Disguise spell and inability to cast spells or use items

[Gorri]

Hail folks,

I been meaning to ask this for a while, but it slips my mind as I don't use disguise very often... primary because you are completely crippled when in disguise.

Can someone who knows explain to me why someone in a disguise cannot wield a weapon, cast a spell, drink a potion? Is this for some RP purpose, Balance, or limitation of the game engine?

This leaves the character utterly defenseless and makes disguise way more risky than it's usually worth. Probably why I have only come across 2 instances of disguised characters in 8 months of play time.

Also, it appears as if disguise is an alteration of the polymorph effect, so if you prebuff... you lose all the buffs that polymorphers lose when they shapeshift. Is this correct?

Alos, FYI... because it's like polymorph you usually crash/hang upon transition.

Thanks and rock on.

G

[Doubtful]

It's the game engine and the polymorph system, nothing to do with design decisions.

Essentially you cannot just be made to look like something, you're actually transformed into that things blueprint and given the equipment, race and so on that its blueprint has. As standard with NWN2s dire polymorph system you're locked out of all your spells, abilities, feats and any equiped goodies (You think it's bad for Disguise, try playing MoMF).

If you want to enable disguise, but keep your characters usability then select the Current Appearance option from the disguise list, that should keep you looking the same with your inventory and so on usable, but place a large Disguised icon over your head.

The down side to that is that you'll look the same, so you'll have to deal with your armour and so on.

[wangxiuming]

I believe it's a NWN2 limitation - it has to do with the way NWN2 handles all polymorphers, including druids, arcane casters with polymorph self, warlocks with Word of Changing; anytime you polymorph yourself into anything, your inventory and quickslot bar are locked.

Regarding buffs though, it is my understanding that magical buffs are retained if you cast them before polymorphing. At least, that's the way it works with the druids I've played. Your equipment, however, does not merge into your new form; basically you lose almost all (if not all) magical benefits of your equipment.

In order to use the disguise function, I would recommend investing heavily in the "Disguise" skill. According to the rules on the wiki, characters can not identify you unless you draw particular attention to yourself, i.e. engage someone your character knows in conversation, get caught spying or stealing, etc.

Even then, those who would attempt to discern your true identity must roll a spot against your disguise skill. If they fail the roll, then they won't recognize you (although if you got caught doing illegal stuff, they may still want to take you in).

[Gorri]

It's the game engine and the polymorph system, nothing to do with design decisions.

If you want to enable disguise, but keep your characters usability then select the Current Appearance option from the disguise list, that should keep you looking the same with your inventory and so on usable, but place a large Disguised icon over your head.

The down side to that is that you'll look the same, so you'll have to deal with your armour and so on.

Awesome suggestion.... I am pretty sure I can find a power ranger outfit out there somewhere!... Thank you,

[Gorri]

Oh, so then using the "keep appearance" option shouldn't cause hang upon transition issue, aye?

Thanks again,
G

[Doubtful]

Shouldn't cause any transition issues at all, which is always an advantage!