Shapechange

[Markn]

How have other DM's handled the Shapechange spell? Have you limited the creatures the player can turn into based on knowledge or have you pretty much opened the MM? I currently have a PC that often turns into a Balor (among other things) and he seems to become pretty powerful and often outstrips the rest of the party in terms of combat ability. I am just wondering if there is something we are overlooking or if Shapechange is meant to be that powerful. I am aware that you don't get the creatures weapons and I am also aware that the errata limits the HD to your level and not double but a Balor gives an incredible amount of attacks, a high Con and a wickedly high AC, particularly if combined with Bracers of Natural Armor. So let's hear it, how have others handled the spell?

Oh, and the bonus question - Your physical stats change to match the new form, do they not?

Thanks.

 

[Jhaelen]

I applied the polymorph errata, therefore there is no Shapechange. Problem solved.

 

[Thanee]

I applied the polymorph errata, therefore there is no Shapechange. Problem solved.

Looks like you applied the errata wrong then.

Bye
Thanee

 

[shilsen]

Looks like you applied the errata wrong then.

Bye
Thanee

Right. Which is why I just removed it without worrying about errata.

Oh, and the bonus question - Your physical stats change to match the new form, do they not?

Yes, they do.

 

[Markn]

So it sounds like people are just removing the spell altogether rather than try to limit the spell or to work with it. Anybody else use the spell out there?

 

[green slime]

So it sounds like people are just removing the spell altogether rather than try to limit the spell or to work with it. Anybody else use the spell out there?

Me, But I don't count.

 

[Vorput]

I allow it as is- it is VERY powerful, but seems about on par for what 17th level magic users should be able to accomplish. I mean- you can alter the very fabric of reality, stop time, and unsummon unspeakable horrors from the abyss. Changing forms doesn't seem too out of place.

I think it should be two seperate spells though. One, which is to be used for combat lasts for 1/min per level (like you Baalor).

Another, which is used for utility purposes (disguising yourself, scouting, scaring the heck out of a village) should have the 10 mins/lvl.

There's no easy way to do that that I can see though...

Vorp

 

[Tetsubo]

I require the spellcaster to have a physical part of any creature they want to change into as a focus. Polymorph or Shapechange...

 

[Vorput]

I require the spellcaster to have a physical part of any creature they want to change into as a focus. Polymorph or Shapechange...

Hmm... I actually really like that rule...

 

[Tetsubo]

Hmm... I actually really like that rule...

I think it also lends a certain thematic element to playing a spellcaster. The sort of person that carries around body parts and such...

The best and easiest parts being bone, horn and teeth...