Wildshaped Druid and Animal Speed

[Marc Radle]

We've always played that a druid wildshaped into an animal (or whatever) gets that creatures base speed. However, I was doing some research earlier today and I don't see that spelled out in either the wildshape entry or the beastshape I spell.

Have we been using a houserule disguised as an actual official rule???

[Kimera757]

Probably you're using a house rule. IIRC beast shape specifically limits the creature's flying speed. Since it doesn't say anything about speed, the druid shouldn't get that. (An enemy might wonder why a creature is moving so quickly or slowly.)

[Lyle McMillen]

Actually, by RAW your base speed (i.e. speed while walking/running) does change to match the base speed of your new form, as described in the descriptions of the specific rules covering each of the schools of magic. Under the Polymorph subheading in the Transmutation school (sorry, don't have a CRB page reference to hand just now), it is stated: "Your base speed changes to match that of the form you assume." However, your fly, swim, burrow, and climb speeds are all limited by both the form and the spell, whichever is lower.
Every druid player and GM should read this section very carefully - polymorph effects are very powerful and versatile, but have well-defined limts.

[Marc Radle]

Ah ha! I'll bet that's it!