Shapeshift

Unkitted Druids and Avengers gain the ability to Shapeshift into various animals at level 7. Totemic Druids cannot shapeshift, and Shapeshifters have a unique ability instead (Shapeshift: Werewolf).

There are three default forms that the druid may each use once per day, and an extra three abilities that only the Avenger receives.

Many of the shapeshifting descriptions (only added in the Enhanced Editions) are incorrect; this page will only list the correct traits.

Effects
All forms have the following characteristics:
 * Shapeshift has an infinite duration; the caster gains the ability "Shapeshift: Natural Form" to return to normal.
 * Forms may equip/remove items normally, except for main-hand weapons, which can be removed but not equipped again.
 * Forms may move between areas, open doors, loot containers, and bash locks. They may not initiate dialog, however.
 * Forms may use charged equipment (such as the The One Gift Lost), quick items (such as potions), and special abilities. They may not cast spells, however.
 * Only Strength and Dexterity are modified by the form; all other ability scores are unchanged. There are some counter-intuitive interactions with this:
 * Equipment that sets STR/DEX (such as the Hands of Takkok or Gauntlets of Dexterity) will not apply their effects.
 * Equipment that modifies STR/DEX (such as Kiel's Buckler) will apply their effects normally.
 * Potions and spells that set or modify STR/DEX (such as Strength of One or a Potion of Agility) will apply their effects normally, as long as they are used after shapeshifting.
 * Base THAC0 is set to the caster's base; i.e., a 7th level single-class druid will have 16 base THAC0 when shapeshifted. The STR bonus still applies.
 * Armor Class is set by the ability; this means that it will override worn armor and effects such as Barkskin on the caster. The DEX bonus still applies.
 * AC modifiers from equipped armor will still be displayed on the stat screen, but these do not actually apply.
 * AC modifying spells (such as Barkskin) may be cast on the form after shapeshifting and will apply their effects normally.
 * The main-hand weapon and armor are the only equipment that is disabled by shapeshifting.
 * Shields will still apply all of their normal AC bonuses and special effects.
 * Off-hand weapons are usable, apply an extra APR as normal, and have all of their special effects. They will still apply normal proficiency bonuses and penalties, but they will have no THAC0 penalties for dual-wielding.

Standard Druid Forms
These forms are accessible by both the unkitted druid and the Avenger. All values were obtained from the Enhanced Editions. The brown bear form has lower damage values and a different damage type in Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition.

1 - This is applied to the base movement speed of a normal brown/black bear. These forms actually move ~15% slower than normal speed.

2 - This form moves ~25% faster than normal speed.

Avenger Forms
These forms are accessible by the Avenger only. All values were obtained from the Enhanced Editions. 3 - This is applied to the base movement speed of a normal fire salamander. This form actually moves at normal speed.

4 - With the innate Haste effect, this is actually 5 APR.