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Shifter FAQ
version 1.03
Copyright 2003 Douglas Crews
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Table Of Contents
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(1) Character Creation
(1.1) Race
(1.1.1) Human
(1.1.2) Elf
(1.1.3) Dwarf
(1.1.4) Halfling
(1.1.5) Half-Orc
(1.1.6) Gnome
(1.1.g) Half-Elf
(1.2) Statistics
(1.3) Planning For Feats
(1.4) Shifter Builds
(1.4.1) The Pure Shifter build
(1.4.2) The Druid/Shifter/Monk build
(1.4.3) The Druid/Shifter/[Fighter-type] build
(1.4.4) The Druid/Shifter/[Rogue-type] build
(1.4.5) The Druid/Shifter/[Arcane-type] build
(1.4.6) The Druid/Shifter/Cleric build
(2) What equipment is melded into Shifted Shapes?
(3) Do Monk abilities transfer to Shapes?
(4) Unarmed vs. Armed Shapes
(5) The Shapes
(5.1) Greater Wildshape I [Shifter Level 1]
(5.1.1) Wyrmling, Red
(5.1.2) Wyrmling, Blue
(5.1.3) Wyrmling, Black
(5.1.4) Wyrmling, White
(5.1.5) Wyrmling, Green
(5.2) Greater Wildshape II [Shifter Level 3]
(5.2.1) Harpy Shape
(5.2.1.1) Epic Harpy [Shifter Level 13]
(5.2.2) Gargoyle Shape
(5.2.2.1) Epic Gargoyle [Shifter Level 13]
(5.2.3) Minotaur Shape
(5.2.3.1) Epic Minotaur [Shifter Level 13]
(5.3) Greater Wildshape III [Shifter Level 5]
(5.3.1) Basilisk Shape
(5.3.1.1) Epic Basilisk [Shifter Level 15]
(5.3.2) Drider Shape
(5.3.2.1) Epic Drider [Shifter Level 15]
(5.3.3) Manticore Shape
(5.3.3.1) Epic Manticore [Shifter Level 15]
(5.4) Humanoid Shape [Shifter Level 7]
(5.4.1) Drow Warrior Shape
(5.4.1.1) Epic Drow Warrior [Shifter Level 17]
(5.4.2) Lizardfolk Whipmaster Shape
(5.4.2.1) Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster [Shifter Level 17]
(5.4.3) Kobold Commando Shape
(5.4.3.1) Epic Kobold Commando [Shifter Level 17]
(5.5) Greater Wildshape IV [Shifter Level 10]
(5.5.1) Dire Tiger Shape
(5.5.2) Medusa Shape
(5.5.3) Mindflayer Shape
(5.6) Undead Form [Epic Shifter, Chosen Feat]
(5.6.1) Risen Lord Shape
(5.6.2) Vampire Shape
(5.6.3) Spectre Shape
(5.7) Outsider Form [Epic Shifter, WS 25+, Chosen Feat]
(5.7.1) Azer Chieftain Shape
(5.7.2) Rakshasa Shape
(5.7.3) Death Slaad Lord Shape
(5.8) Construct Form [Epic Shifter, WS 27+, Chosen Feat]
(5.8.1) Stone Golem Shape
(5.8.2) Demonflesh Golem Shape
(5.8.3) Iron Golem Shape
(5.9) Dragon Form [Epic Shifter, WS 30+, Chosen Feat]
(5.9.1) Ancient Red Dragon Shape
(5.9.2) Ancient Blue Dragon Shape
(5.9.3) Ancient Green Dragon Shape
(6) Feats
(6.1) Ratings
(6.2) Non-Epic Feats
(6.3) Epic Feats
(6.3.1) Bonus Feats available to an Epic Shifter:
(6.3.2) Other Bonus Feats available to other Epic classes:
(7) What's The Best Shape For...?
(7.1) Vs. Spellcasters
(7.2) Melee Damage Potential
(7.3) Vs. Undead/Construct/Dragon
(7.4) Defense
(7.5) Attack Bonus
(7.6) Rogue-ishness, Disarming Traps, etc.
(7.7) Searching
(7.8) Vs. Fire
(7.9) Vs. Cold
(7.10) Vs. Electricity
(7.11) Vs. Acid
(7.12) Vs. Sonic
(7.13) Vs. Invisible
(7.14) Vs. Low Damage Resistance
(7.15) Vs. Medium Damage Resistance
(7.16) Vs. High Damage Resistance
(7.17) Druid/Shifter/Monk
(7.18) Vs. Poison
Appendices
(A) Definitions & Acronyms
(B) The Monk Unarmed Attack Bug
(C) Relevant Scripts And Toolset Objects
(C.1) Scripts
(C.1.1) Azer Chieftain
(C.1.2) Basilisk
(C.1.3) Death Slaad
(C.1.4) Dragon
(C.1.5) Drider
(C.1.6) Harpy
(C.1.7) Iron Golem
(C.1.8) Manticore
(C.1.9) Medusa
(C.1.10) Mindflayer
(C.1.11) Rakshasa
(C.1.12) Spectre
(C.1.13) Stone Golem
(C.1.14) Vampire
(C.1.15) Wyrmling
(C.2) Toolset Objects
(C.2.1) Azer Chieftain
(C.2.2) Basilisk
(C.2.3) Basilisk, Epic
(C.2.4) Death Slaad
(C.2.5) Demonflesh Golem
(C.2.6) Dire Tiger
(C.2.7) Dragon
(C.2.8) Drider
(C.2.9) Drider, Epic
(C.2.10) Drow Warrior
(C.2.11) Drow Warrior, Epic
(C.2.12) Gargoyle
(C.2.13) Gargoyle, Epic
(C.2.14) Harpy
(C.2.15) Harpy, Epic
(C.2.16) Iron Golem
(C.2.17) Kobold Commando
(C.2.18) Kobold Commando, Epic
(C.2.19) Lizardfolk Whipmaster
(C.2.20) Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic
(C.2.21) Manticore
(C.2.22) Manticore, Epic
(C.2.23) Medusa
(C.2.24) Mindflayer
(C.2.25) Minotaur
(C.2.26) Minotaur, Epic
(C.2.27) Rakshasa
(C.2.28) Risen Lord
(C.2.29) Spectre
(C.2.30) Stone Golem
(C.2.31) Vampire
(C.2.32) Wyrmling, Black
(C.2.33) Wyrmling, Blue
(C.2.34) Wyrmling, Green
(C.2.35) Wyrmling, Red
(C.2.36) Wyrmling, White
(D) Some options for alternate Shapes
(E) When And How To Boost ST, DX, CN
(F) The Shifter XP Penalty Bug
(G) Revision History
(H) Who am I? Where's my car?
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(1) Character Creation
What is the optimal Shifter build? There are as many answers as there are to
the question of what constitutes an optimal Pizza build. But there are some
guidelines to work with. To wit:
(1.1) Race
Since racial stat bonuses/penalties are largely overridden by the Shapes you
take, this more than any other class can be determined for purely roleplaying
reasons. That said, here's some commentary on the races available.
(1.1.1) Human
While the bonus Feat at 1st level and the extra Skill points are very handy, the
primary benefit is the ability to multiclass beyond Druid/Shifter without an XP
penalty (subject to the Shifter XP penalty bug, of course -- see Appendix F).
(1.1.2) Elf
Stat modifications are largely overridden, and you'll be subject to an XP
penalty unless you're a Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Wizard. Keens Senses is
very handy, however, as well as Listen, Search, and Spot. Low-light vision (or
better) can be had by taking the appropriate Shape.
(1.1.3) Dwarf
A bonus to CN which is often overridden, and a penalty to CH which never is.
However, the racial abilities like Stonecunning and Hardiness vs. Spells/Poison
translate well into all Shapes. You'll be subject to an XP penalty unless
you're a Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Fighter.
(1.1.4) Halfling
Stat modifications are largely overridden, as well as Small Stature, but Move
Silently, Listen, Lucky, and Fearless translate well. You'll be subject to an
XP penalty unless you're a Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Rogue.
(1.1.5) Half-Orc
A bonus to ST which is almost always overridden, coupled with penalties to IN
and CH which almost never are. Darkvision (or better) can be had by choosing
the proper Shape, and you'll be subject to an XP penalty unless you're a
Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Barbarian. This would seem to be the only race
which offers no tangible benefits, only drawbacks. Nothing serious, however, so
if it fits with your roleplaying go for it.
(1.1.6) Gnome
Stat modifications are largely overridden, as well as Small Stature, but others
like Hardiness vs. Illusions, Offensive/Defensive training, etc., translate well
into most Shapes. Low-light vision (or better) can be had by taking the
appropriate Shape. You'll be subject to an XP penalty unless you're a
Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Wizard.
(1.1.g) Half-Elf
No stat modifications, no bonus Feats or Skills at level up, but shares the same
ability benefits as Elves, with the major bonus of freedom to multiclass at will
beyond Druid/Shifter.
(1.2) Statistics
Each Shifter shape has one or more statistics set, plus natural and spell-like
attacks available. Note that if your natural stat is higher than the shifted
form's stat, yours will be decreased (most of the time) while shifted.
Therefore, the only reason to put points into Strength, Dexterity, or
Constitution is to gain Feats. So, starting with the premise that we don't want
a bonus or a penalty on those three, we can begin with:
ST:10 DX:10 CN:10 IN: WS: CH:
That leaves (assuming a human character) 24 points to play with. Now, determine
the Feats you'll want to have in the long run:
(1.3) Planning For Feats
See Section 6 for detailed descriptions of Feats. Following each Feat is a
list of Shapes which already have it.
(1.3.1) Melee
Cleave: ST 13+ (Epic Drider, Epic Drow, Risen Lord, and Death Slaad)
Deflect Arrows: DX 13+
Disarm: IN 13+ (Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster)
Dodge: DX 13+ (Epic Drow Warrior, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando,
Rakshasa)
Expertise: IN 13+
Great Cleave: ST 13+
Improved Disarm: IN 13+
Improved Expertise: IN 13+
Improved Parry: IN 13+
Improved Stunning Fist (Epic): DX 19+, WS 19+
Improved Whirlwind Attack (Epic): IN 13+, DX 23+
Mobility: DX 13+
Spring Attack: DX 13+
Stunning Fist: DX 13+, WS 13+
Whirlwind Attack: DX 13+, IN 13+ (Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Risen Lord)
(1.3.2) Ranged Attacks
Rapid Shot: DX 13+
Zen Archery: WS 13+
(1.3.3) Monk
Circle Kick: DX 15+
(1.3.4) Clerics & Paladins
Divine Might: CH 13+, ST 13+
Divine Shield: CH 13+, ST 13+
(1.3.5) Door/Chest Bashing
Improved Power Attack: ST 13+
(1.3.6) Epic Shapes
Construct Shape (Epic): WS 27+
Dragon Shape (Epic): WS 30+
Outsider Shape (Epic): WS 25+
Don't take ST, DX, or CN any higher than you have to in order to gain access to
the Feats you want, because they're often overridden by your Shapes. Then fill
in IN, WS, and CH as you desire. Keep in mind that to get the Outsider,
Construct, or Dragon Shapes your Wisdom will have to be very high. If you think
you'll be happy with Undead Shape (which only requires you to be an Epic
Shifter), you can buff IN and CH pretty high.
(1.4) Shifter Builds
At a minimum, your Shifter career will include 5 levels of Druid. That's enough
for a couple 3rd level spells (with Wisdom bonus) and a natural wildshape
ability. Also, since you can't be an Epic Shifter (11th level Shifter) without
being an Epic Character (21 total levels), you'll need at least 5 more levels of
Druid or something...else.
(1.4.1) The Pure Shifter build
You are a Shifter. Whatever dim memory of your Druid roots you retain is only
what you consider the abilities of your first Shape (the one you happened to be
born in). You need to maximize your Wisdom at all costs in order to get the
better Epic Shapes. You don't remember what your human Strength is, and who
cares? As a minotaur, you can carry a *ton* of stuff. The purest Shifter you
can get is Druid 10/Shifter 30. A more balanced approach might be Druid
20/Shifter 20. Note that Dragon Form will use both your Druid levels and your
Shifter levels for determining the strength of your breath weapon, but pure
Druids who take Dragon Form can never be quite as good at it as Shifters. Flame
on!
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:10 IN:13 WS:18 CH:11
(1.4.2) The Druid/Shifter/Monk build
You've already got Cleave at first level (Monk), but boosting DX and IN to 13
opens up a range of available Feats which are quite attractive, while still
allowing a decent WS (which adds to your AC for ALL Shapes, remember, even if
you were wearing armor when you Shifted) and a small CN and CH bonus. Later on,
you might choose to boost DX two more to get Circle Kick, but that's your
choice. Also, almost 2/3 of your Shapes will are classified as unarmed, so they
benefit from your better attacks, Flurry Of Blows, and Stunning Fist. Your high
Wisdom does double duty as an AC bonus, but you pay the triple-classing BAB
penalty (unless you keep your classes to a multiple of 4, like Druid 8/Shifter
12/Monk 4). Altogether a very strong build. Humans and Half-Elves can get a
lot of mileage out of a single level of Monk (Cleave, AC bonus, Flurry Of Blows,
Stunning Fist, and the Monk Attack Bug -- see Appendix B) at very little cost.
Recommended ST:10 DX:13 CN:12 IN:13 WS:16 CH:12
(1.4.3) The Druid/Shifter/[Fighter-type] build
This will work with Barbarian (Rage stacks bonuses on your already elevated
stats), Blackguard (sneak attacks and a summoned fiend), Fighter (Feats galore,
including Weapon Specialization), Ranger (although your dual-wielding is largely
wasted), Paladin (double-duty on the Wisdom bonus), Champion Of Torm (Feats
galore, but no Weapon Specialization), Dwarven Defender (stat boosts on your
already elevated stats, plus damage reduction). It doesn't tend to work well
with Weapon Master, since you can only choose from Druid weapons for Weapon Of
Choice. It is incompatible with Arcane Archer (no arcane spells). You benefit
from the fighters' better BAB table progression (keep in mind that the number of
attacks you have at 20th level is the same you'll have at 40th) at the cost of
Shifter power and Druid spells, and a wide variety of armor and weapons to
choose from. To achieve BAB +16 (and therefore 4 attacks per round), you'll
need to take at least 10 Fighter-type levels in your first 20 levels (i.e.,
Druid 5/Fighter 10/Shifter 5). Boost Strength for Cleave and Greater Cleave,
Intelligence for Expertise and Disarm, and Dexterity for Dodge and its
descendants. Boost Constitution for extra HP since it's least often overridden,
and don't boost Wisdom excessively. You'll have a harder time getting the
higher Epic Shapes, but you'll have one nasty Risen Lord, Vampire, and Spectre.
Weapon Specialize in Scythe and in Unarmed Combat for bonus nastiness. Go forth
and slay.
Recommended ST:13 DX:13 CN:14 IN:13 WS:14 CH:10
(1.4.4) The Druid/Shifter/[Rogue-type] build
This will work for Rogues (Sneak Attack, Improved Evasion, Use Magic Device),
Assassins (Death Attack), Harper Scouts, and Shadowdancers (although their
primary draw, Hide In Plain Sight, is already included in the Kobold Commando).
Since you don't have to worry about boosting Strength, Dexterity, or
Constitution, you can concentrate on boosting Intelligence for scads of Skill
points and Charisma for Use Magic Device and Persuade. The nice thing about
using the many Skills available to a Rogue is that you can tailor your Shape to
whichever stat you need to perform the Skill. Need stealth? Red Wyrmling has
good starting Dexterity, and Kobold Commando just oozes stealth. Need to pick
locks? The Mindflayer's Intelligence boost gives you +4. And since your armor
is merged into your Shape, you can pile on the heaviest armor you can wear and
it doesn't affect your stealthiness at all. Imagine a minotaur with a sneak
attack. Now imagine a stealthy Death Slaad with a sneak attack. Now stop
drooling.
Note that Bards CAN sing while Shifted!
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:12 IN:16 WS:14 CH:14
(1.4.5) The Druid/Shifter/[Arcane-type] build
I confess I don't know if this is a viable build. On the one hand, your primary
stat is either Intelligence (Wizard) or Charisma (Sorcerer), neither of which is
overridden by your Shapes. On the other hand, you cannot cast spells while
Shifted. And you'll have an absolute dearth of armor and weapons to merge into
your Shapes. Perhaps a strategy of buffing to the max, then Shifting, would
work, but to try to cast offensive spells AND Shift seems to be trying to be
good at two things, and excellent at neither. In the Underdark, you need to be
excellent to survive. Anyone who has done a Wizard or Sorcerer Shifter, let me
know. Note that Pale Master and Dragon Disciple Shifters are not possible,
since you don't have arcane spells as a Druid/Shifter.
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:14 IN:16 WS:14 CH:12 (Wizard version)
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:14 IN:12 WS:14 CH:16 (Sorcerer version)
(1.4.6) The Druid/Shifter/Cleric build
Excellent buffing spells and armor choices, and the ability to turn undead make
for a good match for Shifters. Your BAB won't be any higher (and may, in fact,
be lower), but the benefits probably outweigh the disabilities of not being able
to cast healing spells quite so spontaneously any more. Furthermore, Wisdom is
a shared stat that does double duty, and you don't have to boost Strength,
Dexterity, or Constitution so you can concentrate on Charisma for Turning
Undead. Begone, Foul Spawn, lest I unleash upon you the Flurry of Bad Puns!
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:10 IN:12 WS:16 CH:16
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(2) What equipment is melded into Shifted Shapes?
Weapon - Yes, although they don't always show in the Character screen.
Offhand Weapon - No.
Armor - Everything except Base Armor Class. Bonuses to AC, skill modifications,
and bonus Feats are melded.
Shields - Everything except Base Armor Class. Bonuses to AC, skill
modifications, and bonus Feats are melded. Shields are considered
armor for purposes of which Shapes will merge them. Note that a bug
in the merge script does not allow merging of Tower Shields.
Gloves - No. Sorry, Monks.
Gauntlets and Bracers - No.
Helmets - Yes. Helmets are considered armor for purposes of which Shapes will
merge them.
Cloaks - Yes.
Belts - Yes.
Rings - Yes.
Amulets - Yes.
Boots - Yes.
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(3) Do Monk abilities transfer to Shapes?
Unarmed Attack - Unarmed Shapes use the Monk Unarmed BAB chart (an additional
attack each 3 levels, versus 5 for other classes). Shapes that
use a weapon do not. Monk unarmed damage is not.
Wisdom AC bonus - Yes. With 30 WS (to attain Dragon Shape), that's
a whopping +10 to AC for a single level of Monk. Sweet!
Stunning Fist - Yes, for unarmed Shapes only.
Flurry Of Blows - Yes, for unarmed Shapes only.
Cleave, etc. - Of course, just as if you had selected those Feats at levelup.
Weapon Focus, Unarmed - Yes, for unarmed Shapes only.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(4) Unarmed vs. Armed Shapes
Since there are so many Shapes that do not use weapons (including some of the
better melee fighters such as Dire Tiger and Death Slaad), it might be a good
idea to take Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization, Improved Critical and any
other Weapon XXX Feats that can be chosen for Unarmed Combat. For the same
reason, Monk makes a natural choice of tertiary class for the Druid/Shifter.
The Shapes which are classified as unarmed are Wyrmling (All), Harpy, Gargoyle,
Basilisk, Manticore, Dire Tiger, Medusa, Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Death
Slaad Lord, Golem (All), and Dragon (All).
Shapes which wield a weapon are Minotaur, Drider, Drow Warrior, Lizardfolk
Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, and Rakshasa.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(5) The Shapes
(5.1) Greater Wildshape I [Shifter Level 1]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 4)
Wyrmling Shape (Red/Blue/Black/White/Green)
Your first Shifter shape.
Red is the best in melee and has the best breath weapon, unless you come
across an opponent with fire immunity or a vulnerability to one of the other
elements. Immunity from paralysis and True Seeing helps you last long enough
to choose a more appropriate Shape if available. Even after attaining
Greater Wild Shape IV, I still find myself spending most of my time as a Red
Wyrmling.
Common To All
HP: +15
Special: True Seeing
Immune: Paralysis
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.1.1) Wyrmling, Red
ST:16 DX: CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 15 (+5 Natural)
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d6+3/1d6+3/1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/3+1)d10 fire [Refl 1/2 DC=15], 15 ft cone
DI 100% fire
DV 50% cold
(5.1.2) Wyrmling, Blue
ST:15 DX: CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 15 (+5 Natural)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d4+2/1d4+2/1d6+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/3+1)d8 elec [Refl 1/2 DC=14], 30 ft line
DI 100% elec
(5.1.3) Wyrmling, Black
ST:15 DX:17 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 18 (+5 Natural +3 DX)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d3+2/1d3+2/1d4+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/2+1)d4 acid [Refl 1/2 DC=13], 30 ft line
DI 100% acid
(5.1.4) Wyrmling, White
ST:15 DX:17 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 18 (+5 Natural +3 DX)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d3+2/1d3+2/1d4+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/2+1)d4 cold [Refl 1/2 DC=12], 15 ft cone
DI 100% cold
DV 50% fire
(5.1.5) Wyrmling, Green
ST:15 DX: CN:16 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 15 (+5 Natural)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d4+2/1d4+2/1d6+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/2+1)d6 corrosive [Refl 1/2 DC=13], 15 ft cone
DI 100% acid
(5.2) Greater Wildshape II [Shifter Level 3]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 7)
(5.2.1) Harpy Shape
She's got slightly better damage potential than a Red Wyrmling, but her real
benefit is her Captivating Song against low-Will warriors, Wizards (but not
Sorcerors), Rogues, Shadowdancers and the like.
ST:18 DX:18 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 22 (+8 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +20
To Hit: BAB+4
Attacks: Claw/Claw 1d3+4/1d3+4 (20/x2)
Special: Captivating Song [Will DC=15+SL/3]
unlimited use, Charm 6 rounds, Huge Area
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.1.1) Epic Harpy [Shifter Level 13]
ST:20 DX: CN:20 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+11 Natural)
HP: +40
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw 1d8+5/1d8+5 (20/x2)
Special: Captivating Song [Will DC=15+SL/3]
unlimited use, Charm 6 rounds, Huge Area
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.2) Gargoyle Shape
Damage Resistance is the major draw of this Shape, combined with the best CN
bonus and AC (tied with the Harpy). Useful for defensive slugfests against non-
magic-wielding hordes, you'll shrug off their pitiful little damage as you tear
through them at your leisure.
Gargoyles are consistently at the bottom of the damage potential lists, so be
sure to buff your ST for additional damage and To Hit bonuses.
ST: DX:18 CN:18 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 22 (+8 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +20
To Hit: BAB+0
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d4/1d4/1d6 (20/x2)
Special: DR 15/+1
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.2.1) Epic Gargoyle [Shifter Level 13]
ST:20 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 27 (+12 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d8+5/1d8+5/1d6+5 (20/x2)
Special: !!! NOTHING !!! due to a game bug (see Appendix D)
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.3) Minotaur Shape
Combining the best damage potential of the II's with a +1 weapon to get past
Damage Resistance, along with the best HP bonus and a hefty CN bonus for major
hit points, this is a natural early choice for wading into the middle of the
melee. Watch his pitifully low AC, though. If you have a naturally high DX, he
makes a most excellent tank for early encounters, and he can carry a ton of
loot.
ST:19 DX: CN:17 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 16 (+6 Natural)
HP: +25
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: +1 Battleaxe 1d8+4 (20/x3) +1 slashing
Special:
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.2.3.1) Epic Minotaur [Shifter Level 13]
ST:22 DX: CN:20 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 20 (+10 Natural)
HP: +50
BAB: +9
Attacks: Epic +3 Minotaur Axe 1d12+6 (20/x3) +3 slashing +1d6 fire
Special:
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.3) Greater Wildshape III [Shifter Level 5]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 9)
(5.3.1) Basilisk Shape
While his bonus HP are on par with the Manticore, he doesn't get the Manticore's
CN bonus and his bite attack won't put fear into nearly anyone, he does
have an excellent ranged attack against low-Fort spellcasters, Rogues, Bards and
the like. Kinda hard to think straight when you're stoned, dude.
He does have the best Natural AC of the III's however, so if you have good DX he
could be a serious defensive tank, but then again none of your items merge so it
could be a wash.
ST:16 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 20 (+10 Natural)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Bite 1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2], (SL/5+1)/day, 10 ft cone
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.3.1.1) Epic Basilisk [Shifter Level 15]
ST:17 DX:17 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+10 Natural +3 DX)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Bite 1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2], (SL/5+1)/day, 10 ft cone
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.3.2) Drider Shape
If the spellcasters seem to be making their saves against the Basilisk's gaze,
you may find the Drider's Spell Resistance useful. He's also got a +2 weapon
for bypassing Damage Resistance and can cast Darkness at will for unseen
escapes.
ST:16 DX:16 CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+8 Natural +3 DX)
HP: +20
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: +2 Drider Spear 1d8+3 (20/x3) +2 piercing
OnHit: Poison [DC=16] 1d2 ST
Special: Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
SR 14%
Freedom of Movement
Discipline +2
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.3.2.1) Epic Drider [Shifter Level 15]
ST:19 DX:17 CN:18 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 25 (+8 Natural +3 DX +4 Natural)
HP: +60
BAB: +9
Attacks: +5 Drider Spear 1d8+4 (20/x3) +5 piercing
OnHit: Poison DC=20 1d2 ST
Special: Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
SR 18%
Freedom Of Movement
Discipline +6, Hide +8, Move Silently +8
Cleave
DR 5/+20
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.3.3) Manticore Shape
The best stat upgrades, plus major HP (tied with the Basilisk) and three attacks
for pretty good damage make this by far the best melee fighter of the III's.
Oh, yeah, don't forget the tail spikes -- it's one of the few distance attacks
you have.
ST:20 DX:19 CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+7 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d4+5/2d4+5/1d8+5 (20/x2)
Special: Tail Spikes 1d3 + 2d8 piercing
SL/2 per day, ranged touch, attack bonus 9+SL/2
targeted as Isaac's Missile Storm
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.3.3.1) Epic Manticore [Shifter Level 15]
ST:20 DX:19 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 30 (+12 Natural +4 DX +4 Deflection)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d4+5/2d4+5/1d8+5 (20/x2)
Special: Tail Spikes 1d3 + 2d8 piercing
SL/2 per day, ranged touch, attack bonus 9+SL/2
targeted as Isaac's Missile Storm
DR 5/+20
Power Attack
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.4) Humanoid Shape [Shifter Level 7]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 11)
(5.4.1) Drow Warrior Shape
One of the few Shapes that modifies your existing stat (CN) rather than setting
it to a fixed value (the other is the Mindflayer). Against spellcasters the 26%
Spell Resistance is invaluable, and the +3 Venomblade helps bypass Damage
Reduction and poisons the target for 1d2 Strength damage.
ST:18 DX:19 CN:(-2)IN: WS: CH:
AC: 22 (+8 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+7
Attacks: +3 Drow Venomblade 1d8+4 (19-20/x2) + 3 physical
OnHit: Poison [DC=16] 1d2 ST
Special: SR 26%
Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
Save vs. Poison +2
Elf Racial: Save vs. Charm +2
Spell Immunity: Sleep
Keen Senses
Listen +2, Spot +2
Unarmed: No
Merge: Armor, Weapon, Items
(5.4.1.1) Epic Drow Warrior [Shifter Level 17]
ST:22 DX:22 CN:(-2)IN: WS: CH:
AC: 29 (+13 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +66
To Hit: +12
Attacks: +6 Frozen Drow Blade 1d8+6 (19-20/x2) +2d4 cold +6 slashing
OnHit: Slow [Fort DC=10+SL] Level 15
Special: SR 30%
Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
Save vs. Poison +2
Elf Racial: Save vs. Charm +2
Spell Immunity: Sleep
Keen Senses
Listen +2, Spot +2
Cleave, Dodge, Weapon Proficiency Martial
Darkvision
Improved Evasion
Unarmed: No
Merge: Armor, Weapon, Items
(5.4.2) Lizardfolk Whipmaster Shape
Sure, 1d2 is pitiful damage for a character of your stature, but this scaly
beastie has some nifty benefits going for it, not least is both Damage Reduction
and Damage Resistance. Throw in immunity to most slowing/entangling effects as
well as poison, and gain the Disarm Feat, and you've got a potentially lethal
warrior-stopper. He's also got the most temporary HP of the Humanoids.
ST:16 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 24 (+9 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +35
To Hit: BAB+6
Attacks: +3 Shocking Whip 1d2+3 (20/x2) +1d6 electrical + 3 slashing
OnHit: Stun [DC=22] 10% 4 rounds
Special: Disarm, Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Prof Exotic
Freedom of Movement
DR 5/+1
DR 5/- acid
Listen +4, Discipline +10
Immune: Poison
Save Universal +2
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.4.2.1) Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster [Shifter Level 17]
ST:21 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 27 (+12 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +75
To Hit: BAB+6
Attacks: +5 Epic Shocking Whip 1d2+5 (20/x2) + 2d8 electrical +5 slashing
OnHit: Stun [DC=26] 10% 4 rounds
Special: Disarm, Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Finesse,
Weapon Prof Exotic, Whirlwind Attack
Freedom of Movement
DR 15/+5
DR 15/- acid
Listen +8, Discipline +15
Immune: Poison
Save Universal +4
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.4.3) Kobold Commando Shape
Ah, the slip of a sharp blade in the back of the unsuspecting. Is anything
sweeter? Then draw the shadows around you and slip away before that big, nasty
sword gets pointed your way. Lather, rinse, and repeat. With Weapon Finesse,
he's got the best Attack Bonus of any non-Epic Shape.
