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SmurfODeth 06-19-06, 07:56 PM

I'm working on a campaign world, and want to replace certain classes/roles (druid being one of them), so I've been hashing out a class focused strictly on shapechanging. The class is a mishmash of the alternate class feature for druids from the PHBII, the nature's warrior, the warshaper, and the astral construct power. Thoughts, ideas, problems, all are welcome, and thanks in advance. Shaper Game Rule Information Shapers have the following game statistics. Abilities: Strength is important to a shaper, as it increases his chance to hit and the damage he inflicts. Dexterity increases his Armor Class and improves his weak Reflex save. Constitution improves his hit points, which, with a d8 hit die, are slightly low for a melee combatant. Alignment: Although they manipulate their own form into various other shapes, shapers have no intrinsic propensity toward chaos. Shapers are found in every stripe and station, and may be any alignment. Hit Die: d8 Class Skills The shaper's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Escape Artist (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Knowledge (psionics) (Int), Knowledge (the planes) (Int), Listen (Wis), Spot (Wis). Skill Points at 1st Level: (2 + Int modifier) x 4 Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int Modifier Level BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities 1. +0 +2 +0 +2 Lesser Shaping 2. +1 +3 +0 +3 --- 3. +2 +3 +1 +3 Shaper Resiliency (1) 4. +3 +4 +1 +4 +1 Shaping natural attack enhancement 5. +3 +4 +1 +4 +1 additional Lesser Shaping Menu ability 6. +4 +5 +2 +5 --- 7. +5 +5 +2 +5 Shaper Resiliency (2) 8. +6 +6 +2 +6 Improved Shaping, +2 Shaping natural attack enhancement 9. +6 +6 +3 +6 --- 10. +7 +7 +3 +7 Shapechanger 11. +8 +7 +3 +7 Shaper Resiliency (3) 12. +9 +8 +4 +8 +1 additional Improved Shaping Menu ability, +3 Shaping natural attack enhancement 13. +9 +8 +4 +8 --- 14. +10 +9 +4 +9 --- 15. +11 +9 +5 +9 Greater Shaping, Shaper Resiliency (4) 16. +12 +10 +5 +10 +4 Shaping natural attack enhancement 17. +12 +10 +5 +10 --- 18. +13 +11 +6 +11 --- 19. +14 +11 +6 +11 +1 additional Greater Shaping Menu ability, Shaper Resiliency (5) 20. +15 +12 +6 +12 +5 Shaping natural attack enhancement, Master of Forms Class Features All of the following are class features of the shaper. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A shaper is proficient with all simple weapons, with light and medium armor, but not with shields. Lesser Shaping (Su): A shaper can shapeshift at will, taking on the physical identity of another creature. Each time he uses this ability, he can choose the exact look that his shapeshifted form takes. This form need not be a natural form; he can shape himself into a gorilla with tentacles instead of arms, for instance. No matter what the shape of his form, however, the mechanical functions are determined by the menu choices he selects (see below). Shaping is a swift action. A shaper may change his form from one to another without reverting to his natural state. There is no limit to the number of times a shaper may change his form nor to the amount of time he can spend in a shapeshifted form. No matter his form, a shaper retains his normal Hit Dice, base attack bonus, base saving throw bonuses, and skill ranks regardless of his form. He also retains his ability scores, though his shaping ability grants a bonus to one or more scores. A shaper retains all extraordinary, supernatural, and spell- or psi-like special attacks and qualities of his normal form, except for those requiring a body part his new form does not have. All equipment that is held, carried, or worn by the shaper is melded into his shapeshifted form and becomes nonfunctional until he returns to his normal form. He cannot speak while shaping, and his limbs lack the precision to wield a weapon or perform tasks requiring fine manipulation. He cannot cast spells or activate magic items while shaping. Unless otherwise noted in the descriptions below, a shaper retains his size and space when shaping. He always retains his type and subtypes, regardless of the nature of the form he assumes. He does not gain any special attacks or qualities while shaping except as provided by his menu choices. While shaping, a shaper gains natural weapons (and reach with those weapons) as described below. These natural weapons gain an enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls, beginning