D&D 5E (2024) Suggested Wildshape tweak (houserule)

[evilbob]

One advantage Moon druids had in 5.0 was the option to wildshape as a bonus action. All druids wildshaped as an action, but Moon druids could use a bonus action instead. In 5.5, this was changed so that all druids wildshape as a bonus action. But unlike 4.0, actions cannot be converted to bonus actions (previously: minor actions). This leaves a few odd edge cases where 5.5 druids are penalized by not being able to wildshape as an action. For example: a druid wishes to cast Healing Word (or a different spell that is a bonus action) and then wildshape. This can't be done on the same turn. An Ice Devil's attack can strip the target's ability to use bonus actions; this means an affected druid cannot enter or leave wildshape for that turn. A very small number of beasts (typically from 5.0 sources) have bonus actions; you cannot wildshape and then use their bonus action on the same turn. Etc.

I suspect the 5.5 change to wildshape was intended to be a buff in all cases, not a rarely-encountered restriction. My suggestion is to change the text of wildshape to be:

As a Bonus Action or an Action, you shape-shift into a Beast form that you have learned for this feature.
…
You can also leave the form early as a Bonus Action or an Action.

 

[mellored]

I think it's fine if the Ice Devil or casting certain spwlls prevents you from changing. Monsters are allowed to have unique features.

But it's hardly going to break anything.

 

[Clint_L]

Seems like a good suggestion. 2024 Circle of the Moon druids need a lot more help, but that little tweak can't hurt.