New Paths Compendium (Skin Changer) Question

[Volvogg]

Hey All,

I was wondering if the Skin-changer can take feats which require wild-shape? It seems like it should be able to, however, this is not stipulated anywhere in the animal shape ability.

Cheers
Volf

[Marc Radle]

Volvogg wrote:

Hey All,

I was wondering if the Skin-changer (New Paths Compendium) can take feats which require wild-shape? It seems like it should be able to, however, this is not stipulated anywhere in the animal shape ability.

Cheers
Volf

Hey there! Interesting question!

The skin-changer's Animal Shape class feature, while certainly similar to Wild Shape, does have differences and is a different ability. From a strict letter-of-the-rules standpoint, it probably should not be considered the same as Wild Shape for feat prerequisites.

Having said that, I don't see a problem with a GM allowing it. As I said, they *are* similar - similar enough that they probably *should* be seen as interchangeable for feat prerequisites ... for the most part. Since Animal Shape is different from Wild Shape in a few key areas, however, you'll need to take each feat on a case-by-case basis - some Wild Shape feats would work perfectly with Animal Shape while others do not.

Or, put more simply ... as long as your GM is OK with it, I'd say you're good to go! :)

[Volvogg]

Thanks for the response Mark!

The skin changer works perfectly for a concept (think Beorn from LotR: Desolation of Smaug) that I have wanted to play for a loooooooooooong time. Only issue I am having is increasing natural weapon attack damage.

Another stray thought ... ever think about trading out the stealth attack progression for a more straightforward melee oriented skin changer? Maybe something like additional increases to natural weapon damage etc etc.

Cheers
Volf