Fantasy Craft first printing Errata question

[theCimmerian]

Crafty_Pat,

I'm not much of an amateur game designer, I'm mostly fishing for an idea of what you actually have developed.   I'm not trying to push the Craft Games designers to add or remove anything, I just want to see if one of my personal preferences for how to handle shapeshifting spells is an option right out of the box.

But to clarify, I'm not that concerned about the scalability or variable spell point cost.   I more wanted to see some mechanic to restrict the number of alternate forms a shapechange spell offers one single spellcaster.   I dislike the Dungeons and Dragons default that learning Polymorph Self once allows the wizard to pick fish, goat, sheep, rabbit, fox, wolf, bear, tiger, dolphin, shark, octopus, skunk, raven, chimpanzee, orc, gnoll, owlbear, etc... and they only need to prepare the spell once and then they can pick any suitable form the very round they cast it.   My draft at a mechanic - there are actually separate spells Polymorph Self (chimpanzee), Polymorph Self (fish), Polymorph Self (hippo), etc... that are learned separately and are not interchangeable - is just one way to try to make the alternate forms of every shapeshifting spellcaster unique.

[Khaalis]

What I have envisioned for most shapechanging is something like this:

A small series of  spells that increment in power upwards, likely over 3 levels, making a I-III series like Wildside. From there, break the spells out into various spells by types of forms that can be shared under the same umbrella of abilities such as Animal Shape, Beast Shape, etc.  For instance Animal Shape I-III would let you assume the shape of any "animal" type creature of up to a certain XP value. so for instance Animal Shape I would allow shifting into a small normal basic animal like a bird, fish, dog, etc. and then getting larger/more powerful at spells II & III.  

I'll be interested to see what the Crafty guys have done with it.

[Edit] In response to theCimmerian, while I can see the desire to limit the old D&D Polymorph Self, I think one spell per shape is simply too much. As Pat mentioned, that could/would almost require a sourcebook unto itself just to print that many spells. I think basic categorizations is the better way to go. It could be as simple as a separation between say Animals, Beasts, Folk, etc. It could however be broken out differently such as combining animal and beast but breaking it out based on role of the form such as aquatic, aerial, predator, etc. Obviously there would also have to be a way to limit what kinds of powers can be gained as well so that you don't get someone turning into a troll for the same cost as turning into say an elf.

[theCimmerian]

Khaalis,

I am sorry I did not explain further.  I don't mean that the book would print out a hundred pages of "Polymorph Self (Bear)", "Polymorph Self (Camel)", "Polymorph Self (Platypus)", etc... 

I pictured something like this, which is not too different from what you described:
Beast Shape 1
Level 3
Casting time: 2 full rounds
Duration: 1 round/caster level
Description: Choose one alternative form with the Beast template using abilities only available to the Beast type.   You have 25 XP to build that form as a special NPC creature, except you may not spend any points on Int, Wis, Cha, skills based on Int, Wis, or Cha, or the following abilities ....  (i.e. the 30 XP may only be spent on physical characteristics, skills, feats, and NPC abilities.)  Once you have created the creature, your PC may now shapeshift to that form when they cast the spell.  Their Int, Wis, and Cha remain as they were, their Will Saves remains as they were, and their skills based on those attributes do not change.  Their Str, Dex, Con, attack bonus, defense bonus, movement rates, Fort Saves, vitality, wound points, feats, and Reflex Saves become those of the form. 

When the PC learns the spell, the statistics they choose for that alternative form are frozen and will never be changed again (except by changes to the form's threat level as the PC's Career Level changes).  If the PC wishes to choose an alternate form, they must learn the spell an additional time. 

Beast Shape 3
Level 8
Casting time: 1 full action
Duration: 1 hour/caster level
Description: Same as Beast Shape 1 except where noted and 50 XP points are available for the alternative form. 

Now I think making something like this somewhat "balanced" (I realize balance is a landmine discussion topic) might be very difficult.   

[Crafty_Pat]

But to clarify, I'm not that concerned about the scalability or variable spell point cost.   I more wanted to see some mechanic to restrict the number of alternate forms a shapechange spell offers one single spellcaster.   I dislike the Dungeons and Dragons default that learning Polymorph Self once allows the wizard to pick fish, goat, sheep, rabbit, fox, wolf, bear, tiger, dolphin, shark, octopus, skunk, raven, chimpanzee, orc, gnoll, owlbear, etc... and they only need to prepare the spell once and then they can pick any suitable form the very round they cast it.   My draft at a mechanic - there are actually separate spells Polymorph Self (chimpanzee), Polymorph Self (fish), Polymorph Self (hippo), etc... that are learned separately and are not interchangeable - is just one way to try to make the alternate forms of every shapeshifting spellcaster unique.

What you're describing, and what you and Khaalis suggest - breaking shapeshifting up via type - is trivial, and doesn't even really require a rule IMO. That said, these things are sometimes received best as campaign qualities, if only so folks feel empowered by an "official house rule."

Will consider further, but even without embellishment this is eminently doable.

[Khaalis]

What you're describing, and what you and Khaalis suggest - breaking shapeshifting up via type - is trivial, and doesn't even really require a rule IMO. That said, these things are sometimes received best as campaign qualities, if only so folks feel empowered by an "official house rule."

Will consider further, but even without embellishment this is eminently doable.

Excellent. This gives me the vague idea that the new polymorph line will already be something along this line in its basic form/function. As it stands, if it is generic enough in function, you would only need 1 Spell (and its iterations if it is multilevel: I-II-III etc.). Then you could have it both ways, somewhat D&D style where the spell allows you to take any form within the functional limits of the spells (likely XP build) or as you said, you could apply as many campaign qualities to restrict the spell as you like. You could simply break it out by type or be more specific such as only those with the Druid specialty can take animal form. This could even go so far as to cover "Disguise self" and "Alter Self" types of spells, simply being Polymorph (folk).

I'll definitely be interested to see where you go with it.

[SilvercatMoonpaw]

Given how same all the "summon monster"-type spells are they likely only need to make one or two shapechanging spell lines and then anyone can figure out the rest.