Lycanthrope Query

[Mortis]

Background
In BD&D (Mystara) standard lycanthropes did not have the hybrid form at 'normal monster'. PC lycanthopes could get a hybrid form after gaining 10 levels of the appropriate class.
They also did not have the ability to heal by switching forms.

Question
If I remove these two abilities from the standard 3.5e lycanthropes how will that affect their CR and LA? I will be putting the hybrid form ability (and possibly the healing ability) either in a 3 level 'Lycanthope Paragon' class or a 5 level 'Lycanthropic Master' prestige class.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Mortis

 

[Shade]

Neither of those two abilities really affects LA, per se, as it's the damage reduction and unbalance ability scores that account for the standard +2 of the template (and curse of lycanthropy adds the additonal +1 for natural lycans).

CR is probably not affected either. While the hybrid form adds some versatility, it generally lacks the cool special attacks (pounce, improved grab, rake, etc.) of the animal form. Taking away the animal form would probably have greater impact.

Just my $.02, though.

 

[Mortis]

Cheers Shade,

That's what I was thinking but it's always good to get a second opinion.

Regards,
Mortis

 

[Shade]

Cool. It sounds like an interesting idea you have there.