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Thread: Best forms for Alter Self
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2009-06-23, 01:56 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2007
- Location
- In his throne room.
- Gender
Best forms for Alter Self
I'm running a very low level game in which the current villain is a specialist transmuter. As the PCs are all currently level 1-2, I have placed her at level 3 (I don't intend for her to die at this stage of the campaign and to increase in levels with the PCs, for a recurring nemesis).
Currently, her best spell is alter self. As a humanoid, what are some interesting forms for her to take to present a good challenge to my PCs? I am sticking to the core books, along with the Complete series, the SpC, and the various MM I-V. I don't want to break the game here; I'm just looking for some tried and true humanoid forms that can pay decent dividends while she's still nearly as inexperienced as the party.
Don't worry, she's got a party of her own for the time being, so she doesn't need to take on the PCs alone.Minstrel Emeritus of the Elan Fan Club
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2009-06-23, 02:17 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2009
Re: Best forms for Alter Self
Troglodyte for the +6 natural armor. In a watery environment, locathah for the 60 ft swim speed and +8 to Swim (could be a useful way for her to make a quick escape in the right situation).
If you want this character to be a recurring villain though, be careful about letting your PCs even get near her if they know she's an enemy. With some determination, creativity and luck, the PCs will find a way to kill her.
Edit: Also perusing the list, the varag looks pretty good too. 60 ft. speed and +3 natural armor -- a somewhat more rounded choice than the trog.Last edited by Tukka; 2009-06-23 at 02:27 AM.
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2009-06-23, 02:29 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2008
- Location
- Western US
- Gender
Re: Best forms for Alter Self
Don't have anything but SRD in front of me, but a few choice ones from there:
Lizardfolk - A nice skill boost, natural weapons, and a juicy +5 natural armor. Combo with Mage Armor and Shield for a lizard transmuter with better AC than most fighters at this level.
Locathah - have her corner them in an aquatic setting and use this form; decent armor and a 60' swim speed.
Troglodyte - A whopping +6 natural armor, and a few more natural weapons.
Perusing a few more forms from other sources:
Varag (MM4) - a great stealthy choice: speed and skill boost are awesome.
Raptoran (RotW) - not quite flying yet, but gliding (I think), some awesome skill boosts, and good natural weapons.
Crucian (sandstorm) - +8 natural armor, Jebus.
Something with flight: Air Mephling? I dunno, there has to be something...Homebrew!
3.5 Edition:
The Planeswalker
Martial Drunken Master PrC
Spirit Caller PrC
4th Edition:
Death Knight
Exotic Beast Master Ranger
Insightful Cleric
The Lifebond Seeker
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2009-06-23, 02:47 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2009
Re: Best forms for Alter Self
And of course, sometimes one of the better forms you can take is something that effectively works as a disguise. Of course, disguise self is more specifically tailored to that purpose and better in some respects (it lets you change the appearance of your clothing/equipment and is lower level) but has the disadvantage of allowing a Will save on interaction.
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2009-06-23, 02:47 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2009
- Location
- Bracada
- Gender
Re: Best forms for Alter Self
There's an entire thread devoted to this here.
If a tree falls in a forest, the Druid will make sure you hear about it.