Spell Resistance Question

[Wyckedemus]

What about the shifter and SR?

My buddy just made a PC druid/shifter. He wanted a svirfneblin, but didn't want to pay the EL cost. So now he runs around as a regular gnome wildshaped into a Svirfneblin. Greater Wildshape gives the Shifter all the Extraordinary abilities of the shape he has taken.

Spell Resistance is listed in the DMG as an extraordinary ability that does not go away in antimagic. (Same thing for regeneration, btw)

There is no duration for wildshape, so as a "permanent" pseudo-svirvneblin (deep gnome), my buddy has a high SR! Always! And he is so smug for bypassing the level requirements. Munchie

We were told to create these PC's at 9th level, and his character's purpose is to find the best creatures to wildshape into. So far he has chosen the svirfneblin shape for his regular racial "face"(has a good SR and is better than drow for getting along w/ people), an Annis Hag (for good combat + SR), a Troll (for the super combat + Regen), and who knows what else he has under his sleeve.

Do you guys think that the designers meant Spell Resistance and Regeneration to be gained so easily by Shifter PrC (from MoTW)?

They never mention any of these more powerful "extraordinary" abilities in the PrC...just shape, locomotion, vision, breathing, limbs, etc. Well it does mention incorporeality as a gross quality of the form itself if you turn into a shape that has it. Undead Shape...why? Why god? Why!? Heh heh heh...

...wannabe regular PC in an orchard of munchies.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Yeah, I read that. It says "A creature's spell resistance never interferes with its own spells, items, or abilities." But I interpreted that as meaning at the time of casting or using abilities, not when a spell effect comes back on the caster.

The rules clearly state that caster's SR does not interfere with his spells. Don't make up new rules and mechanics to muddy the issue.

No, you cannot forfeit your own attempt to penetrate SR. There are no mechanics for that. Don't make any up. A party of PCs or NPCs with minor SR could exploit this loophole by hammering their enemies with Acid Fog, Cloudkill, Fireballs, etc. and suffer no ill effects. The Drow would do this all the time if it were allowed.

 

[Joust]

Lela and Ridley's Cohort,

Again, just to make sure you understand where I'm coming from: I'm not "arguing" that SR would apply in the situation outlined in my original post, nor am I trying to make up new rules or change people's minds.

In the middle of the gaming session, after a quick review of SR, I did rule that SR would apply. However, there was enough doubt in my mind that I made a mental note to ask this question on the message boards (since I've always received great input here). If I had felt totally comfortable with my ruling, I wouldn't have bothered asking. (FYI - My players didn't argue one way or the other).

The only reason I posted a second time is that there were some questions in Lela's post that needed addressing, and I was trying to clarify so there would be no confusion.

This is simply a rule interpretation issue, and based on the input I've received here from all these experienced gamers, I will not allow SR to apply in similar situations in the future. Trust me, I'm not one of those DM's looking for "loopholes" so I can exploit them--that's not my style.

 

[Xarlen]

I wouldn't say that the PC using the Shifter class to get spell resistance is being a munchkin. He spent his levels, sacrificed class abilities, and worked for the ability to Get what he's getting. Since the druid is giving up his spell abilities, I think it's an even trade.

However, a Druid20/Shifter10... The horrors.

 

[evileeyore]

However, a Druid20/Shifter10... The horrors.

Ah yep, the horrors of 30th level character...

We have a Drd 8/shifter 2 in our party and the DM has ruled he can only shift into creatures that he has encountered or could reseaonably have encountered. We also don't let him paw through the MM on his own... (yeah he would be the cheeseball of the group)

 

[Hejdun]

Isn't it clear? The sword cuts both ways here, you can't pick and choose.

If you can pick and choose with other peoples' spells, why not your own?

 

[kreynolds]

If you can pick and choose with other peoples' spells, why not your own?

Actually, you can't pick and choose. If you have SR and you want your friend to be able to heal you, you have to drop your SR, which is a standard action. You don't have the option with your own spells. It doesn't work that way.

 

[AuraSeer]

If you can pick and choose with other peoples' spells, why not your own?

For the same reason you can't tickle yourself.

 

[Lela]

For the same reason you can't tickle yourself.

It's true. I've tried. Just doesn't work.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Actually, you can't pick and choose. If you have SR and you want your friend to be able to heal you, you have to drop your SR, which is a standard action. You don't have the option with your own spells. It doesn't work that way.

Those are often overlooked details. If you see a creature with SR receive healing from another creature that is a good opportunity to drop spells on him: his SR is down until the next round.

That is also a significant downside for PCs with SR. Only a high level Monk is likely to have enough SR to matter to spells cast, but it can make a big difference when using wands during combat.