After some consideration, I thought it would be good to suggest a couple things that might help the Shifter class be a bit nicer. I have heard before that some of the forms are quite amazing but bear with me a moment.
As it stands, these are the negatives to taking the class.
- Druid spell progression is completely halted.
-Animal Companion, as well as, any other druid class perk at higher levels is halted.
-Extremely limited number of shifts per day, a level seven druid (wild shape that is) would have more then a shifter (wild shape and shifter forms included).
- BAB progression gets royally screwed as taking the class means getting the second attack a level later (level 9).
-Of the best forms (the good ones starting at level 8, especially with bites not applying) their use can be limited as mobility seems to be an issue at times.
So, my proposal to making it better without making it broke:
-Apply the same type of level progression that Pale Master gives arcane casters. This way the caster level does not increase (makes sense as you are no longer on the druidic path) but you still gain a couple of spell slots.
-Not sure if this is possible, but if the stats on the creatures' skins could be applies as permanent when equipped (meaning not green and red) this would be helpful as the creatures that give large strength increases still retain their edge since moving about is going to be hard either way.
-If I can think of anything more, i will let you know.
This is hard for most of the playerbase to comment on, being that most of us haven't played shifter on Efu. But I'm sure such a prestigious class gets some neat perks.
Unless they've gimped the system, Shifter is a -remarkably- powerful PRC.
If not the most powerful one on the Server, from when I played mine.
While these suggestions would be interesting, I imagine they wouldn't be passed.
I would at the very least like to see the second one in place, it makes complete sense and certainly would not break the class. I will keep my eye out to see if I have just missed something and additionally, I suppose if bites end up working it might change things. That said, second suggestion surely would still be good.
You should go for prestige classes, more than any other, for rp reasons, not for build.
My usual 2c.
Prestige classes should be prestigious. I vote make them stronger and scarier. The options above don't really seem all that intimidating to me, a couple more low level spell slots, that you cant use while shifted anyway, aren't going to ruin anything for anyone.
The fact that you can change into damn near anything on the server seems pretty powerful to me anyway. Having worked with shifters in the past, i would argue that they really don't need altering, they are badass already.
Let me rephrase, I don't believe shifter as of current, is working correctly combat wise. Maybe this suggestion really just needs to have the bite-attacks fixed, rather then other stuff added in lue of the abilities.
First, let us avoid the take prestige class for rp bit as that is what you take them for in the first place. But as Ebok said, they should still be prestigious. You also theoretically could turn into anything on the server.
I still think the second one would be very nice and not intimidating. Additionally, perhaps animal companions could still progress normal? (not sure of scripting so the possibility to link the class with the companion might be hard)
The chances of making complicated changes to this prestige class are extremely minimal. Its creator is no longer scripting for us (too busy designing attack lasers) and I'd be astonished if anyone else wanted to delve into it, even if it were desired.
I can't speak for certain, but I think the availability is kind of a factor.
Having played a Shifter in the Underdark, I had the privledge of having various forms ranging from Minotaurs to Drow, which were fairly beastly in combat.
The PRC was set up for a place where there was a great deal of powerful creatures, within a half hour's travel. Granted I have not gone around much on this server, so I'm not 100% certain, but that could effect things to atleast a smaller extent.
Dangerous creatures within 30mins of the zig?
lets take a look:
Mist Ogres.
Saber Tigers
Blood Panthers
Manticores
Trolls
Shambling Mounds
Do i need to contiue...?
Yeah!
Traensyr
Chabzash
Ysinode
...
Wait...
Quote from: Equinox;121269Dangerous creatures within 30mins of the zig?
lets take a look:
Mist Ogres.
Saber Tigers
Blood Panthers
Manticores
Trolls
Shambling Mounds
Do i need to contiue...?
The way the class is scripted from what I recall it is Your Shifter Level + Your overall level.
Each level you get a newer "Type" of creaure you can shift into, and each level goes up you can get creatures of a higher challenge rating. To learn a form it has to be your CR or lower.
Its a rather complicated system, as it should be since its a complicated prestige class, but I believe you would have to be level 9 or 10 to get most of the forms mentioned on that list.
Yes, Equinox. I am glad you know what is on the server, the point still is -theoretically- you could be these things. As RwG said, it is based on level. Level 9 is the first time you can even touch anything you just said and only one of those things at that. Level 10 you can probably unlock two more on that list. Trying to look further then that is useless for now.
Go in the Underdark to get Drow and Minotaur forms.
I plan on going there for a great deal more as well, but yes, you people get ready for the awesome. Still... second suggestion makes sense and is not breaking but I understand Howland's post so won't keep my hopes too high.
I am well aware of how the shifter class works.
I am also well aware that there are plenty of other things you could take.
Lizardmen, i belive you can change into at lvl 7. (2 shifter)
Great Lizards. Level 8 (3 shifter)
Deep Frog. Level 7.
they are just three badass things that are fairly easy to come by if you know where to look, as a wilds pc you should.
Point in case is. Shifters don't need a boost. There are other PrC's that could, but shifter is without a doubt one of the most prestigous and toughest classes about.
Equinox, you seem to just be talking now >_> When is the last level 12 character you have had on this server? You try moving around with that great lizard, which I already said is amazing but noted its huge flaw. Lizardfolk is not a bad ass. Assumptions, you know what they say about it. If not, go watch some Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Who say anything about being level twelve, please take the time to -read- the posts instead of just skimming and missing the point entirely. This entire thread is just someone griping for more uberness than they already have. If you dont like the shifter class for what it is. Dont app for it.
Note: minotaur form is available on the surface.
Lock time. Thanks for the input.