Wanna be a Rogue or Assassin? Now you can! The bad news? You'll have to spend
skill points in Search and Disable Trap to work effectively as a Rogue. Search
uses IN for a modifier, so if you've pumped that up you're okay. Disable Trap
uses the KC's DX value for a nice bonus.
ST: DX:22 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 26 (+10 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +10
To Hit: BAB+9
Attacks: +3 Kobold Commando Sword 1d6 (19-20/x2) +3 slashing
OnHit: Poison [DC=18] 1d2 ST
Special: Hide In Plain Sight, Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Use Poison,
Alertness
Darkvision
Sneak Attack +2d6
Freedom of Movement
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7,
Set Trap +7, Spot +5, Tumble +10
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.4.3.1) Epic Kobold Commando [Shifter Level 17]
ST: DX:25 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 29 (+13 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +70
To Hit: BAB+13
Attacks: +6 Kobold Commando Sword 1d6 (19-20/x2) +2d4 acid +6 slashing
Massive Criticals 2d6
OnHit: Poison [DC=24] 1d2 DX
Special: Hide In Plain Sight, Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Use Poison,
Improved Evasion
Darkvision
Sneak Attack +5d6
Freedom of Movement
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7,
Set Trap +7, Spot +5, Tumble +10
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.5) Greater Wildshape IV [Shifter Level 10]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 14)
(5.5.1) Dire Tiger Shape
Nothing hidden here. Awesome ST, major HP, and three strong attacks makes for
the best melee fighter (dealing about twice as much damage each round as his
closest competitor, the Manticore) of the non-Epic Shapes. Items don't merge,
though.
ST:27 DX:17 CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+8 Natural +3 DX)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+8
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d4+8/2d4+8/2d6+8 (20/x2)
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.5.2) Medusa Shape
She's got a poison bite and fairly good claw damage, but let's face it -- you're
going to use her to stop those spellcasters & Rogues with their low Fort saves.
Will they save or turn to stone? Only her hairdresser knows for sure.
ST:19 DX:19 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 24 (+10 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +35
To Hit: BAB+4
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d6+4/1d6+4/1d4+4 (20/x2)
Bite 1d4 (20/x2)
OnHit: Poison [DC=20] 1d2 ST (Medium Spider Venom)
Special: Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2], (SL/5+1)/day, 10 ft cone
Weapon Finesse
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.5.3) Mindflayer Shape
One of the few Shapes that modifies your stats (IN & WS) instead of setting them
to a fixed value (the other is Drow Warrior). Inertial Barrier and Spell
Resistance make for a powerful defense, but his most valuable feature is the
psionic Mind Blast. The tanks in your party will love you for providing them
nice, docile opponents with no Dodge bonuses to beat up on. I had a Mind Blast
back in college, but I don't smoke that stuff any more.
Use the nifty +8 IN bonus when using your Appraise, Craft, Lore, and Search
skills.
ST: DX:19 CN: IN:(+8) WS:(+2) CH:
AC: 22 (+7 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Tentacle/Tentacle 2d4/2d4 (20/x2) +2 slashing (+2 attack bonus)
Special: Mind Blast, 15 ft cone
[Will DC=19] Stun 1d4 rounds
(SL/3)d6 damage if already stunned
Inertial Barrier
DR ((SL/3+1)/2, min 10)/+(SL/3+1, max 20)
SL/3+1 rounds/level, SL/3+1 per day
Level 10: DR 10/+4, 4 rounds, 4/day
15: DR 10/+6, 6 rounds, 6/day
20: DR 10/+7, 7 rounds, 7/day
25: DR 10/+9, 9 rounds, 9/day
30: DR 11/+11, 11 rounds, 11/day
SR 24%
Listen +6, Spot +6
Immune: Mind Spells
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.6) Undead Form [Epic Shifter, Chosen Feat]
Common To All
Immunity: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack.
Vulnerability: Can be turned by Clerics & Paladins
Dramatically greater damage from Holy traps
Unlike true undead, you are harmed, not healed, by negative
energy! (May be a bug)
(5.6.1) Risen Lord Shape
Hefty Damage Resistance, plus 50% Immunity to slashing and piercing weapons,
makes for a melee monster. He'll need it, though, with his pitiful AC. Add
Spell Resistance and Whirlwind Attack, and you've got one nasty scythe-wielding
skeleton there, bub.
ST:21 DX: CN:19 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+10
Attacks: +5 Risen Lord Scythe 2d4+7 (20/x4) +5 slashing
Vampiric Regen +2
Special: Cleave, Whirlwind Attack
DR 15/+3
DI 50% slashing/piercing
SR 20%
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.6.2) Vampire Shape
Surprisingly, he has more raw damage potential that the Risen Lord's nasty,
nasty scythe, and his Dominating Gaze uses your Wisdom modifier to make saves
harder, but doesn't last long. Where he really shines is against Damage
Resistant creatures, even surpassing the Dragon Shapes against high DR (like
20/+5). Recommended: Dominate, then bite for level drain. Oh, yeah, he also
regenerates 5 HP per round.
ST:18 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 28 (+13 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+9
Attacks: Claw/Claw 2d4+4/2d4+4 (20/x2) +5 slashing/piercing (+5 attack bonus)
Massive Criticals 1d6
Bite 1d8+4 (20/x2) +5 slashing/piercing (+5 attack bonus)
Massive Criticals 1d10
OnHit: Level Drain 2
Special: Dominating Gaze [Will DC=15+SL/2+WSmod]
Dominate Person, (SL/5+1)/day
DR 15/+1
DR 20/- cold
DR 20/- elec
Regenerate +5
Opponents who use garlic have +2 AB against you
SR 20%
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.6.3) Spectre Shape
A natural choice for taking out that big, dumb tank in his +30 Plate Mail -
sneak up on him invisibly and drain his Strength until he's as helpless as a
little kitten. Awww, how cute. Squish! Watch out, though, if the big, dumb
tank is actually a big, dumb Cleric tank.
ST:16 DX:22 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 31 (+15 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +40
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Claw/Claw 1d8+3/1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Shadow Attack
Touch attack, ignores armor, once/round
1d6 ST [None]
Improved Invisibility, unlimited use
DR 15/+4
DR 5/- cold
DR 5/- elec
DV 25% divine
Immune: Knockdown
Hide +15, Move Silently +15
Improved Evasion
Turn Resist +2
Darkvision
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.7) Outsider Form [Epic Shifter, WS 25+, Chosen Feat]
3/day
(5.7.1) Azer Chieftain Shape
He's got Burning Hands and a ranged touch Fire Stream, but neither does much
damage. His main benefit is his +5 Flaming Waraxe, and unlike the Risen Lord,
he can't be turned by Clerics.
ST:20 DX: CN:21 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +50
To Hit: BAB+10
Attacks: +5 Azer Flaming Waraxe 1d10+5 (20/x3) + 2d4 fire + 5 slashing
Special: DI 100% fire
DV 50% cold
SR 12%
Power Attack, Knockdown
Burning Hands 5d4 fire damage [Refl 1/2]
unlimited use, 30 ft cone
Fire Stream
(SL/3)d4 +WSmod fire damage [Refl DC=15+SL/2]
ranged touch attack, unlimited use, single target
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.7.2) Rakshasa Shape
Spell Immunity up to 8th level plus Dispel Magic at will makes this strange
Shape a natural for mage killing. Remember also that Ice Storm, which you can
cast at will, does not allow a saving throw (although Spell Resistance still
applies unfortunately).
ST:17 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 27 (+12 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+8
Attacks: +5 Rakshasa Staff 1d6+3 (20/x2) +1d10 fire +5 bludgeoning
Special: Save Universal +2
True Seeing
DR 15/+5
Spell Immunity: 0th through 8th level spells
Knockdown, Dodge
Dispel Magic, unlimited use
Ice Storm, unlimited use
Mestil's Acid Breath, unlimited use
Discipline +5, Hide +10, Move Silently +11, Spellcraft +15,
Spot +10
Blessed weapons will kill you, no saving throw
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.7.3) Death Slaad Lord Shape
Three strong attacks (albeit at a much lower BAB rating than the Azer
Chieftain's axe), plus Regeneration of 5 HP per round and Damage Resistance to
almost everything. Although he has the lowest damage potential of the
Outsiders, he's got the best elemental defense, and the only resistance to sonic
damage of any Shape. Think Tasmanian Devil on speed.
ST:22 DX:19 CN:18 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 30 (+16 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +70
To Hit: BAB+6
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 3d6+6/3d6+6/2d10+6 (20/x2)
Special: Cleave
DR 10/+5
DR 10/- acid
DR 10/- cold
DR 10/- elec
DR 10/- fire
DR 10/- sonic
Immune: Fear
Regenerate +5
Chaos Spittle (SL/3)d6 [None]
unlimited use, ranged touch attack, single target
!!! BUG in game engine, actually uses d4 instead of d6 !!!
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.8) Construct Form [Epic Shifter, WS 27+, Chosen Feat]
Common To All
Immunity: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack.
(5.8.1) Stone Golem Shape
Damage Immunity to slashing & piercing is what distinguishes this Golem from the
others, plus the ability to hurl boulders (seemingly created out of thin air).
When it gets to close quarter fighting, however, he's not quite as strong as the
Iron Golem, and he's vulnerable to acid.
ST:31 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +90
To Hit: BAB+10
Attacks: Slam 2d10+10 (20/x2)
Special: DR 15/+3
DI 25% slashing
DI 50% piercing
DV 50% acid
SR 22%
Hurl Rocks (SL/5)d6 + 10 bludgeoning (+1 for purposes of DR)
Huge radius around chosen target
[Reflex DC=15+SL/2]
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.8.2) Demonflesh Golem Shape
The best Golem for wading into hordes of foes due to his huge Damage Resistance
(equivalent to an always-on Premonition spell). Hefty resistance or immunity to
elemental damage rounds out the best defense of the Construct Shapes.
ST:31 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +90
BAB: +10
Attacks: Slam/Slam/Claw 2d6+10/2d6+10/2d6+10 (20/x2)
Special: DR 30/+3
DR 20/- acid
DR 20/- cold
DR 20/- fire
DI 100% elec
SR 22%
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.8.3) Iron Golem Shape
Poison Breath and slightly better Spell Resistance are the distinguishing
characteristics of this Golem. His Damage Resistance works against +4 weapons,
the best of the Constructs, and his damage potential is the best of the
Constructs. Vulnerable to fire.
ST:33 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +90
BAB: +11
Attacks: Slam 2d10+11 (20/x2)
Special: DR 20/+4
DV 50% fire
DI 90% elec
SR 26%
Poison Breath [Fort DC=17] 2d2 CN/death, 10 ft cone
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.9) Dragon Form [Epic Shifter, WS 30+, Chosen Feat]
Well, this is it. The pinnacle of your Shifter achievements. Dragon Strength
(they all share the same stats) is 50% higher than the nearest competitor (Iron
Golem), Dexterity 40% higher than Epic Kobold Commando, and Constitution 50%
higher than Azer Chieftain, making for your best melee Shape yet. Add an
unlimited use Breath Attack for up to 24d10 damage and standard Dragon
immunities for a very strong Shape.
Some experienced players, however, question whether this Shape is worth the
expense of attaining it, especially since it does not include the Fear aura that
real dragons have. Statistics show, however (see Section 7), that the Dragon is
consistently the strongest melee presence of all Shapes by a large margin,
except against high Damage Resistance foes, when he's overtaken by the Shapes
with +5 or better weapons. In that case, flame 'em, Sparky!
Common To All
ST:48 DX:36 CN:32 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 43 (+20 Natural +13 DX)
HP: +100
BAB: +19
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d6+19/2d6+19/2d8+19 (20/x2)
Special: True Seeing
DR 5/+1
SR 20%
Immune: Paralysis, Sneak Attack
Breath Attack [Refl DC=15+(SL+DL)/2]
damage dice = 2 for each 3 levels over 4:
1 <= SL+DL <= 6 : 1
7 <= SL+DL <= 9 : 2
10 <= SL+DL <= 12 : 4
13 <= SL+DL <= 15 : 6
16 <= SL+DL <= 18 : 8
19 <= SL+DL <= 21 : 10
22 <= SL+DL <= 24 : 12
...
37 <= SL+DL <= 39 : 22
SL+DL = 40 : 24
(pure Druids have a -4 penalty -- i.e., max is 20!)
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.9.1) Ancient Red Dragon Shape
This should be your standard Dragon Shape, unless your opponent is immune to
fire.
Special: Breath Attack (see above)d10 fire, 50 ft cone
(5.9.2) Ancient Blue Dragon Shape
Since the only difference between this and the Red is the Breath Attack type,
choose this only when you meet an opponent immune to fire or vulnerable to
electricity.
Special: Breath Attack electrical (see above)d8, 100 ft line
(5.9.3) Ancient Green Dragon Shape
Since the only difference between this and the Red is the Breath Attack type,
choose this only when you meet an opponent immune to fire or vulnerable to acid
and poison.
Special: Breath Attack acid (see above)d6 + Poison [None], 50 ft cone
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(6) Feats
(6.1) Ratings
(*) Worthless
(**) Okay
(***) Good
(****) Very Good
(*****) Must Have
[nothing] No opinion, base your decision on role playing
(6.2) Non-Epic Feats
Alertness
+2 Bonus to all Listen and Spot checks.
(*****) Required to become a Shifter. 'Nuff said.
Ambidexterity
Prerequisite: DX 15+
Required for: Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Reduces penalty of off-hand weapon by +4. Rangers get it for free at Level
1.
(*) None of your Shapes is a two-weapon fighter. Do the math.
Arcane Defense
Prerequisite: Spell Focus in the chosen school
+2 bonus to saving throws versus the chosen school of magic.
Armor Proficiency Heavy
Prerequisite: Armor Proficiency Medium
Allows use of Heavy Armor.
Note: Blackguards, Clerics, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, and Paladins receive
this feat for free.
(****) Access to more types of magical armor, which is merged into every one
of your Shapes without any of the resultant skill penalties. Sweet!
Armor Proficiency Light
Required for: Armor Proficiency Medium
Allows use of Light Armor.
Note: Arcane Archers, Assassins, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of
Torm, Clerics, Druids, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Harper Scouts, Paladins,
Rangers, Rogues, and Shadowdancers receive this feat for free.
(*) You already have it as a Druid.
Armor Proficiency Medium
Prerequisite: Armor Proficiency Light
Required for: Armor Proficiency Medium
Allows use of Medium Armor.
Note: Arcane Archers, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of Torm,
Clerics, Druids, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Paladins and Rangers receive
this feat for free.
(*) You already have it as a Druid.
Artist [1st Level Only]
Prerequisite: Perform skill
Use: Selected
+2 Perform, +2 Spot.
Blind Fighting
Removes Concealment and Attack penalties for fighting invisible creatures or
while blinded.
Blooded [1st Level Only]
+2 initiative, +2 Spot.
Brew Potion
Prerequisite: Spellcaster Level 3+
Create potions from known spells for a small XP and gold cost. Requires
empty potion bottles.
(*) For some reason known only to the Gods, you can't drink Brewed potions
while Shifted. You can drink regular potions, however. Let's hope this bug
gets fixed.
Bullheaded [1st Level Only]
+2 versus Taunt, +1 Will saving throws.
Called Shot
Prerequisite: BAB +1
Use: Selected
Grants the ability to make a potentially disabling attack against an
opponent's arms or legs at a -4 penalty.
Circle Kick
Prerequisite: DX 15+, Improved Unarmed Strike, BAB +3
One extra attack on hitting with an unarmed strike.
(***) About 2/3 of your Shapes are unarmed. Assuming you hit at least once,
that's one extra attack per round. You'll need to pump DX to get it, though.
Cleave
Prerequisite: ST 13+, Power Attack
Gain one immediate additional melee attack after killing a creature. Can only
gain one additional attack per round.
(*****) Indispensible as a general rule for all melee characters. Note that
the Azer Chieftain, Epic Drider, Epic Drow Warrior, and Risen Lord already
have it.
Combat Casting
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Removes the -4 penalty to Concentration when within 3 meters of an enemy.
(**) Your strength is in buffing spells and Shape abilities, but sometimes
it's useful to cast a few offensive spells at the beginning of combat.
Courteous Magocracy [1st Level Only]
+2 Lore, +2 Spellcraft.
Craft Wand
Prerequisite: Spellcaster Level 5+
Create wand from known spell at a small XP and gold cost. Requires bone wand
materials.
(*) Can't use wands while Shifted.
Curse Song
Prerequisite: Bardic Music
Character receives a Celine Dion CD and a boombox.
Deflect Arrows [Unarmed]
Prerequisite: DX 13+, Improved Unarmed Strike
Successful Reflex saving throw [DC=20] deflects one ranged attack per round.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 2.
Dirty Fighting
Prerequisite: BAB +2
Use: Combat Mode (does not stack with other selected combat modes)
Sacrifice all other attacks for one with 1d4 bonus damage.
Disarm
Prerequisite: IN 13+
Required for: Improved Disarm
Use: Selected
Attempting to disarm incurs a -6 Attack penalty, and the combatant with the
larger weapon gains a +4 bonus per size category of difference. A successful
hit deals normal damage, and if the opponent fails a discipline check, the
weapon flies from the opponent's hands. Disarm provokes an Attack of
Opportunity.
(**) Lizardfolk Whipmaster gets it for free.
Divine Might
Prerequisite: CH 13+, ST 13+, Turn Undead, Power Attack
Use: Selected
Up to 3 times per day add CH modifier to damage for number of rounds equal to
CH modifier.
Divine Shield
Prerequisite: CH 13+, ST 13+, Turn Undead, Power Attack
Use: Selected
Up to 3 times per day add CH modifier to AC for number of rounds equal to CH
modifier.
Dodge
Prerequisite: DX 13+
Required for: Mobility
+1 Dodge Bonus to AC.
Empower Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 2nd level spells
Spell does 150% rated damage and range. Uses a spell slot two levels higher.
Expertise
Prerequisite: IN 13+
Required for: Improved Expertise
Use: Combat Mode
+5 AC, -5 Attack.
(****) There are reports from seasoned adventurers that using Expertise mode
while using Gaze/Breath/Dominate/MindBlast/etc. is pretty awesome.
Extend Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Doubles the duration of a spell. Uses a spell slot one level higher.
(***) Since you can't cast buff spells while Shifted, extended is a godsend.
Extra Music
Prerequisite: Bardic Music
Bard Song four extra times per day.
Extra Smiting
Prerequisite: Smite Evil or Smite Good
Increases Smite to 3 times per day.
Extra Stunning Attacks
Prerequisite: Stunning Fist, BAB +2
Three extra stunning attacks per day.
(***) For Monk Shifters, note that your stunning attacks have no penalties to
hit, and they use your WS modifier.
Extra Turning [Special]
Prerequisite: Exclusive to Cleric or Paladin.
Can attempt to turn undead an additional 6 times per day.
Great Cleave
Prerequisites: ST 13+, Power Attack, Cleave, BAB +4.
Benefit: This feat works like Cleave, except that there is no limit to the
number of times you can use it per round.
Great Fortitude
+2 bonus to Fortitude saves.
Greater Spell Focus
Prerequisite: Spell Focus in the chosen school
DC bonus for spells cast improves to +4.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win an offensive spell
fight.
Greater Spell Penetration
Prerequisite: Spell Penetration
DC bonus to overcome spell resistance improves to +4.
(**) Your strength is in buffing spells and Shape abilities, but sometimes
it's useful to cast a few offensive spells at the beginning of combat.
Improved Critical
Prerequisite: Weapon Proficiency, BAB +8
Doubles the chances of a critical hit with selected weapon.
(****) For Monk Shifters, Improved Critical Unarmed is a major bonus.
(*) For straight Druid Shifters, your poor selection of weapons doesn't allow
you to take this for any of the weapons your Shapes use.
Improved Disarm
Prerequisite: IN 13+, Disarm
Use: Selected
Disarm does not provoke an Attack of Opportunity and penalty is cut to -4.
(***) If you spend a lot of time whipping weapons out of your opponents'
hands, otherwise not useful.
Improved Expertise
Prerequisite: IN 13+, Expertise
Use: Combat Mode
+10 to AC, -10 to Attack.
(****) There are reports from seasoned adventurers that using Expertise mode
while using Gaze/Breath/Dominate/MindBlast/etc. is pretty awesome.
Improved Initiative
+4 initiative.
Improved Knockdown
Prerequisite: BAB +7, Knockdown
Use: Selected
Character is counted as one size larger than they really are for Knockdown.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at 6th level.
Improved Parry
Prerequisite: IN 13+.
Gain a +4 bonus to the Parry Skill.
Improved Power Attack
Prerequisite: ST 13+, Power Attack
Use: Selected
-10 penalty to hit and +10 damage bonus to any damage given.
Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
Prerequisite: Two-Weapon Fighting, Ambidexterity, BAB +9
Gain additional off-hand weapon attack at -5 attack penalty.
Note: Rangers receive this feat for free at level 9.
(*) None of your Shapes is a two-weapon fighter. Do the math.
Improved Unarmed Strike.
Required for: Stunning Fist, Deflect Arrows
No Attack of Opportunity when fighting unarmed against armed opponents.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 1.
(*) Shifted unarmed forms don't need it.
Iron Will
+2 Bonus to all Will saving throws.
Knockdown
Required for: Improved Knockdown
Use: Selected
A successful attack at -4 penalty results in your attack roll being compared
with opponents discipline check, if successful, opponent is knocked down to
the prone position. The opponent gets a +4 bonus for every size category he
is larger than the attacker or a -4 penalty for every size he is smaller.
Attackers receive a +4 attack bonus against prone opponents in melee, but a
-4 attack penalty with a ranged weapon.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 6.
(***) Similar to Cleave, it's generally very helpful for melee characters.
Note that the Azer Chieftain and Rakshasa get it for free.
Lightning Reflexes
+2 Bonus to all Reflex saving throws.
Lingering Song
Prerequisite: Bardic Music
Bard Song effects last an extra 5 rounds.
Luck Of Heroes [1st Level Only]
+1 to all saving throws.
Maximize Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 3rd level spells
Spell does maximum damage and affects maximum number of targets (as
applicable). Uses a spell slot three levels higher.
(**) Might be useful for lobbing a few damage spells before Shifting, but
your main strength is your Shapes.
Mobility
Prerequisite: DX 13+, Dodge
+4 Dodge bonus to AC against Attacks of Opportunity.
Point Blank Shot
Required for: Rapid Shot
Eliminates the -4 attack penalty when targeting opponents engaged in melee
and gives +1 to attack and damage rolls within 15 feet.
Power Attack
Prerequisite: ST 13+
Required for: Cleave, Improved Power Attack
Use: Selected
Every attack made is at a -5 to the attack roll and +5 to damage.
(**) Useful for bashing chests and for low AC opponents. Shapes which
already have it: Azer Chieftain, Epic Manticore, Iron Golem.
Quicken Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 4th level spells
Cast a spell instantaneously. Uses a spell slot four levels higher.
Rapid Reload
Prerequisite: BAB +2
You can fire a crossbow as quickly as you would a normal bow.
Rapid Shot
Prerequisite: DX 13+, Point Blank Shot
Use: Selected
One extra ranged attack per round but all attacks are at -2.
Resist Disease
+4 Fortitude vs. disease
Resist Poison
+4 Fortitude vs. poison
(*) If you continue to Druid 9, you'll be immune to all poison.
Scribe Scroll
Prerequisite: Spellcaster Level 1+
Create scrolls from known spells for a small XP and gold cost. Requires
blank scroll parchment material.
(*) Can't read scrolls while Shifted.
Shield Proficiency
Allows use of any shield.
Note: Arcane Archers, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of Torm,
Clerics, Druids, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Paladins and Rangers receive
this feat for free.
(*) You already have it as a Druid.
Silent Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Allows the spell to be cast without a verbal component. Uses a spell slot
one level higher.
Silver Palm [1st Level Only]
+2 Appraise, +2 Persuade
Skill Focus
Prerequisite: Able to use desired skill
+3 Bonus on all skill checks with selected skill. May be taken multiple
times for different skills, but effects do not stack.
Snake Blood [1st Level Only]
+2 Fortitude vs. Poison, +1 Reflex
Spell Focus
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
+2 Bonus to DC for all saving throws from a particular school of magic. May
be taken multiple times for different schools.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win an offensive spell
fight.
Spell Penetration
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
+2 Bonus to caster level checks to beat spell resistance.
(*) You're not going to win a spell penetration contest. Your strength is in
buffing spells and Shape abilities -- shift into a basilisk and stone 'em!
Spring Attack
Prerequisites: DX 13+, Dodge, Mobility, BAB +4
Character does not provoke Attacks of Opportunity when moving in combat.
Stealthy
+2 Hide, +2 Move Silently
Still Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Allows the spell to be cast without a somatic component. Uses a spell slot
one level higher.
Strong Soul [1st Level Only]
+1 Fortitude, +1 Will, +1 vs. Death Magic
Stunning Fist
Prerequisite: DX 13+, WS 13+, Improved Unarmed Strike, BAB +8
Use: Selected
-4 Attack and -4 Damage penalty. Stuns opponents [Fort DC=15 + 1/2 CL + WS
mod] for 3 rounds. Can be used 1/day for every 4 levels.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 1. Monks suffer no
attack/damage penalty when using this skill and may use it once per day per
level. Any creatures that are immune to critical hits are immune to this
skill.
(*) This can be used by all of your unarmed Shapes, but if you want it it
might be better just to take level(s) in Monk.
Thug [1st Level Only]
+2 initiative, +2 Persuade.
Toughness
+1 Hit Point per level (gained retroactively).
Two-Weapon Fighting
Required for: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
Penalties for fighting with two weapons are reduced by 2 for each hand.
Note: Rangers receive this feat for free at level 1.
(*) None of your Shapes is a two-weapon fighter. Do the math.
Weapon Finesse
Prerequisite: BAB +1
Use DX modifier for attack rolls instead of ST.
Note: dagger, handaxe, kama, kukri, light hammer, mace, rapier, short sword,
sickle, unarmed strike and whip.
(****) This will give a To Hit bonus to the following forms: Black Wyrmling
(+1), White Wyrmling (+1), Gargoyle (up to +3, depending on Strength),
Lizardfold Whipmaster (+2), Mindflayer (up to +4, depending on Strength),
Vampire (+1), Spectre (+3), Rakshasa (+2). If you pump your Dexterity to 18
or so, it will also help Red Wyrmling (+1), Blue Wyrmling (+2), Green
Wyrmling (+2), Basilisk (+1). With 20 Dexterity add +1 to the last group,
and add Minotaur (+1). The Kobold Commando (both base and Epic) and the Epic
Lizardfolk Whipmaster already get this for free. And yes, it does help with
unarmed Shapes. That appears to be a bug.
Weapon Focus
Prerequisite: Weapon Proficiency, BAB +1
Required for: Weapon Specialization (Fighters only)
+1 Bonus to Attack rolls with selected weapon.
(****) Weapon Focus Unarmed Strike will enhance the melee abilities of almost
2/3 of your Shapes.
Weapon Proficiency Druid
Allows use of club, dagger, dart, sickle, scimitar, spear, sling, and
quarterstaff. Does NOT allow any other Weapon Proficiency Feats to be
selected unless allowed by another class (i.e., Druids can only be proficient
in these weapons, but Fighter/Druids get Simple and Martial, and can choose
Exotic as well).
(*) You already have it.
Weapon Proficiency Exotic
Allows use of dire mace, double axe, dwarven waraxe, kama, katana, kukri,
scythe, shuriken, two-bladed sword, and whip.
(***) More possibilities for weapons to be merged into your Shifted form.
You'll need a tertiary class to even be given the choice to take it, since
neither Druids nor Shifters have access to it normally.
Weapon Proficiency Martial
Allows use of bastard sword, battleaxe, greataxe, greatsword, halberd,
handaxe, heavy flail, light flail, light hammer, longbow, rapier, scimitar,
short sword, shortbow, throwing axe, and warhammer.
Note: Arcane Archers, Barbarians, Blackguards, Champions Of Torm, Dwarven
Defenders, Fighters, Paladins, and Rangers are automatically proficient with
all martial weapons.
(***) More possibilities for weapons to be merged into your Shifted form.
You'll need a tertiary class to even be given the choice to take it, since
neither Druids nor Shifters have access to it normally.
Weapon Proficiency Simple
Allows use of club, dagger, mace, sickle, spear, morningstar, quarterstaff,
light crossbow, dart, sling, and heavy crossbow.
Note: Arcane Archers, Assassins, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of
Torm, Clerics, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Harper Scouts, Shadowdancers,
Paladins, Rangers, and Rogues are automatically proficient with all simple
weapons.
(***) More possibilities for weapons to be merged into your Shifted form.
You'll need a tertiary class to even be given the choice to take it, since
neither Druids nor Shifters have access to it normally.
Weapon Specialization
Prerequisite: Fighter with Weapon Focus in desired weapon, BAB +4
+2 Bonus to damage rolls with selected weapon.
