Alakvalt (Character Kit)

Alakvalt (Shapeshifter)
An alakvalt is a taltos with special shape changing abilities. The alakvalt can change into another form (and change back) once per day for every five levels of the taltos (twice/day at 6th-level, thrice/day at 11th-level, and so on). The shapeshifter cannot wear armor.
There are limits to the alakvalt's shapeshifting ability. The shapeshifter can never assume the form of an evil creature and is limited to creatures with the same or fewer HD as he has levels (ignoring any creature HD "pluses"). The shapeshifter retains his own hit points and THAC0 regardless of the new form. However, he gains the creature's natural Armor Class, modified by the shapeshifter's Dexterity and magical bonuses. Any damage done to that form carries over to the shape shifter when he changes back. Lastly, all clothing and loose items are absorbed into the new form, their powers temporarily nullified. This includes all magical items carried or worn by the individual.
The shapeshifter gains any special, innate powers of the creature but retains his own Intelligence. He is able to cast spells in a new shape only if the creature is able to speak and gesture appropriately. For example, a shapeshifter who shape changed into a centaur could cast spells and use weapons normally. A shapeshifter who changed into a griffon could neither cast spells nor use weapons but could fly and fight like a griffon. The shapeshifter can maintain the new shape for a maximum of 1 hour per level.
Shapeshifting into the totemic animal gives the shapeshifter special benefits. In this form only, the animal's normal hp are added to that of the shapeshifter. The maximum number of additional hp is 10. Damage is taken from these extra hp first. The extra hp do not carry over to the shapeshifter when he changes back to normal form. The shapeshifter is also able to maintain the shape of the totemic animal for 12 hours, regardless of level. At 9th level, once per day, when the shapeshifter changes into totemic form,
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
* Bonus: animal lore.
* Recommended: animal handling, animal training, dancing, Disguise, direction sense, herding, hunting, jumping, singing, tracking, tribal lore.
Special Benefits: Shapeshifting allows for better natural armor (see above).
Special Hindrances: Use the ranger's experience table (Table 14) to determine level advancement. However, shape shifters receive none of the ranger's special benefits. Shapeshifting limits are described above. No armor allowed. Equipment As normal, but no armor. Wealth Options: 2d4 x 10 gp.
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