Metamorphosis is a d3-like item introducing two new mechanics to the game; this has no place in d2.
While the general idea of a pelt rune word with Cannot be Frozen is a good concept, I’m greatly disturbed by Mark of the Wolf/Bear as they bring unwanted change without any purpose.
First of all, these two Marks recycle graphical effects from Defilers and Shenk-like monsters, which is an absolute no-go. Furthermore, the stats that these Marks grant are partly useless and could just as well be flat stats on the pelt.
Mark of the Wolf grants only a bonus percentage to Attack Rating, which does nothing in reality, because the Werewolf skill has got plenty of that. The second stat it grants is a bonus percentage to Maximum Life, which both Shape Shifters already have as well. Mark of the Bear grants decent stats, which again could easily be added as flat stats to the pelt rune word itself.
Thus, fixing Metamorphosis is easy, and in the following I’m going to explain what it should look like and why.
The stats that Metamorphosis provides are fine, all it takes is to delete the two Marks from the game entirely and replace them with stats that are actually meaningful to Shape Shifters. The biggest thing about Metamorphosis is Cannot be Frozen, which can potentially replace Raven Frost. In it’s current state, however, Metamorphosis grants almost zero Attack Rating, therefore, most players will still be forced to equip a Raven Frost. Additionally, Shape Shifters are in great need of more movement speed, they do not need more and more hit points. So, adding a fair amount of FRW to the rune word is pivotal. The effects from Mark of the Bear can be reused for the rune word, but should be toned down a bit. The 25 EIAS should, therefore, become 25 IAS, and the 20% Damage Reduction should be divided in half.
My proposal for fixing Metamorphosis goes as follows:
Rune Effects:
- +10 to Vitality
- Cannot be Frozen
- +10 to Strenght
Rune Word Bonuses:
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+200 to Attack Rating (new)
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+30 FRW (new)
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+25 IAS (new)
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Physical Damage Reduction by 10% (new)
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+5 to Shape Shifting Skills (Druid Only)
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+25% Chance of Crushing Blow
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+50%-80% Enhanced Defense
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All Resistances +10
Have a nice day!