That being said, I'm going to isolate the discussion about Wayne O's proposal for Beastlings, specifically whether it's any different than introducing a Werecreature, as well as if it's any different than basically what was being proposed by the Druid Emulate Totem debate.
Here is what I interpret from Wayne's description for the Beastling Skill (all four levels):
BENEFITS
Improved Senses
Improved Spot Time
Improved Search Time
1 Minor Ability
1 Major Ability
Dagger Size Claws --> Shortsword Size Claws
Partial Transformation (30 Seconds) --> Full Transformation (30 Seconds) - Same Size
DISADVANTAGES
No Skills that require Fine Manipulation
The only skills that I have been able to surmise that a Beastling could no longer use while in partial or full form are:
Alchemy
Pick Lock (Simple or Complex)
Set Disarm/Traps (Simple or Complex)
Craftsman
Write (although they could still read)
Surgery
Archer
Other than the last two (Surgery and Archer) the rest of the skills are usually not combat necessary and only losing the Archery skill might directly affect combat. There isn't a single melee skill that is lost. The rest of the "affected" skills would be easily compensated for by shifting out in 30 seconds, performing the deed, then shifting back in to beast form - thereby only losing 1 minute's worth of time (at least only up to Level 3, as it seems there is full transformation at Level 4?). Whoopdee doo, there will be fewer Rogue Beastlings.
(As an aside, I can guarantee you will get the cheeseballs who will say, "I can pick a lock with my claws in my hand, watch! I've been practicing at home...")
Not only would most Beastlings maintain every single skill they have, thereby negating any "disadvantages," according to Wayne's description they'd still get their racial boon, which is downright odd.
All in all, this discipline is way overpowered in my opinion, with basically no or few disadvantages... they're more like inconveniences than anything else.
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Now, as to how it is different than the Druid Emulate Totem debate...
We were starting to narrow it down, or at least I was proposing that Emulate Totem be extremely limited to the following:
BENEFITS
Full Transformation (30 seconds) - Same Size
Two claws (up to 26") or One bite (depending on the animal)
One Skill, determined by Plot
DISADVANTAGES
No use of equipment or items
Loss of all other skills (except Druid skills)
No talking
No picking up things
This is not semantics. There are clear differences between the two proposed skills, with a dramatic difference in disadvantages between the two and a relatively simple description for the Level 4 Emulate Totem skill.
I wanted to answer the question of my earlier statement. That being said, I'm starting to feel uncomfortable debating skills in your system. It's definitely not my place, or at least not where I wanted my place to be in another group's system, so I'm going to personally hush on this matter unless asked. It's not that I don't care, but frankly, I trust the powers-that-be in this system and I'll enjoy the game either way (just like everyone else will).
