HighlandsBear
First Post
I really like the idea of the bear warrior. It says in its description in Complete Warrior that the effect acts like a polymorph except as noted. Now that would mean that all of your character's magic items are now melded into the bear form and now worthless, right? It doesn't spell out what a particular form can use, but I assume amulets and rings couldn't remain on the bear's neck or fingers/claws anymore than the bear could wear armor or weild a sword. For all the hoopla about polymorph this seems like an incredible weakness. No cloaks of resistance, no AC, no magic weapons, or way to overcome damage reduction?? A 7 barb / 5 bear warrior could get +16 str and +8 con. Meanwhile a straight barbarian would have rage at +6 str and con, wear +4 str and con enhancement magic, and weild a +3 magic weapon. That's about the same damage, and the straight barb hasn't sacrificed AC and saves, and gets more special abilities from advancing as a barb. Although scent is a very good ability does it make up for increasing damage reduction, trap saves, rages/day, will saves in rage, and the level of rogue that can flank you? Scent can be picked up as a feat.
Also, does the bear warrior polymorph take a standard action? The spell takes a std action to cast and wild shape takes a std action but no mention of polymorph in general. Its kind of hookey if its a free action, but since it only last a few rounds it would be a severe nerf if it does take a round to initiate. Hopefully, I'm just reading this wrong or not seeing something because I do like the class, but like a lot of PrC's it looks weaker than the core classes.
Also, on a related subject, if my fighter/sorceror casts alter self to change into a troglodyte can he still use all of his magic items, armor, and weapons? Since they're medium humanoids I would assume so, as there is no difference between armor for dwarves, elves, and humans according to the DMG. Guess I'm being overly cautious since no one has ever called me on that ... Also, does turning into an aquatic elf with gills actually let you breathe water? I find this whole polymorph thing a mess of questions, any input appreciated.
Also, does the bear warrior polymorph take a standard action? The spell takes a std action to cast and wild shape takes a std action but no mention of polymorph in general. Its kind of hookey if its a free action, but since it only last a few rounds it would be a severe nerf if it does take a round to initiate. Hopefully, I'm just reading this wrong or not seeing something because I do like the class, but like a lot of PrC's it looks weaker than the core classes.
Also, on a related subject, if my fighter/sorceror casts alter self to change into a troglodyte can he still use all of his magic items, armor, and weapons? Since they're medium humanoids I would assume so, as there is no difference between armor for dwarves, elves, and humans according to the DMG. Guess I'm being overly cautious since no one has ever called me on that ... Also, does turning into an aquatic elf with gills actually let you breathe water? I find this whole polymorph thing a mess of questions, any input appreciated.
