D&D 5E Clothing for Change Shape for Monsters

[beaumontsebos]

Hello there,

There are a few monsters that have a change shape feature. At the end it says "Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed."

RAW, I think that means clothing also.

But that seems pretty awkward for some humanoid monsters that would normally wear clothes.

Anybody rule differently on this, or do you just let the shape changer run around nude?

 

[Oofta]

Depends on the shape changer. Lycanthropes need to either wear something that can conform to the new shape or get new clothes. Other shapechangers such as dopplegangers "make" the new clothes as part of their new form similar to Mystique in the movies.

EDIT: At least that's how it works in my campaign, others will vary. I don't think there is one true answer. In general, shapechangers that transform into any other creature can make their own clothes.

 

[Nebulous]

That's something I often forget about when using shapechanging monsters, like when a yuan-ti turns into a snake and then back into humanoid. I often just let everything transform and then reappear, but that's because I forget. But it also rarely comes up.

 

[iserith]

All shape-changing monsters in my campaign wear lycra or spandex leotards and sandals without heels.

 

[Salthorae]

I usually just let clothing meld into the new form like a druid's wild shape. It's easier bookkeeping.

 

[RSIxidor]

I let it be part of the transformation if the creature wants it to be. Keeps it simple.

 

[iserith]

I would say that having the NPC turning up with new outfits on multiple times per day or frequently seen in torn, ragged clothes is a pretty good way to telegraph to the players that this is a shape-changing monster. Embrace it as a fun NPC quirk and an opportunity to provide a clue to the players about this NPC's true nature.

 

[dave2008]

Unless the trait specifically states what the the clothing or equipment is "...absorbed or borne by the new form" like a dragon's shapechange, I assume clothing drops and it is nude with what is worn or carried cannot conform to the new form.

 

[shadowoflameth]

Clothing doesn't change unless the power says it changes. There's a cloak in XGTE that changes as it's power. It always appears as a garment appropriate to your appearance.