GURPS 4e Ogre

[swarmyard]

I was wanting to build an Ogre similar to the shapeshifter from the Puss in Boots story, but wasn't quite sure if I should work the shapeshifting as the Morph advantage or a series of Alternate forms. Any suggestions?

[Ulzgoroth]

I think your typical fairy-tale shape-changing magician can choose forms freely enough that Morph is the only reasonable approach. Alternate forms are only really suitable for small lists of forms.

[Kelly Pedersen]

Originally Posted by swarmyard

I was wanting to build an Ogre similar to the shapeshifter from the Puss in Boots story, but wasn't quite sure if I should work the shapeshifting as the Morph advantage or a series of Alternate forms. Any suggestions?

Well, the ogre in the story is only seen taking a couple of forms (the version I found only mentions a lion and a mouse), but I think the intent of the story is that the ogre is actually supposed to be quite an accomplished shapeshifter, and they don't mention more just for brevity's sake. So I'd probably go with Morph. The story doesn't mention being able to transform into anything besides animals, though, so that's probably worth a limitation. I'd call "Animals Only" a -20% limitation on Morph. So, as long as you want the ogre to be able to turn into 6 or more different animals, Morph with Animals Only ends up cheaper than buying multiple Alternate Forms.

[Rolando]

You will also need something that prohibits the ogre from changing during combat or the cat will be unable to hold the ogre in mouse shape for long.

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by Rolando

You will also need something that prohibits the ogre from changing during combat or the cat will be unable to hold the ogre in mouse shape for long.

Shapeshifting via Alternate Forms or Morph takes 10 seconds of Concentration without enhancements.
As for Morph vs. AF the math typically works out that more than 7 alternate Forms its cheaper to go with Morph, (105 vs. 100 but the discount with AF can change the breakpoint).

[Kelly Pedersen]

Originally Posted by Refplace

As for Morph vs. AF the math typically works out that more than 7 alternate Forms its cheaper to go with Morph, (105 vs. 100 but the discount with AF can change the breakpoint).

This is true, but my math above was assuming cheaper Morph, because of the Animals Only limitation. Since that limitation would apply to Morph, but not Alternate Form, I figured it was more relevant for the comparison.

[David Johansen]

Great! Now I want to build a superhero who turns into an OGRE! At least the no arms and size modifier will help to keep the costs down. How many points for tactical nukes I wonder...

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by Kelly Pedersen

This is true, but my math above was assuming cheaper Morph, because of the Animals Only limitation. Since that limitation would apply to Morph, but not Alternate Form, I figured it was more relevant for the comparison.

Yeah, in a few cases it might be cheaper for 6 or even 5 forms, I just wanted to throw out the the typical case I have found when designing my builds.

Originally Posted by David Johansen

Great! Now I want to build a superhero who turns into an OGRE! At least the no arms and size modifier will help to keep the costs down. How many points for tactical nukes I wonder...

Yeah, thats what I first thought the thread was about from the title.