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I'm new to playing a Druid and there are a few things that are unclear to me about what the Druid can and cannot do when taking the shape of an elemental.
1) Communication: is the Druid still able to speak in elemental form?
2) Equipment: as I understand it, the Druid's equipment melds into the new form and becomes unusable. But can the following be done: the Druid in human form gives her backpack containing wands, scrolls, etc to another party member, then shifts to elemental shape, then the other party member hands them their backpack back. Would the elemental be able to wear it?
I would tend to think...
Fire elemental, no, the items would burn.
Earth elemental, yes, but if you use earth glide, can you take the items with you through the stone?
Air and Water elemental, I am not sure, I would say the elemental can at least hold one wand...
Although I guess a Water elemental would ruin a scroll when handling it, by smudging the ink...?
I'm curious to see how other people handle this in their own games.
In one of my campaigns, the Druid can not speak in any animal form or Elemental form. She has gotten around this by having a Ring of Telepathy enchanted to work in her Wild Shape so that she can communicate with folks.
I would allow anything with hands that isn't destructive to be able to use items. I mean, why not? Sure the Fire Elemental is probably gonna crisp things you had to him but other than that, I'd be good with it. The common sense reasons you give above also make sense to me. Earth glide, sure, take it with you.
Hope some of this helps
Have Fun out there!!
~ W ~
I'm new to playing a Druid and there are a few things that are unclear to me about what the Druid can and cannot do when taking the shape of an elemental.
1) Communication: is the Druid still able to speak in elemental form?
2) Equipment: as I understand it, the Druid's equipment melds into the new form and becomes unusable. But can the following be done: the Druid in human form gives her backpack containing wands, scrolls, etc to another party member, then shifts to elemental shape, then the other party member hands them their backpack back. Would the elemental be able to wear it?
I would tend to think...
Fire elemental, no, the items would burn.
Earth elemental, yes, but if you use earth glide, can you take the items with you through the stone?
Air and Water elemental, I am not sure, I would say the elemental can at least hold one wand...
Although I guess a Water elemental would ruin a scroll when handling it, by smudging the ink...?I'm curious to see how other people handle this in their own games.
1 Edit, didnt notice you were talking about elementals on point 1. I would state that an elemental is only able to speak its own language. If the druid knows terran for an earth elemental then they can speak terran, otherwise not. Since druids are limited only to the sounds what they are shaping into can naturally make.
2. This one is less clear. One could argue that anyone with hands could use a wand or scroll. But that is definately dm discretion. I normally dont allow elementals to manipulate equipment made for huminoids. But I do allow apes to do so. So if you wildshaped into a monkey I would probably let you. Earth elemental, for my table at least I'd say no.
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Are you looking for RAW answers? If so, these are easy.
Polymorph effects do not prevent a character from speaking, though you are limited by the creature's inherent ability to communicate. Nothing prevents an elemental from speaking or learning any language, so yes - elementals can speak.
The burn special ability only affects characters. A fire elemental can use any item it can hold.
Earth glide does not specify that its benefits extend to your equipment. If an effect intends for a creature to be able to do this, it will typically specify such (see meld with stone).
A water elemental's touch only affects fires.