Are the beast shape weapon attacks of a Druid, simple or finesse
… especially in conjunction with Monk multiclassing
[RPG] Are the beast shape weapon attacks of a Druid, simple or finesse
dnd-5edruid
Related Solutions
Absolutely Not
As others have stated, no you can not use a focus (of any kind) while Wild Shaped, even if the animal you morph into has hands, and they are empty and holding the focus. All of the information you posted in the original question provides the answers for you so long as you cross reference them. But a lot of people have missed a crucial part of why it can't be done.
The description of the Druidic Focus says (5e PHB, p. 151):
A druidic focus might be [...] a totem object incorporating feathers, fur, bones, and teeth from sacred animals. A druid can use such an object as a spellcasting focus.
This essentially states that you get to create a focus out of whatever you deem worthy to call a focus; pretty neat.
The description of Material (M) components says:
Casting some spells requires particular objects, specified in parentheses in the component entry. A character can use [...] a spellcasting focus in place of the components specified for a spell [but not costly or consumed components]
This is the start of the unravel. Here it says you can use a focus instead of a material component (so long as it has no cost/isn't consumed). So essentially focuses are just fluff/filler for material components that most people over look anyway, but if you don't overlook that stuff it's still a pretty minimal net gain.
Part of the description of the druid's Wild Shape feature says (5e PHB, p. 67):
- You choose whether your equipment falls to the ground in your space, merges into your new form, or is worn by it. [...]
This portion infers that you get to wear or hold your focus if you so choose when you Wild Shape, which is pretty cool.
The druid's Beast Spells feature says (5e PHB, p. 67):
Beginning at 18th level, you can cast many of your druid spells in any shape you assume using Wild Shape. You can perform the somatic and verbal components of a druid spell while in a beast shape, but you aren't able to provide material components.
This is the crucial spot. It specifically says no material components. If you recall from what exactly a focus is, it is essentially a fancy material component. Meaning it can't be used, not because you can't "hold" it, but because for Game Design purposes they disallowed it.
This is further backed up by the fact that they allow somatic components (hand and body gestures) even if you don't have hands or the appropriate body part to do the somatic component, i.e. a snake making a hand sign. So holding/wearing the material component/focus is irrelevant because it is completely outlawed in RAW.
The druid's Archdruid capstone feature says (emphasis mine):
At 20th level, you can use your Wild Shape an unlimited number of times.
Additionally, you can ignore the verbal and somatic components of your druid spells, as well as any material components that lack a cost and aren't consumed by a spell. You gain this benefit in both your natural shape and your beast shape from Wild Shape.
Doesn't this seem a bit redundant? It is because it is trying to show you that it is essentially an improvement to Beast Spells. At this point, once you reach 20th level you no longer need the material/focus component. So even at level 20 the answer is still technically no, but it becomes irrelevant because materials/focuses are no longer even needed.
However, this is D&D - so if the DM says, "Well that's stupid, you should be able to use your focus as long as you are wearing/holding it"... Then boom, there you go: the true answer is "yes, you can, so long as your DM handwaves it".
Yes, a druid in Wild Shape is a beast
For the purposes of creature type you are a 'Beast' (or Elemental at L10) while in Wild Shape form and no longer Humanoid. As it has been pointed out to me by a fellow exchange friend, you are still yourself. Still a druid (with your memories and personality in tact). You never stop being who you are, but your form alters in such a all encompassing way that you do, indeed, stop being a humanoid.
"...Your game statistics are replaced by the statistics of the beast, but you retain your alignment, personality, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. You also retain all of your skill and saving throw proficiencies, in addition to gaining those of the creature..."
So this is, before anything else, saying everything you are is replaced by that of your new form; including creature type. It then gives you exceptions as to what is NOT altered and thus retained from your Druid form, an exception to the Wild Shape rule.
This does have implications such as 'Speak with Animals' making you a legal target as well as (perhaps the most interesting) anything that must target a humanoid (Such as Hold Person and Charm Person) can no longer target you. Since you are now only a Beast.
Related Topic
- [RPG] How does a druid in Wild Shape interact with the Dominate Beast spell
- [RPG] Which benefits from Barbarian, Monk, or Rogue multiclassing work in Moon Druid beast form
- [RPG] Does having natural weapons prevent a multiclassed druid/monk from using Martial Arts while in Wild Shape
- [RPG] Are the attacks of a Wild Shaped druid considered weapon attacks
- [RPG] Are the natural weapon attacks of a druid in Wild Shape magical
Best Answer
The weapon attacks of a creature such as a Beast are 'Natural Weapons' and each entry for those attacks found under the Attack heading for each beast stat block tells you what kind of attack it is.
For instance, a Claw and Bite attack count as a 'Melee Weapon Attack'. Nowhere in the description for these natural weapon attacks do they count as either Finesse OR Simple natural weapons. Those are weapon types attached only to weapons found on the weapons table of the PHB.
Some attacks, such as a spike or spit attack count as a Ranged Weapon Attack for purposes of abilities or skills.
In conjuction with Monk multiclassing? No weapon attack (the natural attack options each beast shape allows you) you could ever make in a Wild Shape form would count as Finesse or Light or Monk Weapons, but they do count as a weapon attack.
Alternatively a 'Unarmed Strike' can be a headbutt, punch, kick, or other forceful blow. I think a bear is capable of a forceful blow... don't you? If only from a headbutt or body check. Which would then use your Monk's Martial Arts damage die and any attached abilities if the form is physically capable of the feature.