(****) For Fighter Shifters, Weapon Specialization will help immensely.
Unarmed Strike (all unarmed Shapes), battleaxe (Minotaur), spear (Drider),
longsword (Drow), Whip (Whipmaster), shortsword (Commando), scythe (Risen
Lord), dwarven waraxe (Azer). For some reason the Rakshasa staff is not
considered a quarterstaff, so Weapon Specialization won't work with it at
all.
Whirlwind Attack
Prerequisite: DX 13+, IN 13+, Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, BAB
+4.
Use: Selected
When you use the full attack action, you can give up your regular attacks and
instead make one melee attack at your full base attack bonus against each
opponent within 5 feet.
When you use the Whirlwind Attack feat, you also forfeit any bonus or extra
attacks granted by other feats, spells, or abilities.
(***) Requires lots of prerequisites, but most of them are pretty useful
anyway. Surrounded by a mob of nasties? This'll ruin their day.
Zen Archery
Prerequisite: WS 13+, BAB +3
Use WS modifier instead of DX for ranged attacks.
(****) If you go for the higher level Epic Forms (Outsider, Construct,
Dragon) you're going to need massive Wisdom. Why not put it to use in ranged
attacks? Since many of your Shapes have a DX component, there's not much
need to boost Dexterity. The downside is that, as a Shifter, you may be
spending most of your time in forms that don't have a ranged attack.
(6.3) Epic Feats
Common To All:
Available To: Epic Character (21+ levels total)
(6.3.1) Bonus Feats available to an Epic Shifter:
Automatic Quicken Spell
Prerequisite: Quicken Spell, Spellcraft 30+, 9th level spells
May use Quickened 0th-3rd, then 4th-6th, then 7th-9th (if chosen three times)
spells at the same level as the base spell.
(**) Can't cast spells in Shifted form. Could be useful for a quick damage
or buff spell before Shifting, however.
Automatic Silent Spell
Prerequisite: Silent Spell, Spellcraft 24+, 9th level spells
May use Silent 0th-3rd, then 4th-6th, then 7th-9th (if chosen three times)
spells at the same level as the base spell.
(*) Can't cast spells in Shifted form.
Automatic Still Spell
Prerequisite: Still Spell, Spellcraft 24+, 9th level spells
May use Stilled 0th-3rd, then 4th-6th, then 7th-9th (if chosen three times)
spells at the same level as the base spell.
(*) Can't cast spells in Shifted form.
Construct Shape (Shifter 11+)
Available To: Epic Shifter, WS 27+
Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem Shapes.
(*****) Very nice Shapes for melee, with nifty immunities to sneak attacks,
level drain, and such.
Dragon Shape (Druid 18+, Shifter 11+)
Prerequisite: Wildshape 6/day or Greater Wildshape IV, WS 30+
Ancient Red, Blue, or Green Dragon Shape.
(****) Seasoned adventurers question whether it's worth the effort, but
there's no doubt that dragon breath and dragon claws are fearsome.
Energy Resistance
DR 10/- for a chosen type of energy (up to 100/- if chosen ten times).
(**) Wyrmling Shapes have 100% immunity to 4 of the 5 elements (fire, cold,
electricity, acid). Azer Chieftain also has 100% fire immunity. Demonflesh
and Iron Golem have high immunity to electricity. Could be
useful for sonic resistance, however.
Epic Spell Focus
Prerequisite: Spell Focus, Greater Spell Focus
+6 to DC for spells cast from the chosen school.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win an offensive spell
fight.
Epic Spell Penetration
Prerequisite: Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration
+6 against spell resistance.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win a Spell Penetration
fight.
Great Wisdom
+1 WS (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*****) You'll need this several times to achieve Outsider, Construct, and
Dragon Shapes.
Improved Combat Casting
Prerequisite: Combat Casting, Concentration 25+
Do not incur Attacks of Opportunity when casting while threatened.
(*) You should be Shifting if threatened, not casting.
Outsider Shape (Shifter 11+)
Available To: Epic Shifter, WS 25+
Azer Chieftain, Rakshasa, and Death Slaad Shapes.
(*****) Azer Chieftain and Death Slaad are great in melee, and the Rakshasa's
spell immunity makes a great mage-killer. Be warned, though, that Clerics
with the Planar Turning Feat can turn you like undead.
Undead Shape (Shifter 11+)
Available To: Epic Shifter
Risen Lord, Vampire, and Spectre Shapes.
(*****) Very nice Shapes available as soon as you hit Epic Shifter status.
Damage Resistance/Damage Immunity/Whirlwind Attack for the Risen Lord; Level
Drain bite for the Vampire; Strength Drain touch attack and improved
invisibility for the Spectre. Be careful if you come up against Clerics,
though - you can be turned just like the undead form you take, and unlike
real undead, you're not healed by negative energy.
(6.3.2) Other Bonus Feats available to other Epic classes:
Armor Skin
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Blackguard,
Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender, Red Dragon Disciple, or Weapon Master
+2 bonus to AC.
(****) Good general purpose Feat which will help any melee Shape.
Bane Of Enemies (Ranger 20+, or Ranger/Harper Scout 16+/1+)
Available To: Epic Ranger
Prerequisite: 5+ favored enemies
Any weapon used against favored enemies is +2 to hit and +2d6 damage. Harper
Scouts also choose a favored enemy, but only one, so this is effectively
limited to Rangers.
Blinding Speed
Available To: Epic Ranger, Rogue, Shadowdancer, or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: DX 25+
Haste for short periods.
(*) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough to
get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take.
That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the non-DX-
modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic Harpy,
Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone Golem,
Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Damage Reduction
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Champion Of Torm, Dwarven
Defender, Red Dragon Disciple, or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: CN 21+
DR 3/- (up to 9/- if chosen three times).
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Constitution high
enough to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape
you take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in
the non-CN-modified Shapes: Black Wyrmling, White Wrymling, Harpy, Epic
Gargoyle, Basilisk, Epic Basilisk, Epic Manticore, Lizardfolk Whipmaster,
Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Medusa,
Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Rakshasa, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, and
Iron Golem.
Devastating Critical
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Arcane Archer, Blackguard,
Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Disciple, or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: Cleave, Greater Cleave, Improved Critical, Overwhelming
Critical, Weapon Focus, Power Attack, ST 25+
Critical hits force a Fort save to avoid instant death.
(*) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Strength high enough to
get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take.
That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the tiny
number of non-ST-modified Shapes: Gargoyle, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold
Commando, Mindflayer. Only the Dire Tiger, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem,
Iron Golem, and Dragons will not nerf your awesome Strength, but they will
waste your precious, hard-fought ST boosts.
Epic Dodge
Available To: Epic Rogue or Shadowdancer
Prerequisite: Dodge, Improved Evasion, Defensive Roll, Tumble 30+, DX 25+
Ignore all damage from the first attack each round.
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough
to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you
take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the
non-DX-modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic
Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Epic Fiend (Blackguard 15+)
Available To: Epic Blackguard
Prerequisite: Blackguard 15+
Gain an Epic Vrock as your summoned fiend, which grows in power as you do.
Epic Fortitude
+4 Fortitude saves.
(*) Shifter Fortitude saves are in the good column, and many Shapes will give
you a CN boost to help out as well.
Epic Prowess
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Arcane Archer,
Blackguard, Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender, Red Dragon Disciple or Weapon
Master
+1 to all attacks.
(****) Good general purpose Feat which will help any melee Shape.
Epic Reflexes
Available To: Epic Arcane Archer, Assassin or Shadowdancer
+4 Reflex saves.
(*) Shifter Reflex saves are in the good column, and many Shapes will give
you a DX boost to help out as well.
Epic Reputation
Available To: Epic Paladin, Rogue, Blackguard or Red Dragon Disciple
+4 Bluff, Intimidate, Persuade, and Taunt.
Epic Skill Focus
Available To: Epic Bard, Rogue, Assassin or Shadowdancer
Prerequisite: 20 ranks in the chosen skill
+10 on the chosen skill.
Epic Shadowlord (Shadowdancer 11+)
Available To: Epic Shadowdancer
Gain an Epic Shadowlord as your summoned shadow, which grows in power as you
do.
Epic Toughness
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Arcane Archer,
Blackguard, Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender, Red Dragon Disciple or Weapon
Master
+20 hit points (up to +200 if chosen ten times).
Epic Weapon Focus
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Arcane Archer,
Blackguard, Champion Of Torm or Dwarven Defender
Prerequisite: Weapon Focus
+2 to attack with the chosen weapon.
(****) Epic Weapon Focus, Unarmed Strike will benefit almost 2/3 of your
Shapes. Or choose the weapon of your favorite weapon-bearing Shape:
battleaxe (Minotaur), spear (Drider), long sword (Drow), whip (Whipmaster),
short sword (Commando), scythe (Risen Lord), or dwarven waraxe (Azer
Chieftain). Note that the Rakshasa's staff is not the same as a
quarterstaff.
Epic Weapon Specialization (Fighter 20+)
Available To: Epic Fighter
Prerequisite: Weapon Focus, Epic Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization
+4 damage with the chosen weapon.
(*****) A no-brainer for Fighter Shifters. Start by specializing in Unarmed
Strike to benefit almost 2/3 of your Shapes. Or choose the weapon of your
favorite weapon-bearing Shape: battleaxe (Minotaur), spear (Drider), long
sword (Drow), whip (Whipmaster), short sword (Commando), scythe (Risen Lord),
or dwarven waraxe (Azer Chieftain). Note that the Rakshasa's staff is not
the same as a quarterstaff.
Epic Will
Available To: Epic Bard
+4 Will saves.
(*) Although Shifter Will saves are bad, Druid Will saves are good. So
unless you've chosen a low-WS, low-Druid route (which will disallow the
Outsider, Construct, and Dragon Shapes as well as higher level Druid spells),
you'll already have awesome Wisdom, which translates to Will saves. Several
Shapes (Mindflayer, Risen Lord, Vampire, and Spectre) are naturally immune to
Mind Spells.
Great Charisma
Available To: Epic Bard
+1 CH (up to +10 if taken ten times).
Great Constitution
+1 CN (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*) Many Shapes will override your Constitution.
Great Dexterity
Available To: Epic Bard, Arcane Archer or Assassin
+1 DX (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*) Most Shapes will override your Dexterity if Dexterity is important to
them.
Great Intelligence
Available To: Epic Wizard
+1 IN (up to +10 if taken ten times).
Great Smiting (Paladin, Blackguard)
Available To: Epic Paladin or Blackguard
Prerequisite: CH 25+, Smite Evil or Smite Good
A successful Smite adds twice the character's level to damage. May be taken
up to 10 times.
Great Strength
+1 ST (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*) Most Shapes will override your Strength if Strength is important to them.
Improved Ki Strike (Monk 16+)
Available To: Epic Monk
Prerequisite: WS 21+, Ki Strike +3
+4 bonus when attacking unarmed (+5 if chosen twice).
Improved Sneak Attack (Rogue 15+, Blackguard 28+, or some combination)
Available To: Epic Rogue, Assassin or Blackguard
Prerequisite: Sneak Attack 8d6
+1d6 Sneak Attack damage (up to +10d6 if chosen ten times).
Improved Spell Resistance
Available To: Epic Monk
Spell Resistance 2% (up to 20% if chosen ten times).
(***) Good general purpose Feat which will help all Shapes.
Improved Stunning Fist
Available To: Epic Fighter, Monk or Champion Of Torm
Prerequisite: Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, DX 19+, WS 19+
+2 to DC for Stunning Fist (up to +20 if chosen ten times).
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough
to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you
take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the
non-DX-modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic
Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Improved Whirlwind Attack
Available To: Epic Fighter, Champion Of Torm, Shadowdancer or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: Dodge, Expertise, Spring Attack, Whirlwind Attack, IN 13+, DX
23+
Use: Combat Mode
Perform a full attack action, plus one melee attack at full BAB against all
opponents within range.
(**) No question it's a great Feat, and the prerequisite Feats are all quite
useful, but boosting your Dexterity high enough to get it wastes a lot of
upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take. That said, it could be
very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the non-DX-modified Shapes: Red
Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur,
Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron
Golem.
Lasting Inspiration (Bard)
Available To: Epic Bard
Prerequisite: Bardic Music, Perform 25+
Bardic Music lasts 10 times longer than usual.
Mighty Rage (Barbarian 15+)
Available To: Epic Barbarian
Prerequisite: Greater Rage, ST 21+, CN 21+
(*) The number of Shapes which won't nerf either your awesome Strength or
your awesome Constitution (or both) is small: Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold
Commando, Mindflayer, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem, and Dragon.
The last four will waste your precious, hard-fought ST and CN boosts.
Overwhelming Critical
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Arcane Archer, Blackguard,
Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Critical, Weapon Focus, Power
Attack, ST 23+
Critical hits improve by +1d6 for x2 critical multiplier weapons, by +2d6 for
x3 weapons, and by +3d6 for 4x weapons.
(*) No question it's a great Feat and the prerequisite Feats are all quite
useful, but boosting your Strength high enough to get it wastes a lot of
upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take. That said, it could be
very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the tiny number of non-ST-modified
Shapes: Gargoyle, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Mindflayer. Only
the Dire Tiger, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem, and Dragons will
not nerf your awesome Strength, but they will waste your precious, hard-
fought ST boosts.
Perfect Health
Available To: Epic Paladin, Blackguard or Dwarven Defender
Prerequisite: Great Fortitude, CN 25+
Immune to all disease and poison.
(*) Could be a useful Feat, but boosting your Constitution high enough to get
it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take. That
said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the non-CN-
modified Shapes: Black Wyrmling, White Wrymling, Harpy, Epic Gargoyle,
Basilisk, Epic Basilisk, Epic Manticore, Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic
Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Medusa,
Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Rakshasa, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, and
Iron Golem.
Planar Turning (Cleric, Paladin, Blackguard)
Available To: Epic Cleric, Paladin, Blackguard, Champion Of Torm
Prerequisite: Turn Undead, WS 25+, CH 25+
Can turn outsiders like undead. If the character has twice as many levels as
the outsider's Hit Dice, the outsiders are instantly destroyed.
Self Concealment (Rogue 10+, Monk 9+)
Available To: Epic Monk, Rogue, Assassin or Shadowdancer
Prerequisite: Improved Evasion, DX 30+, Hide 30+, Tumble 30+
10% Concealment (up to 50% if chosen five times).
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough
to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you
take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the
non-DX-modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic
Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Superior Initiative
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Rogue, Assassin, Champion Of Torm,
Shadowdancer or Weapon Master
+8 initiative.
(***) Especially for classes with a Sneak Attack, sometimes the first attack
is also the last.
Terrifying Rage (Barbarian 21+)
Available To: Epic Barbarian
Prerequisite: Epic Barbarian, Intimidate 25+
While raging, opponents must save Will vs. Intimidate or panic 1d6 rounds.
Opponents with up to twice the Barbarian's Hit Dice will instead have -2
attack and -2 saving throws. Opponents with more than twice the Barbarian's
Hit Dice are not affected.
Thundering Rage (Barbarian 21+)
Available To: Epic Barbarian
Prerequisite: Epic Barbarian, ST 25+
Any weapon the Barbarian wields while raging does +2d8 extra damage on a
critical hit.
(*) No question it's a great Feat for a Barbarian, but boosting your Strength
high enough to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the
Shape you take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of
time in the tiny number of non-ST-modified Shapes: Gargoyle, Kobold
Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Mindflayer. Only the Dire Tiger, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem, and Dragons will not nerf your awesome
Strength, but they will waste your precious, hard-fought ST boosts.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(7) What's The Best Shape For...
These are just rough approximations. There are far too many variables (Bull's
Strength, weapons/armor/items merged into your Shape, multiclass abilities,
etc.) to calculate all the options for, but these suggestions might help you to
choose the best Shape for the situation you're in. Which is, after all, the
strength of the Shifter class.
Something I didn't realize until I playtested it is that the number of attacks
you have as a human is *not* altered when you Shift. Therefore, as a Druid
5/Shifter 1 your BAB is +3 in human form. Since your Wyrmling Shapes list their
attacks as Claw/Claw/Bite you might expect to get three attacks each round, but
in practice you only get the first Claw. If you continue to gain Shifter levels
you'll get the second Claw attack at Druid 5/Shifter 4 (BAB +6/+1) and the Bite
attack at Druid 6/Shifter 10 (BAB +11/+6/+1). This is undoubtedly to keep the
Shifter class balanced in relation to the other classes, but to me it seems
wrong. Anyway, that's the reality.
Therefore, don't let the number of attacks listed fool you. If your
Fighter/Druid/Shifter has a BAB of +16/+11/+6/+1, then your Shapes will all have
4 attacks:
Wyrmling Claw/Claw/Bite/Claw
Minotaur Axe/Axe/Axe/Axe
Stone Golem Slam/Slam/Slam/Slam
Demonflesh Golem Slam/Slam/Bite/Slam
Dragon Claw/Claw/Bite/Claw
Note: Unless noted otherwise, "Average damage" is calculated as a
Druid 10/Shifter 10 with no stat bonuses or magical equipment, in
melee against an AC 30 opponent)
(7.1) Vs. Spellcasters
Rakshasa - Spell Immunity: 0th through 8th level spells, Save Universal +2,
True Seeing, Dispel Magic unlimited use
Epic Kobold Commando - Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack +5d6, Freedom of
Movement (kill 'em before they have a chance to buff!)
Epic Drow Warrior - SR 30%, Save vs. Charm +2, Spell Immunity: Sleep, Improved
Evasion
Stone Golem - SR 26%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Drow Warrior - SR 26%, Save vs. Charm +2, Spell Immunity: Sleep
Mindflayer - SR 24%, Immune: Mind Spells
Stone Golem - SR 22%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Demonflesh Golem - SR 22%, DR/DI vs. acid/cold/elec/fire, Immune: Death Magic,
Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Dragon - SR 20%, True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis
Risen Lord - SR 20%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Vampire - SR 20%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Kobold Commando - Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack +2d6, Freedom of Movement
(kill 'em before they have a chance to buff!)
Drider - SR 14%, Freedom of Movement
Wyrmling (Any) - True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis
Lizardfolk Whipmaster - Stun [Fort DC=22] 10%, Freedom of Movement, Save
Universal +2
Basilisk/Epic Basilisk/Medusa - Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2]
Epic Drider - SR 18%, Freedom Of Movement
Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster - Stun [DC=26] 10%, Freedom of Movement, Save
Universal +4
Spectre - Improved Evasion, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Azer Chieftain - SR 12%
Death Slaad Lord - Immune: Fear, DR vs. almost everything
(7.2) Melee Damage Potential
Average damage per round vs. normal opponent:
Dragon 74.3
Iron Golem 39.6
Stone Golem 34.7
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Epic Minotaur 29.4
Demonflesh Golem 28.1
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Dire Tiger 18.0
Death Slaad 17.4
Drow Warrior 14.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 10.6 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 9.8 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Minotaur 8.8
Drider 8.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Manticore 8.5
Epic Manticore 8.5
Epic Harpy 8.1
Epic Gargoyle 8.1
Medusa 5.6 + Poison [DC=20]
Basilisk 4.9
Epic Basilisk 4.9
Spectre 4.9
Harpy 4.5
Red Wyrmling 4.2
Mindflayer 3.7
Blue/Green Wyrmling 2.5
Black/White Wyrmling 2.2
Gargoyle 0.8
(7.3) Vs. Undead/Construct/Dragon
Average damage vs. opponent immune to critical hits/poison/stun:
Dragon 70.3
Iron Golem 36.3
Vampire 32.3
Stone Golem 31.5
Azer Chieftain 30.8
Epic Commando 28.3
Epic Minotaur 25.7
Risen Lord 25.5 + Whirlwind
Demonflesh Golem 25.5
Epic Drow Warrior 22.6
Rakshasa 20.4
Epic Whipmaster 18.5 + Whirlwind
Epic Drider 18.2
Dire Tiger 15.9
Death Slaad 14.9
Drow Warrior 12.1
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 9.9
Kobold Commando 8.8
Manticore 7.5
Epic Manticore 7.5
Minotaur 7.1
Drider 7.1
Epic Harpy 7.1
Epic Gargoyle 7.1
Medusa 4.9
Basilisk 4.1
Epic Basilisk 4.1
Spectre 4.1
Harpy 3.9
Red Wyrmling 3.6
Mindflayer 3.2
Blue/Green Wyrmling 2.0
Black/White Wyrmling 1.8
Gargoyle 0.6
(7.4) Defense
AC HP DR SR Other
-- --- ------ --- -----------------------------------------
Dragon 43 +100 5/+1 20% True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis, Sneak
Attack
Risen Lord 23 +60 15/+3 20% DI 50% slashing/piercing, Undead Immunities
Iron Golem 23 +90 20/+4 26% DI 90% elec, Golem Immunities
Demonflesh Golem 23 +90 30/+3 22% DR 20/- acid/cold/fire, DI 100% elec,
Golem Immunities
Spectre 31 +40 15/+4 DR 5/- cold/elec, Improved Evasion,
Improved Invisibility, Immune: Knockdown,
Turn Resist +2, Undead Immunities
Epic Whipmaster 27 +75 15/+5 Freedom of Movement, Discipline +15,
Immune: Poison, Save Universal +4
Death Slaad Lord 30 +70 10/+5 DR 10/- acid/cold/elec/fire/sonic,
Regen +5, Immune: Fear
Rakshasa 27 +30 15/+5 Spell Immunity: 0-8th level,
Save Universal +2, Discipline +5
Vampire 28 +30 15/+1 20% DR 20/- cold/elec, Regen +5, Undead
Immunities
Mindflayer 22 +30 10/+4 Immune: Mind Spells
Stone Golem 23 +90 15/+3 22% DI 25% slashing, DI 50% piercing, Golem
Immunities
Gargoyle 22 +20 15/+1
Epic Manticore 30 +60 5/+20
Epic Drider 25 +60 5/+20 18% Darkness, Freedom of Movement,
Discipline +6
Epic Drow Warrior 29 +66 30% Darkness, Improved Evasion,
Save vs. Poison +2
Epic Commando 29 +70 Hide In Plain Sight, Improved Evasion,
Freedom of Movement, Tumble +10
Whipmaster 24 +35 5/+1 Freedom of Movement, Discipline +10,
Immune: Poison, Save Universal +2
Epic Gargoyle 27 +60 (Missing DR due to a bug)
Commando 26 +10 Hide In Plain Sight, Freedom of Movement,
Tumble +10
Medusa 24 +35
Epic Basilisk 23 +60
Azer Chieftain 23 +50 12% DI 100% fire
Drow Warrior 22 +30 26% Darkness, Save vs. Poison +2
Harpy 22 +20
Drider 21 +20 14% Darkness, Freedom of Movement,
Discipline +2
Dire Tiger 21 +60
Epic Harpy 21 +40
Manticore 21 +30
Epic Minotaur 20 +50
Basilisk 20 +30
Black Wyrmling 18 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% acid
White Wyrmling 18 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% cold
Minotaur 16 +25
Red Wyrmling 15 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% fire
Blue Wyrmlinge 15 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% elec
Green Wyrmling 15 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% acid
(7.5) Attack Bonus
Dragon +19
Epic Commando +13
Iron Golem +11
Risen Lord +10
Azer Chieftain +10
Stone Golem +10
Demonflesh Golem +10
Kobold Commando +9
Epic Minotaur +9
Epic Drider +9
Vampire +9
Dire Tiger +8
Rakshasa +8
Drow Warrior +7
Epic Drow Warrior +7
Lizardfolk Whipmaster +6
Epic Whipmaster +6
Death Slaad +6
Minotaur +5
Drider +5
Manticore +5
Epic Harpy +5
Epic Gargoyle +5
Epic Manticore +5
Harpy +4
Medusa +4
Red Wyrmling +3
Basilisk +3
Epic Basilisk +3
Spectre +3
Blue Wyrmling +2
Black Wyrmling +2
White Wyrmling +2
Green Wyrmling +2
Mindflayer +2
Gargoyle +0
(7.6) Rogue-ishness, Disarming Traps, etc.
Epic Commando - DX:25, Hide In Plain Sight, Improved Evasion, Darkvision,
Sneak Attack +5d6, Freedom of Movement, Hide +10, Listen +5,
Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5,
Tumble +10
Spectre - DX:22, Shadow Attack, Improved Invisibility, Hide +15, Move
Silently +15, Improved Evasion, Darkvision
Commando - DX:22, Hide In Plain Sight, Darkvision, Hide +10, Listen +5,
Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5, Freedom of
Movement
Rakshasa - DX:20, True Seeing, Hide +10, Move Silently +11, Spot +10
Epic Drider - DX:17, Freedom Of Movement, Hide +8, Move Silently +8
Epic Drow Warrior - DX:22, Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2, Darkvision,
Improved Evasion
Epic Whipmaster - DX:20, Freedom of Movement, Listen +8
Mindflayer - DX:19, IN:(+8), WS:(+2)
Drow Warrior - DX:19, Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2
Whipmaster - DX:20, Freedom of Movement, Listen +4
Epic Gargoyle - DX:20
Manticore, Epic Manticore, Medusa, Death Slaad - DX:19
Harpy, Gargoyle - DX:18
Black/White Wyrmling, Dire Tiger, Epic Basilisk - DX:17
Drider - DX:16
(7.7) Searching
Mindflayer - Search +4 (from Intelligence), Listen +6, Spot +6
Commando, Epic Commando - Darkvision, Listen +5, Spot +5
Rakshasa - True Seeing, Spot +10
Epic Drow Warrior - Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2, Darkvision
Drow Warrior - Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2
Epic Whipmaster - Listen +8
Whipmaster - Listen +4
Wyrmling (Any), Dragon - True Seeing
Spectre - Darkvision
(7.8) Vs. Fire
Azer Chieftain, Red Wyrmling - DI 100% fire
Demonflesh Golem - DR 20/- fire
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- fire
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.9) Vs. Cold
White Wyrmling - DI 100% cold
Vampire, Demonflesh Golem - DR 20/- cold
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- cold
Spectre - DR 5/- cold
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.10) Vs. Electricity
Blue Wyrmling, Demonflesh Golem - DI 100% elec
Iron Golem - DI 90% elec
Vampire - DR 20/- elec
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- elec
Spectre - DR 5/- elec
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.11) Vs. Acid
Black/Green Wyrmling - DI 100% acid
Epic Whipmaster - DR 15/- acid, Save Universal +4
Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
Whipmaster - DR 5/- acid, Save Universal +2
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- acid
Demonflesh Golem - DR 20/- acid
(7.12) Vs. Sonic
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- sonic
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.13) Vs. Invisible
Rakshasa - True Seeing, Dispel Magic
Wyrmling (Any), Dragon - True Seeing
(7.14) Vs. Low Damage Resistance
Average damage vs. opponent with DR 5/+1
Dragon 60.3
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Iron Golem 30.6
Stone Golem 26.4
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Minotaur 21.2
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Demonflesh Golem 19.8
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Drow Warrior 14.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Death Slaad 12.1
Dire Tiger 11.2
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 10.6 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 9.8 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Minotaur 8.8
Drider 8.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Manticore 4.3
Epic Manticore 4.3
Epic Harpy 3.8
Epic Gargoyle 3.8
Mindflayer 3.7
Medusa 1.9 + Poison [DC=20]
Basilisk 1.6
Epic Basilisk 1.6
Spectre 1.6
Wyrmling, Red 1.0
Harpy 0.8
Wyrmling, Blue 0.0
Wyrmling, Green 0.0
Wyrmling, Black 0.0
Wyrmling, White 0.0
Gargoyle 0.0
(7.15) Vs. Medium Damage Resistance
Average damage vs. opponent with DR 10/+3
Dragon 46.3
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Iron Golem 21.6
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Stone Golem 18.2
Drow Warrior 14.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Epic Minotaur 12.9
Demonflesh Golem 11.6
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 10.6 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 9.8 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Death Slaad 6.9
Dire Tiger 4.5
Drider 1.5 + Poison [DC=16]
Mindflayer 0.9
Minotaur 0.8
(Others) 0.0
(7.16) Vs. High Damage Resistance
Average damage vs. opponent with DR 20/+5
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Dragon 18.3
Epic Minotaur 8.8
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 5.9 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 4.1 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Iron Golem 3.6
Drow Warrior 3.2 + Poison [DC=16]
Stone Golem 1.7
Drider 1.5 + Poison [DC=16]
Mindflayer 0.9
Minotaur 0.8
(Others) 0.0
(7.17) Druid/Shifter/Monk
Average damage for a Druid 9/Monk 1/Shifter 10 vs. a normal opponent:
Dragon 78.0
Iron Golem 42.9
Vampire 38.0 + Level Drain
Stone Golem 37.8
Azer Chieftain 30.8
Demonflesh Golem 30.6
Epic Commando 29.3 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 28.4 + Whirlwind
Epic Minotaur 26.6
Epic Drow Warrior 22.0 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Death Slaad 19.8
Dire Tiger 19.5
Rakshasa 18.8
Epic Drider 18.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 16.0 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Drow Warrior 12.5 + Poison [DC=16]
Manticore 10.5
Epic Manticore 10.5
Epic Harpy 10.0
Epic Gargoyle 10.0
Kobold Commando 8.9 + Poison [DC=18]
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 8.7 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Minotaur 7.9
Drider 7.7 + Poison [DC=16]
Medusa 6.8 + Poison [DC=20]
Basilisk 5.6
Epic Basilisk 5.6
Spectre 5.6
Harpy 5.4
Wyrmling, Red 4.9
Mindflayer 3.7
Wyrmling, Blue 2.5
Wyrmling, Green 2.5
Wyrmling, Black 2.2
Wyrmling, White 2.2
Gargoyle 0.9
It should go without saying that Flurry Of Blows is only helpful against
low AC opponents, since it reduces your chance to hit by 10% for all attacks.
