Kobold-Bard
2012-02-06, 07:09 PM
Metamorph
http://images.wikia.com/kolidascope/images/1/14/44218_CA_catlord.jpg
Metamorphs are the epitome of transformation powers. They go beyond the mere physical disguises of a Wild Shaper, their transformation abilities altering their very mind as well; Metamorphs don't just look like another creature, they actually become it. They will have a few preferred forms which they use often in order to blend in, or simply to avoid confusing their allies, but they hold no allegiance to any one shape. As the Metamorph's catalogue of forms ever expands; dozens becoming hundreds or even thousands, they become such a protean entity that many even forget what their original species was, their true form becoming the one that they have taken right now.
Abilities: Since the Metamorph's base statistics do not change when they transform, Strength, Dexterity & Constitution are important if they plan to enter combat often. Charisma determines how many forms they can utilise the magical abilities of, and aids them in convincing people of their morphic disguises. Constitution & Charisma also affects the Save DC of the abilities gained through Mystic Transformation.
Role: A Metamorph with a high Charisma scores makes an excellent negotiator, infiltrator & general party face. The versatility available through Mystic Transformation makes them useful in most situations, and the powerful forms offered by Morph makes them dangerous melee combatants.
Background: Metamorphs can come from anywhere at any time. At some time everybody wishes they could be someone or something else, living another life. Metamorphs are those that take that dream and run with it, either through magic, faith or raw determination they learn to change their appearance, followed by their basic shape, followed by their entire form and size.
Organization: No official Metamorph organisations exist because most are too similar to Becomer Changelings; taking the best form for the moment, then discarding it.
Alignment: Any. Their inconsistent existence means that Metamorphs often tend towards Chaos, but as inconsistent as their shape is their mindset, so Metamorphs cover the entire alignment spectrum.
Races: Races without rigid, long-standing racial traditions such Humans and Half-Humans find it easier to take up the everchanging lifestyle of the Metamorph than those with them such as the Dwarves or Elves. Becomer Changelings also make up a fair number of Metamorphs, their love of their own alteration abilities compelling them to seek out more exotic forms to become.
Religion: Metamorphs are generally polytheistic, taking parts of the dogma of many Gods and creating their own patchwork faith. Rarely will they devote themselves to a single deity, those that do are usually devoted to a specific cause and so choose the God who's dogma matches their own outlook.
Multiclass Metamorph/Cleric characters may always choose the Alteration Domain (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231372), with this alternate Granted Power: Alteration Domain spells (in your Domain Spell Slots only) with a range of Personal may be used as Touch spells instead.
Other Classes: Metamorphs feel a kinship with those who use other classes that favour versatility; Bards, Binders and Factotums for example, as well as those that combine otherwise rigid classes such as Theurges & Gishes. Druids that appreciate their Wild Shape abilities are welcome allies, but those that simply turn into the biggest beast they can manage and stay like that all day tend to irk Metamorphs.
Hit Dice: d8
Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special
1st| +0 | +2 | +2 | +0 |Shapeshift, Racial Memory
2nd| +1 | +3 | +3 | +0 |Mystic Transformation, Hammerspace
3rd| +2 | +3 | +3 | +1 |Mass-tery
4th| +3 | +4 | +4 | +1 |Improved Shapeshift
5th| +3 | +4 | +4 | +1 |Morphic Aesthetics
6th| +4 | +5 | +5 | +2 |Morph
7th| +5 | +5 | +5 | +2 |
8th| +6/+1 | +6 | +6 | +2 |Morphic Intuition
9th| +6/+1 | +6 | +6 | +3 |Skilled Transformer
10th| +7/+2 | +7 | +7 | +3 |Morph Into Objects
11th| +8/+3 | +7 | +7 | +3 |
12th| +9/+4 | +8 | +8 | +4 |Adept Transformer
13th| +9/+4 | +8 | +8 | +4 |
14th| +10/+5 | +9 | +9 | +4 |Enchanted Item Transformation
15th| +11/+6/+1 | +9 | +9 | +5 |
16th| +12/+7/+2 | +10 | +10 | +5 |Endless Duration
17th| +12/+7/+2 | +10 | +10 | +5 |
18th| +13/+8/+3 | +11 | +11 | +6 |Expert Transformer
19th| +14/+9/+4 | +11 | +11 | +6 |
20th| +15/+10/+5 | +12 | +12 | +6 |Outsider Form
Class Skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Gather Information, Handle Animal, Hide, Intimidate, Knowledge (Local & Nature), Listen, Move Silently, Sense Motive, Spot, Survival
Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) ×4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Metamorphs are proficient with all simple weapons, light & medium armour, but not shields. In addition, they gain proficiency with any natural weapons they develop & gain any proficiencies that a race they have Shapeshifted into would possess.
Class Features:
Shapeshift (Su):
The metamorph begins with the ability to alter their physical form. This ability functions like the alternate form (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm#alternateForm) special ability, except as noted here.
The Metamorph's base ability scores do not change, but they do lose their own racial extraordinary qualities and gain the creature's extraordinary special qualities instead, including any abilities modifiers imposed. A Metamorph who no longer meets the ability pre-requisites for a feat they possess due to Shapeshifting still retains access to that Feat.
- For races without specified statistic modifiers deduct 10 from even ability scores and 11 from odd scores, then apply these penalties or bonuses to the Metamorph's base stats; Intelligence may never drop below three in this way and other statistics may not drop below 1 in this way.
- The first time a Metamorph becomes a race that receives a non-specific bonus feat(s) as an extraordinary quality they must choose this feat, after which it cannot be changed until they gain the Morphic Intuition class feature. The feat must be one that a member of that race could choose at the time of gaining it (eg. the Human bonus feat must be one that a level 1 Metamorph could qualify for).
The Metamorph can choose the physical appearance of their new form within the normal limits for that race, including the gender and age they appear to be; this does not however grant/remove age related bonuses or penalties.
