Can Alter Self 5e change gender?

You can alter the appearance of your face and appear like the other sex by changing your appearance. But it isn’t. It can alter your sexuality. It could change your sexuality, i.e. the physical body parts you possess. It’s not connected to your body but to your mind and how you see your Self. Let us begin the spell of Alter self 5e.

How to use Alter Self with Druid?

Based on the words of Alter Self, you can make use of an action to stop one result of the spell and then switch to another. Druids can use the spells Alter Self, Wild Shape and then use Alter Self to grant Wild Shape the Wild Shape beast form extra capabilities. The question is: Can the Druid with pre-cast Alter Self modify the appearance of the creature they wild shape into?

I haven’t been able to locate “designer intent” for this combination. However, it is to be clear and enforceable by rules. There is no reason to interpret it in a way that overstates the meaning of what’s happening. The key elements that comprise the Alter Self description include generally:

While the spell is in effect, it is possible to stop one act to reap the advantages of a new one.

In addition, and specifically concerning the option of changing appearance:

You can use the spell to alter your appearance once more during all the time of your spell. It can be a means to allow the Druid to hide the level of power of the creature they are currently transformed into. Also, it can be a Sub-Aquatic Dire Wolf and other interesting, fun and niche combinations. The combination is great if your character can perform actions and adhere to the rules of not changing the basic body plans through Change Appearance.

Does Alter Self grant you wings to fly?

It does not. This Change Appearance portion of the alter self spell states (emphasis mine):

Change Appearance. You change your appearance. You choose what you appear like. It includes weight, height and facial features. It also takes the sound you make with your voice, length of hair and color, along with your distinctive traits, if there are any. You can disguise yourself as belonging to a different race, yet no of your characteristics alter. Also, you can’t make yourself be a creature larger than you, and your primary form remains the same. For example, if you’re bipedal, it’s impossible to apply this spell to change your appearance to quadrupedal. Suppose you want to change your appearance at any point during the period of a spell. In that case, you may use the spell to change your appearance in the same manner again.

The key thing to remember is that your body’s statistics do not alter, and you keep the same form. The addition of wings enough in size to permit flying is a significant modification to your form (humanoid). I believe that the quadrupedal part shows that a substantial change in the way you travel is not even considered. In particular, Suppose you cannot transform your legs into arms (which is only a small change, assuming they work similarly). It is logical not to be able to transform them into wings, either. The purpose of the spell appears to be to make small changes, such as:

The skin pigmentation process includes reshaping the eyes, ears, the colour of hair, nails, teeth, claws, and other minor changes. The most important modification is probably the ability to breathe water. However, it is also possible to get oxygen out of any other medium than air and is a second minor change.

The RAW also says it isn’t able to fly. The earlier editions included flying as a possible form, similar to water, that could be taken. 3.5 variant of the spell and fly using wings, with the maximal speed of 120 feet when flying, or 60 feet for non-flying movements. 

This feature is eliminated in this version because it isn’t possible to accomplish this in the 5e.

Possibly Alter Self Adds Wings, but Stats Don’t Change.

It is possible to change your appearance to appear as wings. But this won’t allow you to fly because the spell clearly states that: You can appear to be part of another race, even though you will not see any changes in your stats. However, it could be found to violate the “your basic shape stays the same” clause in the spell. Or it is not, depending on what the wording means for your DM.

Does Alter Self more secure than disguising Self as at-will invokes?

No. One of the most important aspects of Disguise Self is that it cannot just change your look (via illusion). However, it can alter your clothes and other equipment.

It is important to remember the reverse to this. Alter Self doesn’t declare that it alters the clothing or equipment you wear. That means that, based on how significant your modifications are, you could not be able to fit in the armor you’ve worn. Your clothes will likely no longer suit you, based on how you simulate your DM is about the subject. That is particularly important when using an option like the “Variant: Equipment Sizes” rule. PHB p.144:

In most games, you can wear any equipment you encounter on your travels within the common-sense limits. For instance, a burly half-orc wouldn’t be able to fit into the leather armor of a halfling. At the same time, a gnome will get swallowed by the elegant attire of a cloud giant.

