Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Spiritwalker 11-09-07, 05:34 PM	SHAPESTRONG FEATS Shapestrong feats are a new classification of feats useable in conjunction with the Druid Shapeshift variant presented in the Players’ Handbook II. It seems a shame that the Shapeshift variant has such little follow-up information or help compared to the Wildshape Druid (Though it is understandable.) So I created these for a DM a while back, but have never got around to playtesting them. A Shapestrong feat requires the Shapeshifting Class feature as a prerequisite, and presents options that, unless otherwise noted, can only be used in conjunction with form assumed using said class feature. Each Shapestrong feat presents either a physical benefit or a special ability that in some way emulates animal quality. If a character ever looses access to a required form or the shapeshift class feature itself, then that character also looses access to the feat it was a prerequisite for. Lastly, activating a Shapestrong feat is a free action, but, unless otherwise stated, a character may have only one Shapestrong feat active at any one time, in any one form. The exception to that rule is Boost classification feats, which are constant abilities. ADJUSTED FORM: [SHAPESTRONG] You have learned that the more powerful a form, the more space it needs, and have leaned to make concessions in power to accommodate for smaller spaces, as well as performing the opposite. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class Feature, Access to Ferocious Slayer Form, WIS 15 Benefit: As a free action while shapeshifting, you may adjust the size of the form you assume within one size category smaller or larger. You take all the normal bonuses and penalties for your new size, but take a -4 STR and a +2 DEX for a size smaller, and a +2 STR, -4 DEX for a size larger. Special: This feat may be taken a second time. It’s effects stack. BIO-LUMINESCENSE: [SHAPESTRONG] Through long study of various forms of insects and deep sea fish, you have learned to emulate their chemically produced lights, and can apply that quality to the forms you can assume with Shapeshift. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, WIS 12, Knowledge (Nature) 4 ranks Benefit: As a free action whilst shapeshifted you may cause patches of your skin or fur to glow and shed light as a candle. As a swift action, you may cause the light level to increase to that of a torch for one minute, but this ability may not be used again for another 5 minutes. As an immediate action that may be performed even when it is not your turn, you may cause your luminescent skin to flash, you may cause any creature who does not succeed on a DC 14 reflex save to be dazzled for 1d4 rounds. Using this ability means you cannot shed light of any kind for 10 minutes. Additionally, while using this feat, you receive a +5 bonus to any check made to influence the attitude of vermin. CHAMELEON: [SHAPESTRONG] You have spent long hours studying various reptiles and deep sea life forms, and have learnt to emulate their capabilities, learning to alter the flesh and fur of the forms you can assume to better blend in with your environment. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class Feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, WIS 14, Knowledge (Nature) 4 ranks Benefit: As a free action while Shapeshifted, you can cause the pigmentation of your skin and fur to ripple and continuously blend in with your surrounding, gaining a +8 bonus to hide checks. COLD IRON BLOOD: [SHAPESTRONG] Through meditation, you have learned to reconstitute and harness the trace elements of rare metals in your blood to improve your attacks. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, ability to deal damage with a natural attack as though it were magic, knowledge (Nature) 6 ranks Benefit: As a free action whilst shapeshifted, you may reconstitute trace elements of cold iron in your blood to gather around your natural attacks. Your natural attacks overcome damage reduction as though they were cold iron. Special: If you have an innate weakness to cold iron, you may not take this feat. DISGUISE MASTERY: [SHAPESTRONG] You have become so comfortable to altering your outer appearance, that you can now mimic specific creatures and animals Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class Feature, Shapeshifting class level 3rd, Disguise 4 ranks Benefit: As a free action whilst shapeshifted into a form using Chameleon, you may alter your form to appear as a specific creature of the animal, beast, or magical beast of approximately the same size. Additionally, you receive a bonus to any disguide, bluff, and perform (acting) checks equal to ¼ your class level to impersonate that specific creature. HIGH JUMPER: [SHAPESTRONG] Through long study of various forms of insect and amphibian, you have learned to augment your assumed forms with the ability to jump disproportionate distances Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, one other shapestrong feat, Knowledge (nature) 4 ranks. Benefit: As a free action whilst shapeshifted, you may cause the muscles in your legs to become disproportionately large and efficient. You may make jumps from a standing start as if you had the run feat and a running start. The distances you can jump are doubled and are no longer limited by height. Additionally, you gain a +5ft bonus to your land speed while this feat is active. NATURE SENSES: [SHAPESTRONG] Through long hours of meditation and tempering of the magic in your blood birthed through shapeshifting, you have learned to extend the senses beyond that gained by even the forms you wear. Prerequisite: shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, WIS 14, Knowledge (Nature) 4 ranks. Benefit: Whilst shapeshifted you gain low-light vision and a bonus to spot, search and listen checks equal to the number of Shapestrong feats you have. Additionally, if you have three or more Shapestrong feats, you gain Darkvision out to 60ft. If you have four or more Shapestrong feats, you gain Blindsense out to 20ft. REFLEXIVE SHAPESHIFT: [SHAPESTRONG] You have learned to rely on the instinct you have honed while shapeshifting, and can occasionally let them take over in the heart of combat, taking refuge in a powerful form. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, WIS 14 Benefit: Once per encounter, you may shapeshift (unmodified) as an immediate action, even when it is not your go. PADDED FEET: [SHAPESTRONG] You have spent long hours in meditation and communion with the silent hunters of the world, and have learnt to emulate their quiet grace in the forms you can assume. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, WIS 14, Knowledge (nature) 4 ranks Benefit: As a free action while shapeshifted, you may grow soft pads on your feet, allowing you to move across surfaces in almost complete silence. You gain a +8 bonus to Move Silently checks. SCENT: [SHAPESTRONG] Through long study of various canine and serpent species, you have learned to apply their heightened sense of smell to your assumed forms. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, Knowledge (nature) 4 ranks Benefit: while shapeshifted, you may take a free action to attune and heighten your sense of smell. Your nose may grow to resemble that of a dog or wolf, or your tongue may grow black and forked like that of a snake. You gain the scent special quality (MM. P314) Additionally, you gain a +4 bonus to survival checks when tracking by scent. SHIFTER TONGUE: [SHAPESTRONG] You have learnt to adapt your shapeshifted forms to accommodate the full range of language you may use in your base body Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, WIS 12 Benefit: You may speak and communicate normally whilst in an assumed form. Additionally, you may cast spells without somatic components or material components normally if you have the necessary feats or ability to do so. Special: If you have 5 or more ranks in perform (aural) and the bardic music ability, you may make bardic music checks as normal. SILVER BLOOD: [SHAPESTRONG] Through constant shapeshifting and deep meditation, you have learned a great deal about what comprises your body, and have learned to turn this to your advantage, producing and harnessing trace elements of silver in your blood stream. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class Feature, ability to deal damage with a natural weapon as though it were magic, Knowledge (Nature) 6 ranks. Benefit: As a free action whilst shapeshifted, you can cause trace elements of silver to collect around your natural attacks. Each of your natural attacks overcomes damage reduction as a silvered weapon. Special: If you have an innate weakness to Silver, you may not take this feat. TUNNEL RUNNER: [SHAPESTRONG] Through long study of the humble mole, you have learnt to carve your way through the earth as others swim through water. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Access to Ferocious Slayer form, Knowledge (Nature) 8 ranks. Benefit: When in ferocious Slayer form, you may take a free action to cause your claws to grow disproportionately large and shovel-like. You gain a burrow speed equal to half land speed. Additionally, your claws deal damage as though they were one size category larger. WALL CRAWLER [SHAPESTRONG] Through long study of various forms of insects, lizards, and arachnids, you have learned to adapt the assumed forms you can take to climb vertical surfaces as easily as most species walk. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class feature, Shapeshifting Class level 1st, one other shapestrong feat, Knowledge (nature) 4 ranks Benefit: As a free action whilst Shapeshifted, you may cause sticky pads or small hooks to grow from the pads of your feet. You gain a climb speed equal to half your primary speed in your assumed form. Additionally, you gain a +2 bonus to all grapple checks made while in this form. BOOST FEATS: Boost feats are a subcategory of Shapestrong feats that offer a constant benefit to all forms, including base form, dependent on the amount of Shapestrong feats the character possesses. HARDENED FORM: [Shapestrong, boost] You have spent long hours on the protection you gain through shapeshifting, and have harnessed that knowledge to toughen your hide Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, one other Shapestrong feat, CON 14 Benefit: Your natural armour bonus improves by +1, plus an additional +1 for every three shapestrong feats you possess. (If you normally do not have a natural armour bonus, then your natural armour bonus is effectively +0.) HASTENED FORM: [SHAPESTRONG, BOOST] You have studied the speed and endurance of the forms you can assume through Shapeshifting, and have harnessed that ability to quicken your pace. