Wildshape and Magic Items

[pbd]

Using core rules only, do Druids retain effects from any magic itmes when in Wildshape?

How does this work?

I am playing a druid that plans to spend a good of time wildshaped as a Lion, we are using only core rules, and I am wondering what limitations he will have.

Much thanks rules Nazis , I mean lawyers...
No really, thanks for the help!
pbr

 

[Vlos]

Yes and no.

Your character will retain the effect of the magic item if:
#1 - It has Wilding ability (special power like Vorpal or Keen which allows item to work in wildshape form).
#2 - The form has a similar body shape/part when item is worn.


For example, your druid has a ring of invisibility with Wilding and Cloak of the Bat. Your druid turns into bear form and can use your ring's power of invisibility, but not the Cloak.

To retain an item that doesn't have Wilding on it, the forms must be similar, for example an Elf turning into a Bugbear (if they could do that change). Turning from an elf into a lion is not the same form.

Note: you could also take the item off and then put it back on after you change form. For example using a necklace of WIS +2, you could take it off, then have one of your companions put it on after you shape into a lion.


PS: I believe the power is called Wilding (or close).

 

[Chaldfont]

The wild ability is an armor or shield enhancement. It allows you to use the armor bonus and other enhancements while wildshaped.

For other items, if you can manipulate them or wear them in the new shape, you gain their benefits--otherwise they don't work.

Of course this is totally up to DM interpretation: Why can't a monkey wear a magic ring when that same ring can be worn by a halfling or a human?

 

[ThirdWizard]

Note: you could also take the item off and then put it back on after you change form. For example using a necklace of WIS +2, you could take it off, then have one of your companions put it on after you shape into a lion.

If an item can be put on while shape-changed, why is that not a sufficient reason for it to remain after shape-changing? If the lion can wear the necklace and it functions correctly, why would it dissapear when wildshaping?

 

[Dimwhit]

If you have the Natural Spell feat, your Divine focus (and other foci) can still be used, even if they've melded. Not quite on point, but worth a mention.

 

[irdeggman]

Check out Skip's articles on Rules of the Game at the WotC site. The only on polymorhing (includes any means of shape changing). He does a pretty good job of explaining how things work, by expanding on the rules text.

 

[mikebr99]

Check out Skip's articles on Rules of the Game at the WotC site. The only on polymorhing (includes any means of shape changing). He does a pretty good job of explaining how things work, by expanding on the rules text.

But the RoTG article does nothing WRT this specific question... what magic item slots are still active when you wildshape into an animal form.


Mike