The Shifter PRC

[Sun Wukong]

Requirement:

Master of Disguise - or - Bear Warrior - or - able to cast 4th level spells in a spellbook that has some kind of Polymorph spell (Wizard/Ranger/Druid - from the top of my head.)

Features:

No spellcasting progression, but you get access to many different shapes with 'high base ability scores' and shape specific special abilities - with relatively high AC based on both base natural armor and dodge bonuses. (Additionally, while in shape you suffer from 100% spellcasting failure.)

[K'yon Oblodra]

Not sure I understand this topic... What are you doing? Sorry if I'm being dense here.

[Sun Wukong]

Shifter is a PRC that has been stuck in the Limbo. Something that was worked in the past, but then just fell out... Thus, to work on the previous thing, let us remove the spellcasting progression, and just have it offer a multitude of shapes that progress in base stats based on the PRC levels and maybe your HD. These shapes would deny your equipment bonuses naturally, so having having high STR/DEX/CON easily compensates for it, and without spell casting progression we are looking at caster level of 24 at best.

[Face]

Personaly i always wanted to play a shifter sort of druid that doesnt cast.

[Zanniej]

Development was started on it sometime, but never finished I believe.

Perhaps if there is enough interest, someone would be willing to pick up development?
http://bgtscc.wikia.com/wiki/Shifter

[Nachti]

Its on my to-do list.

[Sun Wukong]

Its on my to-do list.

It could be a lot of fun to see it in game some day. For example, a rat or cat or a chicken shape could come with a quite substantive Hide and Move Silently bonus, since you are not getting anything from your equipment. You know, we could have a "Master of Disguises 5/Shifter 10" could actually sneak around as a little rat!

Or can you imagine the faces if this character sneaks into the Thayan Enclave... and one the red wizard goes: 'There is a chicken in the corner...' (And the others cannot see a thing due to lower detection skills.)

[metaquad4]

I don't think master of disguise would qualify. Shifter is a PRC build on actually shape shifting via a wildshape-like ability. Master of disguise is simply about using mundane and supernatural illusions to hide one's appearance, while Shifters physically change their appearance to their point where their original form holds no actual meaning.

I suppose its probably due to the spell progression it gives, but that could be optional (like dragon slayer) none the less, if that route wanted to be taken. And we could give MoD alter self (which would make all the PnP scrubs happy, should MoD qualify for shifter)!

[Sun Wukong]

If Shifter gives caster levels, it becomes possible to have caster level of 30 with a Shifter. Thus you could have those undispellable buffs, on top of creature ability scores and potential special abilities. These are the ingredients for a multitude of balance concerns...

Just saying that if it gives no caster level progression then self-buffs become less of a concern, which means that the shapes themselves could be more unique. Some could have spell like abilities that they can cast on a timer, for example, you could have something beyond just static perks, or access to a mere Polymorph Self with more shapes.

[metaquad4]

Those ability scores are subject to change. And becomes BG's development direction does have a tenancy to downplay features, I have no doubt that they will be lessened. Additionally, you can also already get full casting+really good stats. Druid 27/Cavestalker 3 or Druid 30 net you that. Taking this actually does reduce your DCs if you go the druid route (you lose 2 epic feats).

The most this would do is extend that courteousy to spirit shamans, which still won't make them as strong as druids (due to their mixed casting stats and the druid spell list favoring WIS over CHA). Rangers might be able to fight+shift, but they won't be able to take advantage of any ranger weapon styles (plus most of their spells aren't keyed towards anything but providing very minor buffs).

I have my doubts that this'll be anything but a flavor increase. I'm predicting the power will be similar or weaker to Cavestalker, making it Druid 30 (most powerful), then leaving Cavestalker or Shifter to fight it out as a contender for second best. But, that is up to the development team.

Plus, if you are worried about the overall power in the grand scheme, don't forget. . .a lot of power in NWN2 comes from access to consumables. Wands, heal potions. . .any form of shapechange makes you lose access to a massive power tool.

[Sun Wukong]

But once again, many creatures actually have interesting spell like abilities in PnP source material, and for example the Polymorph Self spell pretty much has one usable option - the troll and because of the regeneration. The mindflayer would be far more interesting if you could actually blast things with psychic energy... (Magic or sonic in NWN2).

Or how about a wyven making poisonous attack with its tail? Or gelatinous cube actually trying to absorb enemies to deal some bulk amount of acid damage every now and then?