2 replies to this topic

[T.G.Maestro]

My question would be the following:
How is shapeshifting handled in pnp: if a druid shepshifts into a creature, what happens to his/her HPs? For example, if the druid has 70 HPs and he turns into a Wolf or an Earth Elemental, will he have the same amount (70) of Hit Points in both cases (without the CON bonuses of course)?

[oralpain]

In most cases, hit points remain the same, including con bonuses. Ability scores are usually not altered, with the possible exception of str and dexterity, wich are dictated by the new form.

Many shapeshifting spells/abilities will heal the user slightly upon assuming the new for or (usually not and) voluntary cancelation of the effect.

Here is the druids shapechanging power as it is written in the AD&D 2E players handbook.

He gains the ability to shapechange into a reptile, bird, or mammal up to three times per day after he reaches 7th level. Each animal form (reptile, bird, or mammal) can be used only once per day. The size can vary from that of a bullfrog or small bird to as large as a black bear. Upon assuming a new form, the druid heals 10-60% (1d6 × 10%) of all damage he has suffered (round fractions down). The druid can only assume the form of a normal (real world) animal in its normal proportions, but by doing so he takes on all of that creature's characteristics -- its movement rate and abilities, its Armor Class, number of attacks, and damage per attack.

Thus, a druid could change into a wren to fly across a river, transform into a black bear on the opposite side and attack the orcs gathered there, and finally change into a snake to escape into the bushes before more orcs arrive.

The druid's clothing and one item held in each hand also become part of the new body; these reappear when the druid resumes his normal shape. The items cannot be used while the druid is in animal form.

I can be debated wether one of the characteristics of the creature assumed is hit points. I don't think it is. This is my reasoning; innate abilities virtually always correspond to spell or magical item descriptions listed in the Players Handbook or Dungeon Master Guide, except where noted in the ability itself.

Here is the spell description of Shape Change:

Shape Change

(Alteration)

Range: 0
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 1 turn/level
Casting Time: 9
Area of Effect: The caster
Saving Throw: None

With this spell, a wizard is able to assume the form of any living thing or creature below demigod status (greater or lesser deity, singular dragon type, or the like). The spellcaster becomes the creature he wishes, and has all of its abilities save those dependent upon Intelligence, innate magical abilities, and magic resistance, for the mind of the creature is that of the spellcaster. Thus, he can change into a griffon and fly away, then to an efreet and fly through a roaring flame, then to a titan to lift up a wagon, etc. These creatures have whatever hit points the wizard had at the time of the shape change. Each alteration in form requires only a second, and no system shock is incurred.

For example, a wizard is in combat and assumes the form of a will o' wisp. When this form is no longer useful, the wizard changes into a stone golem and walks away. When pursued, the golem-shape is changed to that of a flea, which hides on a horse until it can hop off and become a bush. If detected as the latter, the wizard can become a dragon, an ant, or just about anything he is familiar with.

A wizard adopting another form also adopts its vulnerabilities. For example, a wizard who becomes a spectre is powerless in daylight, and is subject to being turned, controlled, or destroyed by opposing clerics. Unlike similar spells, a wizard who is killed in another form does not revert to his original shape, which may disallow certain types of revivification.

The material component is a jade circlet worth no less than 5,000 gp, which shatters at the end of the spell's duration. In the meantime, the circlet is left in the wake of the shape change, and premature shattering ends the spell immediately.

Innate abilities need no components and the druid ability description clearly limits the forms that can be assumed, so they override the spell description.

[T.G.Maestro]

Thanks for the clarification oralpain! :thumb: