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Question: While polymorphed, are there ways for a non-wildshaped druid or other spellcaster to cast spells?
What exactly are the limitations, and how might they be circumvented?
So, obviously material components need to be available or the Eschew Materials feat.
Verbal components mean that the form must be able to speak (like a dragon) or Silent Spell applied.
Somatic components are the trickiest. Of course, Still spell removes them, but what exactly is being removed?
It's clear that dragons can perform them, and obviously anything with at least one hand can fulfill the requirements. However, there is some ambiguity about how other forms might do so.
Any thoughts?
My GM has made a ruling, and I'm not going to contest it, I'm just curious about how other people might handle this in their campaign. A custom feat? A failure chance for arcane spells? Or is it too OP and if you don't got digits you're SOL?
For context, the case I'm thinking about is:
Share ShapeSchool transmutation (polymorph); Level ranger 3, sorcerer/wizard 4, witch 4
CASTING
Casting Time 1 standard actionEFFECT
Duration 1 hour/level (D)DESCRIPTION
This spell functions as beast shape II, but you may only assume the form of an animal of a type identical to your animal companion or familiar. If your familiar or companion is not an animal, this spell has no effect.
Relevant rules:
"While in such a form, you cannot cast any spells that require material components (unless you have the Eschew Materials or Natural Spell feat), and can only cast spells with somatic or verbal components if the form you choose has the capability to make such movements or speak, such as a dragon."
"Somatic (S): A somatic component is a measured and precise movement of the hand. You must have at least one hand free to provide a somatic component."
A spellcasting creature that lacks hands or arms can provide any somatic component a spell might require by moving its body. Such a creature also does need material components for its spells. The creature can cast the spell by either touching the required component (but not if the component is in another creature’s possession) or having the required component on its person. Sometimes spellcasting creatures utilize the Eschew Materials feat to avoid fussing with noncostly components.
Post.
"For humanoids, somatic components include hand gestures. For things with other shaped bodies, somatic components include whatever gestures their body naturally makes, be that paw or leg movements, tail wagging, squirming bodies, or whatever."
Natural SpellYou can cast spells even while in a form that cannot normally cast spells.
Prerequisites: Wis 13, wild shape class feature.
Benefit: You can complete the verbal and somatic components of spells while using wild shape. You substitute various noises and gestures for the normal verbal and somatic components of a spell.
You can also use any material components or focuses you possess, even if such items are melded within your current form. This feat does not permit the use of magic items while you are in a form that could not ordinarily use them, and you do not gain the ability to speak while using wild shape.
If you are one of the Occult classes, you can cast spells mentally.
If you are an Arcanist with the exploit Lepidstadt Shifter, they can cast a spell while under the effects of a Polymorph spell by spending a point from their arcane reservoir.
Since Sorcerers automatically get Eschew Material Components, they would usually need Still Spell and Silent Spell in order to cast their spells. It would be very unusual for a Wizard to have Eschew Material Components.
If you are one of the Occult classes, you can cast spells mentally.
For the most part that is true. Psychic casting still doesn't let you ignore expensive material components or focus components. Otherwise you are good to go.