Beast talisman

Trunk-only: This article pertains to a feature of Crawl which is being tested. It will likely change before the next release, and may even be removed entirely.

Transforms the user into a monstrous, furry were-beast, limbs pulsing with ferocious energy. Shapeshifting skill increases the killing power provided. While transformed, any gloves, cloaks, headgear and boots are melded.

A beast talisman is a talisman that changes you into Beast Form, a wild, hulking form that grants bonuses to melee.

Shapeshifters start with this item, and start the game in Beast Form.

Useful Info

When eVoked, a beast talisman turns you into Beast Form, which lasts until you end the form. Entering or exiting a form takes 5 turns.

Beast Form has the following effects:

Combat Bonuses

• Unarmed Combat: 4 base damage.
• Slaying Bonus: adds 1 + (5 * Shapeshifting / 13) slaying (1-6 slay) to melee combat, even when using a weapon. Bonus is rounded in a weighted manner. Slaying increases damage and accuracy.

Restrictions

• Melded Gear: All armour except for body armour. (This includes helmets/hats, cloaks, gloves, and boots/bardings. Does not include shields.)

Beast Form does not block any mutations, does not change your size, and gives no innate bonus to HP / AC.

Beast Form has no minimum Shapeshifting skill. It has a maximum skill of 13; further skill has no further impact.

Strategy

If you haven't found (or can't use) any auxiliary armor pieces yet, then beast form is a free +1 slaying (and +1 Unarmed damage). That's a net positive for every character - no Shapeshifting skill required. Generally, 1 slay worse than having 2 AC; if Beast Form would meld too many armour slots, don't be afraid to end it.

It is an essential form for Shapeshifter starts. Your base fists are stronger than the plain short swords, whips, and maces you'll find on the dungeon. Branded weapons can perform better, though. For example, if you find a dagger of venom on D:2, then don't hesitate to switch. Weapon or not, Beast Form is still a buff.

Note that even Shapeshifters won't want to train the Shapeshifting skill right away.

• Shapeshifting skill gives you < 0.5 slay per level.
• Unarmed Combat skill gives +1 base damage per level (which is more damage), better accuracy, and speeds up your attacks.

History

• Will be introduced in trunk, in the transformation overhaul. Beast Form is similar in function to Beastly Appendage.