Epic question ;) epic PC is infected by lycanthropy ...

[Dark Dragon]

Last session, the monk (nun) 12/fighter 4/druid 8 (patron: Selune) decided to get voluntarily infected with lycanthropy by a weretiger to improve her chances in upcoming events.
For me as DM, most changes of the PC stats are quite straight forward. HD increase as stated for the weretiger template, same for STR, DEX, and CON, and other special abilities as well.

But what about BAB and base saves? The PC is now at level 24, so BAB and saves change according to the Epic Level Handbook. I assume that the newly gained HD as a weretiger do not improve BAB and base saves on a 1-to-1 ratio, but follow the ELH rules instead?

 

[Quartz]

But what about BAB and base saves? The PC is now at level 24, so BAB and saves change according to the Epic Level Handbook. I assume that the newly gained HD as a weretiger do not improve BAB and base saves on a 1-to-1 ratio, but follow the ELH rules instead?

Yes. Look at the new HD. Per the SRD, a tiger is 6HD so your 24th level weretiger PC now has 30HD and +3 EAB and +3 to saves and +2 feats and +2 LA. She gains experience as a 32nd level character. Note that this means she will gain little XP for CR24 encounters

Personally I think that's a little silly. I'd just leave her at 24th level, apply the +2 LA and give her only the stat bonuses in hybrid form only.

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

Alternatively, build her a custom prestige class that gives her the weretiger powers over, say, three or so levels.

 

[Dark Dragon]

Both ideas have their advantages, thanks for input!

If I would proceed by the RAW, the PC would be at level 32, she would not gain any levels, until her comrades have catched up (more or less). Or if she decides to get cured... the party's cleric of Ilmater will happily help, I guess.

Just taking the flat +2 LA without using the +6 animal HD would lessen this effect, but I consider a +2 LA being too low for what is gained even without the extra animal HD and feats:
+2 WIS
Iron Will feat
+2 natural armor bonus
Scent
Low-light vision
Animal empathy (tigers)
And this is topped up by the boni when morphed into hybrid or animal: STR +12, DEX +4, CON +6, DR 5/silver (plus eventually pounce, rake, improved grab). Quite a lot for +2 LA, IMHO...

Hrrm, I have to think about the step-by-step idea of Scrivener of Doom.... or if alternatives show up?

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

Both ideas have their advantages, thanks for input!

If I would proceed by the RAW, the PC would be at level 32, she would not gain any levels, until her comrades have catched up (more or less). Or if she decides to get cured... the party's cleric of Ilmater will happily help, I guess.

Just taking the flat +2 LA without using the +6 animal HD would lessen this effect, but I consider a +2 LA being too low for what is gained even without the extra animal HD and feats:
+2 WIS
Iron Will feat
+2 natural armor bonus
Scent
Low-light vision
Animal empathy (tigers)
And this is topped up by the boni when morphed into hybrid or animal: STR +12, DEX +4, CON +6, DR 5/silver (plus eventually pounce, rake, improved grab). Quite a lot for +2 LA, IMHO...

Hrrm, I have to think about the step-by-step idea of Scrivener of Doom.... or if alternatives show up?

Honestly, don't give her all of this.

What really makes a weretiger?

In normal form?

Nothing. Maybe animal empathy but, at this level, who cares? Just give it to the PC as a freebie. It's not going to change the game.

In animal or hybrid form:

Natural armour bonus, bite attack and damage reduction.

At this level, and considering how sub-optimal this PC is, I'd give it to her for the cost of a single level prestige class.

For a second level? Pounce is just the equivalent of an epic-level feat from the ELH and rake is just another sub-optimal natural attack. Fine, throw those in as well.

For a third level? Maybe half those ability score bonuses but only in animal form. Hybrid form doesn't cut it.

 

[Quartz]

Just taking the flat +2 LA without using the +6 animal HD would lessen this effect, but I consider a +2 LA being too low for what is gained even without the extra animal HD and feats:

So make it +3 LA (this is the LA for a natural lycanthrope anyway).

 

[Halivar]

There is a set of lycanthropy prestige classes in an old Dragon magazine from the 3.5 era that are pretty fantastic. At the end of their progressions, you essentially wind up at the correct level + LA with the full weretiger template. This allows your player to take lycanthropy without breaking your game. I don't remember the issue #, but it has a big werewolf on the cover.

 

[Dark Dragon]

Halivar, this sounds interesting! I google'd for this but it seems that my google-fu is weak for this special task... Someone out there to help with a link or pdf???

 

[Halivar]

You're looking for Dragon #313. You can get it from Paizo here: http://paizo.com/products/btpy7zvq?Dragon-Issue-313

 

[Jackinthegreen]

You might also want to look at the Savage Progressions archive on the WotC site. It does have a Weretiger progression.