Shape Shift

[Kangleton]

Ok, simple question. When someone is polymorphes, or shape shifted, or whatever you want to call it... can they still speak the languages they can speak in humanoid form? I think not, but I want to know the rule.

I mean, it doesn't make sense to me that a Druid can speak the common language while in the form of an animal that doesn't have the right vocal chords. Sure, the Druid is still intelligent enough, but is it physically possible?

I know technically, by game mechanics, they can still speak... but for RP, does it make sense?

[Feydakin]

Sahuagin, undead of all kinds, dragons, genasi and Fran Drescher can all speak, even though their instrument for such communication is very different from that of a typical human. As such, some leniency should be considered for polymorphed creatures.

As a druid, you can always consider speaking druidic (a language that is possible for many animals etc).

As arcane or infernal polymorphs, consider using the proper language for the form you have assumed (ignan for fire type creatures, infernal/abyssal for demons/devils, terran for earthy creatures etc).

[Rhifox]

Personally, I use Telepathy whenever in shapeshifted form (which I indicate with < > marks).

[Saulus]

It could go either way, it's one of those things that's up to the RPer, trying to enforce that kind of thing is just a little too hardcore. Remember it is the realms, odder things have happened than a talking panther or [insert polymorph here].

[Dark presence]

Well the PHB says that druids can't speak while wildshaped if the form doesn't allow actual speech. It seems to imply the same for polymorph spells for mages too.

Although it also says that druids can communicate normally with other animals of the same type when wildshaped. I suppose that means they can bark as a wolf and other wolves understand it as a language.

Personally I don't speak when wildshaped. I agree it doesn't make sense.

Talking animals are possible 'by the book' though, if you look at the Awaken spell (of course then they aren't actually animals anymore but magical beasts).

[R3VOLV360]

When in doubt... turn to literature

[InfamousJoe]

I think there's actually a feat in the game that would allow druid to speak in shape shift form, the same feat that allows them to continue to cast spells in shapeshift form.

[GodBeastX]

Well the PHB says that druids can't speak while wildshaped if the form doesn't allow actual speech. It seems to imply the same for polymorph spells for mages too.

Welcome to interpretation. I interpret this to mean, a creature that doesn't have faculties to form speech cannot speak. For example, parrots can talk english. I figure a cat could too if it had the mental capability. Can a geletine cube, or something else without a mouth? How about a spider?

I say if it has a tongue, it can talk common. If it doesn't it might not be able to.

[Feydakin]

And if it has a penis it can direct traffic.

[Brenil]

I can't speak for Druids (because they suck), but when it comes to arcane Shapeshift, I believe the most commonly accepted theory is that the spell itself only effects the physical and not the mental (unless there is an exception, say the user is half-way insane to begin with). This would imply that while the body may change, the mind does not, therefore all knowledge - including languages - would be retained and allow the person to speak in any form as long as said form has verbal communication organs.

So, the way I treat such things when Hlaine shapeshifts is that he speaks common as usual, but his voice obviously changes (therefore while in Devil Form I use italics to suggest this) as does his demeanour if he loses focus. While most people that use Shapeshift do not lose their personality or have it effected in any way; Hlaine's unique background makes it different on him and allows a personality split if he loses focus while shifted. This brings the reason why in Devil form Hlaine speaks common (even when he believes he's the cornugon Tirsami of Dis), is because he believes he's a devil in his mind (yet really isn't) and has flashes of fragments of memory that form said personality. Yet since all these happened in common, he speaks common, yet to himself he believes he's speaking Infernal.

In general though, I agree with GBX, if they have the verbal organs to speak, they can speak any language the player knows and since polymorph typically (above example not withstanding) doesn't effect the mind, this means in almost all cases you should be able to speak common if you wish.

Of course, you can always opt not to, that's your RP decision.

[Kangleton]

Well, I can address what you said about the mental properties remaining the same:

They do; the character sheet will have the physical stats change, but Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma almost always remain consistent. I think they do 100% of the time, but there may be exceptions. I'm not aware of them though.

So yes, the knowledge of language would be unaltered, and the shapeshifter would understand all things spoken that they would in human form... but physically, things are different, and speach is very much a physical thing, as it is mental.

But I suppose the question was answered, and that it is left up to interpretation on the part of the RP'er. Fair enough. Thanks guys.