Norn - Is the animal shapeshift too much?

[Naithallis]

Considering the fact that the visual change will only last between 20-30 seconds and the skill is on a longer cooldown, I have no problem with seeing my Norn take on the form of a Raven. I'm really looking forward to it actually. Not only does it look badass, but it fits the story of my character.

[Lethorius]

Yeah, the only problem I generally have with shapeshifting is how it goes over all the customization you do on your character. When I spend time in character creation customizing the appearance of my character to make them look the best I can make them, it would disappoint me to learn that in order to play optimally I have to take on a different form, making all character customization pointless.

Fortunately, this is looking like it'll be highly temporary and maybe even somewhat voluntary, I can live with that and even enjoy that. I just don't want to play something like the World of Warcraft Druid that forces you into these forms indefinitely. I would have preferred to cast spells as the Night Elf I created then as an antlered man/bear/chicken that looks like every other antlered man/bear/chicken.

[SeniorFrog]

I doubt it will be much of a hassle. It's not going to be a long lasting form, so you can still show of your character 90% of time.

[iDwarf]

Yeah, the only problem I generally have with shapeshifting is how it goes over all the customization you do on your character. When I spend time in character creation customizing the appearance of my character to make them look the best I can make them, it would disappoint me to learn that in order to play optimally I have to take on a different form, making all character customization pointless.

Fortunately, this is looking like it'll be highly temporary and maybe even somewhat voluntary, I can live with that and even enjoy that. I just don't want to play something like the World of Warcraft Druid that forces you into these forms indefinitely. I would have preferred to cast spells as the Night Elf I created then as an antlered man/bear/chicken that looks like every other antlered man/bear/chicken.

I played a druid in WoW. Up until I got my moonkin form i rarely shapeshifted unless I was traveling.

[stingwolf2000]

I really dont have a issue with norn form. It would be niec IMO to be able to change forms every once in a while.

[Erik]

The Humans can summon forth hellhounds and the Sylvari can use plants if I remember correctly, and the Asura have a mechanical battlesuit. It seems to be pretty even.

But I would hope for a chance to turn into a dragon. That would be cool.

[Darke]

You can play a norn without talking the elite skill to turn into a bear or any animal. Elite skills are your choice. Instead of using the elite racial norn skill, use an elite skill from your profession instead.

You don't have to change into anything, and you can still play norn, problem solved.

Exactly as Vayne said. Quite frankly, I don't see even see this as a minor issue. You could quite simple just not use the skill. It's not like they shoving the skill in your face, saying, "HEY!! YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO USE THIS SKILL TO PROGRESS!!"

It's not like it's permanently going to change your appearance, it's just for a brief time. Also, I thought that shape shifting was like one of the key features of being a Norn, both lore-wise and in terms of gameplay (well, maybe not gameplay). You take that away and what are they? Just big Humans; and I cannot stress this point enough, Norns are NOT just big Humans.

Let's also take into account that the Norn's shape shifting ability isn't the only skill that changes the character's appearance; what about the Elementalist's Tornado, or the Necromancer's Lich Form? Surely if changing a character's appearance is such a bother then these skills should enable a toggle system, too. Honestly, I just don't think this is a big enough issue. I think a bigger issue would be what the Norn's racial skills would be if they weren't shape shifting. It just doesn't make sense. Norn's shape shift. It's what they do.

[HypnoGoggles]

You don't have to use the Norn shape shift. You will just lose the boosts in stats they give you.

[Zyllos]

That is an interesting idea about character customization. I think the type of armor and color scheme tied to your character should show on your shape shifted form.

[Doomgrin]

Racial abilities are elite skills. You can only equip one elite skill at a time and each class has 3 elite skills of its own. It is also widely believed that the racial elites are equal-to-less-than in power to class elite skills. Thus unless you are wanting bear abilities without looking like a bear, you should have no issue.

Side note: You also cannot use elite skills until level 30+, so no worries for a while.