Initially the Metamorph may alter their form into that of small & medium Humanoids. They are able to become any race with a Level Adjustment equal to their Metamorph level-1 and no more than 1 racial Hit Dice (so LA+0 races such as Humans & Gnomes at 1st level, or Drow at 3rd level). Races with no Level Adjustment are invalid selections.
Shapeshift requires a standard action to activate, lasts indefinitely until the the Metamorph uses it again and they may change from one form to another without first returning to their true form. The Metamorph returns to their true form when slain. In a situation where (Su) abilities are suppressed such as when within an antimagic field Shapeshift cannot be used, but they do not revert to another form.
Racial Memory (Ex):
The Metamorph doesn't just look like a member of another race, it becomes one of them. As well as the physical effects of their Shapeshift ability, they also gain several mental benefits based on their class level.
In addition to their base languages, they are able to speak one language known by default by members of the chosen race.
+2 on Knowledge (Local) checks when used to learn about the race & may make such checks untrained.
+2 on Knowledge (History) checks relating to the race in question & may make such checks untrained.
At 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter these skill check bonuses increase by 2.
Mystic Transformation (Su):
As the Metamorph's abilities grow, they learn to mimic the more exotic abilities of the creatures they mimic.
From 2nd level, when Shapeshifted into race they may utilise the race's Ex, Su, Sp & Psi abilities, but not abilities from virtual class levels such as a Rakshasa's Sorcerer spellcasting. They may use the abilities of a number of races equal to their Charisma Modifier (minimum 1), and may choose at the time of Shapeshifting into a particular race whether they wish to apply Mystic Transformation.
They may use these abilities with the same frequency as the actual race could, and these uses are not refreshed by Shapeshifting into another representative of the race. Abilities that would have an XP component as a spell/power still require the Metamorph to pay these costs. If subraces of a particular race (eg. Rock Gnome & Svirfneblin) have different abilities, they are counted separately when choosing races.
After 8 hours rest Mystic Transformation is reset, meaning the Metamorph may choose new races if they wish, and they regain full use of their chosen race's abilities.
From 8th level the Metamorph may use the abilities from a number of forms equal to half their class level + their Charisma Modifier (minimum 1).
From 18th level they may use the abilities of all forms they can become.
Hammerspace (Su):
From 2nd level the Metamorph is able to shape a pocket of space within it's malleable form, in which it can store possessions out of harms way. There is no air within the Hammerspace, so nothing living can be stored within for more than 1 round without beginning to suffocate.
The Hammerspace may store 1 set of mundane clothes/class level, which may be donned as part of a Shapeshift action. It may also store additional items based on the character's carrying capacity: it may always store items up to the base creature's basic light load (items in the Hammerspace do not count against the Metamorph's actual carrying capacity), even if their Strength score is reduced or they become a smaller race.
They may store more items if they take on a form with a higher Strength score (temporary bonuses to Strength do not count), but upon changing to a creature without such a higher carrying capacity, any excess weight of items are immediately expelled harmlessly and drop to the floor; most recently stored items being expelled first.
Storing or retrieving an item is a move equivalent action. Items may appear in the Metamorph's hand/s or in the appropriate place for it to be worn/used, or may be allowed to drop to the floor. If the Metamorph is killed, items in the Hammerspace remain within them unless someone undertakes the fairly gruesome process of retrieving them from it's corpse.
Mass-tery (Ex):
From 3rd level the Metamorph may shift their mass whilst still in one shape, making a single limb especially dense or relatively light.
As long as their ability to shapeshift is not suppressed, the Metamorph receives a bonus to their Strength score equal to 1/2 their class level for the purposes of attack & damage rolls with natural weapons. Alternatively, by forgoing this bonus as a free action, they may instead deal non-lethal damage without taking the usual penalties involved.
Improved Shapeshift (Ex):
At 4rd level the Metamorph improves their mastery over their physical form. In addition to Humanoid forms, the Metamorph may take on the forms of creatures of other types (eg. Half-Giant, Planetouched, Warforged, etc.). All other rules for Shapeshift apply, so races with no listed LA or those with more than one base racial Hit Dice are still not valid selections. They retain their own Type & racial Features, but also gain the new Form's Type, Subtypes, and the Augmented Subtype if needed.
*A Metamorph Shapeshifted into Construct or Undead form is treated as having a Con Score of -, losing any bonus hit points they gained from a high Con Score, and die at 0HP rather than -10. Those in Construct form gain additional hit points based on their size (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#constructType).
Morphic Aesthetics (Su):
From 5th level the Metamorph instinctively alters it's appearance to better comfort, convince or control others. By reading body language and other cues, as long as they are able to use Shapeshift they alter their appearance subtly to gain a bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information & Intimidate checks equal to their Wisdom modifier
Morph (Su):
When the Metamorph reaches 6th level they learn to manipulate themselves to such an extent that they can take on more dramatic and powerful forms than they could before. As they grow in power, ever more forms become available to them; their repetoire of shapes increasing from just a few to hundreds or even thousands.
Morph functions like the alternate form (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm#alternateForm) special ability, except as noted here. Morph is a similar, but distinct ability from Shapeshift, so the exceptions noted in Shapeshift or Improved Shapeshift but not here do not apply.
The Metamorph may become any creature of a type they have selected, as long as it's Hit Dice do not exceed their class level and it is within the size limits available to them (initially small & medium).
The Metamorph's base ability scores do not change, but they do lose their own racial extraordinary qualities and gain the creature's extraordinary special qualities instead; including any abilities modifiers imposed. A Metamorph who no longer meets the ability pre-requisites for a feat they possess due to Morphing still retains access to that Feat.
- For races without specified statistic modifiers deduct 10 from even ability scores and 11 from odd scores, then apply these penalties or bonuses to the Metamorph's base stats; Intelligence may never drop below three in this way and other statistics may not drop below 1 in this way.
