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Shapeshift Question?

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 4:58 pm
by Ronin84
I have a player who is interested in playing a character that can shapeshift into (1) creature, a Timberwolf...hence the name for the character.

How would I determine the cost of that, would it be worth a cost of 3? Base cost -1, limited power?

Any help is appreciated.

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 4:59 pm
by AslanC
If he only has one form it would be a -1 limitation on the power I think.

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 9:29 pm
by Lindharin
I agree that apply a limitation to Shapeshift works for that. There are some other alternatives, depending on the exact nature of the differences between the two forms and how loose your group is willing to get with the rules.

You could use some combination of advantages and disadvantages, like Alter Ego, Normal, Involuntary Change, etc. This might let you build two very different forms, with widely varying powers.

Another alternative might be to make the change in appearance be basically free / cosmetic, and just focus on the difference in powers. Maybe use a multipower with one (or more) slots representing one form, and other slot(s) representing the second form. Since multipowers can only be set to one slot at a time, you are effectively "changing" between two or more power sets. The slots provide the game mechanic differentiation, and then by assigning a given shape to each slot, you treat the "shape change" as a simple cosmetic difference between them.

But those types of solutions are getting into gray areas in terms of rules-as-written, so it depends on the group and what you are really trying to represent. Just a limited Shapechange is the simplest and probably most "official" answer.

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 10:35 pm
by BASHMAN
In his "normal" form does he have powers? If not, you can just stat out the timberwolf form and give him the Instant Change Advantage w/ Normal disadvantage.

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 7:02 am
by Ronin84
BASHMAN wrote:In his "normal" form does he have powers? If not, you can just stat out the timberwolf form and give him the Instant Change Advantage w/ Normal disadvantage.
He does indeed have powers....well not much actually his take is that of an American Indian Detective whom can shape shift into his "spirit" animal, the Timberwolf.

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 10:54 am
by Kinetic
Ronin84 wrote:
BASHMAN wrote:In his "normal" form does he have powers? If not, you can just stat out the timberwolf form and give him the Instant Change Advantage w/ Normal disadvantage.
He does indeed have powers....well not much actually his take is that of an American Indian Detective whom can shape shift into his "spirit" animal, the Timberwolf.
I would say that he is normal then, but... I would talk to the player and see if he plans on taking anything later on. Like heightened senses outside of his wolf form, or something like that. If he does, then you'll want to go the shapeshift route and the limitation would work.

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 1:06 pm
by Ronin84
Kinetic wrote:
Ronin84 wrote:
BASHMAN wrote:In his "normal" form does he have powers? If not, you can just stat out the timberwolf form and give him the Instant Change Advantage w/ Normal disadvantage.
He does indeed have powers....well not much actually his take is that of an American Indian Detective whom can shape shift into his "spirit" animal, the Timberwolf.
I would say that he is normal then, but... I would talk to the player and see if he plans on taking anything later on. Like heightened senses outside of his wolf form, or something like that. If he does, then you'll want to go the shapeshift route and the limitation would work.
Based upon what I am to understand, that is indeed the route that we will be going! Thanks!!

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 1:36 pm
by AslanC
Ronin84 wrote:
Kinetic wrote:
Ronin84 wrote: He does indeed have powers....well not much actually his take is that of an American Indian Detective whom can shape shift into his "spirit" animal, the Timberwolf.
I would say that he is normal then, but... I would talk to the player and see if he plans on taking anything later on. Like heightened senses outside of his wolf form, or something like that. If he does, then you'll want to go the shapeshift route and the limitation would work.
Based upon what I am to understand, that is indeed the route that we will be going! Thanks!!
Nothing to add, just wanted to see how dark it gets. :)

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 2:13 pm
by Coyote
AslanC wrote:
Ronin84 wrote:
Kinetic wrote: I would say that he is normal then, but... I would talk to the player and see if he plans on taking anything later on. Like heightened senses outside of his wolf form, or something like that. If he does, then you'll want to go the shapeshift route and the limitation would work.
Based upon what I am to understand, that is indeed the route that we will be going! Thanks!!
Nothing to add, just wanted to see how dark it gets. :)
It gets very dark. And breaks the forum after 20 quotes :P

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 2:22 pm
by Ronin84
Ok...thanks? :)

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 9:44 pm
by MrJupiter
Coyote wrote:It gets very dark. And breaks the forum after 20 quotes :P
LoL