Shapechange to metahuman form?, Runners who aren't into bestiality Options

[Buster]

I have a character who has Raven as a mentor spirit and I would prefer to use Shapechange instead of Physical Mask for disguises. In addtion to the obvious desire for the +2 bonus, I like the idea of changing my form, but not my clothes, requiring me to steal someone's clothes or cast a quick Fashion spell.

Can you use Shapechange to transform into a metahuman form? It lists critters, but I can't think of a reason why you couldn't turn into a human or a troll. If anything, I would think it would be easier to turn into a humaniod than a bird or an insect...

[Dancer]

I wouldn't allow it as-written because of the +1 to all physical attributes per hit thing. The major limitation on Shapechange at the moment is the lack of hands and inability to use any equipment (including armor), removing these limitations would be unbalancing and remove the need for the Increase (Physical) Attribute spells.

[Jack Kain]

You could created an alternate spell that simply adds hits onto your disguise test, rather then to your Attributes. So say an elf shaman can make himself look like a troll and maybe get the +1 reach. But they'll get there arm snapped off if they try an arm wrestle a real one.

[Solkari]

I have a player who wanted to do the reverse. He's a troll kannushi who wants to look human. We eventually put together a caster only "Human Form" manipulation spell, that makes him look the same way he would if he were human, and includes a limited levitation so he has the weight of a human, rather than troll. He still has the same mass and looks like a troll on the astral, but the casual observer won't be able to tell.

[Moon-Hawk]

[Dancer]

Now I picture a Librarian-like mage with a force-6 Orang-utan Form spell quickened on them.

[laughingowl]

To me I have always allowed it.

While this addition 'doesn't' previous editions always included (meta)-humans in the 'critters' sections with the normal base stats.

(Meta)humans are 'critters'!

Yes Shapechange CAN replace Improve Physical stats spells; hwoever, there is one big big semi-house rule I will use to prevent.

Addicition. Mikey's Strength Spell, Is fairly safe to run 24x7x365 with little chance of addiction even at high force levels.

Shapechange (IMO) is a very addicted spell, and can lead to the loss of one's own indiviuality to the 'alternate'. If used for the occasional disguise and/or at very low force (force 1-2) then it is pretty safe.

If you refuse to go out of the house with out donning a force-6 Chuck Norris form, then rest assured spell addiction is going to raise it's ugly head and you are going to start taking some pretty heavy penalities when NOT in shapechanged form, and likely some even when shapechanged (though likely offset by the wonderful bonuses).

[hyzmarca]

[Buster]

[bibliophile20]

[Darkest Angel]

In SSG Androgine uses Shapechange as a Sex-Change spell, so why not?

[Cochise]

[Particle_Beam]

[laughingowl]

[laughingowl]

[laughingowl]

One house rule change to shapechange that help with balance (IMO) immensly.

Instead of each net hit adds one to ALL stats.

Each net hit allow one to be added to A stat.

so say we have generic animal B-3.Q-3,R-3.S-3

If we shape change into generic animal with 6 hits.

Instead of 9 for all stats.


We could chose.

Body 9 (all others 3) to help with soak directly.

or

Reaction 9 (all others 3) to help with avoiding getting hit

or Body 6 all other 5s (spread out approach), etc.

Shapechange is still great for disguise / infilatraion / possible extra's (flight, water breathing, other naturual abilities), and is a 'buff' spell but becomes far more inline with the existing buff spells, rather then one spell potentially adding +6 to all physical stats.

[Darkest Angel]

[hyzmarca]

We don't really know what spell Androgine had quickened, if he/she/shi/it knew enough to tell the difference between Shapechange and Physical Mask (or even a custum gender-altering spell), or if he was being honest. People make stuff up on the internet Matrix all the time. You don't all think that I'm really an 32JJ 18-year-old lesbian lingerie model who shaves everything below her waist, do you?

Mechanically, using Shapechange or [Critter] Form to assume a metahuman guise is impossible. It was so in SR3, as well. It was not intended to be a substitute for Physical Mask or attribute enhancements. If you choose to treat it as such, then it is your game; I can't tell you how to play.

[mfb]

[Tarantula]

SSG did have printed rules in it.

[Darkest Angel]

[Synner667]

[laughingowl]