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, rounded in a weighted fashion. Applies even when using a weapon. Slaying increases damage and accuracy.

Restrictions

• Melded Gear: All armour except for body armour and shields. (This includes helmets/hats, cloaks, gloves, and boots/bardings.)

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 slaying is worse than 2 AC, so good enough armour should take priority over this form.

It is essential 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 training the Shapeshifting skill in the early-game is a poor choice, even for Shapeshifters:

• 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.