- The Metamorph may choose to forgo a creature's ability bonuses, and in exchange not take on it's ability penalties, on a two-for-one basis (eg. they may forgo +6 Str to avoid -2 Int & -4 Cha, or -6 Wis, etc.)
- The first time a Metamorph becomes a race that receives a non-specific bonus feat(s) as an extraordinary quality they must choose this feat, after which it cannot be changed until they gain the Morphic Intuition class feature. The feat must be one that a member of that race could choose at the time of gaining it.
- They retain their own Type & racial Features, but also gain the new Form's Type, Subtypes, and the Augmented Subtype if needed.
The Metamorph can choose the physical appearance of their new form within the normal limits for that race, including the gender and age they appear to be; this does not however grant/remove age related bonuses or penalties.
From 6th level the Metamorph is able to take on the forms of Animals (Nature).
At each subsequent level except 10th & 20th the Metamorph chooses an additional creature type that they can Morph into from the level appropriate forms listed below. The Knowledge field listed in brackets is the skill Racial Memory applies to whilst in a form instead of Knowledge (Local).
Levels 7-11 (except 10):
Fey (Nature)
Giant (Nature)
Monstrous Humanoid (Nature)
Vermin (Nature)
Levels 12-15:
Aberration (Dungeoneering)
Elemental (The Planes)
Ooze (Dungeoneering)
Plant (Nature)
Levels 16-19:
Construct* (Arcana)
Dragon (Arcana)
Magical Beast (Arcana)
Undead* (Religion)
*A Metamorph Morphed into Construct or Undead form is treated as having a Con Score of -, losing any bonus hit points they gained from a high Con Score, and die at 0HP rather than -10. Those in Construct form gain additional hit points based on their size (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#constructType).
As the Metamorph advances they also learn to become creatures of greater or lesser mass, as shown below. Where multiple sizes are listed the Metamorph chooses when they reach that level, gaining the other at the next opportunity:
Class Level - Size
7th - Large
9th - Tiny or Huge
11th - Tiny or Huge
13th - Diminutive or Gargantuan
15th - Diminutive or Gargantuan
17th - Fine or Colossal
19th - Fine or Colossal
Morph requires a standard action to activate, lasts indefinitely until the the Metamorph uses it again and they may change from one form to another without first returning to their true form. The Metamorph returns to their true form when slain. In a situation where (Su) abilities are suppressed such as when within an antimagic field Morph cannot be used, but they do not revert to another form. Morph forms are valid selections for Mystic Transformation, and Racial Memory applies to them.
Morphic Intuition (Ex):
From 8th Level the Metamorph's ability to alter their mind as well as their body becomes even greater. From now on they gain non-specific bonus feats when taking on a form that offers them (eg. Humans).
Skilled Transformer (Ex):
From 9th level the Metamorph has completely forgone the notion of a single "true form". This grants them several benefits:
Use of Shapeshift & Improved Shapeshift is no longer suppressed by antimagic fields and the like. Further, when slain whilst using Shapeshift they remain in that form, rather than reverting to another form. Morph is still suppressed & subject to reverting upon death, but the Metamorph returns to their most recent Shapeshift form rather than their original "true form".
The Metamorph may hold up to a medium load in their Hammerspace, rather than a light load.
The Metamorph's constant shifting grants them Fast Healing 1 per 3 class levels.
Morph Into Objects (Su):
From 10th level the Metamorph advances their abilities to the point where they can become inanimate material. As a swift action they may turn their natural weapons into any mundane material, allowing them to overcome material based damage reduction.
They may also use Morph to become any object (not animated objects) within their Morph size limits. They cannot be consumed or used as a spell component, if tried then the Metamorph is forcibly returned to their most recent non-object form & is Dazed for 1 round, and any spell attempt fails. If Sundered while in object form then the Metamorph is forcibly returned to their most recent non-object form, at -1HP & dying. Metamorphs in item form are not ambulatory and so must be used by another creature, but they can still "speak" & may see & hear at a range of 30ft.
If the metamorph becomes a weapon, armour or shield they may select it as a Mystic Transformation form and gain an enhancement bonus equal to +1 per four class levels.
Adept Transformer (Ex):
From 12th level the Metamorph's self-manipulation becomes even more profound, granting them further benefits:
Shapeshift may now be used as a move action.
The Metamorph may hold up to a heavy load in their Hammerspace, rather than a light load.
The Metamorph's understanding of their body's shape means gain the Shapechanger subtype and they are immune to any Transmutation or Psychometabolism effect they do not wish to affect them.
Enchanted Item Transformation (Ex):
From 14th level the Metamorph learns how to mimic the abilities of items powered by more exotic magic or psionic powers. In order to utilise Enchanted Item Transformation the Metamorph must become an item and make it a Mystic Transformation form (as described in Morph Into Objects). They also gain Use Magic Device & Use Psionic Device as class skills from now on.
The Metamorph may replicate any permanent magic or psionic item with a base value no greater than 1000gp/class level. Neither items which are partially or entirely consumed with use (potions, scrolls, Ring of Three Wishes, etc.) or possess a limited number of charges (wands, staffs, etc.) may be replicated, but those with limited uses/day (eternal wands, etc.) may be, though each individual item counts as a unique Mystic Transformation form (eg. an eternal wand of Magic Missile & an eternal wand of Levitate are two seperate forms, rather than simply counting as "eternal wands"). Metamorphs in the form of use-activated items may not trigger themselves without making a special Use Magic Device check (DC 15+1/1000gp of the item's cost rounded up).
The Metamorph may not become Epic items or combined items (such as the Ring of Protection & Invisibility mentioned in the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/creatingMagicItems.htm#addingNewAbilities)).
Endless Duration (Ex):
From 16th level, a Metamorph no longer takes ability score penalties for aging, cannot be magically aged, and thanks to their ability to simply make themselves younger than they are, their venerable age category is functionally infinite. Bonues stil accrue & any penalties already incurred remain in place.