(7.18) Vs. Poison
Whipmaster, Epic Whipmaster, Undead (Any), Golem (Any) - Immune: Poison
Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
Drow Warrior, Epic Drow - Save vs. Poison +2 (but CN penalty drops it to +1)
/*------------------------------ Appendices --------------------------------*/
(A) Definitions & Acronyms
AB - Attack Bonus
AC - Armor Class
BAB - Base Attack Bonus
CH - Charisma
CL - Character Level (total of all class levels)
CN - Constitution
DC - Difficulty Check (the dice roll an opponent must beat to save)
DI - Damage Immunity
DL - Druid Level
DR ##% - Damage Resistance (ignore ##% of the specified damage)
DR ##/+# - Damage Reduction (ignore up to ## damage unless the weapon is +#
or better)
DV ##% - Damage Vulnerability (take an additional ##% damage of the specified
type)
DX - Dexterity
Fort - Fortitude Saving Throw
IN - Intelligence
PnP - Pen 'n Paper AD&D rules
Refl - Reflex Saving Throw
SL - Shifter Level
SR ##% - Spell Resistance (ignore ##% of spells cast at you)
ST - Strength
WS - Wisdom
WSmod - Wisdom modifier (i.e., +4 for 18 WS)
Will - Will Saving Throw
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(B) The Monk Unarmed Attack Bug
Multiclassed Monks benefit from a bug in the game engine which calculates
secondary attacks from the Monk table whenever the character is unarmed or using
kamas. So for example, according to the PnP rules, a Fighter 11/Monk 1 should
get his choice between the following attacks:
+11/+6/+1 (as a Fighter) or +0 (as a Monk)
Obviously the Fighter has better attacks. But since Monks get secondary attacks
every 3 levels when unarmed, the game calculates it thus:
+11/+8/+5/+2
Yes, it's a bug. Is it delightful to exploit? Oh, yes!
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(C) Relevant Scripts And Toolset Objects
How to examine scripts:
Load the Aurora toolset and open any available module (or create one). Under
the Tools menu, select Script Editor. Ctrl-O to open a file. Choose "All
Resources" from the option at bottom right. Type the first few letters of
the script and the list will filter itself. Of course, it helps to have a
bit of a background in computer programming to understand the script.
Scripts are identified here by the ".nss" extension.
How to examine objects:
Load the Aurora toolset and open any available module. Doubleclick any Area
to view it. On the right side of the screen, select the icon that looks like
a fox head (Paint Creatures). Select any creature from the list, rightclick
and select "Edit Copy". Under the picture of your creature, click
"Inventory". Now you can examine weapons, armor, claws, bites, skins, etc.,
by using the same "Edit Copy" command to view them.
(C.1) Scripts
General - x2_i0_spells, x2_inc_shifter, x2_inc_itemprop
(C.1.1) Azer Chieftain
Fire Stream - x2_s2_gwburn
(C.1.2) Basilisk
Petrify Gaze - x2_s1_petrgaze
(C.1.3) Death Slaad
Chaos Spittle - x2_s1_chaosspit
(C.1.4) Dragon
Breath Attack - x2_s2_edragbrth
(C.1.5) Drider
Darkness - x2_s1_driderdark
(C.1.6) Harpy
Captivating Song - x2_s1_harpycry
(C.1.7) Iron Golem
Poison Breath - nw_s1_golemgas
(C.1.8) Manticore
Tail Spikes - x0_s1_mantspike
(C.1.9) Medusa
Petrify Gaze - x2_s1_petrgaze
(C.1.10) Mindflayer
Mind Blast - x2_s1_gwmindbl (*)
Psionic Barrier - x2_s1_psibarr
(*) see also x2_s1_psimconc, x2_s1_mblast10, x2_s1_ether, and x2_s1_illithidb
for true illithid abilities
(C.1.11) Rakshasa
Blessed Crossbow Bolt Vulnerability - x2_s3_slayraks
(C.1.12) Spectre
Touch Attack - x2_s2_gwdrain
Improved Invisibility - x2_s2_vampinvis
(C.1.13) Stone Golem
Hurl Rock - x2_s1_hurlrock
(C.1.14) Vampire
Dominating Gaze - x2_s2_shiftdom
(C.1.15) Wyrmling
Breath Attack - x2_s1_wyrmbreath
(C.2) Toolset Objects
(C.2.1) Azer Chieftain
Weapon x2_it_crewmazera [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Azer Flaming Waraxe +5]
(Dwarven Waraxe 1d10 (20/x3); Feats: Cleave, Knockdown, Power Attack; Damage
+2d4 fire; Bonus +5; Use Limitation: Outsider)
Skin x2_it_creitem005 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Azer Properties] (DI fire
100%; DV cold 50%; SR 12%)
Fire Stream x2_s2_gwburn.nss
(C.2.2) Basilisk
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Petrify Gaze x2_s1_petrgaze.nss
(C.2.3) Basilisk, Epic
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Petrify Gaze x2_s1_petrgaze.nss
(C.2.4) Death Slaad
Claw nw_it_crewpsp016 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw3d6] (3d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps016 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite2d10] (2d10 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitem022 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Death Slaad Properties] (DR
20/+2; DR acid 5/-; DR cold 5/-; DR elec 5/-; DR fire 5/-; DR sonic 5/-;
Regeneration +5)
Chaos Spittle x2_s1_chaosspit.nss
(C.2.5) Demonflesh Golem
Slam nw_it_crewpb015 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d6] (2d6 bludgeoning (20/x2))
Claw nw_it_crewpsp015 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d6] (2d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_shdemoflsh [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Demonflesh Golem
Properties] (Feats: Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 30/+3; DR acid 20/-; DR cold
20/-; DR fire 20/-; DI elec 100%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease,
Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR 22%)
(C.2.6) Dire Tiger
Claw nw_it_crewpsp006 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d4] (2d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps015 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite2d6] (2d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
(C.2.7) Dragon
Claw nw_it_crewpsp015 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d6] (2d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps017 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite2d8] (2d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdrm [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Adult Red Dragon Properties]
(Feats: Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 5/+1; DI fire 100%; DV cold 50%; Immune:
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Sneak Attack; SR 20%; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s2_edragbrth.nss
(C.2.8) Drider
Weapon x2_it_wplmss011 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Drider Spear +2] (Spear
1d8 (20/x3); Bonus +2; OnHit: Poison DC=16 1d2 ST; Skills: Discipline +2)
Skin x2_it_creitem003 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Drider Properties(2)] (Feats:
Weapon Proficiency Creature; Freedom Of Movement; SR 14%)
Darkness x2_s1_driderdark.nss
(C.2.9) Drider, Epic
Weapon x2_it_wplmss012 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Drider Spear +5] (Spear
1d8 (20/x3); Feats: Cleave; Bonus +5; OnHit: Poison DC=20 1d2 ST; Skills:
Discipline +6)
Skin x2_it_creitdrid [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Epic Drider Properties] (AC +4;
Feats: Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 5/+20; Freedom Of Movement; Skills: Hide
+8, Move Silently +8; SR 18%)
Darkness x2_s1_driderdark.nss
(C.2.10) Drow Warrior
Weapon x2_wdrowls004 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Drow Venomblade +3]
(Longsword 1d8 (19-20/x2); Bonus +3; OnHit: Poison DC=16 1d2 ST; Save +2 Poison;
listed inaccurately in the properties screen as x2_wdrowls002, but Drow
Longsword +3 also has that tag and the properties of this match the actual sword
used)
Skin nw_it_creitem058 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Drow Level 15 Properties] (SR
26%)
(C.2.11) Drow Warrior, Epic
Weapon x2_it_frzdrowbld [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Frozen Drow Blade]
(Longsword 1d8 (19-20/x2); Bonus +6; Damage +2d4 cold; OnHit: Freeze (Slow(15)
[Fort DC=10+SL])
Skin x2_it_edrowhid [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Epic Drow Hide] (Feats:
Cleave, Dodge, Weapon Proficiency Martial; Darkvision; Improved Evasion; SR 30%)
(C.2.12) Gargoyle
Claw nw_it_crewpsp026 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d4] (1d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitem030 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Gargoyle Properties] (Feats:
Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 15/+1)
(C.2.13) Gargoyle, Epic
Claw nw_it_crewpsp010 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d8] (1d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_egargprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->???] (this skin is missing from
the toolset, effectively nerfing the Epic Gargoyle as a viable Shape. Not fixed
as of version 1.61)
(C.2.14) Harpy
Claw nw_it_crewpsp002 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d3] (1d3 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Captivating Song x2_s1_harpycry.nss
(C.2.15) Harpy, Epic
Claw nw_it_crewpsp010 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d8] (1d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Captivating Song x2_s1_harpycry.nss
(C.2.16) Iron Golem
Slam nw_it_crewpb017 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d10] (2d10 bludgeoning (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemco3 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Iron Golem Properties] (DR
30/+3; DV elec 50%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability
Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack)
Poison Breath nw_s1_golemgas.nss
(C.2.17) Kobold Commando
Weapon x2_it_crewpkobsw [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Kobold Commando
Sword(2)] (Shortsword 1d6 (19-20/x2); Feats: Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack
+2d6, Weapon Finesse; Bonus +3; OnHit: Poison DC=18 1d2 ST; Use Limitation:
Reptilian)
Skin x2_it_koboldcomm [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Kobold Commando Properties]
(Feats: Alertness, Dodge, Use Poison; Darkvision; Freedom Of Movement; Skills:
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5,
Tumble +10)
(C.2.18) Kobold Commando, Epic
Weapon x2_it_crewpkobs2 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Kobold Commando
Sword(1)] (Shortsword 1d6 (19-20/x2); Feats: Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack
+5d6, Weapon Finesse; Bonus +6; Damage +2d4 acid; Improved Evasion; Massive
Criticals 2d6; OnHit: Poison DC=24 1d2 DX; Use Limitation: Reptilian)
Skin x2_it_koboldcomm [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Kobold Commando Properties]
(Feats: Alertness, Dodge, Use Poison; Darkvision; Freedom Of Movement; Skills:
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5,
Tumble +10)
(C.2.19) Lizardfolk Whipmaster
Weapon x2_it_crewpwhip [Weapons->Exotic->Shocking Whip] (1d2 slashing (20/x2);
Bonus +3; Damage +1d6 elec; Feats: Disarm; OnHit: Stun DC=22 10%/4 rounds)
Skin x2_it_crelizhid1 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Lizard Form
Properties] (Feats: Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Proficiency Exotic; DR
5/+1; DR acid 5/-; Freedom Of Movement; Immune: Poison; Save +2 Universal;
Skills: Discipline +10, Listen +4)
(C.2.20) Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic
Weapon x2_it_crewpwhip2 [Weapons->Exotic->Epic Shocking Whip] (1d2 slashing
(20/x2); Bonus +5; Damage +2d8 elec; Feats: Disarm; OnHit: Stun DC=26 10%/4
rounds)
Skin x2_it_crelizhid2 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Epic Lizard Form
Properties] (Feats: Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Proficiency
Exotic, Whirlwind Attack; DR 15/+5; DR acid 15/-; Freedom Of Movement; Immune:
Poison; Save +4 Universal; Skills: Discipline +15, Listen +8)
(C.2.21) Manticore
Claw nw_it_crewpsp006 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d4] (2d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Spikes x0_s1_mantspike.nss
(C.2.22) Manticore, Epic
Claw nw_it_crewpsp015 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d6] (2d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_creitmante [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Epic Manticore Properties] (AC
+4; Feats: Power Attack; DR 5/+20)
Spikes x0_s1_mantspike.nss
(C.2.23) Medusa
Claw nw_it_crewpsp005 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d6] (1d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite x0_medusa_snakes [Creature Items->Bite->Medusa Snakes] (1d4 piercing
(20/x2); OnHit: Poison Medium Spider Venom)
Skin x2_it_medusprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Medusa Properties] (Feats:
Weapon Finesse, Weapon Proficiency Creature)
Petrify Gaze x2_s1_petrgaze.nss
(C.2.24) Mindflayer
Tentacle x2_it_crewpmflyt [Creature Items->Bite->Mindflayer Tentacle(2)] (2d4
slashing (20/x2); Bonus +2; +2 slashing)
Skin x2_it_creitem006 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Mind Flayer Properties]
(Abilities: IN +8, WS +2; Feats: Dodge, Weapon Proficiency Creature; Darkvision;
Immune: Mind Spells; Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6; SR 24%)
Mind Blast x2_s1_gwmindbl.nss
Psionic Barrier x2_s1_psibarr.nss
(C.2.25) Minotaur
Weapon nw_waxmbt002 [Weapons->Axes->Two Handed->Battleaxe +1] (battleaxe 1d8
(20/x3); Bonus +1)
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
(C.2.26) Minotaur, Epic
Weapon x2_it_minoaxe [Weapons->Axes->Great->Epic Minotaur Axe] (Greataxe 1d12
slashing (20/x3); Feats: Knockdown, Weapon Proficiency Martial; Damage +1d6
fire; Bonus +3; Use Limitation: Goblinoid)
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
(C.2.27) Rakshasa
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Weapon x2_it_rakstaff [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Rakshasa Staff] (Magical
Staff 1d6 (20/x2); Feats: Dodge, Knockdown; Damage +1d10 fire; Bonus +5; Save +2
Universal; True Seeing; Use Limitation: Outsider)
Skin x2_it_shraksprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Rakshasa Form
Properties] (DR 15/+5; Immune: Spells 0th to 8th Level; Skills: Discipline +5,
Hide +10, Move Silently +11, Spellcraft +15, Spot +10; True Seeing)
(C.2.28) Risen Lord
Scythe x2_it_crewpvscyt [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Risen Lord Scythe ]
(Scythe 2d8 slashing/piercing (20/x4); Feats: Cleave, Whirlwind Attack; Bonus
+5; Regeneration Vampiric +2; Use Limitation: Undead)
Skin x2_it_crearrlord [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Risen Lord Properties] (DR
15/+3; DI piercing 50%; DI slashing 25%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic,
Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR
20%)
(C.2.29) Spectre
Claw nw_it_crewpsp010 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d8] (1d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_spectrprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Epic Spectre Properties] (DR
15/+4; DR cold 5/-; DR elec 5/-; DV divine 25%; Darkvision; Immune: Critical
Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison,
Sneak Attack; Immune: Knockdown; Improved Evasion; Skills: Hide +15, Move
Silently +15; Turn Resistance +2)
Touch Attack x2_s2_gwdrain.nss
Improved Invisibility x2_s2_vampinvis.nss
(C.2.30) Stone Golem
Slam nw_it_crewpb017 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d10] (2d10 bludgeoning (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_shstogopro [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Stone Golem
Properties] (DR 15/+3; DV acid 50%; DI piercing 50%; DI slashing 25%; Immune:
Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells,
Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR 22%)
Hurl Rock x2_s1_hurlrock.nss
(C.2.31) Vampire
Claw x2_it_crevampclw [Creature Items->Claw->Epic Vampire Claw] (2d4
slashing/piercing (20/x2); Bonus +5; Massive Criticals 1d6)
Bite x2_it_cravampbit [Creature Items->Bite->Epic Vampire Bite] (1d8 piercing
(20/x2); Bonus +5; Massive Criticals 1d10; OnHit: Level Drain 2)
Skin nw_creitemvam [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Vampire Properties] (DR 15/+1; DR
cold 20/-; DR elec 20/-; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease,
Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; Regeneration
+5)
Dominating Gaze x2_s2_shiftdom.nss
(C.2.32) Wyrmling, Black
Claw nw_it_crewpsp002 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d3] (1d3 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps002 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d4] (1d4 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_blk [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Black] (DI acid
100%; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.33) Wyrmling, Blue
Claw nw_it_crewpsp026 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d4] (1d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_blu [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Blue] (DI elec
100%; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.34) Wyrmling, Green
Claw nw_it_crewpsp026 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d4] (1d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_grn [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Green] (DI acid
100%; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.35) Wyrmling, Red
Claw nw_it_crewpsp005 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d6] (1d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_red [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Red] (DI fire
100%; DV 50% cold; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.36) Wyrmling, White
Claw nw_it_crewpsp002 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d3] (1d3 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps002 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d4] (1d4 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_wht [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, White] (DI cold
100%; DV 50% fire; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(D) Some options for alternate Shapes
DISCLAIMER:
This is all speculative at this point. Which means that although the theory is
sound, I haven't actually tried it. If you have, please let me know how it
works.
Bored with your early-career Shapes? Wish you could truly Shift into *any*
Shape you desire? It's possible, but not for the faint hearted. You'll need to
get into the raw data guts of the NWN engine, but you can do it. I have faith
in you. Ready?
Open up the following file in a text editor (if you insist on using Word or some
other word processing program, make sure you save as file type "plain text"):
[NWN_install_directory]\data\polymorph.2da
You may have to extract this file from the [NWN_install_directory]\data\2da.bif
file. This is not for the faint of heart. But if you're feeling adventurous,
here's how:
1. Make a copy of [NWN_install_directory]\data\2da.bif.
2. Edit the copy in a text editor. I use TextPad; you can't use Notepad
due to file size, but you could use WordPad as long as you remember to
save as file type "plain text".
3. Search for "POLYMORPH_TYPE_".
4. Copy the block of text from "2DA V2.0" all the way down to the last
"POLYMORPH_TYPE_" line. Save it in the [NWN_install_directory]\override
directory as "polymorph.2da". Make sure to save as type "plain text".
5. Continue with the modifications listed below.
I've heard rumors of programs which will extract resources from BIF files, so if
you have one, more power to you.
If your text editor has an option to not wrap long lines, make it do so. Now
you should see some data with column headings like this:
Name AppearanceType RacialType (...)
Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to modify certain lines to change
the Shape you shift into. For example, if you choose to switch Minotaur to
Gelatinous Cube, change the line that starts like this:
66 POLYMORPH_TYPE_MINOTAUR
Your radial Shifter menu will still list it as "Minotaur" but now you should
Shift into a Gelatinous Cube instead. Following are several suggestions to
spice up your Shifting experience.
Gelatinous Cube (instead of Minotaur)
Slam x2_it_cregelcslm [Creature Items->Slam->Slam 1d6+4 (+1d6 Acid +
Paralyze)] (1d6+4 bludgeoning +1d6 acid; OnHit: Gelatinous Cube Poison Lvl 6)
Skin x2_it_oozeprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ooze Properties] (DI elec
100%; Immune: Critical Hits, Knockdown, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak
Attack; True Seeing)
x2_c2_gcube_hbt Heartbeat digestion script (paralyze & consume any opponents
in range)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 66 POLYMORPH_TYPE_MINOTAUR
AppearanceType 470
RacialType 29
PortraitId 365
Portrait po_jelly
CreatureWeapon1 x2_it_cregelcslm
CreatureWeapon2 ****
CreatureWeapon3 ****
HideItem x2_it_oozeprop
EQUIPPED ****
STR 15
CON 19
DEX ****
NATURALACBONUS 0
HPBONUS 30
SoundSet 35
SPELL1 ****
SPELL2 ****
SPELL3 ****
MergeW 1
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
Troll (instead of Gargoyle)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp005 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d6] (1d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitem042 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Troll Properties]
(Regeneration +5)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 65 POLYMORPH_TYPE_GARGOYLE
AppearanceType 167
RacialType 18
PortraitId 306
Portrait po_troll_
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp005
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp005
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps005
HideItem nw_it_creitem042
EQUIPPED ****
STR 23
CON 23
DEX 14
NATURALACBONUS 7
HPBONUS 30
SoundSet 35
SPELL1 ****
SPELL2 ****
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
Dragon, Ancient Green (instead of Green Dragon)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp027 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d8] (2d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps020 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite4d6] (4d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdrl [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ancient Green Dragon
Properties] (DR 15/+2; DI acid 100%; Immune: Mind Spells, Paralysis, Sneak
Attack; SR 26%; True Seeing)
Spell1 798 (Green Dragon Breath)
Spell2 412 (Fear Aura)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 73 POLYMORPH_TYPE_ANCIENT_GREEN_DRAGON
AppearanceType 48
RacialType 11
PortraitId 197
Portrait po_DrgGreen
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps020
HideItem nw_it_creitemdrl
EQUIPPED ****
STR 48
CON 32
DEX 36
NATURALACBONUS 20
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet 29
SPELL1 798
SPELL2 412
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI ****
MergeA 1
Dragon, Ancient Blue (instead of Blue Dragon)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp027 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d8] (2d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps020 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite4d6] (4d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdre [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ancient Blue Dragon
Properties] (DR 15/+2; DI elec 100%; Immune: Mind Spells, Paralysis, Sneak
Attack; SR 26%; True Seeing)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 71 POLYMORPH_TYPE_ANCIENT_BLUE_DRAGON
AppearanceType 47
RacialType 11
PortraitId 192
Portrait po_DrgBlue
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps020
HideItem nw_it_creitemdre
EQUIPPED ****
STR 48
CON 32
DEX 36
NATURALACBONUS 20
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet 29
SPELL1 796
SPELL2 412
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI ****
MergeA 1
Dragon, Ancient Red (instead of Red Dragon)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp027 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d8] (2d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps020 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite4d6] (4d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdro [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ancient Red Dragon
Properties] (DR 15/+2; DI fire 100%; DV cold 50%; Immune: Mind Spells,
Paralysis, Sneak Attack; SR 28%; True Seeing)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 72 POLYMORPH_TYPE_ANCIENT_RED_DRAGON
AppearanceType 49
RacialType 11
PortraitId 198
Portrait po_DrgRed
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps020
HideItem nw_it_creitemdro
EQUIPPED ****
STR 48
CON 32
DEX 36
NATURALACBONUS 20
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet 29
SPELL1 797
SPELL2 412
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI ****
MergeA 1
Shifter Iron Golem (instead of Iron Golem)
Slam nw_it_crewpb017 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d10] (2d10 bludgeoning
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_shirongolp [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Iron Golem
Properties] (Feats: Knockdown, Power Attack, Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR
20/+4; DV fire 50%; DI elec 90%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease,
Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR 26%)
Spell 263: nw_s1_golemgas
Spell 715: x2_s1_golemslam
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 90 POLYMORPH_TYPE_IRON_GOLEM
AppearanceType 89
RacialType 10
PortraitId 229
Portrait po_goliron
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpb017
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpb017
CreatureWeapon3 ****
HideItem x2_it_shirongolp
EQUIPPED ****
STR 33
CON ****
DEX ****
NATURALACBONUS 15
HPBONUS 90
SoundSet ****
SPELL1 263
SPELL2 715
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
Frost Giant Commando (instead of Dire Tiger)
Weapon1 nw_wswmbs007 [Weapons->Bladed->Bastard Swords->Discord] (1d10
slashing/piercing (19-20/x2); 1d6 sonic; Bonus +2; OnHit: Confusion [DC=14]
50% 2 rounds)
Weapon2 nw_waxmhn006 [Weapons->Axes->One-Handed->Offhand Axe] (1d6 slashing
(20/x3); 1d6 sonic; Feat: Two-Weapon Fighting)
Skin nw_it_creitem026 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Frost Giant/Winter Wolf
Properties] (DI cold 100%; DV fire 50%)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 69 POLYMORPH_TYPE_DIRETIGER
AppearanceType 81
RacialType 18
PortraitId 216
Portrait po_GntFrost
CreatureWeapon1 nw_wswmbs007
CreatureWeapon2 nw_waxmhn006
CreatureWeapon3 ****
HideItem nw_it_creitem026
EQUIPPED ****
STR 29
CON 21
DEX ****
NATURALACBONUS 13
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet ****
SPELL1 ****
SPELL2 ****
SPELL3 ****
MergeW 1
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(E) When And How To Boost ST, DX, CN
Shapes which don't override your base Strength:
Gargoyle, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Mindflayer
Shapes which don't override your base Dexterity:
Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic Harpy, Minotaur, Epic
Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone Golem, Demonflesh
Golem, Iron Golem
Shapes which don't override your base Constitution:
Black Wyrmling, White Wrymling, Harpy, Epic Gargoyle, Basilisk, Epic
Basilisk, Epic Manticore, Drow Warrior*, Epic Drow Warrior*, Lizardfolk
Whipmaster, Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold
Commando, Medusa, Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Rakshasa, Stone Golem,
Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem
* (does modify by -2, however)
Shapes which DO modify IN, WS, or CH:
Mindflayer (IN +8, WS +2)
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(F) The Shifter XP Penalty Bug
Currently (as of version 1.61 at least), Shifters suffer from a nasty bug which
penalizes them 20% of earned experience points. Why? Simple enough, from game
mechanics: since you actually *become* a Minotaur, Wyrmling, Basilisk, etc.,
you are no longer Human or Elf or whatever. None of the races you Shift into
lists Druid as its Preferred Class. So you're earning experience points as a
Minotaur, but since Minotaur is your Preferred Class you suffer the 20%
multiclassing penalty, no matter what race or class you are naturally.
Currently the only known solution is to cheat: at level up, use debug commands
to grant yourself 20% of the XP toward the next level. For example, if you've
just made 15th level, you'll need 15,000 XP to make it to 16th. And 20% of
15,000 is 3,000. So type this while in-game:
`DebugMode 1
`GiveXP 3000
(the cursor changes to a select cursor - select yourself)
`DebugMode 0
(check your character sheet to see if it worked)
Let's hope they fix this pronto, especially for Shifters on Persistent Worlds
who may not even have access to the debug commands.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(G) Revision History
Things that need to be checked are marked @CHECK
Things that need to be fixed are marked @FIX
Things that are 100% verified are marked @VERIFIED
Date Version Comments
-------------- -------- --------------------------------------------
09-JAN-2004 1.03 Fixed Epic Minotaur and Vampire damage. Added
Demonflesh and Iron Golem BAB. Reworked section 7
to include Epic Shapes and take into account the
proper number of attacks per round. Added some more
instructions to Appendix D. Added more info to section
2. Added DR to Dragon. Fixed DR on Epic Manticore.
08-JAN-2004 1.02 Fixed a typo in the Drow Warrior commentary. Added
Ice Storm to Rakshasa commentary. Fixed an error in
Iron Golem commentary. Standardized format of DI, DV,
and DR. Standardized listing of Kobold Commando and
Lizardfolk Whipmaster in section 7.
08-JAN-2004 1.01 Fixed a typo in the revision history date. Added
Improved Critical to the suggested Feats in section 4.
07-JAN-2004 1.00 Initial version.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(H) Who am I? Where's my car?
Your humble author, Doug Crews, can be reached at shifter@crewstopia.com. All
comments, suggestions, corrections, retractions, elocutions, visions, and even
criticisms are welcome. I will not accept money under any circumstances, unless
it is offered to me.
You are now free to resume your life.
Shifter FAQ
version 1.03
Copyright 2003 Douglas Crews
******************************************************************************
*****************
Table Of Contents
*****************
(1) Character Creation
(1.1) Race
(1.1.1) Human
(1.1.2) Elf
(1.1.3) Dwarf
(1.1.4) Halfling
(1.1.5) Half-Orc
(1.1.6) Gnome
(1.1.g) Half-Elf
(1.2) Statistics
(1.3) Planning For Feats
(1.4) Shifter Builds
(1.4.1) The Pure Shifter build
(1.4.2) The Druid/Shifter/Monk build
(1.4.3) The Druid/Shifter/[Fighter-type] build
(1.4.4) The Druid/Shifter/[Rogue-type] build
(1.4.5) The Druid/Shifter/[Arcane-type] build
(1.4.6) The Druid/Shifter/Cleric build
(2) What equipment is melded into Shifted Shapes?
(3) Do Monk abilities transfer to Shapes?