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshift Class level 3rd, one other Shapestrong feat, DEX 14 Benefit: Your base land speed increases by 10ft, plus an additional +5ft for every three Shapestrong feat you possess. IRON FORTITUDE: [SHAPESTRONG, BOOST] Through your shapeshifting talents and long hours spent in meditation on both the inner working of the body, and the external influence of toxins and poisons on their balance, you have learned to temper yourself against them. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class Feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, CON 12 Benefit: You receive a +2 bonus to fortitude saves, plus an additional +2 for every two Shapestrong feats you possess. REFLEXIVE WILL: [SHAPESTRONG, BOOST] Through meditating on the constant changes in your personality and base instincts Shapeshifting creates, you have learned to make your thoughts slippery and alien to an invading mind. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, WIS 12 Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to will saves, plus an additional +2 for every two Shapestrong feats you possess. SHARPENED REFLEXES: [SHAPESTRONG, BOOST] Through your competence in changing form and long hours of meditation on the changes created in your muscle structure and synapses, you have learned to harness some of that speed and quickness of thought in your base form. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, Dex 12 Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to reflex saves, plus an additional +2 for every two Shapestrong feats you possess. SHIFTER’S HEALTH: [SHAPESTRONG, BOOST] Through long contemplation of the ways in which Shapeshifting alters your body, you have learned to harness some of it’s recuperative abilities and harness them to fortify your base form Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, CON 12 Benefit: You gaing 2 bonus HP, plus an additional +2 for every Shapestrong feat you possess. FORM FEATS: Form feats are a subcategory of Shapestrong feats which allow a shapeshifting druid to assume additional forms, as long as he meets the other prerequisites. These feats were designed to allow a Shapeshifting druid to go places and perform tasks that a Wildshaping druid would be able to perform, but which a Shapeshifting druid otherwise has no access to without magical items. All damages assume a medium size base form. Adjust as necessary for larger or smaller forms. SHADOW SKULK FORM: [SHAPESTRONG, FORM] You have spent long hours in communion with the small and secretive creatures of the world, and have learned to emulate their size and skill, gaining a stealthy form to use. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, access to Predator form, Knowledge (nature) 4 ranks. Benefit: You gain an additional form useable with your Shapeshift class feature. This form, typically that of a rat, cat, or snake, is designed for stealth, and has the following ability adjustments: • Size decreases to two sizes smaller (minimum tiny) • Speed increases to 40ft • -8 penalty to strength • +8 bonus to dexterity • +2 bonus to natural armour • you receive a bite attack as a primary natural attack, dealing 1D2 damage on a successful attack. OCEAN LORD FORM [SHAPESTRONG, FORM] You have spent long hours in communion with the current swimmers and lords of the ocean depths, and have learned to emulate their agility and mastery over the water, gaining the perfect form to explore beneath the waves. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, access to Aerial form, knowledge (Nature) 8 ranks Benefit: You gain an additional form usable with your Shapeshift class feature. This form, typically that of a shark or porpoise, is designed for ocean exploration, and has the following ability adjustments: • Size category the same as base form • You gain a swim speed of 60ft • You gain the ability to breathe underwater without penalty • You gain a +2 bonus to strength, • You gain a +4 bonus to dexterity • You gain a +2 bonus to natural armour • You gain a primary bite attack dealing 1d8 points of damage. WEAPONIED FEATS: Weaponized feats are a subcategory of Shapestrong feat that offers a Shapeshifting character new natural attack options, or new extraordinary natural attack that are common, or at least found, in animals. AMPHIBIAN TONGUE: [SHAPESTRONG, WEAPONIZED] You have studied and meditated on the surprise attacks and adaptations of various frogs and amphibians, and have learned to apply these trait to the forms you may assume using Shapeshift Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 5th, knowledge (nature) 8 ranks, WIS 15 Benefit: As a free action while shapeshifted, you may grow a thick, sticky tongue. You may make a secondary tongue attack as if you had reach of a creature one size category larger than your assumed form. Your tongue deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage, plus your strength bonus (if any). In addition, you may grapple with your tongue as if you had the improved grab special ability (MM. P.310). DARK LASHER: [SHAPESTRONG, WEAPONIZED] You have studied and meditated for long hours on the weapons and defences of various psudopods and octopi, and have learned to adapt your form to make use of their particular attack abilities. Prerequisites: Tunnel Runner, Shapeshift class Feature, Knowledge (Nature) 10 ranks, WIS 15 Benefit: As a free action whilst shapeshifted, you may grow a pair of thick, muscular tentacles. You may make two secondary natural attacks, dealing 1d4 points of bludgeoning and slashing damage each. As a full round action, you may make both attacks at double your normal reach. DEFENSIVE SKIN: [SHAPESTRONG, WEAPONIZED] Through deeper study of amphibious life, you have learned to master the defensive qualities of some of the rarer types of frog, and have learned to apply these qualities to your assumed forms. