Shapeshifter PrC [Archive] - Wizards Community

Shapeshifter PrC [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
HalfMunchkin
07-18-07, 11:50 PM Shapeshifter PrC

Hit Dice: d8
Prerequisites:
Skills: Concentration 5 ranks, Spellcraft 5 ranks, Disguise 8 ranks
Feats: Skill Focus: Disguise, Spell Focus: Transmutation, Greater Spell Focus: Transmutation
Special: Minor Change Shape as a racial ability or as a class feature http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070314a

Skills: Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str).
Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier
Base Attack Bonus: As Druid
Saves: As Druid

Level_Special
1____Shifting
2____Shapeshifting Focus +1
3____Change Shape
4____Greater Shapeshift [Dexterity]
5____Shapeshifting Focus +2
6____Alternate Form
7____Greater Shapeshift [Natural Armor]
8____Shapeshifting Focus +3
9____A Thousand Faces
10___Greater Shapeshift [Strength]

Level_Spells Per Day
_____1___2___3___4
1____1____________
2____2____________
3____3___1________
4____4___2________
5____4___3___1____
6____4___4___2____
7____4___4___3___1
8____4___4___4___2
9____4___4___4___3
10___4___4___4___4

Spell List and Spells Known
1st Level
Enlarge Person
Expiditioud Retreat
Lowlight Vision
Magic Fang
Reduce Person
2nd Level
Alter Self
Barkskin
Bear's Endurance
Bull's Strength
Cat's Grace
Darkvision
Fins to Feat
Spider Climb
Swim
3rd Level
Air Breathing
Animalistic Power
Dragonskin
Evard's Menacing Tentacles
Girallon's Blessing
Gaseous Form
Greater Magic Fang
Water Breathing
4th Level
Extend Tentacles
Freedom of Movement
Polymorph
Trollshape

Spells: Beginning at 1st level, a shapeshifter gains the ability to cast a number of arcane spells. To cast a spell, an shapeshifter must have an charisma score of at least 10 + the spell’s level, so a shapeshifter with an Charisma of 10 or lower cannot cast these spells. Shapeshifter bonus spells are based on Charisma, and saving throws against these spells have a DC of 10 + spell level + the shapeshifter’s Charisma bonus. Caster level is equal to the Shapeshifter prestige class level. The shapeshifter’s spell list appears above. When a shapeshifter gains access to a new level of spells, she automatically knows all the spells for that level on the shapeshifter's spell list. Essentially the shapeshifter's spell list is the same as her spells known list.
Shifting: You gain the Shapeshift class feature (Druid variant PHB II page 39) as a druid of twice you Shapeshifter level and the Immediate Magic: Sudden Shift class feature (Wizard variant PHB II page 70), except that you may use your Sudden Shift ability one additional time per day per Shapeshifter level. If you use the Sudden Shift ability while you are in a different form through your Shapeshift ability, then the Sudden Shift lasts untill you change form again. Levels of Shapeshifter do not stack with levels from any other classes that may have the Shapeshifting ability.
Shapeshifting Focus: The Caster and/or Manifester Level of all spells, powers, spell-like abilities, psi-like abilities and supernatural abilities of the Transmutation school or Psychometabilism discipline increases by the listed amount as long as you are the target. In addition, you gain a bonus equal to the listed amount to all Disguise checks as well. This bonus stacks with all other bonuses you may have from other sources.
Change Shape (Su): A shapeshifter can assume the shape of any Small or Medium humanoid. In humanoid form, the shapeshifter loses its natural attacks. A shapeshifter can remain in its humanoid form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but a shapeshifter reverts to its natural form when killed. This ability is usable at will.
Greater Shapeshift: Starting at 4th level, whenever you change form using your Shapeshift ability, your dexterity increases by +4. At 7th level, your Natural Armor improves by an additional +2 and at 10th level, the bonus to Strength increases by +2.
Alternate Form (Su): A Shapeshifter can assume any animal or humanoid form of Large size or smaller as a standard action three times per day. This ability functions as a polymorph spell cast on itself as a Sorcerer of its Shapeshifter level, except that the shapeshifter does not regain hit points for changing form and can only assume the form of an animal or humanoid. The dragon can remain in its animal or humanoid form until it chooses to assume a new one or return to its natural form.
A Thousand Faces (Su): A Shapeshifter gains the ability to change her appearance at will, as if using the alter self spell, but only while in her normal form.

