From: dodson@ac.dal.ca
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: RE: Druid Shapechange (new ideas)
Date: 11 Dec 92 16:54:55 -0400
Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

I guess I should put in my 0.02 of this Druid shapechange question.
    I have played a druid in a campain for some time, and find that these
are the best limitations/assets for this spell.  (not always best for me,
but most reasonable and druidlike.):
  
First, the druid can turn into only Natural air breating animals.  These can't
be giant forms or have special magical abilities.  No magical combinations like
griffins, either; the animal had to evolve naturally.  "Natural" animals which
don't exist on our world can be used too.  Basically, I would ask myself, 
"could the druid and the animal have some common ancestor, not too far back
the evolutionary trail?"  (Sorry; I'm a geologist. Not too far back to me 
means, say, after life first appeared on land. The point is, if the animal
was magically created, there won't be a genetic link, and if the animal is too
prmitive, the link is too obscure; so no molds or fish or plants.)

Only mammals reptiles or birds, one of each per day, according to the player's
guide.  However, since we're improving the rules, I think "three forms per day,
can be 3 mammals or 1 of each or 2 reptiles and 1 bird or whatever" 
is a better limit because really it would
put less strain on the druid to change back and forth between two forms, rather
than having 4 different forms all in 1 day.

Also, I think forms taken should have to be, not just ones the druid has seen, 
but ones he is intimately familiar with.  This includes every animal that lives
in/near his home base, of course, and any other animal that he has a strong 
bond with, like Animal Friendship, followed by personal training.  I mean, if
a typical sylvan druid happens to find himself in the ocean, sees a porpoise
for the first time, has no idea how the animal evolved, how it swims, breathes,
etc., why should he be able to just turn into one out of the blue?
 (Communing with nature is a good first step, but it takes devotion to learn
   all about a new animal's habits, form, etc.)

OK enough limits I'm probably going overboard a bit but I've put a lot of 
thought into this over the years...

Abibities:  All abilities of the animal form are gained; there is no need for 
          practice as you are already so familiar with the animal.

            You keep your own unmodified THAC0, but get the animal's ability
          scores and damage roles.  (No mighty mouse with 17 Strength).

            You can't cast spells.  Won't be able to use most magic items, 
          either, as rings, etc. require a humanoid finger.  Potions drunk
          after changing forms can have very weird effects, DM's discretion.

            You have the maximum HP of that kind of animal, but you have the
          same _fraction_ of wounds as you did in human form.  e.g.  if you're
          at 50% you're still at 50%.
            (Actually that is not quite true.  there is some kind of healing, 
             e.g. 10-60% of your wounds, when you change form.  
                 my books aren't handy so I could be wrong about this)
Limits:
          If you die in animal form, you stay in animal form. 
           
          * If you are resurrected, you will be resurrected as that animal
          because that is the natural form of your remains.
          Can take the old _human/halfelf_ form three times per day, after that
          (same ability, backwards; replacing ability to take 3 animal forms)
          - This never happened to me, but there was some talk about dying
           in animal form, so I thought I'd throw in an added twist for those
           who have high level clerical/priestly friends.  

          Oh yeah, also, the items you are carrying do not change with you.  
          There is no reason why they should in a "natural" transformation. If
          you change into a smaller form, they will fall off.  If you take a
          larger form, either you or the items will be crushed.  So it's best
          to remove your clothes/items in a safe place before changing form.
          Advice: Leave the items in the custody of your party's thief.  he'll
          take good care of them...
      
I guess that covers everything I can think of.  Any questions?  If any druids
out there want to discuss matters such as the Balance, survival of the fittest,
or any other natural matters, please mail me personally, as I won't be looking
at this newsgroup again until after XMas.   
                                          Prescott of the Sylvan Isle
                                          or, if you prefer, Bruce Dodson
                                          address: dodson@ac.dal.ca
______________________________________________________________________________
"Aaaaargh!"
Leader to archer: You _know_ that's not what I meant.
Archer to leader: But you _said_ "shoot the asshole."   

Meanwhile a thief painfully flees the scene, a few coins richer, his trousers
newly ventillated.
                        Oh well I guess you had to be there...