at 4th level with a +1 enhancement, and increasing an additional +1 every four levels thereafter. Also, beginning at 4th level, these natural attacks are treated as magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction. The damage dice given are for Medium shapers; smaller or larger shapers should adjust those values according to the table on page 28 of the Dungeon Master's Guide. If a shaper is knocked unconscious or slain while shaping, he reverts to his normal form. When a shaper changes shape, he gains a primary bite attack that deals 1d6 points of damage. He has the reach of a long creature of his size (5 feet for Small or Medium). He gains a +4 circumstance bonus to Strength, and his natural armor bonus improves by 4. His base land speed increases to 40 feet. Also, he may select one choice from the Lesser menu. Beginning at level 5, he may select one additional choice from the Lesser menu. Lesser Shaping Menu A shaper of any level may select one special ability from this menu. A shaper of 5th level or higher may select two special abilities from this menu. No menu ability may be selected more than once, nor may you select multiple menu abilities that provide the same benefit at different numerical values (for example, you may not select both Heavy Deflection and Extreme Deflection). Burrow (Su): The shaper's hands are strong and able to rend dirt as easily as flesh, granting him a burrowing speed equal to one-half his base land speed. Cleave (Su): The shaper gains the Cleave feat. Climb (Su): The shaper's arms and legs are powerful and he naturally clings to surfaces, granting him a climb speed equal to one-half his base land speed. Deflection (Su): The shaper gains a +1 deflection bonus to his Armor Class. Hunter (Su): The shaper gains a +2 circumstance bonus on all Hide, Move Silently, Search, Spot, and Listen skill checks. Improved Bull Rush (Su): The Shaper gains the Improved Bull Rush feat. Improved Natural Attack (Su): The shaper gains the Improved Natural Attack feat with each of his natural attacks. Mobility (Su): The shaper gains the Mobility feat. Power Attack (Su): The shaper gains the Power Attack feat. Resistance (Su): Choose one of the following energy types: fire, cold, acid, electricity, or sonic. The shaper gains resistance 5 against that energy type. Sneak Attack (Su): The shaper gains +1d6 sneak attack damage. Swim (Su): The shaper is streamlined and sharklike, and gains a swim speed equal to one-half his base land speed. Trip (Su): If the shaper hits with a natural attack, he can attempt to trip the opponent as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking attacks of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot react to trip the shaper. Shaper Resiliency (Su): Once per encounter, when a shaper uses his shaping ability, he may gain temporary hit points equal to his class level x the listed modifier. This ability begins at level 3 with a modifier of 1 and increases the modifier by an additional +1 every 4th level thereafter. These temporary hit points last for one hour or until depleted. Improved Shaping (Su): Beginning at 8th level, when a shaper changes shape, he gains a primary bite attack that deals 1d8 points of damage and two secondary claw attacks that each deal 1d6 points of damage. In addition, he may increase or decrease his size by up to one size category (to a maximum size of Large and a minimum size of Small). He has the reach of a long creature of his size (5 feet for Small, Medium, or Large). He gains a +8 circumstance bonus to Strength, a +4 circumstance bonus to Dexterity, a + 4 circumstance bonus to Fortitude saves, and his natural armor bonus improves by 8. His base land speed increases to 50 feet. While shaping, a shaper of 8th level or higher is immune to all poisons. If a shaper is poisoned while not shaping, shifting forms does not automatically abolish the poison. It does, however, allow him a new save with a +4 circumstance bonus to end the poison and prevent all future effects (though it does not remove effects that the shaper has already suffered). Also, he gains a new menu of choices to select from while shaping. He may select one choice from the Improved menu, in addition to any other menu choices he is entitled to. Beginning at level 12, he may select one additional choice from the Improved menu, in addition to any other menu choices he is entitled to. A shaper may select two Lesser menu choices in