Expert Transformer (Ex):
From 18th level the Metamorph is reaching the pinnacle of their morphic abilities, gaining several further boons:
Morph is no longer suppressed by antimagic fields and the like. Further, when slain whilst using Morph they remain in that form, rather than reverting to another form.
Morph may now be used as a move action.
The Metamorph is so fluid of form that they become immune to critical hits and precision damage.
Outsider Form (Ex):
At 20th level the Metamorph masters the ultimate Morph form; the immense variety offered by Outsiders. The Metamorph may now take on Outsider forms with their Morph abilities, with (The Planes) as the Knowledge skill available via Racial Memory.
Outsiders with an alignment subtype opposed to the Metamorph's own alignment are not valid Morph forms.
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Epic Metamorph
Hit Dice: d8
{table]Level|Class Features
21|Shapeshift, Morph, Enchanted Item Transformation
22|
23|Bonus Feat
24|
25|Racial Memory
26|Bonus Feat
27|
28|
29|Bonus Feat
30|Racial Memory[/table]
Shapeshift: The LA limit of races that the Metamorph may become continues to increase with each class level above 20th.
Morph: The HD limit of races that the Metamorph may become continues to increase with each class level above 20th.
Enchanted Item Transformation: With each class level above 20th the cost of items that the Metamorph can replicate continues to increase by 1000gp. The may still not become Epic Items without the Epic Item Transformation feat.
Racial Memory: Every 5 levels above 20th the Metamorph's bonuses to Knowledge checks continues to increase by 2.
Bonus Feat: At 23rd level, and every 3 levels thereafter the Metamorph gains a bonus feat that they meet the pre-requisites for.
----------------
Metamorph Feats
Hasty Transformation
Pre-requisites: Morphic Intuition class feature
Benefit: You may use Shapeshift as a Swift Action instead of a move action.
Rapid Transformation [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Expert Transformer class feature, Hasty Transformation feat
Benefit: You may use Morph as a swift action, and Shapeshift as an Immediate Action 1/round.
Practised Metamorph
Pre-requisites: (1) Shapeshift class feature or (2) Morph class feature
Benefit: Either -
(1) The LA limit of the Forms you can Shapeshift into increase by up to 4, but not above your class level.
or
(2) The HD limit of the Forms you can Morph into increase by up to 4, but not above your class level.
Morphic Prodigy
Pre-requisites: Morph class feature
Benefit: Choose a creature type that a Metamorph of your character level could become (except Outsiders). You may now become creatures of that type using Morph, though the HD cap of creatures you can become is still limited by your class level & any Practised Metamorph feats you possess.
This feat may be selected multiple times, each time choosing a different type. You may not choose a type you can already become using Morph.
Master Transformer [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Morph class feature
Benefit: The HD limit of forms you can Morph into increases by 4, even beyond your class level. You may also now Morph into Outsiders with an alignment subtype opposed to yor own alignment.
This feat may be taken multiple times, each time your Morph HD limit increasing by 4.
Mutated Transformer
Pre-requisites: Morphic Aesthetics class feature
Benefit: When you may Shapeshift into creature you may add any Template with a listed LA and no additional Racial Hit Dice, so long as the combined base & template LA do not exceed your normal limits. Only one template may be added at a time, and Templates with no listed LA are not available to be added.
Chimeric Transformer
Pre-requisites: Adept Morpher class feature
Benefit: When you may Morph into creature you may add any Template with a listed LA, so long as the creature's HD & template LA combined do not exceed your normal Morph HD limit. Only one template may be added at a time, and Templates with no listed LA are not available to be added.
Advanced Shapeshift
Pre-requisites: Improved Shapeshift class feature
Benefit: You may use Shapeshift to become races that have more than one Racial Hit Dice. They must still have a listed LA, and their combined RHD and LA must be within your normal Shapeshift limits. You may now Shapeshift into creatures beyond small & medium size, the available sizes matching those available to you through the Morph class feature (Large at 7th level, etc.)
Greater Supernatural Power
Pre-requisites: Mystic Transformation class feature
Benefit: You gain an additional use of Mystic Transformation each day above your normal limit. Once you reach 18th level and may use Mystic Transformation on all forms you may instead 1/day use either a single spell/power/etc. granted by a creature's virtual class levels, or use an Su or Sp/Ps ability without paying it's XP cost.
This feat may be taken multiple times, it's effects are cumulative.
Surging Morpher
Pre-requisites: Morph class feature, Able to Morph into at least 4 creature types
Benefit: When a creature you Morph into has less HD than your Morph HD cap, you may treat it as if it had more HD up to your maximum allowed HD for the purposes of advancing it's size (as shown in the creature's description), but no other purposes. You also treat your Caster Level for Spell Like abilities as your Metamorph level if it is higher than the stated Caster Level.
Epic Item Transformation [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Enchanted Item Transformation class feature, Master Transformer feat
Benefit: The value of magic/psionic items that you can Morph into is now 10,000gp/level, and you may become Epic items.
This feat may be taken multiple times. Each time the value of items they can become increases by 10,000gp/level.
Supreme Transformer [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Outsider Form class feature, Racial Memory +20 class feature, Master Transformer feat
Benefit: The Metamorph is no longer required to pay the XP costs for Mystic Transformation abilities, and all Mystic Transformation abilities may be used at-will, regardless of their previous use limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------
And that's the Metamorph version 2.0 2.1 2.2
I switched some abilities around, limited access to some types until later on, and pushed back their access to all special abilities until after the casters have 9th level spells, which seems fair to me. Should put it around T3 until 18th level, when it might move into T2.
Obviously forms can be limited by what the DM allow in their world, to avoid abuse of Sarrukhs and other similar monstrosities.
Thoughts, comments, criticism? Any and all appreciated.
