Theorycrafting: Shifter

[mrm3ntalist]

Since the quickslot bar is greyed out, can the shifter use heal or use wands directly from the inventory?

No

[Kalgain]

Since the quickslot bar is greyed out, can the shifter use heal or use wands directly from the inventory?

No

Thanks, that limits his end-game potential a lot.

[Steve]

Here's my take:

https://nwn2db.com/build/?341223

I could swap out a few Feats like Natural Spell, since I'm not caring the least bit about spells, and relying on the Shifter itself plus UMD before and between shifts (especially since Dispels will get nerfed on BGTSCC in the coming future...thanks Ravial!!!!)

If I would compare this Shifter build to my op Druid "shifter." the one downside of course is losing the awesome Druid spellbook, but also losing Shapechange as a spell, since it has forms that take into account permanent bonuses on weapons (except Regen, which is stupid). But that is just a minor thing, considering that Shifter will allow for gloves/bracers to transfer, so...when I can convince M3nt to gift me his Gloves +4 EB / Acid dmg 1d10, I'll be able to bypass most DR and probably solo the Balor). Or, not.

If you have some thoughts on how to boost this build, let me know!

[mrm3ntalist]

Here's my take:

https://nwn2db.com/build/?341223

I could swap out a few Feats like Natural Spell, since I'm not caring the least bit about spells, and relying on the Shifter itself plus UMD before and between shifts (especially since Dispels will get nerfed on BGTSCC in the coming future...thanks Ravial!!!!)

If I would compare this Shifter build to my op Druid "shifter." the one downside of course is losing the awesome Druid spellbook, but also losing Shapechange as a spell, since it has forms that take into account permanent bonuses on weapons (except Regen, which is stupid). But that is just a minor thing, considering that Shifter will allow for gloves/bracers to transfer, so...when I can convince M3nt to gift me his Gloves +4 EB / Acid dmg 1d10, I'll be able to bypass most DR and probably solo the Balor). Or, not.

If you have some thoughts on how to boost this build, let me know!

Steve almost gets it! There is only one thing different from my planned build. However, if nothing can be done regarding the DR and weapon types then I am afraid most would be for nothing.

[matelener]

Here's my take:

https://nwn2db.com/build/?341223

I could swap out a few Feats like Natural Spell, since I'm not caring the least bit about spells, and relying on the Shifter itself plus UMD before and between shifts (especially since Dispels will get nerfed on BGTSCC in the coming future...thanks Ravial!!!!)

If I would compare this Shifter build to my op Druid "shifter." the one downside of course is losing the awesome Druid spellbook, but also losing Shapechange as a spell, since it has forms that take into account permanent bonuses on weapons (except Regen, which is stupid). But that is just a minor thing, considering that Shifter will allow for gloves/bracers to transfer, so...when I can convince M3nt to gift me his Gloves +4 EB / Acid dmg 1d10, I'll be able to bypass most DR and probably solo the Balor). Or, not.

If you have some thoughts on how to boost this build, let me know!

I think you're missing couple of important things but I won't spoil you the fun of figuring it out.

BTW, Shifter has access to all polymorph and shapechange forms at will, but they will predominantly serve the RP.

[Steve]

What I think would be really cool, if it was added, is any Feats/Epic Feats that could be taken that would empower 1-2 Forms special ability. For example, a Feat that could amplify the Owlbear's screech ability.

I think this option of extra feats, kinda like Druid gets access to, would make Shifters start to become more...unique. Like, more focused, on 1 form, or maybe 2 forms.

[Steve]

I think you're missing couple of important things but I won't spoil you the fun of figuring it out.

Yeah, but...maybe the build I posted isn't actually my FINAL build?!!?

Anyway, I know that I can build this differently if I have certain Items that are available on BGTSCC.

[joleda]

Here's my take:

https://nwn2db.com/build/?341223

I could swap out a few Feats like Natural Spell, since I'm not caring the least bit about spells, and relying on the Shifter itself plus UMD before and between shifts (especially since Dispels will get nerfed on BGTSCC in the coming future...thanks Ravial!!!!)

If I would compare this Shifter build to my op Druid "shifter." the one downside of course is losing the awesome Druid spellbook, but also losing Shapechange as a spell, since it has forms that take into account permanent bonuses on weapons (except Regen, which is stupid). But that is just a minor thing, considering that Shifter will allow for gloves/bracers to transfer, so...when I can convince M3nt to gift me his Gloves +4 EB / Acid dmg 1d10, I'll be able to bypass most DR and probably solo the Balor). Or, not.

If you have some thoughts on how to boost this build, let me know!

The enhancement bonus from the hand slot will transfer after shifting?

[mrm3ntalist]

Yeah, but...maybe the build I posted isn't actually my FINAL build?!!?

Anyway, I know that I can build this differently if I have certain Items that are available on BGTSCC.

Instead of INT go for CON and Fast healing. USe vamp regen gloves. The 10%Slashing reduction cloak from the ud and stack it with any other item you might have. Then pick a shape with DR.

High AC, High AB, 10DR, 20%Slashing reduction, 10+Regen, Vamp regen, unrestricted UMD and consumable usage

GGs

EDIT: At least please tell me that the shifter bonuses ( mastered) do not work with dragonshape....

[The_Sorting_Hat]

What I think would be really cool, if it was added, is any Feats/Epic Feats that could be taken that would empower 1-2 Forms special ability. For example, a Feat that could amplify the Owlbear's screech ability.

I think this option of extra feats, kinda like Druid gets access to, would make Shifters start to become more...unique. Like, more focused, on 1 form, or maybe 2 forms.

Please god no. I love the fact that i wont be forced into just one or two forms.

[Kalgain]

unrestricted UMD and consumable usage

did you not just say umd and consumables do not work while shifted?

do you intend to shift back and forth for each use?

[Kalgain]

what about northlander hewing or one weapon, (or even athkathlan tripartite, if the ac is working). one could activate them before shifting.

what about monk belts and rings (+crit feat,weapon spec for unarmed), do the merge?

[mrm3ntalist]

unrestricted UMD and consumable usage

did you not just say umd and consumables do not work while shifted?

do you intend to shift back and forth for each use?

They do not. Apparently though there are no restrictions on how many times you can take the master shape (ie druid with wildshape uses ) nor a cooldown. Essentially you can drop out of shape, use items and take the shape again 4eva.

what about northlander hewing or one weapon, (or even athkathlan tripartite, if the ac is working). one could activate them before shifting.

what about monk belts and rings (+crit feat,weapon spec for unarmed), do the merge?

Northlander Hewing works. Any unarmed feat work - They are changed into the corresponding creature weapon upon transformation

[Kalgain]

M3nt, I remember you suggested monk rings/belts, do you think they work? Or was it somebody else who suggested that?

[mrm3ntalist]

M3nt, I remember you suggested monk rings/belts, do you think they work? Or was it somebody else who suggested that?

They do work