4th Level Arcane, Primordial and Wyrd Transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 12 sqr. (18m)
Components: V, S, M (a caterpillar cocoon)
Duration: 1 hour
This spell transforms a creature that you can see within range into a new form. An unwilling creature must make a Wisdom saving throw to avoid the effect. The spell has no effect on a shapechanger or a creature with 0 hit points.
The transformation lasts for the duration, or until the target drops to 0 hit points or dies. The new form can be any beast whose challenge rating is equal to or less than the target’s (or twice the target’s proficiency bonus, if it doesn’t have a challenge rating). The target’s game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast. It retains its alignment and personality.
When the target transforms into a new form, it adopts the maximum hit points of the new form if the new form’s maximum exceeds the target’s current maximum. If the new form’s maximum is lower, the target’s maximum hit points remain unchanged. The target’s current hit points do not change unless they exceed the new form’s maximum, in which case they are reduced to match it. When the target reverts to its original form, its maximum hit points return to their normal value.
When you switch to a new form with a higher maximum hit point total than your current form, your maximum hit points increase to match the new form’s maximum. If the new form has fewer maximum hit points than your current form, no changes are made. Your current hit points remain the same unless they exceed the new form’s maximum, in which case they are reduced to match the new maximum. When you revert to your original form, your maximum hit points return to their original value.
The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can’t speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech.
The target’s gear melds into the new form. The creature can’t activate, use, wield, or otherwise benefit from any of its equipment.