K-B
Archive -
v2.0 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12705862&postcount=3)
v2.1 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12771304&postcount=20)
http://images.wikia.com/kolidascope/images/1/14/44218_CA_catlord.jpg
Metamorphs are the epitome of transformation powers. They go beyond the mere physical disguises of a Wild Shaper, their transformation abilities altering their very mind as well; Metamorphs don't just look like another creature, they actually become it. They will have a few preferred forms which they use often in order to blend in, or simply to avoid confusing their allies, but they hold no allegiance to any one shape. As the Metamorph's catalogue of forms ever expands; dozens becoming hundreds or even thousands, they become such a protean entity that many even forget what their original species was, their true form becoming the one that they have taken right now.
Abilities: Since the Metamorph's base statistics do not change when they transform, Strength, Dexterity & Constitution are important if they plan to enter combat often. Charisma determines how many forms they can utilise the magical abilities of, and aids them in convincing people of their morphic disguises. Constitution & Charisma also affects the Save DC of the abilities gained through Mystic Transformation.
Role: A Metamorph with a high Charisma scores makes an excellent negotiator, infiltrator & general party face. The versatility available through Mystic Transformation makes them useful in most situations, and the powerful forms offered by Morph makes them dangerous melee combatants.
Background: Metamorphs can come from anywhere at any time. At some time everybody wishes they could be someone or something else, living another life. Metamorphs are those that take that dream and run with it, either through magic, faith or raw determination they learn to change their appearance, followed by their basic shape, followed by their entire form and size.
Organization: No official Metamorph organisations exist because most are too similar to Becomer Changelings; taking the best form for the moment, then discarding it.
Alignment: Any. Their inconsistent existence means that Metamorphs often tend towards Chaos, but as inconsistent as their shape is their mindset, so Metamorphs cover the entire alignment spectrum.
Races: Races without rigid, long-standing racial traditions such Humans and Half-Humans find it easier to take up the everchanging lifestyle of the Metamorph than those with them such as the Dwarves or Elves. Becomer Changelings also make up a fair number of Metamorphs, their love of their own alteration abilities compelling them to seek out more exotic forms to become.
Religion: Metamorphs are generally polytheistic, taking parts of the dogma of many Gods and creating their own patchwork faith. Rarely will they devote themselves to a single deity, those that do are usually devoted to a specific cause and so choose the God who's dogma matches their own outlook.
Multiclass Metamorph/Cleric characters may always choose the Alteration Domain (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231372), with this alternate Granted Power: Alteration Domain spells (in your Domain Spell Slots only) with a range of Personal may be used as Touch spells instead.
Other Classes: Metamorphs feel a kinship with those who use other classes that favour versatility; Bards, Binders and Factotums for example, as well as those that combine otherwise rigid classes such as Theurges & Gishes. Druids that appreciate their Wild Shape abilities are welcome allies, but those that simply turn into the biggest beast they can manage and stay like that all day tend to irk Metamorphs.
Hit Dice: d8
Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special
1st| +0 | +2 | +2 | +0 |Shapeshift, Racial Memory
2nd| +1 | +3 | +3 | +0 |Mystic Transformation, Hammerspace
3rd| +2 | +3 | +3 | +1 |Mass-tery
4th| +3 | +4 | +4 | +1 |Improved Shapeshift
5th| +3 | +4 | +4 | +1 |Morphic Aesthetics
6th| +4 | +5 | +5 | +2 |Morph
7th| +5 | +5 | +5 | +2 |
8th| +6/+1 | +6 | +6 | +2 |Morphic Intuition
9th| +6/+1 | +6 | +6 | +3 |Skilled Transformer
10th| +7/+2 | +7 | +7 | +3 |Morph Into Objects
11th| +8/+3 | +7 | +7 | +3 |
12th| +9/+4 | +8 | +8 | +4 |Adept Transformer
13th| +9/+4 | +8 | +8 | +4 |
14th| +10/+5 | +9 | +9 | +4 |Enchanted Item Transformation
15th| +11/+6/+1 | +9 | +9 | +5 |
16th| +12/+7/+2 | +10 | +10 | +5 |Endless Duration
17th| +12/+7/+2 | +10 | +10 | +5 |
18th| +13/+8/+3 | +11 | +11 | +6 |Expert Transformer
19th| +14/+9/+4 | +11 | +11 | +6 |
20th| +15/+10/+5 | +12 | +12 | +6 |Outsider Form
Class Skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Gather Information, Handle Animal, Hide, Intimidate, Knowledge (Local & Nature), Listen, Move Silently, Sense Motive, Spot, Survival
Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) ×4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Metamorphs are proficient with all simple weapons, light & medium armour, but not shields. In addition, they gain proficiency with any natural weapons they develop & gain any proficiencies that a race they have Shapeshifted into would possess.
Class Features:
Shapeshift (Su):
The metamorph begins with the ability to alter their physical form. This ability functions like the alternate form (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm#alternateForm) special ability, except as noted here.
The Metamorph's base ability scores do not change, but they do lose their own racial extraordinary qualities and gain the creature's extraordinary special qualities instead, including any abilities modifiers imposed. A Metamorph who no longer meets the ability pre-requisites for a feat they possess due to Shapeshifting still retains access to that Feat.
- For races without specified statistic modifiers deduct 10 from even ability scores and 11 from odd scores, then apply these penalties or bonuses to the Metamorph's base stats; Intelligence may never drop below three in this way and other statistics may not drop below 1 in this way.
- The first time a Metamorph becomes a race that receives a non-specific bonus feat(s) as an extraordinary quality they must choose this feat, after which it cannot be changed until they gain the Morphic Intuition class feature. The feat must be one that a member of that race could choose at the time of gaining it (eg. the Human bonus feat must be one that a level 1 Metamorph could qualify for).
The Metamorph can choose the physical appearance of their new form within the normal limits for that race, including the gender and age they appear to be; this does not however grant/remove age related bonuses or penalties.
