I have a monk that has acquired a Ring of Seven Lovely Colors, which lets him turn into a "raven" (gaining the fly speed, and other beast shape II type benefits thereby even though it uses beast shape IV, which is bizarre but another topic). However, we've got some questions I would like feedback on my answers to:
Q: While a raven, will he be able to use his unarmed strike (albeit reduced with the appropriate size modifiers)?
A: As far as I can tell, yes. It might be a bit silly, but he can do it. He is still a Monk.
Q: If he was under the effects of a Magic Weapon or Magic Fang spell (both of which work for a Monk's unarmed strike), would it continue to effect his unarmed strike while in bird form?
A: As far as I can tell, it should...
Q: If he is just going to use unarmed strike and ignore the raven natural attack, does he even need Feral Combat Training to use Stunning Fist, etc. as normal while in raven form?
A: As far as I can tell, no.
Can anyone point to RAW or FAQ that contradicts any of these three rulings?
If anyone can confirm that the ring in question indeed only grants stats as per Beast Shape II, that would also be lovely. Thanks!
First, all your answers are correct.
And, no, the ring works like Beastform IV, not II. It's just that the Raven is a tiny animal and doesn't have any abilities not covered by Beastform II. So, uh, it's kind of unnecessary. I guess it helps against Dispel effects or whatever else is dependent on spell level?
Is someone looking to make a Songbird of Doom?
Not quite - restricted to "core" classes in this game, so no swashbuckler or slayer. Their build is focused locking down enemies via stunning fist / bewildering koan / enforcer, plus social shenanigans.
Cleric 1 / Thug Rogue 2 / Sensei/Ki Mystic Monk 4 / Exploiter Wizard 1
Cleric gives ability to use wisdom to social skills via conversion inquisition
Thug rogue gives 1d6 of sneak attack, access to rogue talents via feats, bunch of skill proficiencies, ability to make things frightened for a round via intimidate checks.
Monk gives Ki for bewildering koan, plus WIS to AC/Hit/etc. and a bunch of feats, saves, etc.
Exploiter wizard lets him use scrolls without UMD, gives a familiar for +init via the exploit, and misc. handy things (cantrips, etc.) plus access to archaist exploits via feats.