This is what I’m talking about! Particularly like the octo-spider
Oh, obvious one, horse wildshape, change self give yourself a horn, and 'ahem' "pony" colouration and live your inner pony. Friendship is magic.
You will have to check this for yourself but apparently In OotA there is a Land dwelling airbreathing octopus, so the taffy spider would be possible.
Wild shape into an ape, then change self back into your normal appearance.
Change self into an ape, don't wild shape until you need to.
Or say, Wildshape into a Giant Frog make yourself look like a pony. Party sells the Druid-pony to unsuspecting NPC gnome. When nobody is looking, Druid-pony eats the gnome (b/c still a Giant Frog) and makes off with all of the Gnome's gadgets.
What about enlarge/reduce. Make yourself small, change into halfling. Make yourself large, change into a variety of giants.
I feel that you may be slightly confused. When Wildshaped, you retain features that your wild form is capable of doing. What I mean by this is, say you're a Water Genasi and turn into a bear. You would retain your swimming speed since it's a skill, but not your water breathing because that's a biological feature. Similarly, as an Aarakocra, you would lose your flying speed as a bear since the bear doesn't have wings, but you would still understand the Auran language (Though you're not capable of speaking.)
The ability to change your form as a changling is a part of your biology, it's not a skill you learn. Ergo, you can't change while Wildshaped.
HOWEVER, you did say that this wasn't a rules discussion. In that case, here's an idea:
Giant Eagle Wildshape, Change Form to look like a GIANT GOOSE! Automatic success on Intimidation Checks >:D
that may be how you rule it but other dms may not and is there an official ruling on this?
I am leader of the yep cult:https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/off-topic/adohands-kitchen/82135-yep-cult Pronouns are she/her
I did ask in the 5e RAW Facebook group a while back. The verdict was DM fiat, with a strong leaning towards yes. The Sage advice rulings are generally very liberal; dragonborn breath weapon and the like are carried over.
Edit: here's the breath weapon ruling: https://www.sageadvice.eu/2016/12/29/could-a-dragonborn-druid-use-breath-weapon-while-wildshaped-into-like-a-wolf/
I would say the "can use them if the new form is physically capable of doing so" part is the important part, and leaves interpretation pretty much entirely to the DM at the table..
That said, this is part of one of my favourite builds - the Changeling Moon Druid/Beast Barb, for the most mutable character you've ever seen and a pretty darn effective mount if you've got a cavalier in your party >:)
In MMotM it says you can turn into medium or small creature therefore you can have a mammoth statistics kitty!