Initially the Metamorph may alter their form into that of small & medium Humanoids. They are able to become any race with a Level Adjustment equal to their Metamorph level-1 and no more than 1 racial Hit Dice (so LA+0 races such as Humans & Gnomes at 1st level, or Drow at 3rd level). Races with no Level Adjustment are invalid selections.
Shapeshift requires a standard action to activate, lasts indefinitely until the the Metamorph uses it again and they may change from one form to another without first returning to their true form. The Metamorph returns to their true form when slain. In a situation where (Su) abilities are suppressed such as when within an antimagic field Shapeshift cannot be used, but they do not revert to another form.
Racial Memory (Ex):
The Metamorph doesn't just look like a member of another race, it becomes one of them. As well as the physical effects of their Shapeshift ability, they also gain several mental benefits based on their class level.
In addition to their base languages, they are able to speak one language known by default by members of the chosen race.
+2 on Knowledge (Local) checks when used to learn about the race & may make such checks untrained.
+2 on Knowledge (History) checks relating to the race in question & may make such checks untrained.
At 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter these skill check bonuses increase by 2.
Mystic Transformation (Su):
As the Metamorph's abilities grow, they learn to mimic the more exotic abilities of the creatures they mimic.
From 2nd level, when Shapeshifted into race they may utilise the race's Ex, Su, Sp & Psi abilities, but not abilities from virtual class levels such as a Rakshasa's Sorcerer spellcasting. They may use the abilities of a number of races equal to their Charisma Modifier (minimum 1), and may choose at the time of Shapeshifting into a particular race whether they wish to apply Mystic Transformation.
They may use these abilities with the same frequency as the actual race could, and these uses are not refreshed by Shapeshifting into another representative of the race. Abilities that would have an XP component as a spell/power still require the Metamorph to pay these costs. If subraces of a particular race (eg. Rock Gnome & Svirfneblin) have different abilities, they are counted separately when choosing races.
After 8 hours rest Mystic Transformation is reset, meaning the Metamorph may choose new races if they wish, and they regain full use of their chosen race's abilities.
From 8th level the Metamorph may use the abilities from a number of forms equal to half their class level + their Charisma Modifier (minimum 1).
From 18th level they may use the abilities of all forms they can become.
Hammerspace (Su):
From 2nd level the Metamorph is able to shape a pocket of space within it's malleable form, in which it can store possessions out of harms way. There is no air within the Hammerspace, so nothing living can be stored within for more than 1 round without beginning to suffocate.
The Hammerspace may store 1 set of mundane clothes/class level, which may be donned as part of a Shapeshift action. It may also store additional items based on the character's carrying capacity: it may always store items up to the base creature's basic light load (items in the Hammerspace do not count against the Metamorph's actual carrying capacity), even if their Strength score is reduced or they become a smaller race.
They may store more items if they take on a form with a higher Strength score (temporary bonuses to Strength do not count), but upon changing to a creature without such a higher carrying capacity, any excess weight of items are immediately expelled harmlessly and drop to the floor; most recently stored items being expelled first.
Storing or retrieving an item is a move equivalent action. Items may appear in the Metamorph's hand/s or in the appropriate place for it to be worn/used, or may be allowed to drop to the floor. If the Metamorph is killed, items in the Hammerspace remain within them unless someone undertakes the fairly gruesome process of retrieving them from it's corpse.
Mass-tery (Ex):
From 3rd level the Metamorph may shift their mass whilst still in one shape, making a single limb especially dense or relatively light.
As long as their ability to shapeshift is not suppressed, the Metamorph receives a bonus to their Strength score equal to 1/2 their class level for the purposes of attack & damage rolls with natural weapons. Alternatively, by forgoing this bonus as a free action, they may instead deal non-lethal damage without taking the usual penalties involved.
Improved Shapeshift (Ex):
At 4rd level the Metamorph improves their mastery over their physical form. In addition to Humanoid forms, the Metamorph may take on the forms of creatures of other types (eg. Half-Giant, Planetouched, Warforged, etc.). All other rules for Shapeshift apply, so races with no listed LA or those with more than one base racial Hit Dice are still not valid selections. They retain their own Type & racial Features, but also gain the new Form's Type, Subtypes, and the Augmented Subtype if needed.
*A Metamorph Shapeshifted into Construct or Undead form is treated as having a Con Score of -, losing any bonus hit points they gained from a high Con Score, and die at 0HP rather than -10. Those in Construct form gain additional hit points based on their size (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#constructType).
Morphic Aesthetics (Su):
From 5th level the Metamorph instinctively alters it's appearance to better comfort, convince or control others. By reading body language and other cues, as long as they are able to use Shapeshift they alter their appearance subtly to gain a bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information & Intimidate checks equal to their Wisdom modifier
Morph (Su):
When the Metamorph reaches 6th level they learn to manipulate themselves to such an extent that they can take on more dramatic and powerful forms than they could before. As they grow in power, ever more forms become available to them; their repetoire of shapes increasing from just a few to hundreds or even thousands.
Morph functions like the alternate form (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm#alternateForm) special ability, except as noted here. Morph is a similar, but distinct ability from Shapeshift, so the exceptions noted in Shapeshift or Improved Shapeshift but not here do not apply.
The Metamorph may become any creature of a type they have selected, as long as it's Hit Dice do not exceed their class level and it is within the size limits available to them (initially small & medium).
The Metamorph's base ability scores do not change, but they do lose their own racial extraordinary qualities and gain the creature's extraordinary special qualities instead; including any abilities modifiers imposed. A Metamorph who no longer meets the ability pre-requisites for a feat they possess due to Morphing still retains access to that Feat.
- For races without specified statistic modifiers deduct 10 from even ability scores and 11 from odd scores, then apply these penalties or bonuses to the Metamorph's base stats; Intelligence may never drop below three in this way and other statistics may not drop below 1 in this way.
