Shapeshifter BG2
The Shapeshifter is a BG2 class in BioWare's cRPG of 2000, Baldur's Gate 2. The Shapeshifter is the worst Druid kit and a BG2 Worst Class.
If you really want to play a shapeshifter, Shifter Build NWN is infinitely more fun.
Shapeshifter Greater Werewolf
Not even the Greater Werewolf form has the THAC0 BG2 or Armor Class BG2 to make the Shapeshifter class worthwhile, though our claws gain ApR +2 by wielding Belm BG2 off-hand, for 5 ApR total (3 base + 1 off-hand +1 Belm). Thus, under Improved Haste, we can achieve 10 ApR. But the Druid THAC0 sucks. What is the point of 10 ApR when we can barely hit anything?
This druid is not called Shapeshifter because he has access to a great variety of forms, rather because of his complete dedication to a single alternate form. This druid has willingly allowed himself to become infected with Lycanthropy, but due to intense study and training he has the ability to control his affliction. The creature he becomes is that of the Werewolf, the most famous of the lycanthrope shape changers.
Shapeshifter Advantages
- May shapeshift into the form of a werewolf once per day for every 2 levels (starts at 1st level with one use).
- At 13th level gains the ability to change into a greater werewolf once per day.
Shapeshifter Disadvantages
- No other shapeshifting abilities due to the effort required maintaining balance in his primary forms
- Cannot wear ANY armor
Shapeshifter Weapon Immunity
The weapon immunity is an epic ability in theory -- indeed, it is otherwise only available as a Bhaaltear or through Aslyferund armor -- but the enemies we'd really want to tank wield magical weapons. Besides, in the original BG2 weapon immunity wasn't even implemented for Shapeshifter werewolves!
In werewolf form, we may NOT cast Druid spells or wear armor.
Note that SCS BG2 has Improved Shapeshifting, Tweaks Anthology has Shapeshifter Rebalancing and BG2 Fixpack disables the ability to dispel werewolf claws. However, these are BG2 Mods.
Werewolf Stats BG2
- THAC0 BG2: 13
- Average Damage: 10.5 piercing
- Claw Enchantment: +2
- ApR BG2: 2 (off-hand Belm for 4)
- Armor Class BG2: -1
- Hitpoints: 50
- Magic Resistance BG2: 20
Greater Werewolf Stats BG2
At 13th level (750,000 XP), the Shapeshifter can transform into a Greater Werewolf. Most notably, it gains ApR 1, 5 points of THAC0 and 9 points of AC over the normal Werewolf form. However, we can see that its damage and enchantment level are not boosted by much at all.
- THAC0: 8 (Draw Upon Holy Might: 5)
- Average Damage: 12.5 piercing (DUHM: 17.5)
- Claw Enchantment: +2
- ApR: 3 (off-hand Belm for 5)
- Armor Class: -10 (DUHM: -12)
- Hitpoints: 76
- Resistances: 20% to fire, cold, electricity, acid, magic fire, magic cold
- Magic Resistance: 40
- Saving Throws: 5-9-8-11-10
Let us compare the Greater Werewolf with a 11th level warrior (750,000); a plain, unkitted Fighter BG2 equipped with items that are available to 11th level warriors. Note the massive difference in saves, HPs, THAC0 and damage per round:
- THAC0: -5 (Draw Upon Holy Might)
- Average Damage: 29.5 crushing (DUHM; Flail of Ages BG2)
- Weapon Enchantment: +3
- ApR: 5 (Belm off-handed)
- Armor Class: -10 (DUHM)
- Hitpoints: 160
- Saving Throws: 1-3-2-1-4
Also, the yawning martial valley only widens as the Fighter gains access to better items and abilities such as GoES, Critical Strike and THAC0 reductions up to 20th level, culminating in on-hand THAC0 -15 and off-hand -12. Whereas the Greater Werewolf remains ever and always... a Greater Werewolf... whose claws can barely hit the broad side of a barn. And when they do hit, they inflict barely a scratch in comparison to Fighters.
In addition, Fighters ultimately receive x17 weapon proficiency BG2, allowing them to Grandmaster in three different BG2 weapons or Specialize in 8 different weapons, thereby allowing them to adapt to different BG2 enemies and combat encounters.
Thus, the Greater Werewolf is naught but a pitiful, poor man's martial, and any claim to the contrary is a joke.
Note that Cernd is a Shapeshifter.
| Best Classes BG2 | Druid BG2 | Avenger BG2 | Totemic Druid BG2 | Shapeshifter BG2 |
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