Need suggestions on a Shapechange compromise.

[LordVyreth]

Until recently, we played w/ the original ruling that Shapechange allowed the user to take a form with HD equal to twice the caster level, maximum 50. Since then, I learned that there was a new version of the spell that reduced it to caster level, maximum 25. First, where was this change made, exactly? Secondly, I was considering compromising and cutting out the middleman on the subject by just making it CR-based, equal to the caster level. I wasn't sure, however. Is it a reasonable compromise in power between the two extremes? Too weak? Too strong still?

 

[Baronovan]

I think the revision is posted at the WotC site, under the articles... not sure where, though.

Insofar as making it CR-based, remember that CR is some times paled by the number of HD a creature has. Let's look at the paramount argument:
Using CR instead of HD would be too upsetting to the game if not styled properly for the setting (i.e. if the player's and the DM don't abuse it), because by 20th level, a Wizard using a CR-variant could shapechange into a Tarrasque. End of Argument.

I think the switch to just HD is perfect, and I use a similar variant to the Called Creatures aspect of gate, otherwise, my 27th-level wizard would be calling in... the Tarrasque.

 

[Liquidsabre]

Even using a creature's # of HD isn't perfect since a creature can have a some powerful special abilities to go along with those HD. Really using a creature's ECL would be the best way to go about it, though you'd run into the problem that most creatures do not have a LA so you can calculate the crature's ECL.

CR might be a better way to go about it as this represents the creature's overall combat ability, whether it's a bunch of HD or a load of special abilities. Btw, no Shapechanging into a Tarrasque, only nonunique creatures.

 

[The Gryphon]

The change to Shapechange is in the Player's Handbook v.3.5 Errata.

All errata files can be reached by going to the Game Rules section of the WotC D&D page.

 

[LordVyreth]

Okay, but save for the tarrasque, are there any major examples of problems this could cause? Keep in mind that I've played with the old 50HD limit up to now, so I'd rather give the players a compromise on the issue. Besides, I always thought using a CR limit instead of a HD one made sense for this, simply because HD to CR rates are so variable. But at the level my players are at, Shapechange is the only one that really is an issue.

 

[the Jester]

Well, if you just want a compromise you could just let him shapechange up to 1.5 x his level or something.

Personally, I think the errata'd version is just about right.