Post/Author/DateTime	Post
modus666 02-09-07, 01:42 AM	I know that a lot of peple feel slighted by the adjustments made to polymorph in the new LGCS. I also understand why the decision was made... so instead of debating the why's and wherefore's I offer a potential compromise. The PHB2 offers an interesting take on druids. It allows them to sacrifice the animal companion ability for an inherent, swift-action type of shapeshift that is very structured and very limited in scope but it increases with level and allows for a lot of room in cosmetics. For example, it doesnt matter if you look like a wolf or cat or whatever, your initial available form has a bite and increase dspeed and a natural armor bonus, that's it, simple enough but still versatile and allows for themed shapshifters. In a non RPGA campaign I'm running one of my druids opted for this PHB2 option and has been extremely satisfied with it. It allows for both spellcasting and shapeshifting combat options. While natural spell does not funciton with this ability, it's barely necessary as to change is a swift action doable once per round. I cannot quote you pages but I encourage those of you upset by the loss of wildshape to have a look at that particular option. Now here's my proposal... Animal companions are an essential element of some druid builds. Many of those are mounted combatants and ffrom whati can tell will be hindered very little by the loss of wild shape. For other druids shapeshifting is quintessential to their build and the animal companion is little more than a side note. So allow anyone playing a druid to pick one option or the other and write directly into it as necessary. This will allow those who enjoy shapeshifting to keep a portion of their options available, and will allow those focusing on animal companions to keep that ability and continue to focus on the power of their pets. They guy running the option'ed druid in my home ca,paign has gone with grapple oriented feats and is capable of doing decent damage. He recently got his "flying form" and has used both to good effect despite some limitations. For those who still feel that would be losing too much, perhaps give the animal companion druids who would be losing their inherent wildshape a free feat like "natural bond" from complete adventurer to compensate? I think doing this would maybe eased some of the hurt feelings of people who feel their characetrs have suddenly had the rug yanked out from underneath them by allowing them a more structured option. I do not, at this time, have any suggestions for arcane casters though. I feel spellcasters have plenty of options available to them so I'm not too concerned about that, I just felt that having an inherent class feature unceremoniously jerked away was a bit much and this could be a workable middle ground compromise.
Timlagor 02-09-07, 08:25 AM	You do realise that Druids can still wildshape right?
modus666 02-09-07, 01:11 PM	You do realise that Druids can still wildshape right? no... obviously i did not. i havent had a chance to downlaod the file yet only got informed about the big hullabaloo about polymorph/alter self yesterday. if i'm off base i'm sorry but it seemed like a big deal... if the spell polymorph is closed now... and the wild shape ability is based off polymorph... is the loss of this ability not inferred?
Japangirl 02-09-07, 04:47 PM	Not really. Well, maybe, but the errata is specific that druids can still wild shape, it's just not based of any spell anymore and is a supernatural ability (which it always was) that has no spell base. Wild shape no longer changes your HP to match your new CON score and your type no longer changes to Animal. But druids still very much have the ability to wild shape.
modus666 02-09-07, 05:28 PM	Not really. Well, maybe, but the errata is specific that druids can still wild shape, it's just not based of any spell anymore and is a supernatural ability (which it always was) that has no spell base. Wild shape no longer changes your HP to match your new CON score and your type no longer changes to Animal. But druids still very much have the ability to wild shape. yeah after reading the erratta i get it. feel dumb now. spent all that time coming up with that compromise and its not really necessary. i still think the phb 2 shapeshift option is neeto tho.
solbergb 02-09-07, 05:28 PM	The alternate ability is significantly weaker than animal companion+alternate form wildshape. In fact tremedously weaker. You're giving up the extraordinary attacks and the # of attacks (you can't turn into a 12 armed squid, you can't actually do a cat the way all the cats are done etc). You're also giving up a whole cohort-level companion. The ability exists for players who can't keep track of all the wildshape and companion variables. Likely those same players will aslo take the alternate thing for summons too, for the same reasons. Weaker but easier to deal with. The barbarian alternate ability is along the same lines. It's for players who find deciding when to rage to detract from their fun, so instead they get an ability that is similar but kicks in automatically and reactively.
modus666 02-09-07, 06:01 PM	i disagree much. the ability to shapeshift into a combat-worthy form starting at first level is waaay good. note that the bonuses given with the alternate shapeshift are enhancements instead of replacements, thus one can make a 'fightin' druid from the get-go, which isnt as possible with wild-shape as-is. i dont agree that the alternate shapeshift is a "dumbing down" of the class as you suggest. the ability to shift as a swift action allows a LOT of versatility and mobility for a druid. in my home game i've seen our shifting druid fly about the battlefield, shifting back and forth from human form to cast as still stay in the fight. hes just waiting for the next evolution for his charadter when he can become large and gain mutliple attacks.
Japangirl 02-09-07, 06:06 PM	The loss of any ability to cast spells while shapeshifted (Natural Spell doesn't work, after all) is a huge handicap. Our druid/tank has done so much good with flamestrikes, greater magic fangs (can't get your claws magicked if you don't have any at the time of casting), faerie fires, freedom of movements, arc lightnings, and healing spells while he was shifted that I can't imagine a shifting druid not wanting to keep the ability to cast and shift at the same time.