Anybody else playing Vermin Shape Cavestalker?

[Steve]

Just wondering...and want to generate some feedback via a discussion.

[Steve]

A ha! I see this Vermin shape has gone far....

[Storm Munin]

Havent tried one yet Steve.

Rasael were kind enough to let me beat one of those vermin shaped druids while Lilith was in spider shape. Which was a bit curious at the time since the stats offered for both appear equal in all regards. Alas at that time wilderness stalker did not have full druid spell progression.

Thus, if Vermin Shape really do equal Spider Shape it is worth it.
Well, if you like crawling around as a spider.

/M

[Steve]

Hey,
Where does Spider Shape come from? What level was your PC at the time.

The Vermin Shape spider form recently was downgraded in some aspects, upgraded in others. So I'm curious what experiences have been.

Also, any comments on aesthetics, since the actual form/appearance has changed as well.

Cheers.

[Sun Wukong]

Could you post the stats?

[Storm Munin]

Vermin Shape:
http://bgtscc.wikia.com/wiki/Cavestalker
Specifics: You transform into a phase spider. As you grow in power you vermin shape also increases, gaining 4 strength, 3 constitution and dexterity every 4 levels(lowest is 10,10,10). Growth progressions at level 6 and is based of both your Druid and Cavestalker levels even if no spell progression was gained at the relevant Cavestalker levels. This ability consumes one wild shape and uses the amount wildshapes you have per day.
Use: Selected


Spider Domain's Spidershape spell:
http://bgtscc.wikia.com/wiki/Spidershape
You transform into a phase spider. As you grow in power your spider shape also increases, gaining 4 strength, 3 constitution and dexterity for every 4 levels.(lowest is 10,10,10) Growth progresses from level 6 and is based of your casterlevel.

Note: lv6 spell slot to cast, 1hr p casterlevel.
Unbuffed attribute stats at CL22 are (RCRed): STR27 DEX24 CON24

Secondary note:
Would be even more awesome if either of these phase spiders actually could phase.


/M

[Steve]

Spider Domain spider shape was more or less equal to Vermin shape...at least in the past. I wonder if with the changes to Vermin spider form, spider shape from the Domain spell changed as well?

From my other post:

Cavestalker's Spider shape hasnt recieved a nerf. It benefited greatly from magical beast shape changes and had to be brough in line with it again.

Oh what had it before? At level 30: 34 STR 28 DEX 28 CON 3 AC and 2d6+1 bite?
And now? At level 22: 28 STR 25 DEX 25 CON 10 AC and 2d10+1 +1d8 con drain bite, blind-fight?

It lost 6 STR but gained +3 dmg. It lost 3 DEX but gained +7 AC. It lost 3 CON but gained 30 temporary hitpoints.

Not to mention that AC, Dmg, Bite and the feat is granted at cavestalker 1 and it opens up 8 levels of something else as it is maxed at CL 22. Maybe take 8 Fighter for Greater Focus Unarmed and Weapon Spec?

[Steve]

I've been thinking of rebuilding my svirf druid cavestalker, now that the Vermin Shape has a max HD of 22 (or however to write that).

That would mean minimum of Druid 12 + Cavestalker 10 + 8 x? My current build was going for Druid 16 / Cavestalker 10 / Thaumaturge 4, just so I could get 1x day Elemental shape (Earth Elemental).

But now I'm thinking that the minimum should be Druid 12 / Cavestalker 10 / Thaum 4 / x 4. That still allows for a CL 30 build w/ PSC and the most buffed Vermin spiderdruid possible ...but what could those 4 levels be that would best fulfill my Svirf's dreams?!? High AB class/PrC? Hierophant?

I would be also interested in going full Elder Elemental druid Svirf and just enjoying the Cavestalker abilities, but from what I see in comparance, Vermin shape is still better statistically than an Earth Elemental shape, even the Elder version.

Cheers.