laserllama
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Potential New Class - The Shifter!
🕑 Added 2024-02-25 18:14:18 +0000 UTCHey all, been kicking the idea of this class around in the back of my head for a while now, so I thought it was time to put some of my thoughts down on "paper" and see what people think!
WHAT IF WILD SHAPE WAS AN ENTIRE CLASS?
I know this isn't exactly a new concept (and I think one of the Pathfinders has a Shapeshifter class), but I wanted to try my hand at one of my favorite character fantasies within the bounds of Dungeons & Dragons 5e. Thus, the Shifter Class was born!
Wild Shape:
Like the Druid, the Shifter's key ability is Wild Shape.
However, they can use Wild Shape an unlimited number of times with some changes.
(1) They maintain their hit points between normal form and Wild Shape.
(2) They learn Beast Shapes in a similar way to spells with the curated Beast Shapes list.
(3) To learn a new Beast Shape you've got to touch a non-hostile creature from an eligible list. (4) Only natural weapons/clothes/armor merge with your Beast Shapes.
Bloodlines:
Their subclasses are "Bloodlines" that give them an affinity for a certain type of beast. They automatically learn some thematic Beast Shapes, and gain abilities based on the creatures of their Bloodline. I've included two rough ideas here: Bestial and Reptilian.
Other Features:
As it stands, I've given the class some existing abilities that I feel work well with the theme of the class. Namely Danger Sense, Extra Attack, and Evasion.
Beast Shape Lists:
Doing some very rough math/calculations, I've begun to organize the official Beasts (and some Monstrosities) into various tiers. Here's my rough justifications for each List:
- Basic Shapes: Mostly exploration/flavor Beasts. No flight, nothing bigger then Medium.
- Greater Shapes: Combat Beasts. No flight, nothing higher then a d10 damage attack.
- Savage Shapes: Beasts and Monstrosities! No Large flying creatures, no special abilities.
- Monstrous Shapes: Powerful Beasts and Monstrosities with some special abilities.
What do you all think? Is this viable as a full class? Or, should these just be guidelines for an eventual Alternate Druid (and Alternate Circle of the Moon)?
~laserllam
Comments
Martin
There's an interesting take on this concept on gm binder called "Therianthrope", but it's fairly static and a bit underwhelming. Could use some laserllove
Martin
I think it would be less druid-like if the class focused on one shape that you can expand over time. The fantasy being that of a werecreature. You pick your shape as a subclass wnd improve it as you level up.
laserllama
I just think it's easier to have it be unlimited. Really, you are limited by your hit points (like every other character).
Why not have an unlimited and limited form of wild shape? Maybe limit combat uses (or one the more aggressive templates you've made) and have unlimited utility uses?
