Lets talk about Cave Stalker RPC

[zyztem]

*changed the topic to try to turn this into a discussion.
Because discussing is fun

[zyztem]

Also, I can get the feat via feat-giver in JEG module, but not the actual game via level up.
And the feat itself seems to be bugged. The progression is suppose to start at lvl6, then every 4 levels.
When I tested the progression worked as intended for lvl6,10,14,18,22, and 26. But at lvl30 you dont get the progression somehow.

[Rasael]

Vermin Shape is granted when you gain Underdark Affinity, and when your Underdark affinity is active. It doesn't need to be taken on level-up.

[Steve]

To add to what Ras said: that means if you level up in the Nexus, you won't see Vermin shape as a Feat UNTIL you spawn in an Underdark area that activates Underdark Affinity.

[zyztem]

Vermin Shape is granted when you gain Underdark Affinity, and when your Underdark affinity is active. It doesn't need to be taken on level-up.

Just tested in game.
There is still no vermin shape progression at lvl30 as it should. Progression up to level 26 works fine. Even with full progression, vermin shape is very very underpowerd compare to lvl30 dragon shape. (with 13!!!! less AC and less damage, no DR and no elemental resistance)
And I don't understand why Cavestalker doesnt get partial druid spell-casting poregression. Anything druid that does not have the word "Dragon" in it is not OP by any means.
So giving Cavestalker some spell progression would not imbalance the game in any way.
This class might have been playable before dispell fix.
As of now, I am sorry there is just no point besides RP. And I for one would not trade 13AC(and bunch of other stuff) just for RP, its just too much.

As for rangers who would want to take cave-stalker class. The lack of spell-progression just kills it.

My suggestion:

Fix vermin shape progression.
Make cave stalker progress in divine spell just like a storm lord (1,3,5,7,9,10) so druids and rangers can actually take 10 levels of this class.

[joleda]

I like the class overall, but I can totally see your point.

I've considered taking Cavestalker on a Tanarukk, but I just haven't worked it out yet. It offers utility, High BAB, 3 bonus AC, and Tumble. It appears to me to be a melee utility class, or at least another way to get Hide/MS/Tumble quicker.

The Cavestalker does not progress spells nor the pet companion.

The class requires Darkvision but doesn't have Spot as a class skill. I find that a bit odd, given the name of those two feats, but nothing super important.

[Nocturnus]

Something I would like to see with this class is vermin shape being granted to all who take the class (or at least Rangers) as well. It's much weaker compared to the druids later forms, but it would make it more appealing for to a ranger or other classes. Also a couple more shapes would be really cool (gelatinous cube, Umberhulk (?) and maybe beholder to reward you for taking the full 10 levels of it) the spider is cool, but there are more underdark specific forms that would make the class fit better.