Yoda/Old Bear

[The Grackle]

Okay, I cannot find this anywhere. I tried googleing for it but all I found were out of date arguments. So, sorry if this is old news.

B/G: There've been some PKs in our party, and I wanted to make a back up character to have ready, so if I die, I can jump back in the game the same session. So I was thinking I would make a goblin barbarian1/druid 8 (no multiclass penalties imc) w/some extra rage via feats. Also I thought I would increase his age category to old for a -3 to all physical stats and a +2 all mental stats. Basically, he'd be Yoda most of the time and then Hulk-out into a bear form in combat.

So according to the errata about wildshape:

this ability functions like the alternate form special ability (see the Monster Manual)

ok, SRD on alternate forms:

The creature gains the physical ability scores (Str, Dex, Con) of its new form.
It retains the mental ability scores (Int, Wis, Cha) of its original form.

The creature retains its hit points and save bonuses, although its save modifiers may change due to a change in ability scores.

So,the hp total I have as an 9th lev character stays exactly the same (b/c it specifically says it retains its hps)
OR
the hps I've gained from levels stay the same, but are then adjusted by the new CON, (b/c any other time CON changes, you alter your hp accordingly-- and saves change, so that implies skills, and hp change too.)

Gah! Thanks errata; this is 0% clearer to me.

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Also, less importantly, will age penalties apply to animal forms. i.e. does the druid become a bear or an old bear. Less important b/c I know if my DM thinks of it, it'll be an old bear, which is fine by me really b/c it's still cool.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

If you can, add the Feral template (+1LA) from Savage Species- you'll get an immediate, permanent boost to Str, natural weapons and natural armor.

 

[FalcWP]

"Like me when I am angry you will not. Kick your ass I will."

 

[3d6]

Your hit points don't change at all when using wildshape. You have the same hit points as a dire bear as you do when you're a geriatric goblin.

 

[The Grackle]

Really? I thought that might have set it up that way for simplicity's sake, but then, nothing else about wildshape is simple, so I had doubts.

Well, forget that idea.

 

[sukael]

Note that Alternate Form got errata'd, too.

The creature retains the spell-like abilities and supernatural attacks of its old form (except for breath weapons and gaze attacks). It does not gain the spell-like abilities or attacks of its new form. Apply any changed physical ability score modifiers in all appropriate areas with one exception: the creature retains the hit points of its original form despite any change to its Constitution.