Not so much like polymorph and more like wild shape. So with time and practice (leveling up) you can gain further advantages that you didn't have at the start.
When it comes to your character's mental state/stats they retain their normal sentience, but the longer they stay an animal, the more that animal's natural instincts will take over and be harder to resist. So, they can stay an animal as long as they'd like, but beware, past the 24 hour mark it becomes more likely they'll lose themselves and forget to transform back. But like all things related to court abilities, with time and effort this can be overcome too.
You will not have access to speech or special abilities until your character gets more practice and skilled with their new found ability.
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When it comes to your character's mental state/stats they retain their normal sentience, but the longer they stay an animal, the more that animal's natural instincts will take over and be harder to resist. So, they can stay an animal as long as they'd like, but beware, past the 24 hour mark it becomes more likely they'll lose themselves and forget to transform back. But like all things related to court abilities, with time and effort this can be overcome too.
You will not have access to speech or special abilities until your character gets more practice and skilled with their new found ability.