For example, if I were an 8th level Druid and wild shaped into a Lion for some reason, is that the sort of thing that can be seen in any reliable way? I can see lots of DM rulings involving Investigation rolls, Animal Handling, Nature, or the like.
But is there a spell or written reference in the books anywhere that specifically calls out an answer to this?
If you mean if it can be observed that the individual shapes into another form as they use the ability? Yes, that can be detected.
Can you identify the lion as the druid on first glance? I'd say no, but if you observe the lion doing things that an animal wouldn't normally do, I'd let you make a check to see if you recognize something 'off'. If you have seen the druid as a lion before, I might rule that the lion always looks the same, so that companions of the druid may recognize the lion as the druid (or let them make a check to recognize the same fur patterns).
Wild Shape is 'magically' transforming into an animal, so if you used detect magic, you would see that the lion is magical (Transmutation), but you could not tell what it was originally.
The Inquisitive Rogue's "Unerring Eye" feature also allows them to sense the presence of shapeshifted beings, though all they know is that an effect is trying to trick them.
For example, if I were an 8th level Druid and wild shaped into a Lion for some reason, is that the sort of thing that can be seen in any reliable way?
I can see lots of DM rulings involving Investigation rolls, Animal Handling, Nature, or the like.
But is there a spell or written reference in the books anywhere that specifically calls out an answer to this?
Thanks so much
Truesight reveals the actual form of shapechangers. Other than that it’s DMs discretion on the means to tell if a creature is shape changed
Not sure if I understand your question correctly.
If you mean if it can be observed that the individual shapes into another form as they use the ability? Yes, that can be detected.
Can you identify the lion as the druid on first glance? I'd say no, but if you observe the lion doing things that an animal wouldn't normally do, I'd let you make a check to see if you recognize something 'off'. If you have seen the druid as a lion before, I might rule that the lion always looks the same, so that companions of the druid may recognize the lion as the druid (or let them make a check to recognize the same fur patterns).
Wild Shape is 'magically' transforming into an animal, so if you used detect magic, you would see that the lion is magical (Transmutation), but you could not tell what it was originally.
Does that help?
More Interesting Lock Picking Rules
It does, indeed!
Thank you
Excellent. I'd forgotten about Truesight.
Thanks so much
Moonbeam can also, potentially, reveal someone shapeshifted.
Certainly fits the bill, if a bit more brutal. Thanks!
It’s just a simple beam of light, it won’t hurt at all.
...are you joking or unaware of the moonbeam spell? It kind of hurts by definition
Yes sorry, I always forget my sarcasm tags! All good 🙂
The Inquisitive Rogue's "Unerring Eye" feature also allows them to sense the presence of shapeshifted beings, though all they know is that an effect is trying to trick them.
Oo good catch!