Maui

Some builds require a specific mathematical approach to getting the fantasy to fit into the rules. With Lux, for instance. attribute bonuses need to be carefully mapped in order to take the right dedications at the right time.

Maui, on the other hand, is a lot more straightforward. Why? Because one class makes shapeshifting a real possiblity: Druid.

So we start there, adding as many shapeshifting forms as possible – then focusing on shoring up health and actions with a few fighter feats. The result is a big, boisterous, shapeshifting force of nature!

On the battlefield, Maui picks the right form for the job, whatever that may be. Sometimes, that requires a nimble, flying form like a Giant Eagle. Other times, that requires a Kaiju. Both are cool. Kaiju is a bit cooler.

Outside of combat, Maui uses his expert survival to protect those around him – whether they are human or not. He can sail with the best of them, create camps out of nothing and, of course, shapeshift into a ton of different forms to fit the situation.

Ancient-Blooded Dwarf

Shapeshift forms tend to be just under the AC curve of a non-polymorphed frontline fighter, so even with the temporary health granted by changing forms, Maui wants to grab as much extra health as possible. The Dwarf ancestry helps out a lot, with a boost to Constitution and access to Mountain's Stoutness.

Meanwhile, the Ancient-Blooded heritage gives some additional "demigod" flavor, with a reaction that can boost a saving throw against magic.

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Trailblazer

Maui is a trailblazer in a literal sense of the world – blazing trails for humanity by pulling islands from the sea and fire from the depths. If not for his trailblazing, the people would even be without coconuts. No Pina Colada's or Painkillers? Maui, we need you?

The background gives a Constitution boost, which we want, and the Terrain Expertise feat. We'll go with Aquatic terrain, as a seafaring demigod should have.

Wild Order Druid

The Wild Order Druid gets access to the all-important Wild Shape focus spell, for a renewable source of shapeshifting. For Maui's purposes, it's functionally the same as the spell slot versions of the "Form" spells, since he won't have a high enough strength to take advantage of the bonus for using his own attack modifier.

Maui only has the one focus point, but since he wants to spend so much of his time in polymorph form, unable to cast spells, virtually all his spell slots can be used to double down on form spells. This lets him shapeshift as much as he wants, and has the added bonus of being more thematic – we don't think of Maui as summoning vine whips, like other Druids might.

Alongside the Druid class, Maui takes a Fighter Dedication to gain a few extra options in polymorph form – things like Attack of Opportunity, Sudden Charge and Power Attack. These staple manoeuvres work just as well in Bear, Snake and Kaiju form, so they are perfect pickups to round out an in-your-face shapeshift build.

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As a trailblazing demigod known for making earth even hospitable for humans, a legendary Survival is a must. But Maui doesn't stop there, he is also pushes crafting to the limit in order to make his "legendary" tattoos, and boosts his physical form beyond ordinary human limits with a high Athletics.

Legendary: Athletics, Crafting, Survival

Master: -

Expert: -

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