Fallen Seraph said:
I could see it working, but... I would see it be a very high-level ability, and also something where the Druid has some sort of system (such as sustain minor) to show that he is having to will the other characters to stay in that form (given that it isn't natural like it is with a Druid to be in that form).
In 4e, I think you're right.
In another system, I could see it at lower levels. I used to play a lot of Champions/Hero System, where the special effect was complete RP/fluff, and the mechanics behind it could define many things.
So an ability for a group to travel faster in a forest but can't have mounts is a reasonable power. Being able to have a mass illusion that you look like local animals would be a mid-ranged power. Put them together and it's a high-mid, but not crazy. And it does the same thing as just turning everyone into monkeys who can braciate.
You know, I take that back. If it's anything liek the current 3.5 wildshape, you'd be able to give everyone an interesting utility ability, at the cost of all of their equipment (melds in) and possibly the ability to cast spells. You know, if you evaluate that on it's own and not as "super hyper wildshape that applies to the whole party", that's a reasonable not-too-high-level ability.
There is a first level druid spell that turns someone into a wolf, with increase movement and a bite attack and such. First level. A spell to give a useful (but not really combat useful) natural animal form to a number of people that stops the use of their gear and spells wouldn't be outrageous somewhere in the first 10 levels of play.
Cheers,
=Blue(23)