(4) Unarmed vs. Armed Shapes
(5) The Shapes
(5.1) Greater Wildshape I [Shifter Level 1]
(5.1.1) Wyrmling, Red
(5.1.2) Wyrmling, Blue
(5.1.3) Wyrmling, Black
(5.1.4) Wyrmling, White
(5.1.5) Wyrmling, Green
(5.2) Greater Wildshape II [Shifter Level 3]
(5.2.1) Harpy Shape
(5.2.1.1) Epic Harpy [Shifter Level 13]
(5.2.2) Gargoyle Shape
(5.2.2.1) Epic Gargoyle [Shifter Level 13]
(5.2.3) Minotaur Shape
(5.2.3.1) Epic Minotaur [Shifter Level 13]
(5.3) Greater Wildshape III [Shifter Level 5]
(5.3.1) Basilisk Shape
(5.3.1.1) Epic Basilisk [Shifter Level 15]
(5.3.2) Drider Shape
(5.3.2.1) Epic Drider [Shifter Level 15]
(5.3.3) Manticore Shape
(5.3.3.1) Epic Manticore [Shifter Level 15]
(5.4) Humanoid Shape [Shifter Level 7]
(5.4.1) Drow Warrior Shape
(5.4.1.1) Epic Drow Warrior [Shifter Level 17]
(5.4.2) Lizardfolk Whipmaster Shape
(5.4.2.1) Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster [Shifter Level 17]
(5.4.3) Kobold Commando Shape
(5.4.3.1) Epic Kobold Commando [Shifter Level 17]
(5.5) Greater Wildshape IV [Shifter Level 10]
(5.5.1) Dire Tiger Shape
(5.5.2) Medusa Shape
(5.5.3) Mindflayer Shape
(5.6) Undead Form [Epic Shifter, Chosen Feat]
(5.6.1) Risen Lord Shape
(5.6.2) Vampire Shape
(5.6.3) Spectre Shape
(5.7) Outsider Form [Epic Shifter, WS 25+, Chosen Feat]
(5.7.1) Azer Chieftain Shape
(5.7.2) Rakshasa Shape
(5.7.3) Death Slaad Lord Shape
(5.8) Construct Form [Epic Shifter, WS 27+, Chosen Feat]
(5.8.1) Stone Golem Shape
(5.8.2) Demonflesh Golem Shape
(5.8.3) Iron Golem Shape
(5.9) Dragon Form [Epic Shifter, WS 30+, Chosen Feat]
(5.9.1) Ancient Red Dragon Shape
(5.9.2) Ancient Blue Dragon Shape
(5.9.3) Ancient Green Dragon Shape
(6) Feats
(6.1) Ratings
(6.2) Non-Epic Feats
(6.3) Epic Feats
(6.3.1) Bonus Feats available to an Epic Shifter:
(6.3.2) Other Bonus Feats available to other Epic classes:
(7) What's The Best Shape For...?
(7.1) Vs. Spellcasters
(7.2) Melee Damage Potential
(7.3) Vs. Undead/Construct/Dragon
(7.4) Defense
(7.5) Attack Bonus
(7.6) Rogue-ishness, Disarming Traps, etc.
(7.7) Searching
(7.8) Vs. Fire
(7.9) Vs. Cold
(7.10) Vs. Electricity
(7.11) Vs. Acid
(7.12) Vs. Sonic
(7.13) Vs. Invisible
(7.14) Vs. Low Damage Resistance
(7.15) Vs. Medium Damage Resistance
(7.16) Vs. High Damage Resistance
(7.17) Druid/Shifter/Monk
(7.18) Vs. Poison
Appendices
(A) Definitions & Acronyms
(B) The Monk Unarmed Attack Bug
(C) Relevant Scripts And Toolset Objects
(C.1) Scripts
(C.1.1) Azer Chieftain
(C.1.2) Basilisk
(C.1.3) Death Slaad
(C.1.4) Dragon
(C.1.5) Drider
(C.1.6) Harpy
(C.1.7) Iron Golem
(C.1.8) Manticore
(C.1.9) Medusa
(C.1.10) Mindflayer
(C.1.11) Rakshasa
(C.1.12) Spectre
(C.1.13) Stone Golem
(C.1.14) Vampire
(C.1.15) Wyrmling
(C.2) Toolset Objects
(C.2.1) Azer Chieftain
(C.2.2) Basilisk
(C.2.3) Basilisk, Epic
(C.2.4) Death Slaad
(C.2.5) Demonflesh Golem
(C.2.6) Dire Tiger
(C.2.7) Dragon
(C.2.8) Drider
(C.2.9) Drider, Epic
(C.2.10) Drow Warrior
(C.2.11) Drow Warrior, Epic
(C.2.12) Gargoyle
(C.2.13) Gargoyle, Epic
(C.2.14) Harpy
(C.2.15) Harpy, Epic
(C.2.16) Iron Golem
(C.2.17) Kobold Commando
(C.2.18) Kobold Commando, Epic
(C.2.19) Lizardfolk Whipmaster
(C.2.20) Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic
(C.2.21) Manticore
(C.2.22) Manticore, Epic
(C.2.23) Medusa
(C.2.24) Mindflayer
(C.2.25) Minotaur
(C.2.26) Minotaur, Epic
(C.2.27) Rakshasa
(C.2.28) Risen Lord
(C.2.29) Spectre
(C.2.30) Stone Golem
(C.2.31) Vampire
(C.2.32) Wyrmling, Black
(C.2.33) Wyrmling, Blue
(C.2.34) Wyrmling, Green
(C.2.35) Wyrmling, Red
(C.2.36) Wyrmling, White
(D) Some options for alternate Shapes
(E) When And How To Boost ST, DX, CN
(F) The Shifter XP Penalty Bug
(G) Revision History
(H) Who am I? Where's my car?
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(1) Character Creation
What is the optimal Shifter build? There are as many answers as there are to
the question of what constitutes an optimal Pizza build. But there are some
guidelines to work with. To wit:
(1.1) Race
Since racial stat bonuses/penalties are largely overridden by the Shapes you
take, this more than any other class can be determined for purely roleplaying
reasons. That said, here's some commentary on the races available.
(1.1.1) Human
While the bonus Feat at 1st level and the extra Skill points are very handy, the
primary benefit is the ability to multiclass beyond Druid/Shifter without an XP
penalty (subject to the Shifter XP penalty bug, of course -- see Appendix F).
(1.1.2) Elf
Stat modifications are largely overridden, and you'll be subject to an XP
penalty unless you're a Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Wizard. Keens Senses is
very handy, however, as well as Listen, Search, and Spot. Low-light vision (or
better) can be had by taking the appropriate Shape.
(1.1.3) Dwarf
A bonus to CN which is often overridden, and a penalty to CH which never is.
However, the racial abilities like Stonecunning and Hardiness vs. Spells/Poison
translate well into all Shapes. You'll be subject to an XP penalty unless
you're a Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Fighter.
(1.1.4) Halfling
Stat modifications are largely overridden, as well as Small Stature, but Move
Silently, Listen, Lucky, and Fearless translate well. You'll be subject to an
XP penalty unless you're a Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Rogue.
(1.1.5) Half-Orc
A bonus to ST which is almost always overridden, coupled with penalties to IN
and CH which almost never are. Darkvision (or better) can be had by choosing
the proper Shape, and you'll be subject to an XP penalty unless you're a
Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Barbarian. This would seem to be the only race
which offers no tangible benefits, only drawbacks. Nothing serious, however, so
if it fits with your roleplaying go for it.
(1.1.6) Gnome
Stat modifications are largely overridden, as well as Small Stature, but others
like Hardiness vs. Illusions, Offensive/Defensive training, etc., translate well
into most Shapes. Low-light vision (or better) can be had by taking the
appropriate Shape. You'll be subject to an XP penalty unless you're a
Druid/Shifter or Druid/Shifter/Wizard.
(1.1.g) Half-Elf
No stat modifications, no bonus Feats or Skills at level up, but shares the same
ability benefits as Elves, with the major bonus of freedom to multiclass at will
beyond Druid/Shifter.
(1.2) Statistics
Each Shifter shape has one or more statistics set, plus natural and spell-like
attacks available. Note that if your natural stat is higher than the shifted
form's stat, yours will be decreased (most of the time) while shifted.
Therefore, the only reason to put points into Strength, Dexterity, or
Constitution is to gain Feats. So, starting with the premise that we don't want
a bonus or a penalty on those three, we can begin with:
ST:10 DX:10 CN:10 IN: WS: CH:
That leaves (assuming a human character) 24 points to play with. Now, determine
the Feats you'll want to have in the long run:
(1.3) Planning For Feats
See Section 6 for detailed descriptions of Feats. Following each Feat is a
list of Shapes which already have it.
(1.3.1) Melee
Cleave: ST 13+ (Epic Drider, Epic Drow, Risen Lord, and Death Slaad)
Deflect Arrows: DX 13+
Disarm: IN 13+ (Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster)
Dodge: DX 13+ (Epic Drow Warrior, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando,
Rakshasa)
Expertise: IN 13+
Great Cleave: ST 13+
Improved Disarm: IN 13+
Improved Expertise: IN 13+
Improved Parry: IN 13+
Improved Stunning Fist (Epic): DX 19+, WS 19+
Improved Whirlwind Attack (Epic): IN 13+, DX 23+
Mobility: DX 13+
Spring Attack: DX 13+
Stunning Fist: DX 13+, WS 13+
Whirlwind Attack: DX 13+, IN 13+ (Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Risen Lord)
(1.3.2) Ranged Attacks
Rapid Shot: DX 13+
Zen Archery: WS 13+
(1.3.3) Monk
Circle Kick: DX 15+
(1.3.4) Clerics & Paladins
Divine Might: CH 13+, ST 13+
Divine Shield: CH 13+, ST 13+
(1.3.5) Door/Chest Bashing
Improved Power Attack: ST 13+
(1.3.6) Epic Shapes
Construct Shape (Epic): WS 27+
Dragon Shape (Epic): WS 30+
Outsider Shape (Epic): WS 25+
Don't take ST, DX, or CN any higher than you have to in order to gain access to
the Feats you want, because they're often overridden by your Shapes. Then fill
in IN, WS, and CH as you desire. Keep in mind that to get the Outsider,
Construct, or Dragon Shapes your Wisdom will have to be very high. If you think
you'll be happy with Undead Shape (which only requires you to be an Epic
Shifter), you can buff IN and CH pretty high.
(1.4) Shifter Builds
At a minimum, your Shifter career will include 5 levels of Druid. That's enough
for a couple 3rd level spells (with Wisdom bonus) and a natural wildshape
ability. Also, since you can't be an Epic Shifter (11th level Shifter) without
being an Epic Character (21 total levels), you'll need at least 5 more levels of
Druid or something...else.
(1.4.1) The Pure Shifter build
You are a Shifter. Whatever dim memory of your Druid roots you retain is only
what you consider the abilities of your first Shape (the one you happened to be
born in). You need to maximize your Wisdom at all costs in order to get the
better Epic Shapes. You don't remember what your human Strength is, and who
cares? As a minotaur, you can carry a *ton* of stuff. The purest Shifter you
can get is Druid 10/Shifter 30. A more balanced approach might be Druid
20/Shifter 20. Note that Dragon Form will use both your Druid levels and your
Shifter levels for determining the strength of your breath weapon, but pure
Druids who take Dragon Form can never be quite as good at it as Shifters. Flame
on!
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:10 IN:13 WS:18 CH:11
(1.4.2) The Druid/Shifter/Monk build
You've already got Cleave at first level (Monk), but boosting DX and IN to 13
opens up a range of available Feats which are quite attractive, while still
allowing a decent WS (which adds to your AC for ALL Shapes, remember, even if
you were wearing armor when you Shifted) and a small CN and CH bonus. Later on,
you might choose to boost DX two more to get Circle Kick, but that's your
choice. Also, almost 2/3 of your Shapes will are classified as unarmed, so they
benefit from your better attacks, Flurry Of Blows, and Stunning Fist. Your high
Wisdom does double duty as an AC bonus, but you pay the triple-classing BAB
penalty (unless you keep your classes to a multiple of 4, like Druid 8/Shifter
12/Monk 4). Altogether a very strong build. Humans and Half-Elves can get a
lot of mileage out of a single level of Monk (Cleave, AC bonus, Flurry Of Blows,
Stunning Fist, and the Monk Attack Bug -- see Appendix B) at very little cost.
Recommended ST:10 DX:13 CN:12 IN:13 WS:16 CH:12
(1.4.3) The Druid/Shifter/[Fighter-type] build
This will work with Barbarian (Rage stacks bonuses on your already elevated
stats), Blackguard (sneak attacks and a summoned fiend), Fighter (Feats galore,
including Weapon Specialization), Ranger (although your dual-wielding is largely
wasted), Paladin (double-duty on the Wisdom bonus), Champion Of Torm (Feats
galore, but no Weapon Specialization), Dwarven Defender (stat boosts on your
already elevated stats, plus damage reduction). It doesn't tend to work well
with Weapon Master, since you can only choose from Druid weapons for Weapon Of
Choice. It is incompatible with Arcane Archer (no arcane spells). You benefit
from the fighters' better BAB table progression (keep in mind that the number of
attacks you have at 20th level is the same you'll have at 40th) at the cost of
Shifter power and Druid spells, and a wide variety of armor and weapons to
choose from. To achieve BAB +16 (and therefore 4 attacks per round), you'll
need to take at least 10 Fighter-type levels in your first 20 levels (i.e.,
Druid 5/Fighter 10/Shifter 5). Boost Strength for Cleave and Greater Cleave,
Intelligence for Expertise and Disarm, and Dexterity for Dodge and its
descendants. Boost Constitution for extra HP since it's least often overridden,
and don't boost Wisdom excessively. You'll have a harder time getting the
higher Epic Shapes, but you'll have one nasty Risen Lord, Vampire, and Spectre.
Weapon Specialize in Scythe and in Unarmed Combat for bonus nastiness. Go forth
and slay.
Recommended ST:13 DX:13 CN:14 IN:13 WS:14 CH:10
(1.4.4) The Druid/Shifter/[Rogue-type] build
This will work for Rogues (Sneak Attack, Improved Evasion, Use Magic Device),
Assassins (Death Attack), Harper Scouts, and Shadowdancers (although their
primary draw, Hide In Plain Sight, is already included in the Kobold Commando).
Since you don't have to worry about boosting Strength, Dexterity, or
Constitution, you can concentrate on boosting Intelligence for scads of Skill
points and Charisma for Use Magic Device and Persuade. The nice thing about
using the many Skills available to a Rogue is that you can tailor your Shape to
whichever stat you need to perform the Skill. Need stealth? Red Wyrmling has
good starting Dexterity, and Kobold Commando just oozes stealth. Need to pick
locks? The Mindflayer's Intelligence boost gives you +4. And since your armor
is merged into your Shape, you can pile on the heaviest armor you can wear and
it doesn't affect your stealthiness at all. Imagine a minotaur with a sneak
attack. Now imagine a stealthy Death Slaad with a sneak attack. Now stop
drooling.
Note that Bards CAN sing while Shifted!
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:12 IN:16 WS:14 CH:14
(1.4.5) The Druid/Shifter/[Arcane-type] build
I confess I don't know if this is a viable build. On the one hand, your primary
stat is either Intelligence (Wizard) or Charisma (Sorcerer), neither of which is
overridden by your Shapes. On the other hand, you cannot cast spells while
Shifted. And you'll have an absolute dearth of armor and weapons to merge into
your Shapes. Perhaps a strategy of buffing to the max, then Shifting, would
work, but to try to cast offensive spells AND Shift seems to be trying to be
good at two things, and excellent at neither. In the Underdark, you need to be
excellent to survive. Anyone who has done a Wizard or Sorcerer Shifter, let me
know. Note that Pale Master and Dragon Disciple Shifters are not possible,
since you don't have arcane spells as a Druid/Shifter.
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:14 IN:16 WS:14 CH:12 (Wizard version)
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:14 IN:12 WS:14 CH:16 (Sorcerer version)
(1.4.6) The Druid/Shifter/Cleric build
Excellent buffing spells and armor choices, and the ability to turn undead make
for a good match for Shifters. Your BAB won't be any higher (and may, in fact,
be lower), but the benefits probably outweigh the disabilities of not being able
to cast healing spells quite so spontaneously any more. Furthermore, Wisdom is
a shared stat that does double duty, and you don't have to boost Strength,
Dexterity, or Constitution so you can concentrate on Charisma for Turning
Undead. Begone, Foul Spawn, lest I unleash upon you the Flurry of Bad Puns!
Recommended ST:10 DX:10 CN:10 IN:12 WS:16 CH:16
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(2) What equipment is melded into Shifted Shapes?
Weapon - Yes, although they don't always show in the Character screen.
Offhand Weapon - No.
Armor - Everything except Base Armor Class. Bonuses to AC, skill modifications,
and bonus Feats are melded.
Shields - Everything except Base Armor Class. Bonuses to AC, skill
modifications, and bonus Feats are melded. Shields are considered
armor for purposes of which Shapes will merge them. Note that a bug
in the merge script does not allow merging of Tower Shields.
Gloves - No. Sorry, Monks.
Gauntlets and Bracers - No.
Helmets - Yes. Helmets are considered armor for purposes of which Shapes will
merge them.
Cloaks - Yes.
Belts - Yes.
Rings - Yes.
Amulets - Yes.
Boots - Yes.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(3) Do Monk abilities transfer to Shapes?
Unarmed Attack - Unarmed Shapes use the Monk Unarmed BAB chart (an additional
attack each 3 levels, versus 5 for other classes). Shapes that
use a weapon do not. Monk unarmed damage is not.
Wisdom AC bonus - Yes. With 30 WS (to attain Dragon Shape), that's
a whopping +10 to AC for a single level of Monk. Sweet!
Stunning Fist - Yes, for unarmed Shapes only.
Flurry Of Blows - Yes, for unarmed Shapes only.
Cleave, etc. - Of course, just as if you had selected those Feats at levelup.
Weapon Focus, Unarmed - Yes, for unarmed Shapes only.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(4) Unarmed vs. Armed Shapes
Since there are so many Shapes that do not use weapons (including some of the
better melee fighters such as Dire Tiger and Death Slaad), it might be a good
idea to take Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization, Improved Critical and any
other Weapon XXX Feats that can be chosen for Unarmed Combat. For the same
reason, Monk makes a natural choice of tertiary class for the Druid/Shifter.
The Shapes which are classified as unarmed are Wyrmling (All), Harpy, Gargoyle,
Basilisk, Manticore, Dire Tiger, Medusa, Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Death
Slaad Lord, Golem (All), and Dragon (All).
Shapes which wield a weapon are Minotaur, Drider, Drow Warrior, Lizardfolk
Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, and Rakshasa.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(5) The Shapes
(5.1) Greater Wildshape I [Shifter Level 1]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 4)
Wyrmling Shape (Red/Blue/Black/White/Green)
Your first Shifter shape.
Red is the best in melee and has the best breath weapon, unless you come
across an opponent with fire immunity or a vulnerability to one of the other
elements. Immunity from paralysis and True Seeing helps you last long enough
to choose a more appropriate Shape if available. Even after attaining
Greater Wild Shape IV, I still find myself spending most of my time as a Red
Wyrmling.
Common To All
HP: +15
Special: True Seeing
Immune: Paralysis
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.1.1) Wyrmling, Red
ST:16 DX: CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 15 (+5 Natural)
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d6+3/1d6+3/1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/3+1)d10 fire [Refl 1/2 DC=15], 15 ft cone
DI 100% fire
DV 50% cold
(5.1.2) Wyrmling, Blue
ST:15 DX: CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 15 (+5 Natural)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d4+2/1d4+2/1d6+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/3+1)d8 elec [Refl 1/2 DC=14], 30 ft line
DI 100% elec
(5.1.3) Wyrmling, Black
ST:15 DX:17 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 18 (+5 Natural +3 DX)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d3+2/1d3+2/1d4+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/2+1)d4 acid [Refl 1/2 DC=13], 30 ft line
DI 100% acid
(5.1.4) Wyrmling, White
ST:15 DX:17 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 18 (+5 Natural +3 DX)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d3+2/1d3+2/1d4+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/2+1)d4 cold [Refl 1/2 DC=12], 15 ft cone
DI 100% cold
DV 50% fire
(5.1.5) Wyrmling, Green
ST:15 DX: CN:16 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 15 (+5 Natural)
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d4+2/1d4+2/1d6+2 (20/x2)
Special: Breath Attack, unlimited use
(SL/2+1)d6 corrosive [Refl 1/2 DC=13], 15 ft cone
DI 100% acid
(5.2) Greater Wildshape II [Shifter Level 3]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 7)
(5.2.1) Harpy Shape
She's got slightly better damage potential than a Red Wyrmling, but her real
benefit is her Captivating Song against low-Will warriors, Wizards (but not
Sorcerors), Rogues, Shadowdancers and the like.
ST:18 DX:18 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 22 (+8 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +20
To Hit: BAB+4
Attacks: Claw/Claw 1d3+4/1d3+4 (20/x2)
Special: Captivating Song [Will DC=15+SL/3]
unlimited use, Charm 6 rounds, Huge Area
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.1.1) Epic Harpy [Shifter Level 13]
ST:20 DX: CN:20 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+11 Natural)
HP: +40
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw 1d8+5/1d8+5 (20/x2)
Special: Captivating Song [Will DC=15+SL/3]
unlimited use, Charm 6 rounds, Huge Area
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.2) Gargoyle Shape
Damage Resistance is the major draw of this Shape, combined with the best CN
bonus and AC (tied with the Harpy). Useful for defensive slugfests against non-
magic-wielding hordes, you'll shrug off their pitiful little damage as you tear
through them at your leisure.
Gargoyles are consistently at the bottom of the damage potential lists, so be
sure to buff your ST for additional damage and To Hit bonuses.
ST: DX:18 CN:18 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 22 (+8 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +20
To Hit: BAB+0
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d4/1d4/1d6 (20/x2)
Special: DR 15/+1
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.2.1) Epic Gargoyle [Shifter Level 13]
ST:20 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 27 (+12 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d8+5/1d8+5/1d6+5 (20/x2)
Special: !!! NOTHING !!! due to a game bug (see Appendix D)
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.2.3) Minotaur Shape
Combining the best damage potential of the II's with a +1 weapon to get past
Damage Resistance, along with the best HP bonus and a hefty CN bonus for major
hit points, this is a natural early choice for wading into the middle of the
melee. Watch his pitifully low AC, though. If you have a naturally high DX, he
makes a most excellent tank for early encounters, and he can carry a ton of
loot.
ST:19 DX: CN:17 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 16 (+6 Natural)
HP: +25
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: +1 Battleaxe 1d8+4 (20/x3) +1 slashing
Special:
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.2.3.1) Epic Minotaur [Shifter Level 13]
ST:22 DX: CN:20 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 20 (+10 Natural)
HP: +50
BAB: +9
Attacks: Epic +3 Minotaur Axe 1d12+6 (20/x3) +3 slashing +1d6 fire
Special:
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.3) Greater Wildshape III [Shifter Level 5]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 9)
(5.3.1) Basilisk Shape
While his bonus HP are on par with the Manticore, he doesn't get the Manticore's
CN bonus and his bite attack won't put fear into nearly anyone, he does
have an excellent ranged attack against low-Fort spellcasters, Rogues, Bards and
the like. Kinda hard to think straight when you're stoned, dude.
He does have the best Natural AC of the III's however, so if you have good DX he
could be a serious defensive tank, but then again none of your items merge so it
could be a wash.
ST:16 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 20 (+10 Natural)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Bite 1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2], (SL/5+1)/day, 10 ft cone
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.3.1.1) Epic Basilisk [Shifter Level 15]
ST:17 DX:17 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+10 Natural +3 DX)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Bite 1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2], (SL/5+1)/day, 10 ft cone
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.3.2) Drider Shape
If the spellcasters seem to be making their saves against the Basilisk's gaze,
you may find the Drider's Spell Resistance useful. He's also got a +2 weapon
for bypassing Damage Resistance and can cast Darkness at will for unseen
escapes.
ST:16 DX:16 CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+8 Natural +3 DX)
HP: +20
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: +2 Drider Spear 1d8+3 (20/x3) +2 piercing
OnHit: Poison [DC=16] 1d2 ST
Special: Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
SR 14%
Freedom of Movement
Discipline +2
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.3.2.1) Epic Drider [Shifter Level 15]
ST:19 DX:17 CN:18 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 25 (+8 Natural +3 DX +4 Natural)
HP: +60
BAB: +9
Attacks: +5 Drider Spear 1d8+4 (20/x3) +5 piercing
OnHit: Poison DC=20 1d2 ST
Special: Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
SR 18%
Freedom Of Movement
Discipline +6, Hide +8, Move Silently +8
Cleave
DR 5/+20
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.3.3) Manticore Shape
The best stat upgrades, plus major HP (tied with the Basilisk) and three attacks
for pretty good damage make this by far the best melee fighter of the III's.
Oh, yeah, don't forget the tail spikes -- it's one of the few distance attacks
you have.
ST:20 DX:19 CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+7 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d4+5/2d4+5/1d8+5 (20/x2)
Special: Tail Spikes 1d3 + 2d8 piercing
SL/2 per day, ranged touch, attack bonus 9+SL/2
targeted as Isaac's Missile Storm
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.3.3.1) Epic Manticore [Shifter Level 15]
ST:20 DX:19 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 30 (+12 Natural +4 DX +4 Deflection)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+5
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d4+5/2d4+5/1d8+5 (20/x2)
Special: Tail Spikes 1d3 + 2d8 piercing
SL/2 per day, ranged touch, attack bonus 9+SL/2
targeted as Isaac's Missile Storm
DR 5/+20
Power Attack
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.4) Humanoid Shape [Shifter Level 7]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 11)
(5.4.1) Drow Warrior Shape
One of the few Shapes that modifies your existing stat (CN) rather than setting
it to a fixed value (the other is the Mindflayer). Against spellcasters the 26%
Spell Resistance is invaluable, and the +3 Venomblade helps bypass Damage
Reduction and poisons the target for 1d2 Strength damage.
ST:18 DX:19 CN:(-2)IN: WS: CH:
AC: 22 (+8 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+7
Attacks: +3 Drow Venomblade 1d8+4 (19-20/x2) + 3 physical
OnHit: Poison [DC=16] 1d2 ST
Special: SR 26%
Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
Save vs. Poison +2
Elf Racial: Save vs. Charm +2
Spell Immunity: Sleep
Keen Senses
Listen +2, Spot +2
Unarmed: No
Merge: Armor, Weapon, Items
(5.4.1.1) Epic Drow Warrior [Shifter Level 17]
ST:22 DX:22 CN:(-2)IN: WS: CH:
AC: 29 (+13 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +66
To Hit: +12
Attacks: +6 Frozen Drow Blade 1d8+6 (19-20/x2) +2d4 cold +6 slashing
OnHit: Slow [Fort DC=10+SL] Level 15
Special: SR 30%
Darkness, (SL/10+1)/day, 6 rounds
Save vs. Poison +2
Elf Racial: Save vs. Charm +2
Spell Immunity: Sleep
Keen Senses
Listen +2, Spot +2
Cleave, Dodge, Weapon Proficiency Martial
Darkvision
Improved Evasion
Unarmed: No
Merge: Armor, Weapon, Items
(5.4.2) Lizardfolk Whipmaster Shape
Sure, 1d2 is pitiful damage for a character of your stature, but this scaly
beastie has some nifty benefits going for it, not least is both Damage Reduction
and Damage Resistance. Throw in immunity to most slowing/entangling effects as
well as poison, and gain the Disarm Feat, and you've got a potentially lethal
warrior-stopper. He's also got the most temporary HP of the Humanoids.
ST:16 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 24 (+9 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +35
To Hit: BAB+6
Attacks: +3 Shocking Whip 1d2+3 (20/x2) +1d6 electrical + 3 slashing
OnHit: Stun [DC=22] 10% 4 rounds
Special: Disarm, Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Prof Exotic
Freedom of Movement
DR 5/+1
DR 5/- acid
Listen +4, Discipline +10
Immune: Poison
Save Universal +2
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.4.2.1) Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster [Shifter Level 17]
ST:21 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 27 (+12 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +75
To Hit: BAB+6
Attacks: +5 Epic Shocking Whip 1d2+5 (20/x2) + 2d8 electrical +5 slashing
OnHit: Stun [DC=26] 10% 4 rounds
Special: Disarm, Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Finesse,
Weapon Prof Exotic, Whirlwind Attack
Freedom of Movement
DR 15/+5
DR 15/- acid
Listen +8, Discipline +15
Immune: Poison
Save Universal +4
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.4.3) Kobold Commando Shape
Ah, the slip of a sharp blade in the back of the unsuspecting. Is anything
sweeter? Then draw the shadows around you and slip away before that big, nasty
sword gets pointed your way. Lather, rinse, and repeat. With Weapon Finesse,
he's got the best Attack Bonus of any non-Epic Shape.
Wanna be a Rogue or Assassin? Now you can! The bad news? You'll have to spend
skill points in Search and Disable Trap to work effectively as a Rogue. Search
uses IN for a modifier, so if you've pumped that up you're okay. Disable Trap
uses the KC's DX value for a nice bonus.
ST: DX:22 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 26 (+10 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +10
To Hit: BAB+9
Attacks: +3 Kobold Commando Sword 1d6 (19-20/x2) +3 slashing
OnHit: Poison [DC=18] 1d2 ST
Special: Hide In Plain Sight, Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Use Poison,
Alertness
Darkvision
Sneak Attack +2d6
Freedom of Movement
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7,
Set Trap +7, Spot +5, Tumble +10
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.4.3.1) Epic Kobold Commando [Shifter Level 17]
ST: DX:25 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 29 (+13 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +70
To Hit: BAB+13
Attacks: +6 Kobold Commando Sword 1d6 (19-20/x2) +2d4 acid +6 slashing
Massive Criticals 2d6
OnHit: Poison [DC=24] 1d2 DX
Special: Hide In Plain Sight, Weapon Finesse, Dodge, Use Poison,
Improved Evasion
Darkvision
Sneak Attack +5d6
Freedom of Movement
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7,
Set Trap +7, Spot +5, Tumble +10
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.5) Greater Wildshape IV [Shifter Level 10]
3/day (unlimited at Shifter level 14)
(5.5.1) Dire Tiger Shape
Nothing hidden here. Awesome ST, major HP, and three strong attacks makes for
the best melee fighter (dealing about twice as much damage each round as his
closest competitor, the Manticore) of the non-Epic Shapes. Items don't merge,
though.
