Shapechange - How Should This Work?

[Herremann the Wise]

Hello Everyone,

Shapechange is a spell that's about to come into our game in a big way - my character and another are looking to take it. It's also one of those spells that seems to have a lot of issues - balance, rules management as well as a great deal of preparation. We are trying to play 3.5 rules strictly by the book in relation to any questions below.

Firstly, with all the errata and rules changes, does this spell still even exist anymore in 3.5 rules?
We have incorporated the Complete Mage's, "Unyielding Form of Inevitable Death" as one spell that is in the current game repertoire so I'm kind of wondering where Shapechange actually fits in relation to this. There would seem to be a crossover in which rules we are actually using so how are we best to resolve this?
Is the spell even remotely balanced?

Secondly, when it says a creature that a caster is familiar with, does this mean one the character has fought, has fought numerous times, has succeeded on a knowledge check with or something else?
How have you interpreted this "familiarity"?
Do you just use the MM entry for details of stats?
Are there any abilities of the creature you do not get?

Thirdly is the preparation required for this spell. Is the MM all one needs or should you do a small write-up for each form to assist in the quick flow and management of the game?

This is the first time we have really had to deal with this spell in any of our games so thanks for any and all help.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Thanee]

Firstly, with all the errata and rules changes, does this spell still even exist anymore in 3.5 rules?

AFAIK the spell is mostly unchanged. There is the Polymorph subschool stuff in PHB II, but it does not change the older spells much, since their description takes precedence over the subschool rules.

We have incorporated the Complete Mage's, "Unyielding Form of Inevitable Death" as one spell that is in the current game repertoire so I'm kind of wondering where Shapechange actually fits in relation to this. There would seem to be a crossover in which rules we are actually using so how are we best to resolve this?

Don't have Complete Mage yet.

Is the spell even remotely balanced?

Well... it's very powerful, so much for sure. It's also 9th level, so that should be expected.

Of course, there are plenty ways to abuse its power, but it can also be used in a sensible fashion. You will probably have to figure out where the transition from powerful to broken happens related to your game yourself, since there are too many factors to consider.

Secondly, when it says a creature that a caster is familiar with, does this mean one the character has fought, has fought numerous times, has succeeded on a knowledge check with or something else?

It means nothing and is open to interpretation.

How have you interpreted this "familiarity"?

Either seen (more than just a cursory glance) yourself, or know enough about (enough ranks in the appropriate Knowledge skill).

Do you just use the MM entry for details of stats?

Yes, but you need to figure in some of your own stats still (mental attributes, BAB, base saves and skill ranks, feats and such).

Are there any abilities of the creature you do not get?

Yes, spell-like abilities.

Thirdly is the preparation required for this spell. Is the MM all one needs or should you do a small write-up for each form to assist in the quick flow and management of the game?

If you can do the conversion of stats on the fly, none. Otherwise it would be good to figure the final stats out before the game and write them down, I guess.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Krafen]

Definitely write up stat blocks for each of the forms you intend to use.