I think you can get innate spellcasting though, while keeping the dragon's stats.
Yeah, innate is not a class feature.
Honestly, the inclusion of the term "class feature" when referring to a NPC stat block is a little vague. I think it was confirmed that spellcasting was one thing it refers too.
in the shapechange spell, it is specified that the creature you turn into must be an "generic" version of that creature, so no variant features introduced in sidebars would be available (and of course no class features) the same does not seem to be the case for true polymorph tho, at least not explicitly, so you could theoretically cast it on a chair and turn it into an halfling necromancer from volo's guide or other schenanigans
That is correct for true polymorph, however we were talking about a metallic dragon's "change shape" action at the time. Which calls out class features specifically.
If I get true Polymorph, Im going to permanently turn myself into a dragon or Balor. But having my centaur sidekick run around the outside of combat with the best magic bow I can get would be helpful.
if you do so, you would permanently loose ALL of your class features
Actually, no. You don't loose ANY of your class features using True Polymorph (TP) spell.
No where in the spell's description does it ever say "you lose all your class abilities". In fact, it suggests otherwise. "The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can't speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech unless its new form is capable of such actions". The spell wouldn't have to state that you can't cast spells if you had already lost that ability from spellcasting being a class ability. If you TP into a Planetar you can easily cast spells as the form speaks, has hands similar to your old race, and can easily hold a spellcasting focus. It also doesn't say you lose, feats, languages known, skills, memories, etc. You might not be able to use them, depending on form, but you don't lose the knowledge of them.
If I get true Polymorph, Im going to permanently turn myself into a dragon or Balor. But having my centaur sidekick run around the outside of combat with the best magic bow I can get would be helpful.
if you do so, you would permanently loose ALL of your class features
Actually, no. You don't loose ANY of your class features using True Polymorph (TP) spell.
No where in the spell's description does it ever say "you lose all your class abilities". In fact, it suggests otherwise. "The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can't speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech unless its new form is capable of such actions". The spell wouldn't have to state that you can't cast spells if you had already lost that ability from spellcasting being a class ability. If you TP into a Planetar you can easily cast spells as the form speaks, has hands similar to your old race, and can easily hold a spellcasting focus. It also doesn't say you lose, feats, languages known, skills, memories, etc. You might not be able to use them, depending on form, but you don't lose the knowledge of them.
Did you necro a 6 month old thread just to skip the second sentence of the effect you are arguing about? "The target’s game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the new form." Class features, racial traits, feats, all proficiencies, etc are "game statistics".
There is a reason there is another level 9 spell for becoming other creatures. Shapechange specifically lets you keep your class features.
That line you pointed out is probably because of how many magic items can give non-casters spells. To use your example, if you true poly into a planetar you lose all your class spells but can still use your wand of fireballs.
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That is correct for true polymorph, however we were talking about a metallic dragon's "change shape" action at the time. Which calls out class features specifically.
The real question is if you were a centaur paladin, what would you call as your steed?
Actually, no. You don't loose ANY of your class features using True Polymorph (TP) spell.
No where in the spell's description does it ever say "you lose all your class abilities". In fact, it suggests otherwise. "The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can't speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech unless its new form is capable of such actions". The spell wouldn't have to state that you can't cast spells if you had already lost that ability from spellcasting being a class ability. If you TP into a Planetar you can easily cast spells as the form speaks, has hands similar to your old race, and can easily hold a spellcasting focus. It also doesn't say you lose, feats, languages known, skills, memories, etc. You might not be able to use them, depending on form, but you don't lose the knowledge of them.
Did you necro a 6 month old thread just to skip the second sentence of the effect you are arguing about? "The target’s game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the new form." Class features, racial traits, feats, all proficiencies, etc are "game statistics".
There is a reason there is another level 9 spell for becoming other creatures. Shapechange specifically lets you keep your class features.
That line you pointed out is probably because of how many magic items can give non-casters spells. To use your example, if you true poly into a planetar you lose all your class spells but can still use your wand of fireballs.