Based on the text of the original Change Shape ability in Bestiary 1, I'd say 1) it is at will, and 2) no size bumps to attributes. But I have been wrong before. :)
Also, you might be interested in this.
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Based on the text of the original Change Shape ability in Bestiary 1, I'd say 1) it is at will, and 2) no size bumps to attributes. But I have been wrong before. :)
Also, you might be interested in this.
Strongly considering one of those variants for a homebrew race that has a natural form close to this, but needs to go bipedal to travel on land. Minor Change Shape seems the most fitting...
Does Change Shape end if the person using it is unconscious? (would apply to my guys if so)
Strongly considering one of those variants for a homebrew race that has a natural form close to this, but needs to go bipedal to travel on land. Minor Change Shape seems the most fitting...
Yeah, I needed something like MCS for an oldish homebrew too. Also, I liked the Rick Baker-designed transformations in American Werewolf in London... although hopefully MCS isn't that painful. :)
Does Change Shape end if the person using it is unconscious? (would apply to my guys if so)
That's a good question. Do dopplegangers or metallic dragons revert to their natural forms if knocked out?
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Thanks for the input, Ambrosia.
My concern was with the mixing of that with racial stats, if the character's equipment changes with it, and they get the stat bump from the change shape, then you get the 'dial a bonus' The shifter changes to halfling/gnome for when they need that extra +1 for disable device, and into a half orc when they need a strength bump.
As to the 'revert if unconscious' something akin to the Concentration check for wizards come to mind. Something like DC 10 when do hold when going asleep, DC 20 if knocked out, etc.
Thanks for the input, Ambrosia.
No problemo. Us Dr. Moreaus and Dr. Frankensteins ("Fronkensteen!" [/Gene Wilder]) have to stick together. :)
My concern was with the mixing of that with racial stats, if the character's equipment changes with it, and they get the stat bump from the change shape, then you get the 'dial a bonus' The shifter changes to halfling/gnome for when they need that extra +1 for disable device, and into a half orc when they need a strength bump.
That was my concern too.
As to the 'revert if unconscious' something akin to the Concentration check for wizards come to mind. Something like DC 10 when do hold when going asleep, DC 20 if knocked out, etc.
That's good. Why didn't I think of that? :)
This is related but goes to Disguise and which bonus do we use.
Long standing unresolved question. Is the bonus +10 (as per the Disguise skill) or +20 (as per the polymorph school). This would seem the time to clarify this permanently.
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Second issue. Should Change Shape be allowed to pick any humanoid form, or should the designer be required to pick 1 other form, much the way you'd pick a single skill with Skill Bonus.
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I need to see the dialables in play as it goes beyond just the stat bumps. Low-Light, Darkvision, Sent, Swim. Then again it is 6 points, which is a fairly hefty chunk and it takes a Standard Action to switch.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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This is related but goes to Disguise and which bonus do we use.
Long standing unresolved question. Is the bonus +10 (as per the Disguise skill) or +20 (as per the polymorph school). This would seem the time to clarify this permanently.
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Second issue. Should Change Shape be allowed to pick any humanoid form, or should the designer be required to pick 1 other form, much the way you'd pick a single skill with Skill Bonus.
====
I need to see the dialables in play as it goes beyond just the stat bumps. Low-Light, Darkvision, Sent, Swim. Then again it is 6 points, which is a fairly hefty chunk and it takes a Standard Action to switch.
For 6 points I'm going with the full alter self for the playtest. Besides what good is pretending to be a half orc if you don't have darkvision?
I'm just thinking something like standard array (+2 con, +2 Cha, -2 Wis) might be too good with an adjustable
=2 strength/dex as needed. Then again it doesn't leave much except change shape for a standard race. I am happy to see I'm not alone though :-)
Maybe scale back Change Shape as presented in the playtest to 3 or 4 RP under Standard, and drop the size bonus to attributes, the sense options, and movement type options. Then add other Abilities that use Change Shape and other abilities as prerequisites.
So, you start with the more basic Change Shape. If the race gains more abilities than basic, it pays more RP based on the optional abilities that open up to it... like how beast shape and giant shape offer more options as they go up in level.
Or you "bake"/finalize the race with just basic Change Shape. But as the race PCs/NPCs gain levels, they get options via feats to add in more limited abilities to their Change Shape repertoire.
I like the idea of having different "levels" of Change Shape; among other things, this can cover those types of creatures that can change into only one other alternate form, while not charging them the same amount as a "full" shapeshifter.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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The six point version might be balanced if you have a +2/-2 stat option. Like +2 Cha/-2 Int. "Mystiques rely on their shapeshfting ability to make themselves more pleasing. However this stunts their development to thinking problems through."
Then while 'dial your array' is a bit more powerful, having a situational +2 to dex/str is almost matches the +2+2-2 standard. Or specify that the character's equipment (except for bonded items) don't change. So you need a set of gnome clothes and a set of human clothes, for example.
The reason I exclude bonded items is I'd hate to nerf a shapechanging wizard because he can't wield his long sword when he's a halfling.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Assuming change shape gives you the full Alter Self package...
How about this?
Change Shape: Minor (2 RP) You may assume the form of one medium or small humanoind. The appearance of this form is set at character creation and cannot change. Unlike alter self, you gain only a +10 bonus on disguise checks in this form.
Chamge Shape: Intermediate (3 RP) You may assume the form of one medium or small humanoid race. The appearance of the form may be changed each time you assume it. Unlike alter self, you gain only a +10 bonus on disguise checks in this form.
Change Shape: Advanced (6 RP) As the ability in the playtest doc.
Then we can add this.
Limited shapechange (-1 RP) When you use your change self ability, only your body, and any equipment you have a bond with (like a wizard's bonded item) alter to match your shape. Items may be damaged as a result of your transformation (such as pants becoming ripped if you change shape into a creature with a tail.)