well, since i'm not very good at articulating things, you can just refer to the shifter faq on
www.gamefaqs.comi don't know if that guide has been updated already, but when i was playing a shifter then, it really helped me. it's a very comprehensive guide & i do think you can find most, if not all, answers to your queries regarding a shifter.
for example, and i'll quote from there:
"weapons = all properties merge but not the magical bonus to hit and not the base damage.
offhand weapon = no
armor = everything except base AC.
shields = again,everything except base AC.
gloves = no
gauntlets/bracers = no
helmets = yes
cloaks = yes
belts = yes
rings = yes
amulets = yes
boots = yes"
the guide also summarizes all the basics of each shape, so it can come in fairly handy when you have to decide as to which shape to use for a particular battle. for example, don't use the risen lord shape when facing an enemy cleric. i learned that the hard way. i got turned by a cleric and was rendered absolutely useless during the duration of the battle. but it's moments like that which give you an adrenaline rush and makes a game truly fun to play. the challenge of it all. mind you, i was laughing out loud even when the cleric was bashing my butt left & right! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
have fun!
