Were oh were

[Rhabuka]

All right, I've been very torn about whether to pursue a wereform for Rhabuka. Here are the good and bad points as I see them:

Good
- The stats associated with the form (lion in this case) are Sta and Agi, one of which boosts my powerpool
- It will give me a self-Cha buff, up to around 120 at lvl 60
- It looks cool (LOL bit of an intangible here)

Bad
- Coach problems, town problems --> more debt
- I can't figure out how to fit this into roleplaying (more on this below)
- More class masteries required that could be used elsewhere

It's that RP point that I'm really struggling with. How do I fit this into a character's story? Why would someone willingly become a lycanthrope?

The easy answer would be power. There was a minor character in book 3 of the Icewind Dale series who agreed to become a wererat because he thought it would increase his power and his influence.

If I accept the power angle, the next problem would be the type of form. If you’ve checked out the lycanthropy lore from the main EQOA website, it appears that evil characters should be werewolves. The werebears are shaman-like and the werelions are druid-like. Not only do I prefer the stats of the lion over the wolf, I prefer the form as well. And yet this Corindas fellow and his werelions are described as “noble”. Not a word that comes to mind when I think of Rhabuka

I have been pondering ways to get around this. My mentor Argra was aided by an archdruid many years ago and they became friends. Just how far did this friendship go?

So after all this babbing (sorry!), I want to ask you all your opinions.

For those who have a form – what do you think of them? More trouble than they're worth? How do they fit into your character’s story?

For those considering getting a form – how do you plan to explain the reason for your transformation?

For those opposed to the forms (ahem Zug, ahem Cephius) – please share your point of view as well. Would you take on the role of a werehunter, acting as a kind of mercenary?

[Zugarok]

Zug has trouble putting his ideas into words so he has laid this on me to express his opposition of lycanthropes.

As a scholar of Norrath, I find that Lycanthrope is a blight on the planet. Born amongst the insane defenders of the unkempt, I cannot see any reason to willingly expose one's self to this wretched disease. You would think that after the mass duping at the hands of the so called Springview "healers" the heroes of Norrath would be more wary than to succumb to such folly.

Zugarok wanted me to also indicate his views ( I hope I understood him correctly) that in the case of "the Ogre", he feels that the blood of our people has been watered down enough. He sees these purveyors of Lycanthrope are doing so to water down the pureblood of the children of Zek, as well as that of the Children of Innoruuk and Tunare! He feels that this treachery should not go unpunished and that the infected should be hunted down and burned as to not sicken more of his declining race.

~Ellindar the Bard

(the points you have made are what seem to me to be the most valid points, though at this point I can't believe you made me kill all those damn werelions!!! I for one would possibly take the werehunter form before I would take the wereform for the reasons stated above.

Sidenote: observation from my other shamans. If you were to buy the CMs for the upgraded bearforms, the sta str buffs would allow you to focus points that would have gone to stamina to charisma if that is your point. Furthermore does the sta increase from wereform outweigh the increase from current bear form.)

[Slyfoot M'Zors]

Well, sounds like you have got yerself a nice little set up here. I struggled with this idea with my Pally, Kheyn (Which you read the first part about in Pure Accusation part 1 of 5 ). I was thinking about making her a were, but then, being and eru pally or holy knight, I didn't think it would suit her, so I didn't make her a were. Why? Because it didn't fit in with her character. Anywho, back to your character. The moment you asked how you could fit being a were into your character's story, I immediately thought Argra. You could some how tie her into it like her requesting that you become a were for some reason, maybe to seek out this drd (which would be great for the lion form). So, if you want to become a were, I think that making Argra have something to do with it would be a good way to go. Mind you, that is IF you want to. As you say, there are down sides to it, both IC and OOC.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

[MerriMekko]

ok being a were-wolf with merri, i have to say that it was the worst mistake of my life. i am hoping that i can get rid of it but i highly doubt it. sure stats are cool and there are a couple cms that are neat as well. but being a human hlr and all the dam hunters around, i cant even run thru fp without running into a hunter who roots you then forces you into form, and if im lucky i can hit remove illusion fast enough so i dont get attacked by guards, or if im unlucky i am standing near guards. personally IMO i dont think the were's are worth the hassle, debt or the time to do.

[Rhabuka]

Zugarok said:

(the points you have made are what seem to me to be the most valid points, though at this point I can't believe you made me kill all those d**n werelions!!!

Bah! I know better than anyone that you can't "make" an ogre warrior do anything, in game or in real life!

[Kyrinn the Black]

I honestly can't see Rhabuka having a were form. Lycanthropy is supposed to be a disease and generaly viewed as a bad thing. It's my opinion that getting a were form on purpose is an irrational grasp for power and perfectly reasonable for some people. Doesn't seem like Rhabuka is someone who would make that kind of grasp for power.

I for one planned out my CM's from start to finish and I couldn't spare the points for a wereform. You might want to make sure you can spare the points before making the call.

[Rhabuka]

Thanks all. I am coming to grips with no form for Rhab... but perhaps one day for one of my other characters.

Besides, I can already change into a bear, how greedy can ya get?