Shapeshifting

[Drakenbow]

The IQ18 Shapeshifting spell says it allows to transform a subject into any known type of creature with some conditions. In very short summary:
1) the ST + DX total trade off.
2) cannot lower an attribute too far below normal for the new form.
3) cannot use some talents (or use magic) depending on new form.
4) subject gets the physical form, but not mental abilities of new form. The example is one doesn't learn the language of the new form.

How would you allow the following:
A) a person transformed into a gargoyle whose flight is tied to a 'limited ability to levitate'? In other words, is this a 'physical' form ability or more of a 'mental' ability?
B) a person transformed into an octopus with its ability to use three arms without DX penalty and the change to its side/rear hexes?
C) spellcasting for any creature known to be able to speak or wield its own magic? example: a one-hex dragon can talk as well can an octopus
D) would you consider a Dragonet, being like a dragon, able to speak and thus cast but just don't because of such a low IQ of 6?
E) would a person shifted into a reptile man get the HTH nasty bonus?

[TippetsTX]

Are TFT dragons talkers? Always seemed a bit ambiguous to me.

No question they can understand languages (probably several) and it doesn't bother me if they do talk, though that pushes them more towards the D&D model than I like.

Otherwise...
A) Yes, shape-shifting into a gargoyle should provide the ability to fly (or levitate)
B) Yes
C) Not necessarily. I think this would depend on whether you think non-humanoid spellcasting bears any resemblance to the techniques used by humanoids. Spells that can be cast w/o verbal or somantic elements should be fine, though.
D) No
E) Yes

(my opinions, of course)

[Drakenbow]

Originally Posted by TippetsTX

Are TFT dragons talkers? Always seemed a bit ambiguous to me.

Well, in Orb Quest the hydra could speak and talks to the orb seekers. The Dragonodons are telepathic and able to send thoughts, but cannot read thoughts. Dragons can use magic items, but are never wizards. They are intelligent beings with a social order amonst themselves. While dragons themselves are not listed as having telepathic abilities as Dragonodons, they were in Classic TFT a method to 'forgetting' talents and spells.

Plus, Classic and LEgacy TFT listed Dragon as a language a character may learn (p.16 old book, p.44 Legacy).

[TippetsTX]

Another interesting question... if you shape-shift into an octopus, that doesn't mean you can speak 'octopus' does it? Changing into an elf wouldn't grant 'elvish' (unless you already knew it).

TBH, I doubt you would be able to speak at all since octopus vocalization likely isn't designed for humanoid languages.

[hcobb]

Dragon's don't cast. Their fire breath is more like using a magic weapon in terms of combat options.

[Drakenbow]

Originally Posted by hcobb

Dragon's don't cast. Their fire breath is more like using a magic weapon in terms of combat options.

Yes, understood that dragons themselves don't cast or use magic, but since they can speak and have limbs would that qualify the shape being able to cast if a human would transform into one?

So, it kind of comes down to it, what shape forms (in a general sense) could a Shapeshifted person still use his/her magic while in that form?

As a side note, if shifted into an Octopus, that would open up to learning the Octopi language IMO, assuming their physical ability to communicate is completely different from humanoids. One would be able to hear and 'vocalize' their language.