ST:27 DX:17 CN:15 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 21 (+8 Natural +3 DX)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+8
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d4+8/2d4+8/2d6+8 (20/x2)
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.5.2) Medusa Shape
She's got a poison bite and fairly good claw damage, but let's face it -- you're
going to use her to stop those spellcasters & Rogues with their low Fort saves.
Will they save or turn to stone? Only her hairdresser knows for sure.
ST:19 DX:19 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 24 (+10 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +35
To Hit: BAB+4
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 1d6+4/1d6+4/1d4+4 (20/x2)
Bite 1d4 (20/x2)
OnHit: Poison [DC=20] 1d2 ST (Medium Spider Venom)
Special: Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2], (SL/5+1)/day, 10 ft cone
Weapon Finesse
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.5.3) Mindflayer Shape
One of the few Shapes that modifies your stats (IN & WS) instead of setting them
to a fixed value (the other is Drow Warrior). Inertial Barrier and Spell
Resistance make for a powerful defense, but his most valuable feature is the
psionic Mind Blast. The tanks in your party will love you for providing them
nice, docile opponents with no Dodge bonuses to beat up on. I had a Mind Blast
back in college, but I don't smoke that stuff any more.
Use the nifty +8 IN bonus when using your Appraise, Craft, Lore, and Search
skills.
ST: DX:19 CN: IN:(+8) WS:(+2) CH:
AC: 22 (+7 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+2
Attacks: Tentacle/Tentacle 2d4/2d4 (20/x2) +2 slashing (+2 attack bonus)
Special: Mind Blast, 15 ft cone
[Will DC=19] Stun 1d4 rounds
(SL/3)d6 damage if already stunned
Inertial Barrier
DR ((SL/3+1)/2, min 10)/+(SL/3+1, max 20)
SL/3+1 rounds/level, SL/3+1 per day
Level 10: DR 10/+4, 4 rounds, 4/day
15: DR 10/+6, 6 rounds, 6/day
20: DR 10/+7, 7 rounds, 7/day
25: DR 10/+9, 9 rounds, 9/day
30: DR 11/+11, 11 rounds, 11/day
SR 24%
Listen +6, Spot +6
Immune: Mind Spells
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.6) Undead Form [Epic Shifter, Chosen Feat]
Common To All
Immunity: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack.
Vulnerability: Can be turned by Clerics & Paladins
Dramatically greater damage from Holy traps
Unlike true undead, you are harmed, not healed, by negative
energy! (May be a bug)
(5.6.1) Risen Lord Shape
Hefty Damage Resistance, plus 50% Immunity to slashing and piercing weapons,
makes for a melee monster. He'll need it, though, with his pitiful AC. Add
Spell Resistance and Whirlwind Attack, and you've got one nasty scythe-wielding
skeleton there, bub.
ST:21 DX: CN:19 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +60
To Hit: BAB+10
Attacks: +5 Risen Lord Scythe 2d4+7 (20/x4) +5 slashing
Vampiric Regen +2
Special: Cleave, Whirlwind Attack
DR 15/+3
DI 50% slashing/piercing
SR 20%
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.6.2) Vampire Shape
Surprisingly, he has more raw damage potential that the Risen Lord's nasty,
nasty scythe, and his Dominating Gaze uses your Wisdom modifier to make saves
harder, but doesn't last long. Where he really shines is against Damage
Resistant creatures, even surpassing the Dragon Shapes against high DR (like
20/+5). Recommended: Dominate, then bite for level drain. Oh, yeah, he also
regenerates 5 HP per round.
ST:18 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 28 (+13 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+9
Attacks: Claw/Claw 2d4+4/2d4+4 (20/x2) +5 slashing/piercing (+5 attack bonus)
Massive Criticals 1d6
Bite 1d8+4 (20/x2) +5 slashing/piercing (+5 attack bonus)
Massive Criticals 1d10
OnHit: Level Drain 2
Special: Dominating Gaze [Will DC=15+SL/2+WSmod]
Dominate Person, (SL/5+1)/day
DR 15/+1
DR 20/- cold
DR 20/- elec
Regenerate +5
Opponents who use garlic have +2 AB against you
SR 20%
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.6.3) Spectre Shape
A natural choice for taking out that big, dumb tank in his +30 Plate Mail -
sneak up on him invisibly and drain his Strength until he's as helpless as a
little kitten. Awww, how cute. Squish! Watch out, though, if the big, dumb
tank is actually a big, dumb Cleric tank.
ST:16 DX:22 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 31 (+15 Natural +6 DX)
HP: +40
To Hit: BAB+3
Attacks: Claw/Claw 1d8+3/1d8+3 (20/x2)
Special: Shadow Attack
Touch attack, ignores armor, once/round
1d6 ST [None]
Improved Invisibility, unlimited use
DR 15/+4
DR 5/- cold
DR 5/- elec
DV 25% divine
Immune: Knockdown
Hide +15, Move Silently +15
Improved Evasion
Turn Resist +2
Darkvision
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.7) Outsider Form [Epic Shifter, WS 25+, Chosen Feat]
3/day
(5.7.1) Azer Chieftain Shape
He's got Burning Hands and a ranged touch Fire Stream, but neither does much
damage. His main benefit is his +5 Flaming Waraxe, and unlike the Risen Lord,
he can't be turned by Clerics.
ST:20 DX: CN:21 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +50
To Hit: BAB+10
Attacks: +5 Azer Flaming Waraxe 1d10+5 (20/x3) + 2d4 fire + 5 slashing
Special: DI 100% fire
DV 50% cold
SR 12%
Power Attack, Knockdown
Burning Hands 5d4 fire damage [Refl 1/2]
unlimited use, 30 ft cone
Fire Stream
(SL/3)d4 +WSmod fire damage [Refl DC=15+SL/2]
ranged touch attack, unlimited use, single target
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.7.2) Rakshasa Shape
Spell Immunity up to 8th level plus Dispel Magic at will makes this strange
Shape a natural for mage killing. Remember also that Ice Storm, which you can
cast at will, does not allow a saving throw (although Spell Resistance still
applies unfortunately).
ST:17 DX:20 CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 27 (+12 Natural +5 DX)
HP: +30
To Hit: BAB+8
Attacks: +5 Rakshasa Staff 1d6+3 (20/x2) +1d10 fire +5 bludgeoning
Special: Save Universal +2
True Seeing
DR 15/+5
Spell Immunity: 0th through 8th level spells
Knockdown, Dodge
Dispel Magic, unlimited use
Ice Storm, unlimited use
Mestil's Acid Breath, unlimited use
Discipline +5, Hide +10, Move Silently +11, Spellcraft +15,
Spot +10
Blessed weapons will kill you, no saving throw
Unarmed: No
Merge: Weapon, Armor, Items
(5.7.3) Death Slaad Lord Shape
Three strong attacks (albeit at a much lower BAB rating than the Azer
Chieftain's axe), plus Regeneration of 5 HP per round and Damage Resistance to
almost everything. Although he has the lowest damage potential of the
Outsiders, he's got the best elemental defense, and the only resistance to sonic
damage of any Shape. Think Tasmanian Devil on speed.
ST:22 DX:19 CN:18 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 30 (+16 Natural +4 DX)
HP: +70
To Hit: BAB+6
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 3d6+6/3d6+6/2d10+6 (20/x2)
Special: Cleave
DR 10/+5
DR 10/- acid
DR 10/- cold
DR 10/- elec
DR 10/- fire
DR 10/- sonic
Immune: Fear
Regenerate +5
Chaos Spittle (SL/3)d6 [None]
unlimited use, ranged touch attack, single target
!!! BUG in game engine, actually uses d4 instead of d6 !!!
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.8) Construct Form [Epic Shifter, WS 27+, Chosen Feat]
Common To All
Immunity: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack.
(5.8.1) Stone Golem Shape
Damage Immunity to slashing & piercing is what distinguishes this Golem from the
others, plus the ability to hurl boulders (seemingly created out of thin air).
When it gets to close quarter fighting, however, he's not quite as strong as the
Iron Golem, and he's vulnerable to acid.
ST:31 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +90
To Hit: BAB+10
Attacks: Slam 2d10+10 (20/x2)
Special: DR 15/+3
DI 25% slashing
DI 50% piercing
DV 50% acid
SR 22%
Hurl Rocks (SL/5)d6 + 10 bludgeoning (+1 for purposes of DR)
Huge radius around chosen target
[Reflex DC=15+SL/2]
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.8.2) Demonflesh Golem Shape
The best Golem for wading into hordes of foes due to his huge Damage Resistance
(equivalent to an always-on Premonition spell). Hefty resistance or immunity to
elemental damage rounds out the best defense of the Construct Shapes.
ST:31 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +90
BAB: +10
Attacks: Slam/Slam/Claw 2d6+10/2d6+10/2d6+10 (20/x2)
Special: DR 30/+3
DR 20/- acid
DR 20/- cold
DR 20/- fire
DI 100% elec
SR 22%
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.8.3) Iron Golem Shape
Poison Breath and slightly better Spell Resistance are the distinguishing
characteristics of this Golem. His Damage Resistance works against +4 weapons,
the best of the Constructs, and his damage potential is the best of the
Constructs. Vulnerable to fire.
ST:33 DX: CN: IN: WS: CH:
AC: 23 (+13 Natural)
HP: +90
BAB: +11
Attacks: Slam 2d10+11 (20/x2)
Special: DR 20/+4
DV 50% fire
DI 90% elec
SR 26%
Poison Breath [Fort DC=17] 2d2 CN/death, 10 ft cone
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor, Items
(5.9) Dragon Form [Epic Shifter, WS 30+, Chosen Feat]
Well, this is it. The pinnacle of your Shifter achievements. Dragon Strength
(they all share the same stats) is 50% higher than the nearest competitor (Iron
Golem), Dexterity 40% higher than Epic Kobold Commando, and Constitution 50%
higher than Azer Chieftain, making for your best melee Shape yet. Add an
unlimited use Breath Attack for up to 24d10 damage and standard Dragon
immunities for a very strong Shape.
Some experienced players, however, question whether this Shape is worth the
expense of attaining it, especially since it does not include the Fear aura that
real dragons have. Statistics show, however (see Section 7), that the Dragon is
consistently the strongest melee presence of all Shapes by a large margin,
except against high Damage Resistance foes, when he's overtaken by the Shapes
with +5 or better weapons. In that case, flame 'em, Sparky!
Common To All
ST:48 DX:36 CN:32 IN: WS: CH:
AC: 43 (+20 Natural +13 DX)
HP: +100
BAB: +19
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Bite 2d6+19/2d6+19/2d8+19 (20/x2)
Special: True Seeing
DR 5/+1
SR 20%
Immune: Paralysis, Sneak Attack
Breath Attack [Refl DC=15+(SL+DL)/2]
damage dice = 2 for each 3 levels over 4:
1 <= SL+DL <= 6 : 1
7 <= SL+DL <= 9 : 2
10 <= SL+DL <= 12 : 4
13 <= SL+DL <= 15 : 6
16 <= SL+DL <= 18 : 8
19 <= SL+DL <= 21 : 10
22 <= SL+DL <= 24 : 12
...
37 <= SL+DL <= 39 : 22
SL+DL = 40 : 24
(pure Druids have a -4 penalty -- i.e., max is 20!)
Unarmed: Yes
Merge: Armor
(5.9.1) Ancient Red Dragon Shape
This should be your standard Dragon Shape, unless your opponent is immune to
fire.
Special: Breath Attack (see above)d10 fire, 50 ft cone
(5.9.2) Ancient Blue Dragon Shape
Since the only difference between this and the Red is the Breath Attack type,
choose this only when you meet an opponent immune to fire or vulnerable to
electricity.
Special: Breath Attack electrical (see above)d8, 100 ft line
(5.9.3) Ancient Green Dragon Shape
Since the only difference between this and the Red is the Breath Attack type,
choose this only when you meet an opponent immune to fire or vulnerable to acid
and poison.
Special: Breath Attack acid (see above)d6 + Poison [None], 50 ft cone
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(6) Feats
(6.1) Ratings
(*) Worthless
(**) Okay
(***) Good
(****) Very Good
(*****) Must Have
[nothing] No opinion, base your decision on role playing
(6.2) Non-Epic Feats
Alertness
+2 Bonus to all Listen and Spot checks.
(*****) Required to become a Shifter. 'Nuff said.
Ambidexterity
Prerequisite: DX 15+
Required for: Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Reduces penalty of off-hand weapon by +4. Rangers get it for free at Level
1.
(*) None of your Shapes is a two-weapon fighter. Do the math.
Arcane Defense
Prerequisite: Spell Focus in the chosen school
+2 bonus to saving throws versus the chosen school of magic.
Armor Proficiency Heavy
Prerequisite: Armor Proficiency Medium
Allows use of Heavy Armor.
Note: Blackguards, Clerics, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, and Paladins receive
this feat for free.
(****) Access to more types of magical armor, which is merged into every one
of your Shapes without any of the resultant skill penalties. Sweet!
Armor Proficiency Light
Required for: Armor Proficiency Medium
Allows use of Light Armor.
Note: Arcane Archers, Assassins, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of
Torm, Clerics, Druids, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Harper Scouts, Paladins,
Rangers, Rogues, and Shadowdancers receive this feat for free.
(*) You already have it as a Druid.
Armor Proficiency Medium
Prerequisite: Armor Proficiency Light
Required for: Armor Proficiency Medium
Allows use of Medium Armor.
Note: Arcane Archers, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of Torm,
Clerics, Druids, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Paladins and Rangers receive
this feat for free.
(*) You already have it as a Druid.
Artist [1st Level Only]
Prerequisite: Perform skill
Use: Selected
+2 Perform, +2 Spot.
Blind Fighting
Removes Concealment and Attack penalties for fighting invisible creatures or
while blinded.
Blooded [1st Level Only]
+2 initiative, +2 Spot.
Brew Potion
Prerequisite: Spellcaster Level 3+
Create potions from known spells for a small XP and gold cost. Requires
empty potion bottles.
(*) For some reason known only to the Gods, you can't drink Brewed potions
while Shifted. You can drink regular potions, however. Let's hope this bug
gets fixed.
Bullheaded [1st Level Only]
+2 versus Taunt, +1 Will saving throws.
Called Shot
Prerequisite: BAB +1
Use: Selected
Grants the ability to make a potentially disabling attack against an
opponent's arms or legs at a -4 penalty.
Circle Kick
Prerequisite: DX 15+, Improved Unarmed Strike, BAB +3
One extra attack on hitting with an unarmed strike.
(***) About 2/3 of your Shapes are unarmed. Assuming you hit at least once,
that's one extra attack per round. You'll need to pump DX to get it, though.
Cleave
Prerequisite: ST 13+, Power Attack
Gain one immediate additional melee attack after killing a creature. Can only
gain one additional attack per round.
(*****) Indispensible as a general rule for all melee characters. Note that
the Azer Chieftain, Epic Drider, Epic Drow Warrior, and Risen Lord already
have it.
Combat Casting
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Removes the -4 penalty to Concentration when within 3 meters of an enemy.
(**) Your strength is in buffing spells and Shape abilities, but sometimes
it's useful to cast a few offensive spells at the beginning of combat.
Courteous Magocracy [1st Level Only]
+2 Lore, +2 Spellcraft.
Craft Wand
Prerequisite: Spellcaster Level 5+
Create wand from known spell at a small XP and gold cost. Requires bone wand
materials.
(*) Can't use wands while Shifted.
Curse Song
Prerequisite: Bardic Music
Character receives a Celine Dion CD and a boombox.
Deflect Arrows [Unarmed]
Prerequisite: DX 13+, Improved Unarmed Strike
Successful Reflex saving throw [DC=20] deflects one ranged attack per round.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 2.
Dirty Fighting
Prerequisite: BAB +2
Use: Combat Mode (does not stack with other selected combat modes)
Sacrifice all other attacks for one with 1d4 bonus damage.
Disarm
Prerequisite: IN 13+
Required for: Improved Disarm
Use: Selected
Attempting to disarm incurs a -6 Attack penalty, and the combatant with the
larger weapon gains a +4 bonus per size category of difference. A successful
hit deals normal damage, and if the opponent fails a discipline check, the
weapon flies from the opponent's hands. Disarm provokes an Attack of
Opportunity.
(**) Lizardfolk Whipmaster gets it for free.
Divine Might
Prerequisite: CH 13+, ST 13+, Turn Undead, Power Attack
Use: Selected
Up to 3 times per day add CH modifier to damage for number of rounds equal to
CH modifier.
Divine Shield
Prerequisite: CH 13+, ST 13+, Turn Undead, Power Attack
Use: Selected
Up to 3 times per day add CH modifier to AC for number of rounds equal to CH
modifier.
Dodge
Prerequisite: DX 13+
Required for: Mobility
+1 Dodge Bonus to AC.
Empower Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 2nd level spells
Spell does 150% rated damage and range. Uses a spell slot two levels higher.
Expertise
Prerequisite: IN 13+
Required for: Improved Expertise
Use: Combat Mode
+5 AC, -5 Attack.
(****) There are reports from seasoned adventurers that using Expertise mode
while using Gaze/Breath/Dominate/MindBlast/etc. is pretty awesome.
Extend Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Doubles the duration of a spell. Uses a spell slot one level higher.
(***) Since you can't cast buff spells while Shifted, extended is a godsend.
Extra Music
Prerequisite: Bardic Music
Bard Song four extra times per day.
Extra Smiting
Prerequisite: Smite Evil or Smite Good
Increases Smite to 3 times per day.
Extra Stunning Attacks
Prerequisite: Stunning Fist, BAB +2
Three extra stunning attacks per day.
(***) For Monk Shifters, note that your stunning attacks have no penalties to
hit, and they use your WS modifier.
Extra Turning [Special]
Prerequisite: Exclusive to Cleric or Paladin.
Can attempt to turn undead an additional 6 times per day.
Great Cleave
Prerequisites: ST 13+, Power Attack, Cleave, BAB +4.
Benefit: This feat works like Cleave, except that there is no limit to the
number of times you can use it per round.
Great Fortitude
+2 bonus to Fortitude saves.
Greater Spell Focus
Prerequisite: Spell Focus in the chosen school
DC bonus for spells cast improves to +4.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win an offensive spell
fight.
Greater Spell Penetration
Prerequisite: Spell Penetration
DC bonus to overcome spell resistance improves to +4.
(**) Your strength is in buffing spells and Shape abilities, but sometimes
it's useful to cast a few offensive spells at the beginning of combat.
Improved Critical
Prerequisite: Weapon Proficiency, BAB +8
Doubles the chances of a critical hit with selected weapon.
(****) For Monk Shifters, Improved Critical Unarmed is a major bonus.
(*) For straight Druid Shifters, your poor selection of weapons doesn't allow
you to take this for any of the weapons your Shapes use.
Improved Disarm
Prerequisite: IN 13+, Disarm
Use: Selected
Disarm does not provoke an Attack of Opportunity and penalty is cut to -4.
(***) If you spend a lot of time whipping weapons out of your opponents'
hands, otherwise not useful.
Improved Expertise
Prerequisite: IN 13+, Expertise
Use: Combat Mode
+10 to AC, -10 to Attack.
(****) There are reports from seasoned adventurers that using Expertise mode
while using Gaze/Breath/Dominate/MindBlast/etc. is pretty awesome.
Improved Initiative
+4 initiative.
Improved Knockdown
Prerequisite: BAB +7, Knockdown
Use: Selected
Character is counted as one size larger than they really are for Knockdown.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at 6th level.
Improved Parry
Prerequisite: IN 13+.
Gain a +4 bonus to the Parry Skill.
Improved Power Attack
Prerequisite: ST 13+, Power Attack
Use: Selected
-10 penalty to hit and +10 damage bonus to any damage given.
Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
Prerequisite: Two-Weapon Fighting, Ambidexterity, BAB +9
Gain additional off-hand weapon attack at -5 attack penalty.
Note: Rangers receive this feat for free at level 9.
(*) None of your Shapes is a two-weapon fighter. Do the math.
Improved Unarmed Strike.
Required for: Stunning Fist, Deflect Arrows
No Attack of Opportunity when fighting unarmed against armed opponents.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 1.
(*) Shifted unarmed forms don't need it.
Iron Will
+2 Bonus to all Will saving throws.
Knockdown
Required for: Improved Knockdown
Use: Selected
A successful attack at -4 penalty results in your attack roll being compared
with opponents discipline check, if successful, opponent is knocked down to
the prone position. The opponent gets a +4 bonus for every size category he
is larger than the attacker or a -4 penalty for every size he is smaller.
Attackers receive a +4 attack bonus against prone opponents in melee, but a
-4 attack penalty with a ranged weapon.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 6.
(***) Similar to Cleave, it's generally very helpful for melee characters.
Note that the Azer Chieftain and Rakshasa get it for free.
Lightning Reflexes
+2 Bonus to all Reflex saving throws.
Lingering Song
Prerequisite: Bardic Music
Bard Song effects last an extra 5 rounds.
Luck Of Heroes [1st Level Only]
+1 to all saving throws.
Maximize Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 3rd level spells
Spell does maximum damage and affects maximum number of targets (as
applicable). Uses a spell slot three levels higher.
(**) Might be useful for lobbing a few damage spells before Shifting, but
your main strength is your Shapes.
Mobility
Prerequisite: DX 13+, Dodge
+4 Dodge bonus to AC against Attacks of Opportunity.
Point Blank Shot
Required for: Rapid Shot
Eliminates the -4 attack penalty when targeting opponents engaged in melee
and gives +1 to attack and damage rolls within 15 feet.
Power Attack
Prerequisite: ST 13+
Required for: Cleave, Improved Power Attack
Use: Selected
Every attack made is at a -5 to the attack roll and +5 to damage.
(**) Useful for bashing chests and for low AC opponents. Shapes which
already have it: Azer Chieftain, Epic Manticore, Iron Golem.
Quicken Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 4th level spells
Cast a spell instantaneously. Uses a spell slot four levels higher.
Rapid Reload
Prerequisite: BAB +2
You can fire a crossbow as quickly as you would a normal bow.
Rapid Shot
Prerequisite: DX 13+, Point Blank Shot
Use: Selected
One extra ranged attack per round but all attacks are at -2.
Resist Disease
+4 Fortitude vs. disease
Resist Poison
+4 Fortitude vs. poison
(*) If you continue to Druid 9, you'll be immune to all poison.
Scribe Scroll
Prerequisite: Spellcaster Level 1+
Create scrolls from known spells for a small XP and gold cost. Requires
blank scroll parchment material.
(*) Can't read scrolls while Shifted.
Shield Proficiency
Allows use of any shield.
Note: Arcane Archers, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of Torm,
Clerics, Druids, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Paladins and Rangers receive
this feat for free.
(*) You already have it as a Druid.
Silent Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Allows the spell to be cast without a verbal component. Uses a spell slot
one level higher.
Silver Palm [1st Level Only]
+2 Appraise, +2 Persuade
Skill Focus
Prerequisite: Able to use desired skill
+3 Bonus on all skill checks with selected skill. May be taken multiple
times for different skills, but effects do not stack.
Snake Blood [1st Level Only]
+2 Fortitude vs. Poison, +1 Reflex
Spell Focus
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
+2 Bonus to DC for all saving throws from a particular school of magic. May
be taken multiple times for different schools.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win an offensive spell
fight.
Spell Penetration
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
+2 Bonus to caster level checks to beat spell resistance.
(*) You're not going to win a spell penetration contest. Your strength is in
buffing spells and Shape abilities -- shift into a basilisk and stone 'em!
Spring Attack
Prerequisites: DX 13+, Dodge, Mobility, BAB +4
Character does not provoke Attacks of Opportunity when moving in combat.
Stealthy
+2 Hide, +2 Move Silently
Still Spell [Metamagic]
Prerequisite: Ability to cast 1st level spells
Allows the spell to be cast without a somatic component. Uses a spell slot
one level higher.
Strong Soul [1st Level Only]
+1 Fortitude, +1 Will, +1 vs. Death Magic
Stunning Fist
Prerequisite: DX 13+, WS 13+, Improved Unarmed Strike, BAB +8
Use: Selected
-4 Attack and -4 Damage penalty. Stuns opponents [Fort DC=15 + 1/2 CL + WS
mod] for 3 rounds. Can be used 1/day for every 4 levels.
Note: Monks receive this feat for free at level 1. Monks suffer no
attack/damage penalty when using this skill and may use it once per day per
level. Any creatures that are immune to critical hits are immune to this
skill.
(*) This can be used by all of your unarmed Shapes, but if you want it it
might be better just to take level(s) in Monk.
Thug [1st Level Only]
+2 initiative, +2 Persuade.
Toughness
+1 Hit Point per level (gained retroactively).
Two-Weapon Fighting
Required for: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
Penalties for fighting with two weapons are reduced by 2 for each hand.
Note: Rangers receive this feat for free at level 1.
(*) None of your Shapes is a two-weapon fighter. Do the math.
Weapon Finesse
Prerequisite: BAB +1
Use DX modifier for attack rolls instead of ST.
Note: dagger, handaxe, kama, kukri, light hammer, mace, rapier, short sword,
sickle, unarmed strike and whip.
(****) This will give a To Hit bonus to the following forms: Black Wyrmling
(+1), White Wyrmling (+1), Gargoyle (up to +3, depending on Strength),
Lizardfold Whipmaster (+2), Mindflayer (up to +4, depending on Strength),
Vampire (+1), Spectre (+3), Rakshasa (+2). If you pump your Dexterity to 18
or so, it will also help Red Wyrmling (+1), Blue Wyrmling (+2), Green
Wyrmling (+2), Basilisk (+1). With 20 Dexterity add +1 to the last group,
and add Minotaur (+1). The Kobold Commando (both base and Epic) and the Epic
Lizardfolk Whipmaster already get this for free. And yes, it does help with
unarmed Shapes. That appears to be a bug.
Weapon Focus
Prerequisite: Weapon Proficiency, BAB +1
Required for: Weapon Specialization (Fighters only)
+1 Bonus to Attack rolls with selected weapon.
(****) Weapon Focus Unarmed Strike will enhance the melee abilities of almost
2/3 of your Shapes.
Weapon Proficiency Druid
Allows use of club, dagger, dart, sickle, scimitar, spear, sling, and
quarterstaff. Does NOT allow any other Weapon Proficiency Feats to be
selected unless allowed by another class (i.e., Druids can only be proficient
in these weapons, but Fighter/Druids get Simple and Martial, and can choose
Exotic as well).
(*) You already have it.
Weapon Proficiency Exotic
Allows use of dire mace, double axe, dwarven waraxe, kama, katana, kukri,
scythe, shuriken, two-bladed sword, and whip.
(***) More possibilities for weapons to be merged into your Shifted form.
You'll need a tertiary class to even be given the choice to take it, since
neither Druids nor Shifters have access to it normally.
Weapon Proficiency Martial
Allows use of bastard sword, battleaxe, greataxe, greatsword, halberd,
handaxe, heavy flail, light flail, light hammer, longbow, rapier, scimitar,
short sword, shortbow, throwing axe, and warhammer.
Note: Arcane Archers, Barbarians, Blackguards, Champions Of Torm, Dwarven
Defenders, Fighters, Paladins, and Rangers are automatically proficient with
all martial weapons.
(***) More possibilities for weapons to be merged into your Shifted form.
You'll need a tertiary class to even be given the choice to take it, since
neither Druids nor Shifters have access to it normally.
Weapon Proficiency Simple
Allows use of club, dagger, mace, sickle, spear, morningstar, quarterstaff,
light crossbow, dart, sling, and heavy crossbow.
Note: Arcane Archers, Assassins, Barbarians, Bards, Blackguards, Champions Of
Torm, Clerics, Dwarven Defenders, Fighters, Harper Scouts, Shadowdancers,
Paladins, Rangers, and Rogues are automatically proficient with all simple
weapons.
(***) More possibilities for weapons to be merged into your Shifted form.
You'll need a tertiary class to even be given the choice to take it, since
neither Druids nor Shifters have access to it normally.
Weapon Specialization
Prerequisite: Fighter with Weapon Focus in desired weapon, BAB +4
+2 Bonus to damage rolls with selected weapon.
(****) For Fighter Shifters, Weapon Specialization will help immensely.
Unarmed Strike (all unarmed Shapes), battleaxe (Minotaur), spear (Drider),
longsword (Drow), Whip (Whipmaster), shortsword (Commando), scythe (Risen
Lord), dwarven waraxe (Azer). For some reason the Rakshasa staff is not
considered a quarterstaff, so Weapon Specialization won't work with it at
all.
Whirlwind Attack
Prerequisite: DX 13+, IN 13+, Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, BAB
+4.
Use: Selected
When you use the full attack action, you can give up your regular attacks and
instead make one melee attack at your full base attack bonus against each
opponent within 5 feet.
When you use the Whirlwind Attack feat, you also forfeit any bonus or extra
attacks granted by other feats, spells, or abilities.
(***) Requires lots of prerequisites, but most of them are pretty useful
anyway. Surrounded by a mob of nasties? This'll ruin their day.
Zen Archery
Prerequisite: WS 13+, BAB +3
Use WS modifier instead of DX for ranged attacks.