So, what does everyone think? Please, no flames.
Mai_ariti
07-19-07, 09:51 AM I'm going to have to say that this class is too specilized. It has 3 'special' requirements and there for is too hard to enter in my opinion (assuming you didn't mean one of the above. . .if so, you forgot to write that). This is then rewarded by some fairly weak class features. If I wanted something like this, I would just take the Master of Forms PrC as a Druid or the Master Transmogroforist (I cannont spell this correctly) if a wizard.

Finally, giving a new spell list to a class where you have to have two spellcasting classed to even enter is just sick.
HalfMunchkin
07-19-07, 10:17 PM So what you are saying is it's underpowered?
Aloki
07-19-07, 10:43 PM pretty much
Mai_ariti
07-20-07, 10:44 AM In a word: Yes.

There aren't really any abilities that stand out as special or much beyond what you can do any way. Basically, you only get a +2 Dex bonus to AC, a +2 Natural Armor Bonus to AC, and a +1 Str bonus to attack. Over 10 levels, you could o much better with items.
HalfMunchkin
07-20-07, 10:52 PM Any suggestions on how to make it better?
Mai_ariti
07-21-07, 09:30 AM First, if you have to be a dual class caster to get into the class, don't give them a new spell list, that just means a thousand 1st level spells. At every level allow them to increase their caster level in druid or wizard. If you want, you can make it a one time choice, the increase at first level is the one at levels 2-10, or they can choose at every level.

Next, you need some special options that the PrC can give that are hard to replicate with items. Master of Many Forms provides the druid the ability to assume more varied forms and the Master Transmogrifer allows the person to have favoured forms that give her more of the powers possessed by the creature.

Basically, you need to decide exactly what this class is supposed to do for the character. If you only want small bonuses like those already present, perhaps a 5 level class is what you want. . .

Look at Master of Many Forms (Complete Adv.) and Master Transmogrifer (Complete Arcane) for the general strength this kind of PRC should give.
HalfMunchkin
07-25-07, 11:59 AM Made some changes. How is it now?
Mai_ariti
07-26-07, 11:37 AM Much better. Just a few things. I believe that Alter Self restricts you to Small and Medium humanoid forms. This is the same as your Change Shape feature. Is Change Shape actually Disguise Self, or is it something I'm missing?

The only other thing is that shapeshift, the varient Druid ability, doesn't allow spellcasting in the alternate form. Because of this, the spell list is less useful. On the subject, the shapeshift ability functions as that of a Durid at which level? Which of the forms are avaliable (flying, elemental, hunter)?

Overall better though. . .
HalfMunchkin
07-26-07, 12:43 PM Much better. Just a few things. I believe that Alter Self restricts you to Small and Medium humanoid forms. This is the same as your Change Shape feature. Is Change Shape actually Disguise Self, or is it something I'm missing?

Change Shape doesn't allow you to assume the form's racial traits or movement types, Alter Self Does.

The only other thing is that shapeshift, the varient Druid ability, doesn't allow spellcasting in the alternate form. Because of this, the spell list is less useful.

You just can't cast spells while Shapeshifted, but you can when polymorhed or using any other class feature that allows you to alter your form.

On the subject, the shapeshift ability functions as that of a Druid at which level? Which of the forms are avaliable (flying, elemental, hunter)?

It says as a druid of twice your Shapeshifter level. It allows all forms when you are the appropriote level, same as a druid.

Overall better though. . .

Thank you.
Mai_ariti
07-27-07, 10:16 AM In this case, I think it works pretty well.

Nice job.
HalfMunchkin
09-08-07, 10:27 PM I made another version. This version is for Shifters and Saurion Shifters only.

