Shapeshifter

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.

Shapeshifters use talismans to shift their body into different forms, granting them uncanny power but making them unable to use some items. They enter the dungeon with a beast talisman and a potion of lignification.

Shapeshifters are wanderers who specialise in Shapeshifting, using talismans to do so. They are best described as kung-fu mad scientists.

Preferred Species

Troll, Naga, Merfolk, Draconian, Demigod, and Demonspawn are the recommended species if you pick a Transmuter Background.

Racial restrictions

As Ghouls and Mummies cannot transform themselves, they are forbidden for becoming SHapeshifters.

Starting Equipment

Some species may receive different items based on their unique restrictions.

• +0 robe
• Potion of lignification
• Beast talisman

Shapeshifters start the game in Beast Form.

Starting Skills and Stats

These are adjusted by your species' aptitudes.

• Fighting: 2
• Unarmed Combat: 2
• Dodging: 2
• Shapeshifting: 3

Choosing Transmuter adds 7 to your starting Strength and 5 to your starting Dexterity.

Strategy

With a base damage of 3, Unarmed Combat is weaker than most weapon starts. Beast Form does not give a special boost to Unarmed Combat; it boosts all melee damage, weapon or not. Your early-game skilling depends on what you find on D:1 - D:2:

• If you find a short sword or spear at XL 1-2, it'll be stronger than your fists. Don't hesitate to switch for the time being. Note that, at 2 UC skill, your fists are stronger than plain daggers (when not stabbing) and clubs.
• Players who haven't found a weapon yet will want to train Unarmed Combat, which increases chance of survival. At 4 UC skill, your fists will be stronger than any unbranded short sword or spear you find on the ground (at 0 skill).
• The actual Shapeshifting skill gives less benefit (per-level) than Unarmed Combat skill, but more benefit than weapon skill.
  • Each level of UC gives more damage than a level of Shapeshifting. If using Unarmed Combat, train that exclusively for a while.
  • Each level of Shapeshifting gives more damage/accuracy than most weapon skills. However, since the first few levels are cheap, you should also get a few levels in a weapon skill. For Humans, going from 3 -> 4 Shapeshifting would take the same XP as 0 -> 3 weapon skill.

(Of course, if you find a talisman better than beast form, training Shapeshifting can be the best thing to do, UC or not.)

History

• Will be introduced in trunk. Previously, the Transmuter background let you change forms..