psychognome said:
But his HP would of course be resolved according to his Bear form, so it's not that bad of a choice at all.
I see what you mean, but it doesn't look to clear cut even so.
The HP of the animal form is 6d8 + bonus hp from con.
Say, for example, the character in question is a level 1 fighter with a 16 constitution. Normally he'd start out with 13 hit points at lvl 1. However, since he's a werebear, he gets to start out with 6d8 + 6*7 = 6d8 + 42, or around 69, on average.
This compares favorably against your average 7th level human fighter with a 16 CON, who has, on average, 64 HP.
However, the 69 HP average assumes you are in animal form. In human form your CON modifier isn't as high, and your average HP drops to 45.
Further, as you gain levels the Bear HP never stack with your class level HP. It clearly states that you can apply EITHER the class HP or the animal HP, whichever is higher.
Around 6th or 7th level, your normal lvl 6 or 7 fighter HP will become higher, and at that point you'll be sitting at about half the HP of your straight fighter buddy, or less.
Definitely not an "always beneficial" sort of situation for the player!
-Skaros