Shapeshifter PrC

Hit Dice: d8
Prerequisites:
Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Psicraft 4 ranks, Spellcraft 4 ranks, Disguise 8 ranks
Feats: Skill Focus: Disguise, Spell Focus: Transmutation, Greater Spell Focus: Transmutation
Special: Shifting racial ability
Special: Minor Change Shape class feature http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070314a
Special: Immediate Magic: Sudden Shift class feature (Wizard variant PHB II page 70)
Special: Shapeshift class feature (Druid variant PHB II page 39)

Skills: Autohypnosis (Wis), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Psicraft (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str).
Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier
Base Attack Bonus: As Druid
Saves: As Druid

Level_Special
1____Improved Shapeshifting, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
2____Change Shape, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
3____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
4____Shapeshifting Focus +1, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
5____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
6____Shapeshifting Focus +2, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
7____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
8____Shapeshifting Focus +3, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
9____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class
10___Alternate Form, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class

Spellcasting/Power Manifesting: When a new Shapeshifter level is gained, she gains new spells per day or additional power points and access to new powers as if he had also gained a level in a spellcasting or manifesting class she belonged to before adding the prestige class. She does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained, except for an increased effective level of spellcasting. If she had more than one spellcasting or manifesting class before becoming an Shapeshifter, she must decide to which class she adds the new level for purposes of determining spells per day or additional power points and access to new powers.

Improved Shapeshifting: Levels of this PrC stack with Druid, Wizard and Psion (Egoist) levels for the Druid's Shapeshifting ability. In addition, the Shapeshifter may use her Sudden Shift ability one additional time per day per Shapeshifter level.

Change Shape (Su): A shapeshifter can assume the shape of any Small or Medium humanoid. In humanoid form, the shapeshifter loses her natural attacks. A shapeshifter can remain in her humanoid form until she chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but a shapeshifter reverts to her natural form when killed. This ability is usable at will.

Shifter Bonus Feat: The Shapeshifter gains any Shifter feat she meets the prerequisites for.

Shapeshifting Focus: The Caster and/or Manifester Level of all spells, powers, spell-like abilities, psi-like abilities and supernatural abilities of the Transmutation school or Psychometabilism discipline increases by the listed amount as long as the Shapeshifter is the target. In addition, she gains a bonus equal to the listed amount to all Disguise checks as well. This bonus stacks with all other bonuses she may have from other sources.