- The Metamorph may choose to forgo a creature's ability bonuses, and in exchange not take on it's ability penalties, on a two-for-one basis (eg. they may forgo +6 Str to avoid -2 Int & -4 Cha, or -6 Wis, etc.)
- The first time a Metamorph becomes a race that receives a non-specific bonus feat(s) as an extraordinary quality they must choose this feat, after which it cannot be changed until they gain the Morphic Intuition class feature. The feat must be one that a member of that race could choose at the time of gaining it.
- They retain their own Type & racial Features, but also gain the new Form's Type, Subtypes, and the Augmented Subtype if needed.
The Metamorph can choose the physical appearance of their new form within the normal limits for that race, including the gender and age they appear to be; this does not however grant/remove age related bonuses or penalties.
From 6th level the Metamorph is able to take on the forms of Animals (Nature).
At each subsequent level except 10th & 20th the Metamorph chooses an additional creature type that they can Morph into from the level appropriate forms listed below. The Knowledge field listed in brackets is the skill Racial Memory applies to whilst in a form instead of Knowledge (Local).
Levels 7-11 (except 10):
Fey (Nature)
Giant (Nature)
Monstrous Humanoid (Nature)
Vermin (Nature)
Levels 12-15:
Aberration (Dungeoneering)
Elemental (The Planes)
Ooze (Dungeoneering)
Plant (Nature)
Levels 16-19:
Construct* (Arcana)
Dragon (Arcana)
Magical Beast (Arcana)
Undead* (Religion)
*A Metamorph Morphed into Construct or Undead form is treated as having a Con Score of -, losing any bonus hit points they gained from a high Con Score, and die at 0HP rather than -10. Those in Construct form gain additional hit points based on their size (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/typesSubtypes.htm#constructType).
As the Metamorph advances they also learn to become creatures of greater or lesser mass, as shown below. Where multiple sizes are listed the Metamorph chooses when they reach that level, gaining the other at the next opportunity:
Class Level - Size
7th - Large
9th - Tiny or Huge
11th - Tiny or Huge
13th - Diminutive or Gargantuan
15th - Diminutive or Gargantuan
17th - Fine or Colossal
19th - Fine or Colossal
Morph requires a standard action to activate, lasts indefinitely until the the Metamorph uses it again and they may change from one form to another without first returning to their true form. The Metamorph returns to their true form when slain. In a situation where (Su) abilities are suppressed such as when within an antimagic field Morph cannot be used, but they do not revert to another form. Morph forms are valid selections for Mystic Transformation, and Racial Memory applies to them.
Morphic Intuition (Ex):
From 8th Level the Metamorph's ability to alter their mind as well as their body becomes even greater. From now on they gain non-specific bonus feats when taking on a form that offers them (eg. Humans).
Skilled Transformer (Ex):
From 9th level the Metamorph has completely forgone the notion of a single "true form". This grants them several benefits:
Use of Shapeshift & Improved Shapeshift is no longer suppressed by antimagic fields and the like. Further, when slain whilst using Shapeshift they remain in that form, rather than reverting to another form. Morph is still suppressed & subject to reverting upon death, but the Metamorph returns to their most recent Shapeshift form rather than their original "true form".
The Metamorph may hold up to a medium load in their Hammerspace, rather than a light load.
The Metamorph's constant shifting grants them Fast Healing 1 per 3 class levels.
Morph Into Objects (Su):
From 10th level the Metamorph advances their abilities to the point where they can become inanimate material. As a swift action they may turn their natural weapons into any mundane material, allowing them to overcome material based damage reduction.
They may also use Morph to become any object (not animated objects) within their Morph size limits. They cannot be consumed or used as a spell component, if tried then the Metamorph is forcibly returned to their most recent non-object form & is Dazed for 1 round, and any spell attempt fails. If Sundered while in object form then the Metamorph is forcibly returned to their most recent non-object form, at -1HP & dying. Metamorphs in item form are not ambulatory and so must be used by another creature, but they can still "speak" & may see & hear at a range of 30ft.
If the metamorph becomes a weapon, armour or shield they may select it as a Mystic Transformation form and gain an enhancement bonus equal to +1 per four class levels.
Adept Transformer (Ex):
From 12th level the Metamorph's self-manipulation becomes even more profound, granting them further benefits:
Shapeshift may now be used as a move action.
The Metamorph may hold up to a heavy load in their Hammerspace, rather than a light load.
The Metamorph's understanding of their body's shape means gain the Shapechanger subtype and they are immune to any Transmutation or Psychometabolism effect they do not wish to affect them.
Enchanted Item Transformation (Ex):
From 14th level the Metamorph learns how to mimic the abilities of items powered by more exotic magic or psionic powers. In order to utilise Enchanted Item Transformation the Metamorph must become an item and make it a Mystic Transformation form (as described in Morph Into Objects). They also gain Use Magic Device & Use Psionic Device as class skills from now on.
The Metamorph may replicate any permanent magic or psionic item with a base value no greater than 1000gp/class level. Neither items which are partially or entirely consumed with use (potions, scrolls, Ring of Three Wishes, etc.) or possess a limited number of charges (wands, staffs, etc.) may be replicated, but those with limited uses/day (eternal wands, etc.) may be, though each individual item counts as a unique Mystic Transformation form (eg. an eternal wand of Magic Missile & an eternal wand of Levitate are two seperate forms, rather than simply counting as "eternal wands"). Metamorphs in the form of use-activated items may not trigger themselves without making a special Use Magic Device check (DC 15+1/1000gp of the item's cost rounded up).
The Metamorph may not become Epic items or combined items (such as the Ring of Protection & Invisibility mentioned in the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/creatingMagicItems.htm#addingNewAbilities)).
Endless Duration (Ex):
From 16th level, a Metamorph no longer takes ability score penalties for aging, cannot be magically aged, and thanks to their ability to simply make themselves younger than they are, their venerable age category is functionally infinite. Bonues stil accrue & any penalties already incurred remain in place.
