Wild-shape is listed as a Supernatural Ability, but it also states that it functions like the various Beast Shape spells, which have components. I've seen conflicting opinions on this forum as whether or not Supernatural Abilities require fulfilling the components to cast, so I though I'd ask:
Does Wild-shape require the druid to have all necessary components on them to activate? Would a totally unequipped druid would be unable to transform? Would they be unable to transform when grappled in their normal form?
It functions like the spell, but it doesn't actually cast the spell.
No, Wild Shape does not require components. Neither Spell-like nor Supernatural abilities require material components.
- Gauss
Supernatural Abilities require no somatic, verbal, or material components.
I'm surprised that you've seen conflicting opinions, since spell-like abilities don't require any components at all -- and supernatural abilities are so much easier to use that they don't even require concentration. So yeah, druids can Wild Shape while unequipped or grappled.
A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, or material component, nor does it require a focus. The user activates it mentally. Armor never affects a spell-like ability's use, even if the ability resembles an arcane spell with a somatic component.
Using a spell-like ability works like casting a spell in that it requires concentration and provokes attacks of opportunity. Spell-like abilities can be disrupted. ... Using a supernatural ability.. cannot be disrupted, does not require concentration, and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.