place of one Improved menu choice if he so desires. Improved Shaping Menu A shaper of 8th level may select one special ability from this menu. A shaper of 12th level or higher may select two special abilities from this menu. These selection are in addition to any other choices the shaper is entitled to. No menu ability may be selected more than once, nor may you select multiple menu abilities that provide the same benefit at different numerical values (for example, you may not select both Heavy Deflection and Extreme Deflection). Blur (Su): The shaper's form shifts and moves, causing attackers to suffer a 20% miss chance against him. Damage Reduction (Su): The shaper’s surface forms a hard carapace and provides an additional 3 points of damage reduction (or damage reduction 3/magic if he does not already have damage reduction). Energy Touch (Su): The shaper deals an extra 1d4 points of damage of an energy type he chooses (fire, cold, acid, or electricity). Fast Healing (Su): The shaper heals 2 hit points each round. Heavy Deflection (Su): The shaper gains a +4 deflection bonus to his Armor Class. Fly (Su): The shaper has physical wings and a fly speed equal to one-half his base land speed with average maneuverability. Improved Burrow (Su): The shaper's hands are strong and able to rend dirt as easily as flesh, granting him a burrowing speed equal to his base land speed. Improved Climb (Su): The shaper's arms and legs are powerful and he naturally clings to surfaces, granting him a climb speed equal to his base land speed. Improved Grab (Su): To use this ability, the shaper must hit with a primary natural attack. A shaper can use this ability only on a target that is at least one size smaller than himself. Improved Critical (Su): The shaper gains the Improved Critical feat with each of his natural attacks. Improved Hunter (Su): The shaper gains a +4 circumstance bonus on all Hide, Move Silently, Search, Spot, and Listen skill checks. Improved Sneak Attack (Su): The shaper gains +2d6 sneak attack damage. Improved Swim (Su): The shaper is streamlined and sharklike, and gains a swim speed equal to his base land speed. Poison Touch (Su): If the shaper hits with a natural attack, the target must make an initial Fortitude save (DC 10 + ½ shaper’s class levels + shaper’s Con modifier) or take 1 point of Constitution damage. One minute later, the target must save again or take 1d2 points of Constitution damage. Pounce (Su): If the shaper charges a foe, it can make a full attack. Smite (Su): Once per day the shaper can make one attack that deals extra damage equal to his class levels. Trample (Su): As a standard action during his turn each round, a Large or larger shaper can literally run over an opponent at least one size smaller than himself. He merely has to move over the opponent to deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d8 + his Str modifier. The target can attempt a Reflex save (DC 10 + ½ shaper’s class levels + shaper’s Str modifier) to negate the damage, or it can instead choose to make an attack of opportunity at a -4 penalty. Shapechanger (Su): At 10th level, the shaper gains the Shapechanger subtype. His form is malleable and slippery, granting him a +10 bonus on all Escape Artist checks. In addition, he may use a minor form of his shaping ability that does not grant any shaping bonuses, effects, temporary hit points, immunities, or menu abilities. This minor shaping allows him, at will, to change only his body, retaining all motor skills, ability to speak, and leaving all held, carried and worn equipment in place. This ability functions as a disguise self spell that only affects the shaper's body and not his possessions. This is not an illusory effect, but a minor alteration of his physical form within the limits described for the spell. When using this ability to create a disguise, the shaper receives a +10 circumstance bonus to his Disguise check. A shaper retains all extraordinary, supernatural, and spell- or psi-like special attacks and qualities of his normal form, except for those requiring a body part his new form does not have. He does not gain any special attacks or qualities while using his minor shaping ability. He may cast spells or activate magic items as long as his new form has the body parts necessary to perform these functions. Using this ability is a swift action. Greater Shaping (Su): Beginning at 15th level, when a shaper changes shape, he gains two primary slam attacks