Expert Transformer (Ex):
From 18th level the Metamorph is reaching the pinnacle of their morphic abilities, gaining several further boons:
Morph is no longer suppressed by antimagic fields and the like. Further, when slain whilst using Morph they remain in that form, rather than reverting to another form.
Morph may now be used as a move action.
The Metamorph is so fluid of form that they become immune to critical hits and precision damage.
Outsider Form (Ex):
At 20th level the Metamorph masters the ultimate Morph form; the immense variety offered by Outsiders. The Metamorph may now take on Outsider forms with their Morph abilities, with (The Planes) as the Knowledge skill available via Racial Memory.
Outsiders with an alignment subtype opposed to the Metamorph's own alignment are not valid Morph forms.
----------------
Epic Metamorph
Hit Dice: d8
{table]Level|Class Features
21|Shapeshift, Morph, Enchanted Item Transformation
22|
23|Bonus Feat
24|
25|Racial Memory
26|Bonus Feat
27|
28|
29|Bonus Feat
30|Racial Memory[/table]
Shapeshift: The LA limit of races that the Metamorph may become continues to increase with each class level above 20th.
Morph: The HD limit of races that the Metamorph may become continues to increase with each class level above 20th.
Enchanted Item Transformation: With each class level above 20th the cost of items that the Metamorph can replicate continues to increase by 1000gp. The may still not become Epic Items without the Epic Item Transformation feat.
Racial Memory: Every 5 levels above 20th the Metamorph's bonuses to Knowledge checks continues to increase by 2.
Bonus Feat: At 23rd level, and every 3 levels thereafter the Metamorph gains a bonus feat that they meet the pre-requisites for.
----------------
Metamorph Feats
Hasty Transformation
Pre-requisites: Morphic Intuition class feature
Benefit: You may use Shapeshift as a Swift Action instead of a move action.
Rapid Transformation [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Expert Transformer class feature, Hasty Transformation feat
Benefit: You may use Morph as a swift action, and Shapeshift as an Immediate Action 1/round.
Practised Metamorph
Pre-requisites: (1) Shapeshift class feature or (2) Morph class feature
Benefit: Either -
(1) The LA limit of the Forms you can Shapeshift into increase by up to 4, but not above your class level.
or
(2) The HD limit of the Forms you can Morph into increase by up to 4, but not above your class level.
Morphic Prodigy
Pre-requisites: Morph class feature
Benefit: Choose a creature type that a Metamorph of your character level could become (except Outsiders). You may now become creatures of that type using Morph, though the HD cap of creatures you can become is still limited by your class level & any Practised Metamorph feats you possess.
This feat may be selected multiple times, each time choosing a different type. You may not choose a type you can already become using Morph.
Master Transformer [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Morph class feature
Benefit: The HD limit of forms you can Morph into increases by 4, even beyond your class level. You may also now Morph into Outsiders with an alignment subtype opposed to yor own alignment.
This feat may be taken multiple times, each time your Morph HD limit increasing by 4.
Mutated Transformer
Pre-requisites: Morphic Aesthetics class feature
Benefit: When you may Shapeshift into creature you may add any Template with a listed LA and no additional Racial Hit Dice, so long as the combined base & template LA do not exceed your normal limits. Only one template may be added at a time, and Templates with no listed LA are not available to be added.
Chimeric Transformer
Pre-requisites: Adept Morpher class feature
Benefit: When you may Morph into creature you may add any Template with a listed LA, so long as the creature's HD & template LA combined do not exceed your normal Morph HD limit. Only one template may be added at a time, and Templates with no listed LA are not available to be added.
Advanced Shapeshift
Pre-requisites: Improved Shapeshift class feature
Benefit: You may use Shapeshift to become races that have more than one Racial Hit Dice. They must still have a listed LA, and their combined RHD and LA must be within your normal Shapeshift limits. You may now Shapeshift into creatures beyond small & medium size, the available sizes matching those available to you through the Morph class feature (Large at 7th level, etc.)
Greater Supernatural Power
Pre-requisites: Mystic Transformation class feature
Benefit: You gain an additional use of Mystic Transformation each day above your normal limit. Once you reach 18th level and may use Mystic Transformation on all forms you may instead 1/day use either a single spell/power/etc. granted by a creature's virtual class levels, or use an Su or Sp/Ps ability without paying it's XP cost.
This feat may be taken multiple times, it's effects are cumulative.
Surging Morpher
Pre-requisites: Morph class feature, Able to Morph into at least 4 creature types
Benefit: When a creature you Morph into has less HD than your Morph HD cap, you may treat it as if it had more HD up to your maximum allowed HD for the purposes of advancing it's size (as shown in the creature's description), but no other purposes. You also treat your Caster Level for Spell Like abilities as your Metamorph level if it is higher than the stated Caster Level.
Epic Item Transformation [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Enchanted Item Transformation class feature, Master Transformer feat
Benefit: The value of magic/psionic items that you can Morph into is now 10,000gp/level, and you may become Epic items.
This feat may be taken multiple times. Each time the value of items they can become increases by 10,000gp/level.
Supreme Transformer [Epic]
Pre-requisites: Outsider Form class feature, Racial Memory +20 class feature, Master Transformer feat
Benefit: The Metamorph is no longer required to pay the XP costs for Mystic Transformation abilities, and all Mystic Transformation abilities may be used at-will, regardless of their previous use limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------
And that's the Metamorph version 2.0 2.1 2.2
I switched some abilities around, limited access to some types until later on, and pushed back their access to all special abilities until after the casters have 9th level spells, which seems fair to me. Should put it around T3 until 18th level, when it might move into T2.
Obviously forms can be limited by what the DM allow in their world, to avoid abuse of Sarrukhs and other similar monstrosities.
Thoughts, comments, criticism? Any and all appreciated.
K-B
Archive -
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