Alternate Form (Su): A Shapeshifter can assume any animal, humanoid or monstrous humanoid form of Large size or smaller as a standard action three times per day. This ability functions as a polymorph spell cast on herself as a Sorcerer of her Shapeshifter level, except that the shapeshifter does not regain hit points for changing form and can only assume the form of an animal, humanoid or monstrous humanoid. She can remain in her animal, humanoid or monstrous humanoid form until she chooses to assume a new one or return to her natural form.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
HalfMunchkin 07-18-07, 11:50 PM	Shapeshifter PrC Hit Dice: d8 Prerequisites: Skills: Concentration 5 ranks, Spellcraft 5 ranks, Disguise 8 ranks Feats: Skill Focus: Disguise, Spell Focus: Transmutation, Greater Spell Focus: Transmutation Special: Minor Change Shape as a racial ability or as a class feature http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070314a Skills: Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str). Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier Base Attack Bonus: As Druid Saves: As Druid Level_Special 1____Shifting 2____Shapeshifting Focus +1 3____Change Shape 4____Greater Shapeshift [Dexterity] 5____Shapeshifting Focus +2 6____Alternate Form 7____Greater Shapeshift [Natural Armor] 8____Shapeshifting Focus +3 9____A Thousand Faces 10___Greater Shapeshift [Strength] Level_Spells Per Day _____1___2___3___4 1____1____________ 2____2____________ 3____3___1________ 4____4___2________ 5____4___3___1____ 6____4___4___2____ 7____4___4___3___1 8____4___4___4___2 9____4___4___4___3 10___4___4___4___4 Spell List and Spells Known 1st Level Enlarge Person Expiditioud Retreat Lowlight Vision Magic Fang Reduce Person 2nd Level Alter Self Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Cat's Grace Darkvision Fins to Feat Spider Climb Swim 3rd Level Air Breathing Animalistic Power Dragonskin Evard's Menacing Tentacles Girallon's Blessing Gaseous Form Greater Magic Fang Water Breathing 4th Level Extend Tentacles Freedom of Movement Polymorph Trollshape Spells: Beginning at 1st level, a shapeshifter gains the ability to cast a number of arcane spells. To cast a spell, an shapeshifter must have an charisma score of at least 10 + the spell’s level, so a shapeshifter with an Charisma of 10 or lower cannot cast these spells. Shapeshifter bonus spells are based on Charisma, and saving throws against these spells have a DC of 10 + spell level + the shapeshifter’s Charisma bonus. Caster level is equal to the Shapeshifter prestige class level. The shapeshifter’s spell list appears above. When a shapeshifter gains access to a new level of spells, she automatically knows all the spells for that level on the shapeshifter's spell list. Essentially the shapeshifter's spell list is the same as her spells known list. Shifting: You gain the Shapeshift class feature (Druid variant PHB II page 39) as a druid of twice you Shapeshifter level and the Immediate Magic: Sudden Shift class feature (Wizard variant PHB II page 70), except that you may use your Sudden Shift ability one additional time per day per Shapeshifter level. If you use the Sudden Shift ability while you are in a different form through your Shapeshift ability, then the Sudden Shift lasts untill you change form again. Levels of Shapeshifter do not stack with levels from any other classes that may have the Shapeshifting ability. Shapeshifting Focus: The Caster and/or Manifester Level of all spells, powers, spell-like abilities, psi-like abilities and supernatural abilities of the Transmutation school or Psychometabilism discipline increases by the listed amount as long as you are the target. In addition, you gain a bonus equal to the listed amount to all Disguise checks as well. This bonus stacks with all other bonuses you may have from other sources. Change Shape (Su): A shapeshifter can assume the shape of any Small or Medium humanoid. In humanoid form, the shapeshifter loses its natural attacks. A shapeshifter can remain in its humanoid form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but a shapeshifter reverts to its natural form when killed. This ability is usable at will. Greater Shapeshift: Starting at 4th level, whenever you change form using your Shapeshift ability, your dexterity increases by +4. At 7th level, your Natural Armor improves by an additional +2 and at 10th level, the bonus to Strength increases by +2. Alternate Form (Su): A Shapeshifter can assume any animal or humanoid form of Large size or smaller as a standard action three times per day. This ability functions as a polymorph spell cast on itself as a Sorcerer of its Shapeshifter level, except that the shapeshifter does not regain hit points for changing form and can only assume the form of an animal or humanoid. The dragon can remain in its animal or humanoid form until it chooses to assume a new one or return to its natural form. A Thousand Faces (Su): A Shapeshifter gains the ability to change her appearance at will, as if using the alter self spell, but only while in her normal form. So, what does everyone think? Please, no flames.
Mai_ariti 07-19-07, 09:51 AM	I'm going to have to say that this class is too specilized. It has 3 'special' requirements and there for is too hard to enter in my opinion (assuming you didn't mean one of the above. . .if so, you forgot to write that). This is then rewarded by some fairly weak class features. If I wanted something like this, I would just take the Master of Forms PrC as a Druid or the Master Transmogroforist (I cannont spell this correctly) if a wizard. Finally, giving a new spell list to a class where you have to have two spellcasting classed to even enter is just sick.
HalfMunchkin 07-19-07, 10:17 PM	So what you are saying is it's underpowered?
Aloki 07-19-07, 10:43 PM	pretty much
Mai_ariti 07-20-07, 10:44 AM	In a word: Yes. There aren't really any abilities that stand out as special or much beyond what you can do any way. Basically, you only get a +2 Dex bonus to AC, a +2 Natural Armor Bonus to AC, and a +1 Str bonus to attack. Over 10 levels, you could o much better with items.
HalfMunchkin 07-20-07, 10:52 PM	Any suggestions on how to make it better?