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshift class level 8th, Knowledge (Nature) 11 ranks, WIS 15, Amphibian tongue. Benefit: As a free action while shapeshifted, you may cause your skin to grow thick and warty, and possibly patterned in bright colours. You secrete an acidic solution through the pores of your skin. Any creature making an attack against you with an unarmed strike or natural attack takes 1d4 points of acid damage. POISON STING: [SHAPESTRONG, WEAPONIZED] Having mastered the defences granted by a tail, you have taken your studies further, meditating on the abilities of scorpions and wasps to gain a dangerous attack. Prerequisite: Striking tail, Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 3rd, knowledge (nature) 6 ranks, WIS 13 Benefit: As a free action while shapeshifted in a form using striking tail, you may grow a sharp, scorpion-like stinger. Your tail attack deal piercing damage as well as bludgeoning, and also deliver a mild poison (DC14, 1d4 con, 1d4 con) with a successful hit. SERPENT TAIL: [SHAPESTRONG, WEAPONIZED] You have meditated long and hard on the adaptations of various constrictor snakes, and have learned to emulate their namesake into your assumed forms. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, shapeshifting class level 8th, WIS 12, Knowledge (Nature) 8 ranks, Striking tail. Benefit: As a free action while shapeshifted in a form using Striking Tail, you may cause your hind legs and the lower part of your body to merge into one, long, powerful tail. Your tail attack deals 2d6 points of damage, and you gain the Constrict special ability (MM. P.307) when you enter a grapple. STRIKING TAIL: [SHAPESTRONG, WEAPONIZED] You have meditated long and communed with animals that use a heavy tail as both an offensive and defensive weapon, and have learned to incorporate this versatile weapon into your assumed forms. Prerequisite: Shapeshift class feature, Shapeshifting class level 1st, Knowledge (Nature) 4 ranks Benefit: As a free action whilst shapeshifting, you may grow a thick, muscular tail that allows you to make a secondary tail attack. Your tail deals 1d6 points of bludgeoning damage plus half your strength bonus, and has a critical range of 20. Additionally, whilst this feat is active you gain a +4 to balance checks. TRIP: [SHAPESTRONG, WEAPONIZED] You have learned to rely on your instincts when you enter combat, and have learned to bring prey down to your level, to make them easier to finish off. Prerequisite: Shapeshift Class Feature, access to Predator form, Shapeshifting class level 3rd. Benefit: When you successfully hit with a bite attack with this feat active you may attempt to trip your opponent (+1 check modifier) as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of opportunity. If the trip attempt fails, the opponent may not react to trip you. So what do people think? all comments would be appreciated
Spiritwalker 11-10-07, 05:03 PM	:bump: nobody?
Quack_Moo 11-11-07, 01:46 PM	I think that these are great in concept. I haven't really taken a look at them from a balance perspective, but the ideas behind them are sound. Nice job (I'm digging the aquatic form) However, there are two which jump out at me. Disguise Mastery seems redundant. I was always under the impression that Shapeshift turned you into an animal, just with your own stats in addition to those listed in the form. IIRC you don't become some hybrid anthropomorphic animal. Thus, the need for a feat that lets you do that seems minimal. Second, the Shifter Tongue feat is rapidly approaching Natural Spell. This is bad for one of two reasons: 1. If you keep Natural Spell in your games, this is reduntant, or 2. If you banned Natural Spell, this just becomes a replacement (also prob banned) That having been said, the idea of shifted bardic music (ala Twilight Princess) does tickle my fancy. Otherwise, kick-butt (stupid censors) job on the rest of it, I will probably end up yoinking these for my sessions (I'm gonna throw some bard/druid/fochlucan lyrist at them) and I'll see how they play out balance wise.
Spiritwalker 11-11-07, 05:59 PM	I'll be glad to have a play-test of them. You should also check out my magic items (in my sig) and my (soon to be written) prestige classes. As to your questions: With disguise mastery, it wasn't that you didn't change into an animal - that's natural. It was that you gained the ability to turn into specific animals, i.e. the BBEG's long haired Moggy (unique, in other words). You'd be surprised how many games i've played when being able to turn into the BBEG's pt and sneak a look at his plans would have been brilliant. Just a thought though, might need some work. As to Beast Tongue, I played a Shapeshift druid without any of these feats, and found that i was unwilling to change back from animal form. Now, as it's only a swift action, turning back can present some easy options to having a conversation, the character felt wrong doing so. So this was really just a role-playing feat with added bonuses ('cuz let's face it, feats don't grow on trees.) Plus, i always did like natural spell and speaking wild shape, amoungst others. Hopefully they'll be seeing a revision.