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Animal Shapes

Transmutation
Level: 8th-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Duration: Up to 24 hours
Components: V, S

Your magic turns others into beasts. Choose any number of willing creatures that you can see within range. You transform each target into the form of a Large or smaller beast with a challenge rating of 4 or lower. On subsequent turns, you can use your action to transform affected creatures into new forms.

The transformation lasts for the duration for each target, or until the target drops to 0 hit points or dies. You can choose a different form for each target. A target's game statistics are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast, though the target retains its alignment and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. The target assumes the hit points of its new form, and when it reverts to its normal form, it returns to the number of hit points it had before it transformed. If it reverts as a result of dropping to 0 hit points, any excess damage carries over to its normal form. As long as the excess damage doesn't reduce the creature's normal form to 0 hit points, it isn't knocked unconscious. The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can't speak or cast spells.

The target's gear melds into the new form. The target can't activate, wield, or otherwise benefit from any of its equipment.

Concentration

Spell Details

School: Transmutation
Level: 8
Ritual: No
Concentration: Yes
Classes: Druid
A-Tier Animal Shapes is a powerful action economy multiplier that transforms multiple allies into combat-effective beasts with high survivability and damage output.

Player Guide

Transform your entire party into optimized beast forms based on the encounter—choose flying forms for aerial mobility, tanky forms like bears for frontline defense, or high-damage forms like tigers for burst damage. The ability to change forms on subsequent turns allows you to adapt mid-combat; shift to defensive forms if allies are taking heavy damage or to mobility forms to reposition. Coordinate with your allies beforehand to maximize synergy, such as transforming the rogue into a wolf for pack tactics or the wizard into a flying form for positioning advantage.

DM Tips

Clarify which beast forms provide which stat blocks before transformation to avoid delays; reference the Monster Manual or use consistent CR 4 or lower beasts. Remember that transforming requires willing participants and concentration—dispel magic or a failed concentration save ends all transformations, so emphasize this vulnerability to intelligent enemies.