Hi everybody,
I would like to add my voice to the people "not so happy" with the wild shape ability of the druid.
First, the system proposed is not making anything simpler. Before, the druid was taking the form as well as the physical attributes of the chosen animal, point. No calculation, no check needed to see what he is and what he is not gaining, etc. Way faster if you ask me.
Second, some points are still unclear: is the natural armor bonus gained in the spell description to be added to the AC of the character (minus his possible armor which does not work anymore when transformed) or to the AC of the chosen animal?
Third, if the character gains the natural attacks of the animal, why does he not gain also the special attacks (e.g. constrict, etc..)?
All in all, my druid is never shape-shifting anymore, he invokes the real animals with all their abilities and attacks, and goes on casting or attacking in his original form.
The same considerations apply also to Elemental Body (especially regarding the final AC).
A big disappointment, I would say...