D&D 5E Wild Shape really needs to be a druid-specific spell.

[B.T.]

It doesn't need to be a separate class feature.

 

[GX.Sigma]

It doesn't need to be a separate class feature.

A spell that takes up 2-3 pages? Why make it a spell when we already have polymorph self​?

 

[Warbringer]

This needs to be a "feature", not a spell.

 

[Paraxis]

It is a cornerstone of the class so 100% disagree with OP. It should be a class feature. Now it should also work like it did in the last playtest packet, an 8 strength halfling druid should not turn into a weak DireBear there should be no such thing as a weak DireBear.

Plus it is less bookkeeping and less prone to cheesy abuse combinations later on.

 

[the Jester]

It doesn't need to be a separate class feature.

Do you have any reasoning behind your argument? Right now I definitely favor it as a class feature, but maybe if there's something more than "because I said", I could be persuaded.

 

[Falling Icicle]

I posted a similar idea a while back: http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?335566-Druid-Idea-Wild-Shape-Costing-Spell-Slots

 

[B.T.]

Do you have any reasoning behind your argument? Right now I definitely favor it as a class feature, but maybe if there's something more than "because I said", I could be persuaded.

It adds an additional subsystem where none is needed.

 

[TwoSix]

It adds an additional subsystem where none is needed.

I wouldn't mind seeing a series of spells like "Shape of the Wolf", "Shape of the Eagle", or "Shape of the Bear".

 

[B.T.]

Even then, they could make a single spell with varying effects depending on the slot you prepare it in.

 

[Kinak]

I think the best argument for moving them into spells is that it makes it possible to take a character from spell-only to wildshape-only without any subclassing or added complication. Healer, shapeshifter, and "nature's wrath" druids can be mixed and matched seamlessly.

Want to play a shapeshifter without spells? Or a nature priest that doesn't shapeshift? Just choose your spells appropriately.

On the other hand, making people dig in the spell section for details on the forms is kind of annoying. But they're going to be back there for the rest of their spells anyway, so it may not be that much of a hassle in the long run.

I wouldn't mind seeing a series of spells like "Shape of the Wolf", "Shape of the Eagle", or "Shape of the Bear".

It would be nice. It could also open the door for some potentially interesting wizard specialties or cleric domains down the road.

Cheers!
Kinak