(****) If you go for the higher level Epic Forms (Outsider, Construct,
Dragon) you're going to need massive Wisdom. Why not put it to use in ranged
attacks? Since many of your Shapes have a DX component, there's not much
need to boost Dexterity. The downside is that, as a Shifter, you may be
spending most of your time in forms that don't have a ranged attack.
(6.3) Epic Feats
Common To All:
Available To: Epic Character (21+ levels total)
(6.3.1) Bonus Feats available to an Epic Shifter:
Automatic Quicken Spell
Prerequisite: Quicken Spell, Spellcraft 30+, 9th level spells
May use Quickened 0th-3rd, then 4th-6th, then 7th-9th (if chosen three times)
spells at the same level as the base spell.
(**) Can't cast spells in Shifted form. Could be useful for a quick damage
or buff spell before Shifting, however.
Automatic Silent Spell
Prerequisite: Silent Spell, Spellcraft 24+, 9th level spells
May use Silent 0th-3rd, then 4th-6th, then 7th-9th (if chosen three times)
spells at the same level as the base spell.
(*) Can't cast spells in Shifted form.
Automatic Still Spell
Prerequisite: Still Spell, Spellcraft 24+, 9th level spells
May use Stilled 0th-3rd, then 4th-6th, then 7th-9th (if chosen three times)
spells at the same level as the base spell.
(*) Can't cast spells in Shifted form.
Construct Shape (Shifter 11+)
Available To: Epic Shifter, WS 27+
Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem Shapes.
(*****) Very nice Shapes for melee, with nifty immunities to sneak attacks,
level drain, and such.
Dragon Shape (Druid 18+, Shifter 11+)
Prerequisite: Wildshape 6/day or Greater Wildshape IV, WS 30+
Ancient Red, Blue, or Green Dragon Shape.
(****) Seasoned adventurers question whether it's worth the effort, but
there's no doubt that dragon breath and dragon claws are fearsome.
Energy Resistance
DR 10/- for a chosen type of energy (up to 100/- if chosen ten times).
(**) Wyrmling Shapes have 100% immunity to 4 of the 5 elements (fire, cold,
electricity, acid). Azer Chieftain also has 100% fire immunity. Demonflesh
and Iron Golem have high immunity to electricity. Could be
useful for sonic resistance, however.
Epic Spell Focus
Prerequisite: Spell Focus, Greater Spell Focus
+6 to DC for spells cast from the chosen school.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win an offensive spell
fight.
Epic Spell Penetration
Prerequisite: Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration
+6 against spell resistance.
(*) Your strengths are not direct damage spells, but finding the right Shape
to exploit vulnerabilities. You're not going to win a Spell Penetration
fight.
Great Wisdom
+1 WS (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*****) You'll need this several times to achieve Outsider, Construct, and
Dragon Shapes.
Improved Combat Casting
Prerequisite: Combat Casting, Concentration 25+
Do not incur Attacks of Opportunity when casting while threatened.
(*) You should be Shifting if threatened, not casting.
Outsider Shape (Shifter 11+)
Available To: Epic Shifter, WS 25+
Azer Chieftain, Rakshasa, and Death Slaad Shapes.
(*****) Azer Chieftain and Death Slaad are great in melee, and the Rakshasa's
spell immunity makes a great mage-killer. Be warned, though, that Clerics
with the Planar Turning Feat can turn you like undead.
Undead Shape (Shifter 11+)
Available To: Epic Shifter
Risen Lord, Vampire, and Spectre Shapes.
(*****) Very nice Shapes available as soon as you hit Epic Shifter status.
Damage Resistance/Damage Immunity/Whirlwind Attack for the Risen Lord; Level
Drain bite for the Vampire; Strength Drain touch attack and improved
invisibility for the Spectre. Be careful if you come up against Clerics,
though - you can be turned just like the undead form you take, and unlike
real undead, you're not healed by negative energy.
(6.3.2) Other Bonus Feats available to other Epic classes:
Armor Skin
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Blackguard,
Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender, Red Dragon Disciple, or Weapon Master
+2 bonus to AC.
(****) Good general purpose Feat which will help any melee Shape.
Bane Of Enemies (Ranger 20+, or Ranger/Harper Scout 16+/1+)
Available To: Epic Ranger
Prerequisite: 5+ favored enemies
Any weapon used against favored enemies is +2 to hit and +2d6 damage. Harper
Scouts also choose a favored enemy, but only one, so this is effectively
limited to Rangers.
Blinding Speed
Available To: Epic Ranger, Rogue, Shadowdancer, or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: DX 25+
Haste for short periods.
(*) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough to
get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take.
That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the non-DX-
modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic Harpy,
Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone Golem,
Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Damage Reduction
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Champion Of Torm, Dwarven
Defender, Red Dragon Disciple, or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: CN 21+
DR 3/- (up to 9/- if chosen three times).
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Constitution high
enough to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape
you take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in
the non-CN-modified Shapes: Black Wyrmling, White Wrymling, Harpy, Epic
Gargoyle, Basilisk, Epic Basilisk, Epic Manticore, Lizardfolk Whipmaster,
Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Medusa,
Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Rakshasa, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, and
Iron Golem.
Devastating Critical
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Arcane Archer, Blackguard,
Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Disciple, or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: Cleave, Greater Cleave, Improved Critical, Overwhelming
Critical, Weapon Focus, Power Attack, ST 25+
Critical hits force a Fort save to avoid instant death.
(*) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Strength high enough to
get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take.
That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the tiny
number of non-ST-modified Shapes: Gargoyle, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold
Commando, Mindflayer. Only the Dire Tiger, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem,
Iron Golem, and Dragons will not nerf your awesome Strength, but they will
waste your precious, hard-fought ST boosts.
Epic Dodge
Available To: Epic Rogue or Shadowdancer
Prerequisite: Dodge, Improved Evasion, Defensive Roll, Tumble 30+, DX 25+
Ignore all damage from the first attack each round.
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough
to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you
take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the
non-DX-modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic
Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Epic Fiend (Blackguard 15+)
Available To: Epic Blackguard
Prerequisite: Blackguard 15+
Gain an Epic Vrock as your summoned fiend, which grows in power as you do.
Epic Fortitude
+4 Fortitude saves.
(*) Shifter Fortitude saves are in the good column, and many Shapes will give
you a CN boost to help out as well.
Epic Prowess
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Arcane Archer,
Blackguard, Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender, Red Dragon Disciple or Weapon
Master
+1 to all attacks.
(****) Good general purpose Feat which will help any melee Shape.
Epic Reflexes
Available To: Epic Arcane Archer, Assassin or Shadowdancer
+4 Reflex saves.
(*) Shifter Reflex saves are in the good column, and many Shapes will give
you a DX boost to help out as well.
Epic Reputation
Available To: Epic Paladin, Rogue, Blackguard or Red Dragon Disciple
+4 Bluff, Intimidate, Persuade, and Taunt.
Epic Skill Focus
Available To: Epic Bard, Rogue, Assassin or Shadowdancer
Prerequisite: 20 ranks in the chosen skill
+10 on the chosen skill.
Epic Shadowlord (Shadowdancer 11+)
Available To: Epic Shadowdancer
Gain an Epic Shadowlord as your summoned shadow, which grows in power as you
do.
Epic Toughness
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Arcane Archer,
Blackguard, Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender, Red Dragon Disciple or Weapon
Master
+20 hit points (up to +200 if chosen ten times).
Epic Weapon Focus
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Arcane Archer,
Blackguard, Champion Of Torm or Dwarven Defender
Prerequisite: Weapon Focus
+2 to attack with the chosen weapon.
(****) Epic Weapon Focus, Unarmed Strike will benefit almost 2/3 of your
Shapes. Or choose the weapon of your favorite weapon-bearing Shape:
battleaxe (Minotaur), spear (Drider), long sword (Drow), whip (Whipmaster),
short sword (Commando), scythe (Risen Lord), or dwarven waraxe (Azer
Chieftain). Note that the Rakshasa's staff is not the same as a
quarterstaff.
Epic Weapon Specialization (Fighter 20+)
Available To: Epic Fighter
Prerequisite: Weapon Focus, Epic Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization
+4 damage with the chosen weapon.
(*****) A no-brainer for Fighter Shifters. Start by specializing in Unarmed
Strike to benefit almost 2/3 of your Shapes. Or choose the weapon of your
favorite weapon-bearing Shape: battleaxe (Minotaur), spear (Drider), long
sword (Drow), whip (Whipmaster), short sword (Commando), scythe (Risen Lord),
or dwarven waraxe (Azer Chieftain). Note that the Rakshasa's staff is not
the same as a quarterstaff.
Epic Will
Available To: Epic Bard
+4 Will saves.
(*) Although Shifter Will saves are bad, Druid Will saves are good. So
unless you've chosen a low-WS, low-Druid route (which will disallow the
Outsider, Construct, and Dragon Shapes as well as higher level Druid spells),
you'll already have awesome Wisdom, which translates to Will saves. Several
Shapes (Mindflayer, Risen Lord, Vampire, and Spectre) are naturally immune to
Mind Spells.
Great Charisma
Available To: Epic Bard
+1 CH (up to +10 if taken ten times).
Great Constitution
+1 CN (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*) Many Shapes will override your Constitution.
Great Dexterity
Available To: Epic Bard, Arcane Archer or Assassin
+1 DX (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*) Most Shapes will override your Dexterity if Dexterity is important to
them.
Great Intelligence
Available To: Epic Wizard
+1 IN (up to +10 if taken ten times).
Great Smiting (Paladin, Blackguard)
Available To: Epic Paladin or Blackguard
Prerequisite: CH 25+, Smite Evil or Smite Good
A successful Smite adds twice the character's level to damage. May be taken
up to 10 times.
Great Strength
+1 ST (up to +10 if taken ten times).
(*) Most Shapes will override your Strength if Strength is important to them.
Improved Ki Strike (Monk 16+)
Available To: Epic Monk
Prerequisite: WS 21+, Ki Strike +3
+4 bonus when attacking unarmed (+5 if chosen twice).
Improved Sneak Attack (Rogue 15+, Blackguard 28+, or some combination)
Available To: Epic Rogue, Assassin or Blackguard
Prerequisite: Sneak Attack 8d6
+1d6 Sneak Attack damage (up to +10d6 if chosen ten times).
Improved Spell Resistance
Available To: Epic Monk
Spell Resistance 2% (up to 20% if chosen ten times).
(***) Good general purpose Feat which will help all Shapes.
Improved Stunning Fist
Available To: Epic Fighter, Monk or Champion Of Torm
Prerequisite: Improved Unarmed Strike, Stunning Fist, DX 19+, WS 19+
+2 to DC for Stunning Fist (up to +20 if chosen ten times).
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough
to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you
take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the
non-DX-modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic
Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Improved Whirlwind Attack
Available To: Epic Fighter, Champion Of Torm, Shadowdancer or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: Dodge, Expertise, Spring Attack, Whirlwind Attack, IN 13+, DX
23+
Use: Combat Mode
Perform a full attack action, plus one melee attack at full BAB against all
opponents within range.
(**) No question it's a great Feat, and the prerequisite Feats are all quite
useful, but boosting your Dexterity high enough to get it wastes a lot of
upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take. That said, it could be
very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the non-DX-modified Shapes: Red
Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur,
Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron
Golem.
Lasting Inspiration (Bard)
Available To: Epic Bard
Prerequisite: Bardic Music, Perform 25+
Bardic Music lasts 10 times longer than usual.
Mighty Rage (Barbarian 15+)
Available To: Epic Barbarian
Prerequisite: Greater Rage, ST 21+, CN 21+
(*) The number of Shapes which won't nerf either your awesome Strength or
your awesome Constitution (or both) is small: Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold
Commando, Mindflayer, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem, and Dragon.
The last four will waste your precious, hard-fought ST and CN boosts.
Overwhelming Critical
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Arcane Archer, Blackguard,
Champion Of Torm, Dwarven Defender or Weapon Master
Prerequisite: Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Critical, Weapon Focus, Power
Attack, ST 23+
Critical hits improve by +1d6 for x2 critical multiplier weapons, by +2d6 for
x3 weapons, and by +3d6 for 4x weapons.
(*) No question it's a great Feat and the prerequisite Feats are all quite
useful, but boosting your Strength high enough to get it wastes a lot of
upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take. That said, it could be
very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the tiny number of non-ST-modified
Shapes: Gargoyle, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Mindflayer. Only
the Dire Tiger, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem, and Dragons will
not nerf your awesome Strength, but they will waste your precious, hard-
fought ST boosts.
Perfect Health
Available To: Epic Paladin, Blackguard or Dwarven Defender
Prerequisite: Great Fortitude, CN 25+
Immune to all disease and poison.
(*) Could be a useful Feat, but boosting your Constitution high enough to get
it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you take. That
said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the non-CN-
modified Shapes: Black Wyrmling, White Wrymling, Harpy, Epic Gargoyle,
Basilisk, Epic Basilisk, Epic Manticore, Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic
Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Medusa,
Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Rakshasa, Stone Golem, Demonflesh Golem, and
Iron Golem.
Planar Turning (Cleric, Paladin, Blackguard)
Available To: Epic Cleric, Paladin, Blackguard, Champion Of Torm
Prerequisite: Turn Undead, WS 25+, CH 25+
Can turn outsiders like undead. If the character has twice as many levels as
the outsider's Hit Dice, the outsiders are instantly destroyed.
Self Concealment (Rogue 10+, Monk 9+)
Available To: Epic Monk, Rogue, Assassin or Shadowdancer
Prerequisite: Improved Evasion, DX 30+, Hide 30+, Tumble 30+
10% Concealment (up to 50% if chosen five times).
(**) No question it's a great Feat, but boosting your Dexterity high enough
to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the Shape you
take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of time in the
non-DX-modified Shapes: Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic
Harpy, Minotaur, Epic Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem.
Superior Initiative
Available To: Epic Barbarian, Fighter, Rogue, Assassin, Champion Of Torm,
Shadowdancer or Weapon Master
+8 initiative.
(***) Especially for classes with a Sneak Attack, sometimes the first attack
is also the last.
Terrifying Rage (Barbarian 21+)
Available To: Epic Barbarian
Prerequisite: Epic Barbarian, Intimidate 25+
While raging, opponents must save Will vs. Intimidate or panic 1d6 rounds.
Opponents with up to twice the Barbarian's Hit Dice will instead have -2
attack and -2 saving throws. Opponents with more than twice the Barbarian's
Hit Dice are not affected.
Thundering Rage (Barbarian 21+)
Available To: Epic Barbarian
Prerequisite: Epic Barbarian, ST 25+
Any weapon the Barbarian wields while raging does +2d8 extra damage on a
critical hit.
(*) No question it's a great Feat for a Barbarian, but boosting your Strength
high enough to get it wastes a lot of upgrades when it's overridden by the
Shape you take. That said, it could be very helpful if you spend a lot of
time in the tiny number of non-ST-modified Shapes: Gargoyle, Kobold
Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Mindflayer. Only the Dire Tiger, Stone
Golem, Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem, and Dragons will not nerf your awesome
Strength, but they will waste your precious, hard-fought ST boosts.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(7) What's The Best Shape For...
These are just rough approximations. There are far too many variables (Bull's
Strength, weapons/armor/items merged into your Shape, multiclass abilities,
etc.) to calculate all the options for, but these suggestions might help you to
choose the best Shape for the situation you're in. Which is, after all, the
strength of the Shifter class.
Something I didn't realize until I playtested it is that the number of attacks
you have as a human is *not* altered when you Shift. Therefore, as a Druid
5/Shifter 1 your BAB is +3 in human form. Since your Wyrmling Shapes list their
attacks as Claw/Claw/Bite you might expect to get three attacks each round, but
in practice you only get the first Claw. If you continue to gain Shifter levels
you'll get the second Claw attack at Druid 5/Shifter 4 (BAB +6/+1) and the Bite
attack at Druid 6/Shifter 10 (BAB +11/+6/+1). This is undoubtedly to keep the
Shifter class balanced in relation to the other classes, but to me it seems
wrong. Anyway, that's the reality.
Therefore, don't let the number of attacks listed fool you. If your
Fighter/Druid/Shifter has a BAB of +16/+11/+6/+1, then your Shapes will all have
4 attacks:
Wyrmling Claw/Claw/Bite/Claw
Minotaur Axe/Axe/Axe/Axe
Stone Golem Slam/Slam/Slam/Slam
Demonflesh Golem Slam/Slam/Bite/Slam
Dragon Claw/Claw/Bite/Claw
Note: Unless noted otherwise, "Average damage" is calculated as a
Druid 10/Shifter 10 with no stat bonuses or magical equipment, in
melee against an AC 30 opponent)
(7.1) Vs. Spellcasters
Rakshasa - Spell Immunity: 0th through 8th level spells, Save Universal +2,
True Seeing, Dispel Magic unlimited use
Epic Kobold Commando - Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack +5d6, Freedom of
Movement (kill 'em before they have a chance to buff!)
Epic Drow Warrior - SR 30%, Save vs. Charm +2, Spell Immunity: Sleep, Improved
Evasion
Stone Golem - SR 26%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Drow Warrior - SR 26%, Save vs. Charm +2, Spell Immunity: Sleep
Mindflayer - SR 24%, Immune: Mind Spells
Stone Golem - SR 22%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Demonflesh Golem - SR 22%, DR/DI vs. acid/cold/elec/fire, Immune: Death Magic,
Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Dragon - SR 20%, True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis
Risen Lord - SR 20%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Vampire - SR 20%, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Kobold Commando - Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack +2d6, Freedom of Movement
(kill 'em before they have a chance to buff!)
Drider - SR 14%, Freedom of Movement
Wyrmling (Any) - True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis
Lizardfolk Whipmaster - Stun [Fort DC=22] 10%, Freedom of Movement, Save
Universal +2
Basilisk/Epic Basilisk/Medusa - Petrify Gaze [Fort DC=12+SL/2]
Epic Drider - SR 18%, Freedom Of Movement
Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster - Stun [DC=26] 10%, Freedom of Movement, Save
Universal +4
Spectre - Improved Evasion, Immune: Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain,
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison
Azer Chieftain - SR 12%
Death Slaad Lord - Immune: Fear, DR vs. almost everything
(7.2) Melee Damage Potential
Average damage per round vs. normal opponent:
Dragon 74.3
Iron Golem 39.6
Stone Golem 34.7
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Epic Minotaur 29.4
Demonflesh Golem 28.1
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Dire Tiger 18.0
Death Slaad 17.4
Drow Warrior 14.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 10.6 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 9.8 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Minotaur 8.8
Drider 8.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Manticore 8.5
Epic Manticore 8.5
Epic Harpy 8.1
Epic Gargoyle 8.1
Medusa 5.6 + Poison [DC=20]
Basilisk 4.9
Epic Basilisk 4.9
Spectre 4.9
Harpy 4.5
Red Wyrmling 4.2
Mindflayer 3.7
Blue/Green Wyrmling 2.5
Black/White Wyrmling 2.2
Gargoyle 0.8
(7.3) Vs. Undead/Construct/Dragon
Average damage vs. opponent immune to critical hits/poison/stun:
Dragon 70.3
Iron Golem 36.3
Vampire 32.3
Stone Golem 31.5
Azer Chieftain 30.8
Epic Commando 28.3
Epic Minotaur 25.7
Risen Lord 25.5 + Whirlwind
Demonflesh Golem 25.5
Epic Drow Warrior 22.6
Rakshasa 20.4
Epic Whipmaster 18.5 + Whirlwind
Epic Drider 18.2
Dire Tiger 15.9
Death Slaad 14.9
Drow Warrior 12.1
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 9.9
Kobold Commando 8.8
Manticore 7.5
Epic Manticore 7.5
Minotaur 7.1
Drider 7.1
Epic Harpy 7.1
Epic Gargoyle 7.1
Medusa 4.9
Basilisk 4.1
Epic Basilisk 4.1
Spectre 4.1
Harpy 3.9
Red Wyrmling 3.6
Mindflayer 3.2
Blue/Green Wyrmling 2.0
Black/White Wyrmling 1.8
Gargoyle 0.6
(7.4) Defense
AC HP DR SR Other
-- --- ------ --- -----------------------------------------
Dragon 43 +100 5/+1 20% True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis, Sneak
Attack
Risen Lord 23 +60 15/+3 20% DI 50% slashing/piercing, Undead Immunities
Iron Golem 23 +90 20/+4 26% DI 90% elec, Golem Immunities
Demonflesh Golem 23 +90 30/+3 22% DR 20/- acid/cold/fire, DI 100% elec,
Golem Immunities
Spectre 31 +40 15/+4 DR 5/- cold/elec, Improved Evasion,
Improved Invisibility, Immune: Knockdown,
Turn Resist +2, Undead Immunities
Epic Whipmaster 27 +75 15/+5 Freedom of Movement, Discipline +15,
Immune: Poison, Save Universal +4
Death Slaad Lord 30 +70 10/+5 DR 10/- acid/cold/elec/fire/sonic,
Regen +5, Immune: Fear
Rakshasa 27 +30 15/+5 Spell Immunity: 0-8th level,
Save Universal +2, Discipline +5
Vampire 28 +30 15/+1 20% DR 20/- cold/elec, Regen +5, Undead
Immunities
Mindflayer 22 +30 10/+4 Immune: Mind Spells
Stone Golem 23 +90 15/+3 22% DI 25% slashing, DI 50% piercing, Golem
Immunities
Gargoyle 22 +20 15/+1
Epic Manticore 30 +60 5/+20
Epic Drider 25 +60 5/+20 18% Darkness, Freedom of Movement,
Discipline +6
Epic Drow Warrior 29 +66 30% Darkness, Improved Evasion,
Save vs. Poison +2
Epic Commando 29 +70 Hide In Plain Sight, Improved Evasion,
Freedom of Movement, Tumble +10
Whipmaster 24 +35 5/+1 Freedom of Movement, Discipline +10,
Immune: Poison, Save Universal +2
Epic Gargoyle 27 +60 (Missing DR due to a bug)
Commando 26 +10 Hide In Plain Sight, Freedom of Movement,
Tumble +10
Medusa 24 +35
Epic Basilisk 23 +60
Azer Chieftain 23 +50 12% DI 100% fire
Drow Warrior 22 +30 26% Darkness, Save vs. Poison +2
Harpy 22 +20
Drider 21 +20 14% Darkness, Freedom of Movement,
Discipline +2
Dire Tiger 21 +60
Epic Harpy 21 +40
Manticore 21 +30
Epic Minotaur 20 +50
Basilisk 20 +30
Black Wyrmling 18 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% acid
White Wyrmling 18 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% cold
Minotaur 16 +25
Red Wyrmling 15 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% fire
Blue Wyrmlinge 15 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% elec
Green Wyrmling 15 +15 True Seeing, Immune: Paralysis,
DI 100% acid
(7.5) Attack Bonus
Dragon +19
Epic Commando +13
Iron Golem +11
Risen Lord +10
Azer Chieftain +10
Stone Golem +10
Demonflesh Golem +10
Kobold Commando +9
Epic Minotaur +9
Epic Drider +9
Vampire +9
Dire Tiger +8
Rakshasa +8
Drow Warrior +7
Epic Drow Warrior +7
Lizardfolk Whipmaster +6
Epic Whipmaster +6
Death Slaad +6
Minotaur +5
Drider +5
Manticore +5
Epic Harpy +5
Epic Gargoyle +5
Epic Manticore +5
Harpy +4
Medusa +4
Red Wyrmling +3
Basilisk +3
Epic Basilisk +3
Spectre +3
Blue Wyrmling +2
Black Wyrmling +2
White Wyrmling +2
Green Wyrmling +2
Mindflayer +2
Gargoyle +0
(7.6) Rogue-ishness, Disarming Traps, etc.
Epic Commando - DX:25, Hide In Plain Sight, Improved Evasion, Darkvision,
Sneak Attack +5d6, Freedom of Movement, Hide +10, Listen +5,
Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5,
Tumble +10
Spectre - DX:22, Shadow Attack, Improved Invisibility, Hide +15, Move
Silently +15, Improved Evasion, Darkvision
Commando - DX:22, Hide In Plain Sight, Darkvision, Hide +10, Listen +5,
Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5, Freedom of
Movement
Rakshasa - DX:20, True Seeing, Hide +10, Move Silently +11, Spot +10
Epic Drider - DX:17, Freedom Of Movement, Hide +8, Move Silently +8
Epic Drow Warrior - DX:22, Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2, Darkvision,
Improved Evasion
Epic Whipmaster - DX:20, Freedom of Movement, Listen +8
Mindflayer - DX:19, IN:(+8), WS:(+2)
Drow Warrior - DX:19, Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2
Whipmaster - DX:20, Freedom of Movement, Listen +4
Epic Gargoyle - DX:20
Manticore, Epic Manticore, Medusa, Death Slaad - DX:19
Harpy, Gargoyle - DX:18
Black/White Wyrmling, Dire Tiger, Epic Basilisk - DX:17
Drider - DX:16
(7.7) Searching
Mindflayer - Search +4 (from Intelligence), Listen +6, Spot +6
Commando, Epic Commando - Darkvision, Listen +5, Spot +5
Rakshasa - True Seeing, Spot +10
Epic Drow Warrior - Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2, Darkvision
Drow Warrior - Keen Senses, Listen +2, Spot +2
Epic Whipmaster - Listen +8
Whipmaster - Listen +4
Wyrmling (Any), Dragon - True Seeing
Spectre - Darkvision
(7.8) Vs. Fire
Azer Chieftain, Red Wyrmling - DI 100% fire
Demonflesh Golem - DR 20/- fire
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- fire
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.9) Vs. Cold
White Wyrmling - DI 100% cold
Vampire, Demonflesh Golem - DR 20/- cold
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- cold
Spectre - DR 5/- cold
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.10) Vs. Electricity
Blue Wyrmling, Demonflesh Golem - DI 100% elec
Iron Golem - DI 90% elec
Vampire - DR 20/- elec
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- elec
Spectre - DR 5/- elec
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.11) Vs. Acid
Black/Green Wyrmling - DI 100% acid
Epic Whipmaster - DR 15/- acid, Save Universal +4
Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
Whipmaster - DR 5/- acid, Save Universal +2
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- acid
Demonflesh Golem - DR 20/- acid
(7.12) Vs. Sonic
Death Slaad Lord - DR 10/- sonic
Epic Whipmaster - Save Universal +4
Whipmaster, Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
(7.13) Vs. Invisible
Rakshasa - True Seeing, Dispel Magic
Wyrmling (Any), Dragon - True Seeing
(7.14) Vs. Low Damage Resistance
Average damage vs. opponent with DR 5/+1
Dragon 60.3
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Iron Golem 30.6
Stone Golem 26.4
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Minotaur 21.2
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Demonflesh Golem 19.8
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Drow Warrior 14.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Death Slaad 12.1
Dire Tiger 11.2
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 10.6 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 9.8 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Minotaur 8.8
Drider 8.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Manticore 4.3
Epic Manticore 4.3
Epic Harpy 3.8
Epic Gargoyle 3.8
Mindflayer 3.7
Medusa 1.9 + Poison [DC=20]
Basilisk 1.6
Epic Basilisk 1.6
Spectre 1.6
Wyrmling, Red 1.0
Harpy 0.8
Wyrmling, Blue 0.0
Wyrmling, Green 0.0
Wyrmling, Black 0.0
Wyrmling, White 0.0
Gargoyle 0.0
(7.15) Vs. Medium Damage Resistance
Average damage vs. opponent with DR 10/+3
Dragon 46.3
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Iron Golem 21.6
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Stone Golem 18.2
Drow Warrior 14.6 + Poison [DC=16]
Epic Minotaur 12.9
Demonflesh Golem 11.6
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 10.6 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 9.8 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Death Slaad 6.9
Dire Tiger 4.5
Drider 1.5 + Poison [DC=16]
Mindflayer 0.9
Minotaur 0.8
(Others) 0.0
(7.16) Vs. High Damage Resistance
Average damage vs. opponent with DR 20/+5
Vampire 34.4 + Level Drain
Azer Chieftain 33.9
Epic Commando 31.4 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 30.9 + Whirlwind
Epic Drow Warrior 25.7 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Rakshasa 21.4
Epic Drider 20.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 19.4 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Dragon 18.3
Epic Minotaur 8.8
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 5.9 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Kobold Commando 4.1 + Poison [DC=18] + Sneak Attack 2d6
Iron Golem 3.6
Drow Warrior 3.2 + Poison [DC=16]
Stone Golem 1.7
Drider 1.5 + Poison [DC=16]
Mindflayer 0.9
Minotaur 0.8
(Others) 0.0
(7.17) Druid/Shifter/Monk
Average damage for a Druid 9/Monk 1/Shifter 10 vs. a normal opponent:
Dragon 78.0
Iron Golem 42.9
Vampire 38.0 + Level Drain
Stone Golem 37.8
Azer Chieftain 30.8
Demonflesh Golem 30.6
Epic Commando 29.3 + Poison [DC=24] + Sneak Attack 5d6
Risen Lord 28.4 + Whirlwind
Epic Minotaur 26.6
Epic Drow Warrior 22.0 + Slow [Fort DC=10+SL]
Death Slaad 19.8
Dire Tiger 19.5
Rakshasa 18.8
Epic Drider 18.8 + Poison DC=20
Epic Whipmaster 16.0 + Stun [DC=26] 10% + Disarm + Whirlwind
Drow Warrior 12.5 + Poison [DC=16]
Manticore 10.5
Epic Manticore 10.5
Epic Harpy 10.0
Epic Gargoyle 10.0
Kobold Commando 8.9 + Poison [DC=18]
Lizardfolk Whipmaster 8.7 + Stun [DC=22] 10% + Disarm
Minotaur 7.9
Drider 7.7 + Poison [DC=16]
Medusa 6.8 + Poison [DC=20]
Basilisk 5.6
Epic Basilisk 5.6
Spectre 5.6
Harpy 5.4
Wyrmling, Red 4.9
Mindflayer 3.7
Wyrmling, Blue 2.5
Wyrmling, Green 2.5
Wyrmling, Black 2.2
Wyrmling, White 2.2
Gargoyle 0.9
It should go without saying that Flurry Of Blows is only helpful against
low AC opponents, since it reduces your chance to hit by 10% for all attacks.
