Shapeshifters

[Azzy]

Well, there is my mantra: If it is thematically appropriate!

Basically, due to the nature of the skill trees, one could plausibly jump from not having a position to being a druid without even going through shapeshifter (at least obviously doing so). Essentially, shapeshifting was a somewhat traditional druid class power, which is where the idea came from. Though, on any individual basis, I have no problem with people saying their character doesn't have specific powers or abilities that it would be reasonable for them to claim. XD

[Luna Grimm]

Oh all right
haha
that makes sense then.. I guess i just needed the clarification! thanks!

[Shadow]

I agree with Azzy as well.

And as for Orca's character's growth method... that is how Shadow does his transforming as well, save that he can transform after a long time of studying pictures and diagrams. However, He is also limited to only a few forms; At the moment, he is limited to two avian forms, a quadrupedal form, and a mythical form. The avian forms are easy to learn; the creatures are commonplace and therefore can be studied passively. On the other hand, the mythical form is nearly impossible to find in the wild, and he's smart enough not to try, so he relies on books and anatomic sketches and stuff like that.

It should be encouraged that newer members place small limits on their powers, as to reflect their "skill level" note: ENCOURAGED, not enforced. I.E, a Shape shifter either has very limited forms because of the regional diversity of the forms, or the shape shifter can only change into one region's animals with ease, all others need to be carefully studied first.

as the character goes up the skill tree, the limitations are removed or lessened.

That's how I play. ^_^

[Orca]

shadow <3 geniuses think alike etc etc

[Rith Matou]

I'm playing Rith's Shapeshifting in a similar method. He's not as proficient at shifting as he is as summoning creatures and has exhibited problems while attempting shifting a few times in his history at previous Avarens. Like his body had an aversion to the spells. As such, between his last appearance in Avaren and this one, Rith had been seeking training to get better in tune with the forms of Nature Magic he uses. Until he grows strong enough for his body to properly accept the spells, he's taking babysteps into it in the form of the magic tattoos he bears on the face now. He can will them to change form and in turn take on aspects of different animals. Kind of like the series of buff spells in 3.5 (Bear's Endurance, Owl's Wisdom, and so on). His repertoire will expand and the spells become more potent until he can eventually pull off full conversions

For example, here's Rith's available forms: img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/Tempo1022/rithtattoo.png