Feat for alter self effect?

[Niafel]

Hi! I'm on the verge of starting a new campaign, and I have a player who wants to play a half-elf bard with an alter self-like ability to assume both a human and an elven form. Obviously, a bard can eventually get alter self itself, but not at first level, and the spell has a time limit, which isn't ideal for her concept. (She wants to change form at whim, and to keep other people (including the rest of the PCs) guessing for as long as possible as to exactly what race she really is.)

I was thinking that I might allow her to take this ability as a feat. What do you all think of this:

Gift of the [insert back story element here]

The character can, at will, shift between human, half-elven, and elven form, and can remain in this form indefinitely. The character has only one form of each type, the appearance of which is set at the time of taking the feat. The effect is otherwise the same as the alter self spell.

Some things that I'm wondering are:

* Is this weak for a feat? (Especially considering it's her only feat at first level.)
* If the character gets the racial bonus feat for each of her races (when she's in that form, of course), does that include elven sword and bow proficiency? Is the extra feat that humans get at first level considered a racial bonus feat?
* I was thinking this would probably be a spell-like ability; any thoughts?

Thanks!

N

 

[Darklone]

If you allow it, I wouldn't bother to change the stats nor the weapon proficiencies. Otherwise you end up keeping three char sheets for him for all the race modifiers he has right now (skill points, feats, low light vision, etc...).

Then ask yourself: What's the benefit of the feat. The social skill bonuses the races get? That would be appropriate, many feats give a +2 bonus to two skills.

 

[TheLe]

I think allowing racial feats would be a nightmare. Basically, any bonus that you get when you level should carefully balanced. Here is what I think would be fine:

ELF FORM
(No.) *+2 Dexterity, –2 Constitution.
(Yes.) *Immunity to magic sleep effects, and a +2 racial saving throw bonus against enchantment spells or effects.
(Yes.) *Low-Light Vision: An elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
(No.) *Weapon Proficiency: Elves receive the Martial Weapon Proficiency feats for the longsword, rapier, longbow (including composite longbow), and shortbow (including composite shortbow) as bonus feats.
(Yes.) *+2 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks.
(No.) *An elf who merely passes within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled to a Search check to notice it as if she were actively looking for it.
(Your call.) *Automatic Languages: Common and Elven. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, and Sylvan.
(Your call.) *Favored Class: Wizard. A multiclass elf’s wizard class does not count when determining whether she takes an experience point penalty for multiclassing.

HUMAN FORM
(No)*1 extra feat at 1st level.
(No)*4 extra skill points at 1st level and 1 extra skill point at each additional level.
(Your call.)*Automatic Language: Common. Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic). See the Speak Language skill.
(Your call.)*Favored Class: Any. When determining whether a multiclass human takes an experience point penalty, his or her highest-level class does not count.

The favored class and languages can be rolled up into one I think, so they gain it no matter which form they are in.

 

[Nifft]

Do you have Eberron? If so, do you like Changelings?

According to the WotC FAQ, the human's bonus feat is a racial bonus feat, but IMHO this is stupid. Likewise, I would not grant Elf weapon proficiencies.

However, the half-elf is a very weak race, so granting an overpowered racial feat might balance it nicely. Thus, here's an overpowered feat for your consideration:

Hectae's Child [Half-Elf]
You have three forms, each one a different aspect of your soul.
Benefit: You can transform into one of three forms at will. You do not gain the [Shapechanger] subtype. Each of your three forms has a specific appearance.
Form of the Sun: You appear to be a Human. You gain a +1 to these skill checks: Climb, Jump, Swim, and a +1 bonus to Fort saves.
Form of the Moon: You appear to be an Elf. You gain a +2 bonus to your Dexterity.
Form of the Stars: You appear to be a Half-Elf. You gain a +1 bonus to Sense Motive and a +1 to Will saves.
Special: You must take this feat at 1st level.


It's still very strong, but lacks the annoying issues of alter self. It's slightly stronger than what Changelings get (though it doesn't grant the immunities), but let's face it, you're playing a Half-Elf and giving up your one first level feat for this.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Teydyn]

Hectae's Child [Half-Elf]
Form of the Moon: You appear to be an Elf. You gain a +2 bonus to your Dexterity.

Sounds fine, except +2 Dex is too much IMO.
+1 Reflex save like the other 2 forms, +1 spot & +1 listen maybe (to change the half elfs +1 in these to the elfs +2?)

 

[Nifft]

Sounds fine, except +2 Dex is too much IMO.
+1 Reflex save like the other 2 forms, +1 spot & +1 listen maybe (to change the half elfs +1 in these to the elfs +2?)

That would certainly be more balanced.

Thanks, -- N

 

[Vrecknidj]

So, who's going to step up to the plate for the lowly half-orc now?



Dave

 

[Darklone]

All half-orc players have followed a mysterious sign "Free Beer 'n Food there ===>".

 

[rgard]

Hi! I'm on the verge of starting a new campaign, and I have a player who wants to play a half-elf bard with an alter self-like ability to assume both a human and an elven form. Obviously, a bard can eventually get alter self itself, but not at first level, and the spell has a time limit, which isn't ideal for her concept. (She wants to change form at whim, and to keep other people (including the rest of the PCs) guessing for as long as possible as to exactly what race she really is.)

I was thinking that I might allow her to take this ability as a feat. What do you all think of this:

Gift of the [insert back story element here]

The character can, at will, shift between human, half-elven, and elven form, and can remain in this form indefinitely. The character has only one form of each type, the appearance of which is set at the time of taking the feat. The effect is otherwise the same as the alter self spell.

Some things that I'm wondering are:

* Is this weak for a feat? (Especially considering it's her only feat at first level.)
* If the character gets the racial bonus feat for each of her races (when she's in that form, of course), does that include elven sword and bow proficiency? Is the extra feat that humans get at first level considered a racial bonus feat?
* I was thinking this would probably be a spell-like ability; any thoughts?

Thanks!

N

I think there is a spell touched feat in UA that can do this.

 

[rgard]

I think there is a spell touched feat in UA that can do this.

Yes, it's called Momentary Alteration [Spelltouched], page 94 of Unearthed Arcana. It lasts 1 minute.