I want to build a character who can easily (and, preferably, at will) turn into a swarm (bats are most iconic, but any type works). So, to that end, I'm looking for methods on who to do this without using any house rules and such. 3.x legacy products/solutions are open game.
A few of the options I've noticed include the Swarm-Shifter template in Libris Mortis (only a +1 ECL, though you have to be undead and I'm not sure how the ECL adjustment translates to PF) and the warlock's Dark Discorporation (though you need to be 16th level to take it).
The party is currently 9th level. Any ideas?
All right, further question. Suppose I was a necropolitan with the Swarm-Shifter template. Once I took four levels of a class with a good BAB (such as fighter, even), I'd qualify for the Warshaper PrC (since I'd have the shapechanger subtype).
That said, how exactly would the Warshaper abilities interact with a swarm form? For example, perhaps Morphic Weapons would allow the swarm form to deal damage as if in the next HD bracket (basically +1d6 more damage). How would the Morphic Reach ability work? As per the Swarm-Shifter template, you turn into a 10' (large-sized) swarm. Would Morphic Reach effectively allow you to attack is if you were a 20' swarm (5-foot additional reach in all directions)?
Or is the Warshaper just a waste of time for an undead character (Morphic Immunities is useless for an undead, as is the Con bonus from Morphic Body) who turns into a swarm?
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All right, further question. Suppose I was a necropolitan with the Swarm-Shifter template. Once I took four levels of a class with a good BAB (such as fighter, even), I'd qualify for the Warshaper PrC (since I'd have the shapechanger subtype).
That said, how exactly would the Warshaper abilities interact with a swarm form? For example, perhaps Morphic Weapons would allow the swarm form to deal damage as if in the next HD bracket (basically +1d6 more damage). How would the Morphic Reach ability work? As per the Swarm-Shifter template, you turn into a 10' (large-sized) swarm. Would Morphic Reach effectively allow you to attack is if you were a 20' swarm (5-foot additional reach in all directions)?
Or is the Warshaper just a waste of time for an undead character (Morphic Immunities is useless for an undead, as is the Con bonus from Morphic Body) who turns into a swarm?
It all really depends on how heavy you want to get into 3.5 and if you/your DM is ok with you being an evil character.
Second taking levels in Warshaper would do nothing to help your attack progression as a swarm as you are making "swarm attacks" not natural attacks. In fact the only (Su) they would take advantage of is Morphic Body with the stat boost. That and transforming as a free action. A complete waste of 5 levels IMOThe attack for swarms is in the fashion as follows
"Creatures with the swarm subtype don't make standard melee attacks. Instead, they deal automatic damage to any creature whose space they occupy at the end of their move, with no attack roll needed. Swarm attacks are not subject to a miss chance for concealment or cover."
They have a specific table to determine damage based on the HD of the swarm.
"Swarm HD Swarm Base Damage
1–5 1d6
6–10 2d6
11–15 3d6
16–20 4d6
21+ 5d6"
All this off the basic d20pfsrd
I hope this was helpful in some way.