The DM can make the game more realistic. For instance, a suit of armor designed for one individual may not work without major changes. A guard’s uniform could be a bit unfit if an adventurer wants to dress it in disguise.

In this case, suppose adventurers come across clothing, armor, or similar items made to wear them. They could require an appointment with an armorsmith or tailor, leatherworker or an equivalent professional to ensure that the thing is usable. The cost for this work can range between 10 and 40 per cent of the object’s cost. The DM may use 1d4x10 or decide the price increase depending on the magnitude of the work needed.

Suppose the equipment doesn’t meet your needs after an effect of the spell. Any of your well-known gear or accessory could make you identifiable in particular if they’re prominent than your physical traits.

There are some additional considerations to consider as well.

One of the advantages is that Alter Self and Disguise Self can be utilized simultaneously to create a more convincing illusion by incorporating real physical changes beneath it. Do be aware that this is possible because Disguise Self is not a requirement for concentration. That is a further benefit over Alter Self that does. It means that Alter Self could fail earlier than intended. (especially during combat or under stress) While Disguise Self can last for in most circumstances but still allow you to use other concentration spells.

Another way to compare is how Disguise Self or Alter Self can interact with the size and height.

Alter Self alters your height, whereas Disguise Self gives the appearance of a height alteration and keeps you your normal size. It could be a problem if your DM cares about your character’s height in specific situations instead of just your height.

Additionally, Alter Self restricts you to changing only your appearance to the same size and no other height loss or gain restrictions. In contrast, Disguise Self only is confined to changes in height, not alteration.

For instance, using Alter Self, it is possible to transform the smallest likely dwarf to the highest-priced goliath you can imagine. At the same time, with Disguise Self, it is possible to change a dwarf into being halfling (so that you’re not trying to alter your height more than one foot when doing this). Alter Self is highly regarded over Disguise Self in any one of the following scenarios:

There’s ample time for you to plan your outfits ahead of time, such as making sure you have an alternate dress code in place.

You’re not prepared. However, you will only require minor changes that need significant changes, such as size and weight. That makes the lack of alternative costumes, not a problem.

There is no risk of losing your focus for the remainder of the hour, and you are not likely to require any other spells of concentration.

You will likely be thoroughly scrutinized for some reason or an additional reason.

In other scenarios, there’s a possibility that Disguise Self could be the best spell. If the situation requires urgent drastic changes to appearance (clothes size, shape and everything else), I would prefer Disguise Self as my choice.

Summary: How does Alter Self 5e work 5e?

You assume a different form. When casting the spell, you can choose one of the options below, and the effects are in effect for the spell’s duration. While the spell is running, you may close one option in an option to gain the benefits of another one.

Aquatic Adaptation Your body adapts to an aquatic environment by developing gills and the webbing that runs between your fingers. It is possible to breathe underwater and increase your swimming speed that is equal to walking speed.

Change Appearance: You transform your appearance. You choose what you appear like concerning your weight, height and facial features, as well as the tone of voice. It will include hair’s length, coloration and distinctive Characteristics such as color, hair length, and other distinguishing characteristics. You can appear as a member of a different race, but no of your statistics change. You don’t also appear to be a creature of the same size as you, and your primary form remains the same. If you’re bipedal, you can’t apply this spell to make you quadrupedal, for example. Any time during the duration that the spell is in effect, you can use your spell to alter your appearance in this manner repeatedly.

Natural Weapons Your claws grow spines, fangs, hairs, or any other natural weapon that you choose. Unarmed strikes cause 1d6 bludgeoning or piercing or slashing injury, appropriate for the weapon you choose, and you’re skilled in your strikes without weapons. In the end, the natural weapon is magical, and you get an additional bonus of +1 to the attack and Damage Rolls you play with it.