that deal 2d6 points of damage. In addition, he may increase or decrease his size by up to two size categories (to a maximum size of Huge and a minimum size of Tiny). He has the reach of a tall creature of his size (0 feet for Tiny, 5 feet for Small or Medium, 10 feet for Large, 15 feet for Huge). He gains a +16 circumstance bonus to Strength, a +4 circumstance bonus to Dexterity and Constitution, a +4 circumstance bonus to Fortitude, Reflex, and Will saves, and his natural armor bonus improves by 16. His base land speed increases to 60 feet. While shaping, a shaper of 15th level or higher is immune to extra damage from critical hits. Also, he gains a new menu of choices to select from while shaping. He may select one choice from the Greater menu, in addition to any other menu choices he is entitled to. Beginning at level 19, he may select one additional choice from the Greater menu, in addition to any other menu choices he is entitled to. A shaper may select two Improved menu choices in place of one Greater menu choice if he so desires. Greater Shaping Menu A shaper of 15th level may select one special ability from this menu. A shaper of 19th level or higher may select two special abilities from this menu. These selection are in addition to any other choices the shaper is entitled to. No menu ability may be selected more than once, nor may you select multiple menu abilities that provide the same benefit at different numerical values (for example, you may not select both Heavy Deflection and Extreme Deflection). Blindsight (Su): The shaper has blindsight out to 60 feet. Constrict (Su): On a successful grapple check, the shaper deals damage equal to his slam damage. Energy Immunity (Su): Choose one of the following energy types: fire, cold, acid, electricity, or sonic. The shaper is immune to that energy type. Extreme Deflection (Su): The shaper gains a +8 deflection bonus to his Armor Class. Extreme Hunter (Su): The shaper gains a +8 circumstance bonus on all Hide, Move Silently, Search, Spot, and Listen skill checks. Extreme Sneak Attack (Su): The shaper gains +3d6 sneak attack damage. Improved Damage Reduction (Su): The shaper’s surface forms hard, armor-like plates and provides an additional 6 points of damage reduction (or damage reduction 6/magic if he does not already have damage reduction). Improved Blur (Su): The shaper's form shifts and moves, causing attackers to suffer a 50% miss chance against him. Improved Fly (Su): The shaper has physical wings and a fly speed equal to his base land speed with good maneuverability. Malleable Form (Su): Once per round, as a move action, the shaper can produce an effect equivalent to manifesting dimension slide as manifested by a psion with a manifester level equal to the shaper's class levels. Natural Invisibility (Su): As an immediate action, the shaper may turn invisible, as per the invisibility spell. This effect lasts until dismissed (as a free action), discharged, or dispelled. If subjected to a dispelling effect (such as dispel magic), treat this ability as having a caster level equal to the shaper's class levels. Power Resistance (Su): The shaper gains power resistance equal to 10 + his class levels. Rend (Su): The shaper makes claw attacks instead of slam attacks (he deals the same amount of damage as he would with his slam damage). A shaper that hits the same opponent with two claw attacks in the same round rends his foe, which deals extra damage equal to 2d6 + 1½ times his Str modifier. Spring Attack (Su): The shaper gains the Spring Attack feat. Whirlwind Attack (Su): The shaper gains the Whirlwind Attack feat. Master of Forms (Su): At 20th level, the shaper attains complete mastery over his form. His shaping immunities apply no matter what his form (including his normal form). In addition, he is able to enter a semi-liquid state at will as an immediate action. In this state, he is able to slide under doors, through keyholes, and through any other small opening that is not 100% airtight. The shaper retains all sensory input of his normal form in this state. All equipment that is held, carried, or worn by the shaper is melded into his shapeshifted form and becomes nonfunctional until he returns to his normal form. He cannot speak while in this semi-liquid form, and he lacks any appendages. He cannot cast spells or activate magic items while in this form. While in this form, he is treated as if under an effect equivalent to a freedom of movement spell.