Mai_ariti 07-21-07, 09:30 AM	First, if you have to be a dual class caster to get into the class, don't give them a new spell list, that just means a thousand 1st level spells. At every level allow them to increase their caster level in druid or wizard. If you want, you can make it a one time choice, the increase at first level is the one at levels 2-10, or they can choose at every level. Next, you need some special options that the PrC can give that are hard to replicate with items. Master of Many Forms provides the druid the ability to assume more varied forms and the Master Transmogrifer allows the person to have favoured forms that give her more of the powers possessed by the creature. Basically, you need to decide exactly what this class is supposed to do for the character. If you only want small bonuses like those already present, perhaps a 5 level class is what you want. . . Look at Master of Many Forms (Complete Adv.) and Master Transmogrifer (Complete Arcane) for the general strength this kind of PRC should give.
HalfMunchkin 07-25-07, 11:59 AM	Made some changes. How is it now?
Mai_ariti 07-26-07, 11:37 AM	Much better. Just a few things. I believe that Alter Self restricts you to Small and Medium humanoid forms. This is the same as your Change Shape feature. Is Change Shape actually Disguise Self, or is it something I'm missing? The only other thing is that shapeshift, the varient Druid ability, doesn't allow spellcasting in the alternate form. Because of this, the spell list is less useful. On the subject, the shapeshift ability functions as that of a Durid at which level? Which of the forms are avaliable (flying, elemental, hunter)? Overall better though. . .
HalfMunchkin 07-26-07, 12:43 PM	Much better. Just a few things. I believe that Alter Self restricts you to Small and Medium humanoid forms. This is the same as your Change Shape feature. Is Change Shape actually Disguise Self, or is it something I'm missing? Change Shape doesn't allow you to assume the form's racial traits or movement types, Alter Self Does. The only other thing is that shapeshift, the varient Druid ability, doesn't allow spellcasting in the alternate form. Because of this, the spell list is less useful. You just can't cast spells while Shapeshifted, but you can when polymorhed or using any other class feature that allows you to alter your form. On the subject, the shapeshift ability functions as that of a Druid at which level? Which of the forms are avaliable (flying, elemental, hunter)? It says as a druid of twice your Shapeshifter level. It allows all forms when you are the appropriote level, same as a druid. Overall better though. . . Thank you.
Mai_ariti 07-27-07, 10:16 AM	In this case, I think it works pretty well. Nice job.
HalfMunchkin 09-08-07, 10:27 PM	I made another version. This version is for Shifters and Saurion Shifters only. Shapeshifter PrC Hit Dice: d8 Prerequisites: Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Psicraft 4 ranks, Spellcraft 4 ranks, Disguise 8 ranks Feats: Skill Focus: Disguise, Spell Focus: Transmutation, Greater Spell Focus: Transmutation Special: Shifting racial ability Special: Minor Change Shape class feature http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070314a Special: Immediate Magic: Sudden Shift class feature (Wizard variant PHB II page 70) Special: Shapeshift class feature (Druid variant PHB II page 39) Skills: Autohypnosis (Wis), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Psicraft (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str). Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier Base Attack Bonus: As Druid Saves: As Druid Level_Special 1____Improved Shapeshifting, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 2____Change Shape, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 3____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 4____Shapeshifting Focus +1, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 5____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 6____Shapeshifting Focus +2, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 7____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 8____Shapeshifting Focus +3, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 9____Shifter Bonus Feat, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class 10___Alternate Form, +1 level of existing spellcasting or power manifesting class Spellcasting/Power Manifesting: When a new Shapeshifter level is gained, she gains new spells per day or additional power points and access to new powers as if he had also gained a level in a spellcasting or manifesting class she belonged to before adding the prestige class. She does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained, except for an increased effective level of spellcasting. If she had more than one spellcasting or manifesting class before becoming an Shapeshifter, she must decide to which class she adds the new level for purposes of determining spells per day or additional power points and access to new powers. Improved Shapeshifting: Levels of this PrC stack with Druid, Wizard and Psion (Egoist) levels for the Druid's Shapeshifting ability. In addition, the Shapeshifter may use her Sudden Shift ability one additional time per day per Shapeshifter level. Change Shape (Su): A shapeshifter can assume the shape of any Small or Medium humanoid. In humanoid form, the shapeshifter loses her natural attacks. A shapeshifter can remain in her humanoid form until she chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but a shapeshifter reverts to her natural form when killed. This ability is usable at will. Shifter Bonus Feat: The Shapeshifter gains any Shifter feat she meets the prerequisites for. Shapeshifting Focus: The Caster and/or Manifester Level of all spells, powers, spell-like abilities, psi-like abilities and supernatural abilities of the Transmutation school or Psychometabilism discipline increases by the listed amount as long as the Shapeshifter is the target. In addition, she gains a bonus equal to the listed amount to all Disguise checks as well. This bonus stacks with all other bonuses she may have from other sources. Alternate Form (Su): A Shapeshifter can assume any animal, humanoid or monstrous humanoid form of Large size or smaller as a standard action three times per day. This ability functions as a polymorph spell cast on herself as a Sorcerer of her Shapeshifter level, except that the shapeshifter does not regain hit points for changing form and can only assume the form of an animal, humanoid or monstrous humanoid. She can remain in her animal, humanoid or monstrous humanoid form until she chooses to assume a new one or return to her natural form.