Can Alter Self 5e change gender?

You can alter the appearance of your face and appear like the other sex by changing your appearance. But it isn’t. It can alter your sexuality. It could change your sexuality, i.e. the physical body parts you possess. It’s not connected to your body but to your mind and how you see your Self. Let us begin the spell of Alter self 5e.

How to use Alter Self with Druid?

Based on the words of Alter Self, you can make use of an action to stop one result of the spell and then switch to another. Druids can use the spells Alter Self, Wild Shape and then use Alter Self to grant Wild Shape the Wild Shape beast form extra capabilities. The question is: Can the Druid with pre-cast Alter Self modify the appearance of the creature they wild shape into?

I haven’t been able to locate “designer intent” for this combination. However, it is to be clear and enforceable by rules. There is no reason to interpret it in a way that overstates the meaning of what’s happening. The key elements that comprise the Alter Self description include generally:

While the spell is in effect, it is possible to stop one act to reap the advantages of a new one.

In addition, and specifically concerning the option of changing appearance:

You can use the spell to alter your appearance once more during all the time of your spell. It can be a means to allow the Druid to hide the level of power of the creature they are currently transformed into. Also, it can be a Sub-Aquatic Dire Wolf and other interesting, fun and niche combinations. The combination is great if your character can perform actions and adhere to the rules of not changing the basic body plans through Change Appearance.

Does Alter Self grant you wings to fly?

It does not. This Change Appearance portion of the alter self spell states (emphasis mine):

Change Appearance. You change your appearance. You choose what you appear like. It includes weight, height and facial features. It also takes the sound you make with your voice, length of hair and color, along with your distinctive traits, if there are any. You can disguise yourself as belonging to a different race, yet no of your characteristics alter. Also, you can’t make yourself be a creature larger than you, and your primary form remains the same. For example, if you’re bipedal, it’s impossible to apply this spell to change your appearance to quadrupedal. Suppose you want to change your appearance at any point during the period of a spell. In that case, you may use the spell to change your appearance in the same manner again.

The key thing to remember is that your body’s statistics do not alter, and you keep the same form. The addition of wings enough in size to permit flying is a significant modification to your form (humanoid). I believe that the quadrupedal part shows that a substantial change in the way you travel is not even considered. In particular, Suppose you cannot transform your legs into arms (which is only a small change, assuming they work similarly). It is logical not to be able to transform them into wings, either. The purpose of the spell appears to be to make small changes, such as:

The skin pigmentation process includes reshaping the eyes, ears, the colour of hair, nails, teeth, claws, and other minor changes. The most important modification is probably the ability to breathe water. However, it is also possible to get oxygen out of any other medium than air and is a second minor change.

The RAW also says it isn’t able to fly. The earlier editions included flying as a possible form, similar to water, that could be taken. 3.5 variant of the spell and fly using wings, with the maximal speed of 120 feet when flying, or 60 feet for non-flying movements. 

This feature is eliminated in this version because it isn’t possible to accomplish this in the 5e.

Possibly Alter Self Adds Wings, but Stats Don’t Change.

It is possible to change your appearance to appear as wings. But this won’t allow you to fly because the spell clearly states that: You can appear to be part of another race, even though you will not see any changes in your stats. However, it could be found to violate the “your basic shape stays the same” clause in the spell. Or it is not, depending on what the wording means for your DM.

Does Alter Self more secure than disguising Self as at-will invokes?

No. One of the most important aspects of Disguise Self is that it cannot just change your look (via illusion). However, it can alter your clothes and other equipment.

It is important to remember the reverse to this. Alter Self doesn’t declare that it alters the clothing or equipment you wear. That means that, based on how significant your modifications are, you could not be able to fit in the armor you’ve worn. Your clothes will likely no longer suit you, based on how you simulate your DM is about the subject. That is particularly important when using an option like the “Variant: Equipment Sizes” rule. PHB p.144:

In most games, you can wear any equipment you encounter on your travels within the common-sense limits. For instance, a burly half-orc wouldn’t be able to fit into the leather armor of a halfling. At the same time, a gnome will get swallowed by the elegant attire of a cloud giant.

