Questions about Investment of the Chain Master

Quote from Tarod_ >>

Quote from SmiteMakesRight_3_5 >>

 [...] Wildshape is not a magical effect [...]

 We had a conversation in one of the threads I linked regarding this SAC answer:

Can you use Dispel Magic to dispel a magical effect like a Druid’s Wild Shape?

Dispel Magic has a particular purpose: to break other spells. It has no effect on a magical effect that isn’t created by a spell unless the text says otherwise (though the DM can always make exceptions).

 

I suspect that's a carry-over from 2014.

In 2014, Wild Shape was explicitly stated to be magical.

Starting at 2nd level, you can use your action to magically assume the shape of a beast that you have seen before. You can use this feature twice. You regain expended uses when you finish a short or long rest.

Unless I missed something, the 2024 version no longer meets the magical effect criteria. I think the Sage Advice entry should be removed.

Wild Shape

The power of nature allows you to assume the form of an animal. As a Bonus Action, you shape-shift into a Beast form that you have learned for this feature (see “Known Forms” below). You stay in that form for a number of hours equal to half your Druid level or until you use Wild Shape again, have the Incapacitated condition, or die. You can also leave the form early as a Bonus Action.

...

Rules While Shape-Shifted. While in a form, you retain your personality, memories, and ability to speak, and the following rules apply:

Temporary Hit Points. When you assume a Wild Shape form, you gain a number of Temporary Hit Points equal to your Druid level.

Game Statistics. Your game statistics are replaced by the Beast’s stat block, but you retain your creature type; Hit Points; Hit Point Dice; Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores; class features; languages; and feats. You also retain your skill and saving throw proficiencies and use your Proficiency Bonus for them, in addition to gaining the proficiencies of the creature. If a skill or saving throw modifier in the Beast’s stat block is higher than yours, use the one in the stat block.

No Spellcasting. You can’t cast spells, but shape-shifting doesn’t break your Concentration or otherwise interfere with a spell you’ve already cast.

Objects. Your ability to handle objects is determined by the form’s limbs rather than your own. In addition, you choose whether your equipment falls in your space, merges into your new form, or is worn by it. Worn equipment functions as normal, but the DM decides whether it’s practical for the new form to wear a piece of equipment based on the creature’s size and shape. Your equipment doesn’t change size or shape to match the new form, and any equipment that the new form can’t wear must either fall to the ground or merge with the form. Equipment that merges with the form has no effect while you’re in that form.

Yeah, it's odd.

Maybe it's because the Druid description says they harness the magic of animals, plants, and the four elements to heal, transform into animals, and wield elemental destruction?

Quote from Tarod_ >>

Yeah, it's odd.

Maybe it's because the Druid description says they harness the magic of animals, plants, and the four elements to heal, transform into animals, and wield elemental destruction?

Maybe? Maybe they oopsied on the revised wording of the ability. Transforming into animals can be accomplished via Druid spells so their fluff description doesn't nail it down. I was really surprised when I looked closely though.

Yes, pseudodragon is the only familiar that does not take up the warlocks action economy if you only spam sting, as it is a special action, and not restricted by the find familiars attack restriction.

As attack is a hard defined term in 5e/5.5e as rolling a d20 to hit.

BUT, this also means that you cannot sacrifice your attack + familiar reaction to sting, or use a bonus action to get the familiar to sting.

It should also be noted, that pseudodragon is the only familiar (other than quasit scare), to benefit from the increased save DC being your own, rather than the basic 12 the familiar has. I REALY wish improved chain also gave your magic spell attack to your familiars attack as well, cause you end up all going with pseudodragons to sting and combo-ing it with summon undead, due to action economy

I think also the Heart Sight Action from a Sprite.