Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="jgsugden" data-source="post: 1339033" data-attributes="member: 2629">To answer your question: The DM is always right.The real problem with Shapechange is the mechanic by which forms become available. HD is a Horrible mechanic by which to select available forms.After all, what is tied to HD? BAB, Saves and hit points. All three of these aspects from the selected form are irrelevant to a PC that shapechanges.Instead, we should look at the ECL of the new form. ECL measures how useful the form would be if it were used as a PC. COnsidering that this is exactly what we are doing when we Shapechange, it seems like a pretty good indicator of what is a balanced form.There are three significant problems with this approach: 1.) ECL assumes the presence of spell-like abilities. A discount needs to be worked into the normal ECL when we consider it without spell-like abilities.2.) Many creatures do not currently have ECLs or LA (level adjustments). They'd need to be generated.3.) The current ECL system is severely flawed. Some abilities should never be in the hands of a party beneath a certain level, regardless of any othe drawbacks the form might possess. As a result, the ECL system should be redone to put minimum ECLs on the special abilities held by some forms.If you used the system outlined above for Shapechange, a Solar would be unavailable to a 22nd level character. I think your DM is on the right track.</blockquote>