The DM can make the game more realistic. For instance, a suit of armor designed for one individual may not work without major changes. A guard’s uniform could be a bit unfit if an adventurer wants to dress it in disguise.

In this case, suppose adventurers come across clothing, armor, or similar items made to wear them. They could require an appointment with an armorsmith or tailor, leatherworker or an equivalent professional to ensure that the thing is usable. The cost for this work can range between 10 and 40 per cent of the object’s cost. The DM may use 1d4x10 or decide the price increase depending on the magnitude of the work needed.

Suppose the equipment doesn’t meet your needs after an effect of the spell. Any of your well-known gear or accessory could make you identifiable in particular if they’re prominent than your physical traits.

There are some additional considerations to consider as well.

One of the advantages is that Alter Self and Disguise Self can be utilized simultaneously to create a more convincing illusion by incorporating real physical changes beneath it. Do be aware that this is possible because Disguise Self is not a requirement for concentration. That is a further benefit over Alter Self that does. It means that Alter Self could fail earlier than intended. (especially during combat or under stress) While Disguise Self can last for in most circumstances but still allow you to use other concentration spells.

Another way to compare is how Disguise Self or Alter Self can interact with the size and height.

Alter Self alters your height, whereas Disguise Self gives the appearance of a height alteration and keeps you your normal size. It could be a problem if your DM cares about your character’s height in specific situations instead of just your height.

Additionally, Alter Self restricts you to changing only your appearance to the same size and no other height loss or gain restrictions. In contrast, Disguise Self only is confined to changes in height, not alteration.

For instance, using Alter Self, it is possible to transform the smallest likely dwarf to the highest-priced goliath you can imagine. At the same time, with Disguise Self, it is possible to change a dwarf into being halfling (so that you’re not trying to alter your height more than one foot when doing this). Alter Self is highly regarded over Disguise Self in any one of the following scenarios:

There’s ample time for you to plan your outfits ahead of time, such as making sure you have an alternate dress code in place.

You’re not prepared. However, you will only require minor changes that need significant changes, such as size and weight. That makes the lack of alternative costumes, not a problem.

There is no risk of losing your focus for the remainder of the hour, and you are not likely to require any other spells of concentration.

You will likely be thoroughly scrutinized for some reason or an additional reason.

In other scenarios, there’s a possibility that Disguise Self could be the best spell. If the situation requires urgent drastic changes to appearance (clothes size, shape and everything else), I would prefer Disguise Self as my choice.

Summary: How does Alter Self 5e work 5e?

You assume a different form. When casting the spell, you can choose one of the options below, and the effects are in effect for the spell’s duration. While the spell is running, you may close one option in an option to gain the benefits of another one.

Aquatic Adaptation Your body adapts to an aquatic environment by developing gills and the webbing that runs between your fingers. It is possible to breathe underwater and increase your swimming speed that is equal to walking speed.

Change Appearance: You transform your appearance. You choose what you appear like concerning your weight, height and facial features, as well as the tone of voice. It will include hair’s length, coloration and distinctive Characteristics such as color, hair length, and other distinguishing characteristics. You can appear as a member of a different race, but no of your statistics change. You don’t also appear to be a creature of the same size as you, and your primary form remains the same. If you’re bipedal, you can’t apply this spell to make you quadrupedal, for example. Any time during the duration that the spell is in effect, you can use your spell to alter your appearance in this manner repeatedly.

Natural Weapons Your claws grow spines, fangs, hairs, or any other natural weapon that you choose. Unarmed strikes cause 1d6 bludgeoning or piercing or slashing injury, appropriate for the weapon you choose, and you’re skilled in your strikes without weapons. In the end, the natural weapon is magical, and you get an additional bonus of +1 to the attack and Damage Rolls you play with it.