[RPG] Is the homebrew elf subrace feature balanced

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For my 5e homebrew setting, I'm making an elf subrace that's supposed to be able to turn into a tiny animal (like a squirrel, raccoon, wildcat etc) once per long rest, for a number of hours equal to half of the character's level, so 1st level character would be able to change shape for 30 minutes, 2nd level for 1 hour, and so forth.

Do you think this trait is balanced? If not, what do you think I should change?

For clarity, here's the full subrace trait list:

  • Wisdom +1
  • Fey shapechange (working title): once per long rest polymorph into any animal of tiny size for a number of hours equal to half of your character level.

Best Answer

You should be okay but be careful of stepping on the druid's toes

There is nothing particularly unbalanced about the feature. You can sort of compare it to gaining a bit less than 1/3 of the Magic Initiate feature for Find Familiar which can be done with Variant Human. (As long as the Tiny beasts are of a low CR, thanks @PL457)

However, it does fill a very similar role to the druid's Wild Shape feature. If there is a druid (especially one who's not Circle of the Moon) in the same party, both characters will be using the Tiny forms for things like recon and getting into locations otherwise unreachable. Some groups will work with this fine while others might have some tension. You should just be aware of this fact before playing with such a homebrew.

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