Frostmarrow
First Post
Oh, please. Like I said, shapechangers are a dime a dozen in myth and legend. You can't walk three feet in a fairy tale without tripping over somebody who can turn into a bird or a mouse or a bear or whatnot. Often there isn't even any explanation given--the princess just turns herself into a swan, because hey, some princesses can do that. It's only an "awe-inspiring" ability if you choose to make it so.
That's your personal choice, not some fundamental principle of fantasy. I choose otherwise.
And I don't find any of the above to be cornerstones, but I like shapeshifting druids. So there, there. My preferences are just as valid as yours. If I have to live with lame Tolkien rip-offs jammed into my Vance/Moorcock/Howard-themed sword and sorcery game as a blatant pander to "Lord of the Rings" fans, you can live with shapechanging druids at 1st level. If you don't want them in your own campaign, I present to you the Almighty Banhammer. Wield it with abandon. You're the DM. You can decree that wild shape isn't available till level 4 or level 8 or level 17, if you want.
Your preferences are just as valid as mine. But I feel bad for your poor preferences. You should take the time to rethink your whole outlook on fantasy in general and fantasy gaming specifically. I could, but I won't, ban morph-druids because my gaming pals are just as misinformed as you are.
Thanks, by the way. This banter revitalized me.