Hi everyone. I have just returned to the server after years of not playing. I want to start a new character ,Shifter,and start playing again. I don't know much about shifters but I've always found them amazing and fun to play with. If anyone can take his time to explain to me a bit about shifters and how to make a strong shifter build that has dragon shape,golom shape and Manny others as mind flayer and rakshasha .please send me a pm and tell me how to do so.thanks a lot and have a nice day.p.s I really would like the build to be very powerful thank you

Would also like to be able to shift into as Manny forms as possible.thank you

Hey brah and welcome back! Check out this link for more info on Shifter. viewtopic.php?f=20&p=934717#p934717

The class has undergone a total overhaul, still hanging on to its core mechanical features. The list of changes is quite comprehensive and coherent, but you should consult the Build Monkey thread in General Discussion for more specific advice. I don't know how well-versed you are with the numbers and jargon of this game, but it is wiser and more polite to give us an express outlining of what you want the character be. Normally I'd also suggest to try out building it first by yourself, then handing us in the blueprints and letting us polish off the rough edges, but Shifter is an extremely challenging class to dip your toes in for a n00b. N00b is said with all the love and affection found in the world.

And I love Shifter too. Self-mythology has always been such an integral part of the shtick which tempts me to skirt around blurry periphery of the hard and exhaustive lore of the realm.

EDIT: About the link, be also sure to look up the spreadsheet for the details: http://www.amiaworld.net/files/druids&shifters_v6.xls

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Hey bro. Thank you so much for the advice I will think about the general idea of the character and give you the"blue prints "of the character hopefully you can help me create something that suits my wish. Thanks for the help.Its good to be back.more comments about ideas for good shifter builds or wiki would be appreciated.

Welcome back!

I don't know a darn thing about shifters, but the people who do know that stuff tend to gather in this thread. When you think of a build you want to get advice on, that will be the place to post it to get the best attention.

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Character Portraits!

I'll be happy to help, alongside the rest of our community, if you need build advise. Been here since 2004 and I've tried every possible combination of character.
But a word of caution: playing a powerhouse is only fun for a while, what makes your character successful is the flaws, quirks and the growth of his/her personality.

And remember: Your character isn't his/her alignment - he/she just happens to be a certain alignment.

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Hey Liz,thanks a lot for the help and the link I'll be sure to post the idea of my shifter there so they can find me a good build."Very sevk"Thanks a lot for the advice and the help.the general idea of my desired build is a powerful shifter who can use dragon shape,and the goloms and basicly every shape possible while making them the most eficiant and strong.strong enough to solo abyss or a likewise place.I know this will sound arrogant but I would also like him to be a kick ass pvp'r.I seen plenty of strong shifters on amia my biggest desire is to make a powerfull shifter who I can rp with and PvP with and will enjoy very much.if you can think of a build that matches theese requirements I'll be glad to make one.BTW rp shifts will also be welcome such as weaker animals that won't do much but are fun shifting in to.but mostly I want him to be powerful PvP wise.thanks you so much for your time and help.I am all ears for ideas

Shifter builds are pretty complex and require a lot of on-your-feet tactical analysis. I would actually advocate coming up with your own build first to get a good idea of how the class works and its inherent strengths and weaknesses. By learning it for yourself first you'll gain a deeper understanding of the builds that can be made, and by extension a better understanding of your eventual character in combat.

After that, I'd just go look through the buildmonkey threads and loot one of the plethora of shifter powerbuilds lurking therein.

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~Diana de Priondragas - Enigmatic druid, Arbiter, Counselor, Bear.
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What is more challenging then making a shifter build is roleplaying one, simply because a shifter by its very definition is so diverse. There are some mechanical limitations due to the druid level requirement but ideally a shifter can almost be anyone, or anything.

I have seen shifters who focus on the druidic side, aligning with the balance of nature. Often they are portrayed as wild characters and sometimes lack the civil touch such as language or mannerisms. This includes the were characters, but remember they require a request prior to creation.

I have also seen shifters portrayed as social butterflies who use their abilities as "tricks" for comic gesture and light hearted social RP.

I have also seen some very nefarious shifters in my time, irrespective of their moral code or intentions. To me these were the most interesting shifters to watch: it became a fun game to guess what their plan was.


I found that you need to establish an identity to bind your shifter to. This identity can be a visual form, a personality, a goal, a symbol, an item or even a cause. Something that reminds the shifter of who they are and what they strive for. This serves as a metaphorical anchor if you will, to stop them losing themselves in their ever changing abilities and personas as they dance along the line of morality.

For me it was the ideal of being the moral wildcard in a predominantly evil setting: A being who would just as likely spare an enemy as to eliminate a friend if such suited his needs in his "great game." Everything came with a price which meant people couldn't trust him, but at the same time he got results so people found themselves turning to him (or him inviting himself. Either all.) What made him challenging (yet also fun) to play was finding that balance between mistrust and use: sometimes I did it well, other times not so much.

That's my experience though: you'll find what works for you. Unlike more rigid classes such as clerics or paladins, a shifter can create their identity on the fly... so good luck.

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Thanks guys for all that info.it is really helpful and enlightening. ill be sure to do what you all recommended.Thanks allot,Ill try to find out the best way to create a shifter using the things you said. Thanks again.