(7.18) Vs. Poison
Whipmaster, Epic Whipmaster, Undead (Any), Golem (Any) - Immune: Poison
Rakshasa - Save Universal +2
Drow Warrior, Epic Drow - Save vs. Poison +2 (but CN penalty drops it to +1)
/*------------------------------ Appendices --------------------------------*/
(A) Definitions & Acronyms
AB - Attack Bonus
AC - Armor Class
BAB - Base Attack Bonus
CH - Charisma
CL - Character Level (total of all class levels)
CN - Constitution
DC - Difficulty Check (the dice roll an opponent must beat to save)
DI - Damage Immunity
DL - Druid Level
DR ##% - Damage Resistance (ignore ##% of the specified damage)
DR ##/+# - Damage Reduction (ignore up to ## damage unless the weapon is +#
or better)
DV ##% - Damage Vulnerability (take an additional ##% damage of the specified
type)
DX - Dexterity
Fort - Fortitude Saving Throw
IN - Intelligence
PnP - Pen 'n Paper AD&D rules
Refl - Reflex Saving Throw
SL - Shifter Level
SR ##% - Spell Resistance (ignore ##% of spells cast at you)
ST - Strength
WS - Wisdom
WSmod - Wisdom modifier (i.e., +4 for 18 WS)
Will - Will Saving Throw
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(B) The Monk Unarmed Attack Bug
Multiclassed Monks benefit from a bug in the game engine which calculates
secondary attacks from the Monk table whenever the character is unarmed or using
kamas. So for example, according to the PnP rules, a Fighter 11/Monk 1 should
get his choice between the following attacks:
+11/+6/+1 (as a Fighter) or +0 (as a Monk)
Obviously the Fighter has better attacks. But since Monks get secondary attacks
every 3 levels when unarmed, the game calculates it thus:
+11/+8/+5/+2
Yes, it's a bug. Is it delightful to exploit? Oh, yes!
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(C) Relevant Scripts And Toolset Objects
How to examine scripts:
Load the Aurora toolset and open any available module (or create one). Under
the Tools menu, select Script Editor. Ctrl-O to open a file. Choose "All
Resources" from the option at bottom right. Type the first few letters of
the script and the list will filter itself. Of course, it helps to have a
bit of a background in computer programming to understand the script.
Scripts are identified here by the ".nss" extension.
How to examine objects:
Load the Aurora toolset and open any available module. Doubleclick any Area
to view it. On the right side of the screen, select the icon that looks like
a fox head (Paint Creatures). Select any creature from the list, rightclick
and select "Edit Copy". Under the picture of your creature, click
"Inventory". Now you can examine weapons, armor, claws, bites, skins, etc.,
by using the same "Edit Copy" command to view them.
(C.1) Scripts
General - x2_i0_spells, x2_inc_shifter, x2_inc_itemprop
(C.1.1) Azer Chieftain
Fire Stream - x2_s2_gwburn
(C.1.2) Basilisk
Petrify Gaze - x2_s1_petrgaze
(C.1.3) Death Slaad
Chaos Spittle - x2_s1_chaosspit
(C.1.4) Dragon
Breath Attack - x2_s2_edragbrth
(C.1.5) Drider
Darkness - x2_s1_driderdark
(C.1.6) Harpy
Captivating Song - x2_s1_harpycry
(C.1.7) Iron Golem
Poison Breath - nw_s1_golemgas
(C.1.8) Manticore
Tail Spikes - x0_s1_mantspike
(C.1.9) Medusa
Petrify Gaze - x2_s1_petrgaze
(C.1.10) Mindflayer
Mind Blast - x2_s1_gwmindbl (*)
Psionic Barrier - x2_s1_psibarr
(*) see also x2_s1_psimconc, x2_s1_mblast10, x2_s1_ether, and x2_s1_illithidb
for true illithid abilities
(C.1.11) Rakshasa
Blessed Crossbow Bolt Vulnerability - x2_s3_slayraks
(C.1.12) Spectre
Touch Attack - x2_s2_gwdrain
Improved Invisibility - x2_s2_vampinvis
(C.1.13) Stone Golem
Hurl Rock - x2_s1_hurlrock
(C.1.14) Vampire
Dominating Gaze - x2_s2_shiftdom
(C.1.15) Wyrmling
Breath Attack - x2_s1_wyrmbreath
(C.2) Toolset Objects
(C.2.1) Azer Chieftain
Weapon x2_it_crewmazera [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Azer Flaming Waraxe +5]
(Dwarven Waraxe 1d10 (20/x3); Feats: Cleave, Knockdown, Power Attack; Damage
+2d4 fire; Bonus +5; Use Limitation: Outsider)
Skin x2_it_creitem005 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Azer Properties] (DI fire
100%; DV cold 50%; SR 12%)
Fire Stream x2_s2_gwburn.nss
(C.2.2) Basilisk
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Petrify Gaze x2_s1_petrgaze.nss
(C.2.3) Basilisk, Epic
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Petrify Gaze x2_s1_petrgaze.nss
(C.2.4) Death Slaad
Claw nw_it_crewpsp016 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw3d6] (3d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps016 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite2d10] (2d10 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitem022 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Death Slaad Properties] (DR
20/+2; DR acid 5/-; DR cold 5/-; DR elec 5/-; DR fire 5/-; DR sonic 5/-;
Regeneration +5)
Chaos Spittle x2_s1_chaosspit.nss
(C.2.5) Demonflesh Golem
Slam nw_it_crewpb015 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d6] (2d6 bludgeoning (20/x2))
Claw nw_it_crewpsp015 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d6] (2d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_shdemoflsh [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Demonflesh Golem
Properties] (Feats: Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 30/+3; DR acid 20/-; DR cold
20/-; DR fire 20/-; DI elec 100%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease,
Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR 22%)
(C.2.6) Dire Tiger
Claw nw_it_crewpsp006 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d4] (2d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps015 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite2d6] (2d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
(C.2.7) Dragon
Claw nw_it_crewpsp015 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d6] (2d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps017 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite2d8] (2d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdrm [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Adult Red Dragon Properties]
(Feats: Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 5/+1; DI fire 100%; DV cold 50%; Immune:
Mind Spells, Paralysis, Sneak Attack; SR 20%; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s2_edragbrth.nss
(C.2.8) Drider
Weapon x2_it_wplmss011 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Drider Spear +2] (Spear
1d8 (20/x3); Bonus +2; OnHit: Poison DC=16 1d2 ST; Skills: Discipline +2)
Skin x2_it_creitem003 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Drider Properties(2)] (Feats:
Weapon Proficiency Creature; Freedom Of Movement; SR 14%)
Darkness x2_s1_driderdark.nss
(C.2.9) Drider, Epic
Weapon x2_it_wplmss012 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Drider Spear +5] (Spear
1d8 (20/x3); Feats: Cleave; Bonus +5; OnHit: Poison DC=20 1d2 ST; Skills:
Discipline +6)
Skin x2_it_creitdrid [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Epic Drider Properties] (AC +4;
Feats: Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 5/+20; Freedom Of Movement; Skills: Hide
+8, Move Silently +8; SR 18%)
Darkness x2_s1_driderdark.nss
(C.2.10) Drow Warrior
Weapon x2_wdrowls004 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Drow Venomblade +3]
(Longsword 1d8 (19-20/x2); Bonus +3; OnHit: Poison DC=16 1d2 ST; Save +2 Poison;
listed inaccurately in the properties screen as x2_wdrowls002, but Drow
Longsword +3 also has that tag and the properties of this match the actual sword
used)
Skin nw_it_creitem058 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Drow Level 15 Properties] (SR
26%)
(C.2.11) Drow Warrior, Epic
Weapon x2_it_frzdrowbld [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Frozen Drow Blade]
(Longsword 1d8 (19-20/x2); Bonus +6; Damage +2d4 cold; OnHit: Freeze (Slow(15)
[Fort DC=10+SL])
Skin x2_it_edrowhid [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Epic Drow Hide] (Feats:
Cleave, Dodge, Weapon Proficiency Martial; Darkvision; Improved Evasion; SR 30%)
(C.2.12) Gargoyle
Claw nw_it_crewpsp026 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d4] (1d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitem030 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Gargoyle Properties] (Feats:
Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR 15/+1)
(C.2.13) Gargoyle, Epic
Claw nw_it_crewpsp010 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d8] (1d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_egargprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->???] (this skin is missing from
the toolset, effectively nerfing the Epic Gargoyle as a viable Shape. Not fixed
as of version 1.61)
(C.2.14) Harpy
Claw nw_it_crewpsp002 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d3] (1d3 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Captivating Song x2_s1_harpycry.nss
(C.2.15) Harpy, Epic
Claw nw_it_crewpsp010 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d8] (1d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Captivating Song x2_s1_harpycry.nss
(C.2.16) Iron Golem
Slam nw_it_crewpb017 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d10] (2d10 bludgeoning (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemco3 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Iron Golem Properties] (DR
30/+3; DV elec 50%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability
Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack)
Poison Breath nw_s1_golemgas.nss
(C.2.17) Kobold Commando
Weapon x2_it_crewpkobsw [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Kobold Commando
Sword(2)] (Shortsword 1d6 (19-20/x2); Feats: Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack
+2d6, Weapon Finesse; Bonus +3; OnHit: Poison DC=18 1d2 ST; Use Limitation:
Reptilian)
Skin x2_it_koboldcomm [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Kobold Commando Properties]
(Feats: Alertness, Dodge, Use Poison; Darkvision; Freedom Of Movement; Skills:
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5,
Tumble +10)
(C.2.18) Kobold Commando, Epic
Weapon x2_it_crewpkobs2 [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Kobold Commando
Sword(1)] (Shortsword 1d6 (19-20/x2); Feats: Hide In Plain Sight, Sneak Attack
+5d6, Weapon Finesse; Bonus +6; Damage +2d4 acid; Improved Evasion; Massive
Criticals 2d6; OnHit: Poison DC=24 1d2 DX; Use Limitation: Reptilian)
Skin x2_it_koboldcomm [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Kobold Commando Properties]
(Feats: Alertness, Dodge, Use Poison; Darkvision; Freedom Of Movement; Skills:
Hide +10, Listen +5, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +7, Set Trap +7, Spot +5,
Tumble +10)
(C.2.19) Lizardfolk Whipmaster
Weapon x2_it_crewpwhip [Weapons->Exotic->Shocking Whip] (1d2 slashing (20/x2);
Bonus +3; Damage +1d6 elec; Feats: Disarm; OnHit: Stun DC=22 10%/4 rounds)
Skin x2_it_crelizhid1 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Lizard Form
Properties] (Feats: Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Proficiency Exotic; DR
5/+1; DR acid 5/-; Freedom Of Movement; Immune: Poison; Save +2 Universal;
Skills: Discipline +10, Listen +4)
(C.2.20) Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Epic
Weapon x2_it_crewpwhip2 [Weapons->Exotic->Epic Shocking Whip] (1d2 slashing
(20/x2); Bonus +5; Damage +2d8 elec; Feats: Disarm; OnHit: Stun DC=26 10%/4
rounds)
Skin x2_it_crelizhid2 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Epic Lizard Form
Properties] (Feats: Alertness, Ambidexterity, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Proficiency
Exotic, Whirlwind Attack; DR 15/+5; DR acid 15/-; Freedom Of Movement; Immune:
Poison; Save +4 Universal; Skills: Discipline +15, Listen +8)
(C.2.21) Manticore
Claw nw_it_crewpsp006 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d4] (2d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
Spikes x0_s1_mantspike.nss
(C.2.22) Manticore, Epic
Claw nw_it_crewpsp015 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d6] (2d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_creitmante [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Epic Manticore Properties] (AC
+4; Feats: Power Attack; DR 5/+20)
Spikes x0_s1_mantspike.nss
(C.2.23) Medusa
Claw nw_it_crewpsp005 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d6] (1d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite x0_medusa_snakes [Creature Items->Bite->Medusa Snakes] (1d4 piercing
(20/x2); OnHit: Poison Medium Spider Venom)
Skin x2_it_medusprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Medusa Properties] (Feats:
Weapon Finesse, Weapon Proficiency Creature)
Petrify Gaze x2_s1_petrgaze.nss
(C.2.24) Mindflayer
Tentacle x2_it_crewpmflyt [Creature Items->Bite->Mindflayer Tentacle(2)] (2d4
slashing (20/x2); Bonus +2; +2 slashing)
Skin x2_it_creitem006 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Mind Flayer Properties]
(Abilities: IN +8, WS +2; Feats: Dodge, Weapon Proficiency Creature; Darkvision;
Immune: Mind Spells; Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6; SR 24%)
Mind Blast x2_s1_gwmindbl.nss
Psionic Barrier x2_s1_psibarr.nss
(C.2.25) Minotaur
Weapon nw_waxmbt002 [Weapons->Axes->Two Handed->Battleaxe +1] (battleaxe 1d8
(20/x3); Bonus +1)
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
(C.2.26) Minotaur, Epic
Weapon x2_it_minoaxe [Weapons->Axes->Great->Epic Minotaur Axe] (Greataxe 1d12
slashing (20/x3); Feats: Knockdown, Weapon Proficiency Martial; Damage +1d6
fire; Bonus +3; Use Limitation: Goblinoid)
Skin x2_it_emptyskin [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Empty Creature Skin] (nothing)
(C.2.27) Rakshasa
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Weapon x2_it_rakstaff [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Rakshasa Staff] (Magical
Staff 1d6 (20/x2); Feats: Dodge, Knockdown; Damage +1d10 fire; Bonus +5; Save +2
Universal; True Seeing; Use Limitation: Outsider)
Skin x2_it_shraksprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Rakshasa Form
Properties] (DR 15/+5; Immune: Spells 0th to 8th Level; Skills: Discipline +5,
Hide +10, Move Silently +11, Spellcraft +15, Spot +10; True Seeing)
(C.2.28) Risen Lord
Scythe x2_it_crewpvscyt [Creature Items->Melee Weapons->Risen Lord Scythe ]
(Scythe 2d8 slashing/piercing (20/x4); Feats: Cleave, Whirlwind Attack; Bonus
+5; Regeneration Vampiric +2; Use Limitation: Undead)
Skin x2_it_crearrlord [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Risen Lord Properties] (DR
15/+3; DI piercing 50%; DI slashing 25%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic,
Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR
20%)
(C.2.29) Spectre
Claw nw_it_crewpsp010 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d8] (1d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_spectrprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Epic Spectre Properties] (DR
15/+4; DR cold 5/-; DR elec 5/-; DV divine 25%; Darkvision; Immune: Critical
Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison,
Sneak Attack; Immune: Knockdown; Improved Evasion; Skills: Hide +15, Move
Silently +15; Turn Resistance +2)
Touch Attack x2_s2_gwdrain.nss
Improved Invisibility x2_s2_vampinvis.nss
(C.2.30) Stone Golem
Slam nw_it_crewpb017 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d10] (2d10 bludgeoning (20/x2))
Skin x2_it_shstogopro [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Stone Golem
Properties] (DR 15/+3; DV acid 50%; DI piercing 50%; DI slashing 25%; Immune:
Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease, Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells,
Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR 22%)
Hurl Rock x2_s1_hurlrock.nss
(C.2.31) Vampire
Claw x2_it_crevampclw [Creature Items->Claw->Epic Vampire Claw] (2d4
slashing/piercing (20/x2); Bonus +5; Massive Criticals 1d6)
Bite x2_it_cravampbit [Creature Items->Bite->Epic Vampire Bite] (1d8 piercing
(20/x2); Bonus +5; Massive Criticals 1d10; OnHit: Level Drain 2)
Skin nw_creitemvam [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Vampire Properties] (DR 15/+1; DR
cold 20/-; DR elec 20/-; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease,
Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; Regeneration
+5)
Dominating Gaze x2_s2_shiftdom.nss
(C.2.32) Wyrmling, Black
Claw nw_it_crewpsp002 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d3] (1d3 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps002 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d4] (1d4 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_blk [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Black] (DI acid
100%; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.33) Wyrmling, Blue
Claw nw_it_crewpsp026 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d4] (1d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_blu [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Blue] (DI elec
100%; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.34) Wyrmling, Green
Claw nw_it_crewpsp026 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d4] (1d4 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_grn [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Green] (DI acid
100%; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.35) Wyrmling, Red
Claw nw_it_crewpsp005 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d6] (1d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps010 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d8] (1d8 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_red [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, Red] (DI fire
100%; DV 50% cold; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
(C.2.36) Wyrmling, White
Claw nw_it_crewpsp002 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d3] (1d3 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps002 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d4] (1d4 slashing (20/x2))
Skin x0_wyrmlhide_wht [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Wyrmling Hide, White] (DI cold
100%; DV 50% fire; Immune: Paralysis; True Seeing)
Breath x2_s1_wyrmbreath.nss
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(D) Some options for alternate Shapes
DISCLAIMER:
This is all speculative at this point. Which means that although the theory is
sound, I haven't actually tried it. If you have, please let me know how it
works.
Bored with your early-career Shapes? Wish you could truly Shift into *any*
Shape you desire? It's possible, but not for the faint hearted. You'll need to
get into the raw data guts of the NWN engine, but you can do it. I have faith
in you. Ready?
Open up the following file in a text editor (if you insist on using Word or some
other word processing program, make sure you save as file type "plain text"):
[NWN_install_directory]\data\polymorph.2da
You may have to extract this file from the [NWN_install_directory]\data\2da.bif
file. This is not for the faint of heart. But if you're feeling adventurous,
here's how:
1. Make a copy of [NWN_install_directory]\data\2da.bif.
2. Edit the copy in a text editor. I use TextPad; you can't use Notepad
due to file size, but you could use WordPad as long as you remember to
save as file type "plain text".
3. Search for "POLYMORPH_TYPE_".
4. Copy the block of text from "2DA V2.0" all the way down to the last
"POLYMORPH_TYPE_" line. Save it in the [NWN_install_directory]\override
directory as "polymorph.2da". Make sure to save as type "plain text".
5. Continue with the modifications listed below.
I've heard rumors of programs which will extract resources from BIF files, so if
you have one, more power to you.
If your text editor has an option to not wrap long lines, make it do so. Now
you should see some data with column headings like this:
Name AppearanceType RacialType (...)
Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to modify certain lines to change
the Shape you shift into. For example, if you choose to switch Minotaur to
Gelatinous Cube, change the line that starts like this:
66 POLYMORPH_TYPE_MINOTAUR
Your radial Shifter menu will still list it as "Minotaur" but now you should
Shift into a Gelatinous Cube instead. Following are several suggestions to
spice up your Shifting experience.
Gelatinous Cube (instead of Minotaur)
Slam x2_it_cregelcslm [Creature Items->Slam->Slam 1d6+4 (+1d6 Acid +
Paralyze)] (1d6+4 bludgeoning +1d6 acid; OnHit: Gelatinous Cube Poison Lvl 6)
Skin x2_it_oozeprop [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ooze Properties] (DI elec
100%; Immune: Critical Hits, Knockdown, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak
Attack; True Seeing)
x2_c2_gcube_hbt Heartbeat digestion script (paralyze & consume any opponents
in range)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 66 POLYMORPH_TYPE_MINOTAUR
AppearanceType 470
RacialType 29
PortraitId 365
Portrait po_jelly
CreatureWeapon1 x2_it_cregelcslm
CreatureWeapon2 ****
CreatureWeapon3 ****
HideItem x2_it_oozeprop
EQUIPPED ****
STR 15
CON 19
DEX ****
NATURALACBONUS 0
HPBONUS 30
SoundSet 35
SPELL1 ****
SPELL2 ****
SPELL3 ****
MergeW 1
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
Troll (instead of Gargoyle)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp005 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw1d6] (1d6 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps005 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite1d6] (1d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitem042 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Troll Properties]
(Regeneration +5)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 65 POLYMORPH_TYPE_GARGOYLE
AppearanceType 167
RacialType 18
PortraitId 306
Portrait po_troll_
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp005
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp005
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps005
HideItem nw_it_creitem042
EQUIPPED ****
STR 23
CON 23
DEX 14
NATURALACBONUS 7
HPBONUS 30
SoundSet 35
SPELL1 ****
SPELL2 ****
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
Dragon, Ancient Green (instead of Green Dragon)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp027 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d8] (2d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps020 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite4d6] (4d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdrl [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ancient Green Dragon
Properties] (DR 15/+2; DI acid 100%; Immune: Mind Spells, Paralysis, Sneak
Attack; SR 26%; True Seeing)
Spell1 798 (Green Dragon Breath)
Spell2 412 (Fear Aura)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 73 POLYMORPH_TYPE_ANCIENT_GREEN_DRAGON
AppearanceType 48
RacialType 11
PortraitId 197
Portrait po_DrgGreen
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps020
HideItem nw_it_creitemdrl
EQUIPPED ****
STR 48
CON 32
DEX 36
NATURALACBONUS 20
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet 29
SPELL1 798
SPELL2 412
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI ****
MergeA 1
Dragon, Ancient Blue (instead of Blue Dragon)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp027 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d8] (2d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps020 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite4d6] (4d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdre [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ancient Blue Dragon
Properties] (DR 15/+2; DI elec 100%; Immune: Mind Spells, Paralysis, Sneak
Attack; SR 26%; True Seeing)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 71 POLYMORPH_TYPE_ANCIENT_BLUE_DRAGON
AppearanceType 47
RacialType 11
PortraitId 192
Portrait po_DrgBlue
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps020
HideItem nw_it_creitemdre
EQUIPPED ****
STR 48
CON 32
DEX 36
NATURALACBONUS 20
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet 29
SPELL1 796
SPELL2 412
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI ****
MergeA 1
Dragon, Ancient Red (instead of Red Dragon)
Claw nw_it_crewpsp027 [Creature Items->Claw->Claw2d8] (2d8 slashing/piercing
(20/x2))
Bite nw_it_crewps020 [Creature Items->Bite->Bite4d6] (4d6 slashing (20/x2))
Skin nw_it_creitemdro [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Ancient Red Dragon
Properties] (DR 15/+2; DI fire 100%; DV cold 50%; Immune: Mind Spells,
Paralysis, Sneak Attack; SR 28%; True Seeing)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 72 POLYMORPH_TYPE_ANCIENT_RED_DRAGON
AppearanceType 49
RacialType 11
PortraitId 198
Portrait po_DrgRed
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpsp027
CreatureWeapon3 nw_it_crewps020
HideItem nw_it_creitemdro
EQUIPPED ****
STR 48
CON 32
DEX 36
NATURALACBONUS 20
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet 29
SPELL1 797
SPELL2 412
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI ****
MergeA 1
Shifter Iron Golem (instead of Iron Golem)
Slam nw_it_crewpb017 [Creature Items->Slam->Slam2d10] (2d10 bludgeoning
(20/x2))
Skin x2_it_shirongolp [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Shifter Iron Golem
Properties] (Feats: Knockdown, Power Attack, Weapon Proficiency Creature; DR
20/+4; DV fire 50%; DI elec 90%; Immune: Critical Hits, Death Magic, Disease,
Level/Ability Drain, Mind Spells, Paralysis, Poison, Sneak Attack; SR 26%)
Spell 263: nw_s1_golemgas
Spell 715: x2_s1_golemslam
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 90 POLYMORPH_TYPE_IRON_GOLEM
AppearanceType 89
RacialType 10
PortraitId 229
Portrait po_goliron
CreatureWeapon1 nw_it_crewpb017
CreatureWeapon2 nw_it_crewpb017
CreatureWeapon3 ****
HideItem x2_it_shirongolp
EQUIPPED ****
STR 33
CON ****
DEX ****
NATURALACBONUS 15
HPBONUS 90
SoundSet ****
SPELL1 263
SPELL2 715
SPELL3 ****
MergeW ****
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
Frost Giant Commando (instead of Dire Tiger)
Weapon1 nw_wswmbs007 [Weapons->Bladed->Bastard Swords->Discord] (1d10
slashing/piercing (19-20/x2); 1d6 sonic; Bonus +2; OnHit: Confusion [DC=14]
50% 2 rounds)
Weapon2 nw_waxmhn006 [Weapons->Axes->One-Handed->Offhand Axe] (1d6 slashing
(20/x3); 1d6 sonic; Feat: Two-Weapon Fighting)
Skin nw_it_creitem026 [Creature Items->Skin/Hide->Frost Giant/Winter Wolf
Properties] (DI cold 100%; DV fire 50%)
polymorph.2da:
(Record#) 69 POLYMORPH_TYPE_DIRETIGER
AppearanceType 81
RacialType 18
PortraitId 216
Portrait po_GntFrost
CreatureWeapon1 nw_wswmbs007
CreatureWeapon2 nw_waxmhn006
CreatureWeapon3 ****
HideItem nw_it_creitem026
EQUIPPED ****
STR 29
CON 21
DEX ****
NATURALACBONUS 13
HPBONUS 100
SoundSet ****
SPELL1 ****
SPELL2 ****
SPELL3 ****
MergeW 1
MergeI 1
MergeA 1
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(E) When And How To Boost ST, DX, CN
Shapes which don't override your base Strength:
Gargoyle, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold Commando, Mindflayer
Shapes which don't override your base Dexterity:
Red Wyrmling, Blue Wyrmling, Green Wyrmling, Epic Harpy, Minotaur, Epic
Minotaur, Basilisk, Risen Lord, Azer Chieftain, Stone Golem, Demonflesh
Golem, Iron Golem
Shapes which don't override your base Constitution:
Black Wyrmling, White Wrymling, Harpy, Epic Gargoyle, Basilisk, Epic
Basilisk, Epic Manticore, Drow Warrior*, Epic Drow Warrior*, Lizardfolk
Whipmaster, Epic Lizardfolk Whipmaster, Kobold Commando, Epic Kobold
Commando, Medusa, Mindflayer, Vampire, Spectre, Rakshasa, Stone Golem,
Demonflesh Golem, Iron Golem
* (does modify by -2, however)
Shapes which DO modify IN, WS, or CH:
Mindflayer (IN +8, WS +2)
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(F) The Shifter XP Penalty Bug
Currently (as of version 1.61 at least), Shifters suffer from a nasty bug which
penalizes them 20% of earned experience points. Why? Simple enough, from game
mechanics: since you actually *become* a Minotaur, Wyrmling, Basilisk, etc.,
you are no longer Human or Elf or whatever. None of the races you Shift into
lists Druid as its Preferred Class. So you're earning experience points as a
Minotaur, but since Minotaur is your Preferred Class you suffer the 20%
multiclassing penalty, no matter what race or class you are naturally.
Currently the only known solution is to cheat: at level up, use debug commands
to grant yourself 20% of the XP toward the next level. For example, if you've
just made 15th level, you'll need 15,000 XP to make it to 16th. And 20% of
15,000 is 3,000. So type this while in-game:
`DebugMode 1
`GiveXP 3000
(the cursor changes to a select cursor - select yourself)
`DebugMode 0
(check your character sheet to see if it worked)
Let's hope they fix this pronto, especially for Shifters on Persistent Worlds
who may not even have access to the debug commands.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(G) Revision History
Things that need to be checked are marked @CHECK
Things that need to be fixed are marked @FIX
Things that are 100% verified are marked @VERIFIED
Date Version Comments
-------------- -------- --------------------------------------------
09-JAN-2004 1.03 Fixed Epic Minotaur and Vampire damage. Added
Demonflesh and Iron Golem BAB. Reworked section 7
to include Epic Shapes and take into account the
proper number of attacks per round. Added some more
instructions to Appendix D. Added more info to section
2. Added DR to Dragon. Fixed DR on Epic Manticore.
08-JAN-2004 1.02 Fixed a typo in the Drow Warrior commentary. Added
Ice Storm to Rakshasa commentary. Fixed an error in
Iron Golem commentary. Standardized format of DI, DV,
and DR. Standardized listing of Kobold Commando and
Lizardfolk Whipmaster in section 7.
08-JAN-2004 1.01 Fixed a typo in the revision history date. Added
Improved Critical to the suggested Feats in section 4.
07-JAN-2004 1.00 Initial version.
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
(H) Who am I? Where's my car?
Your humble author, Doug Crews, can be reached at shifter@crewstopia.com. All
comments, suggestions, corrections, retractions, elocutions, visions, and even
criticisms are welcome. I will not accept money under any circumstances, unless
it is offered to me.
You are now free to resume your life.