Dr Simon
Explorer
Something I'm not averse to is using different casting stats for spellcasting classes, so I don't see a problem with having a Wisdom-based sorcerer (would suggest powers based more on the intervention of spirits, perhaps, than of internal power).
Alternatively, I don't think the original characters had the net +2 gain to ability scores that PF characters do. My gut feeling is that this would vary between nai-nek-chai, but I also don't see why an eagle-based character couldn't have a +2 Cha (noble beast and all that).
As for the shapeshifting rules, I've had a look at PF variants for hengeyokai, kitsune and "skinwalkers" (lycanthropic types). The most consistent ruling seems to be to treat it as if it were a spell of the polymorph subschool, which removes the issues with gear that are troubling.
There are some feats associated with the hengeyokai race that might be useful too.
Alternatively, I don't think the original characters had the net +2 gain to ability scores that PF characters do. My gut feeling is that this would vary between nai-nek-chai, but I also don't see why an eagle-based character couldn't have a +2 Cha (noble beast and all that).
As for the shapeshifting rules, I've had a look at PF variants for hengeyokai, kitsune and "skinwalkers" (lycanthropic types). The most consistent ruling seems to be to treat it as if it were a spell of the polymorph subschool, which removes the issues with gear that are troubling.
There are some feats associated with the hengeyokai race that might be useful too.