The Shapechanger probably ties with the Bloodbeast as the most well-known cover monsters created by FF, both of them often being cited as a top reason why several readers have bought FF3 and FF6 as a result. Though the artwork here differs quite a bit from the more popular one on the cover of FF3:What is even more surprising is that when you approach the deer, it does not run away. It merely looks up at you and continues munching. But all too soon you realize that this is not surprising at all: the deer is actually a Shapechanger! As is the way with its kind, when you are within range its greed gets the better of it and it is revealed in its true, hideous form. What you thought was the placid munching of the deer turns out to be the monster's forked tongue licking its lips in anticipation! The Shapechanger hurls itself at you; its wicked claws are poised to rake your flesh. If you have a companion, turn to 396; other wise, turn to 307.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/D4bXIjJ.png)
COMBAT LOG:The Shapechanger's insatiable greed lends fury to its onslaught. This fight will test your skill.
SHAPECHANGER SKILL 10 STAMINA 10
If you win, turn to 146.
SC 18, DVS 19. SC is at 8.
SC 19, DVS 21. SC is at 6.
SC 12, DVS 22. SC is at 4.
SC 18, DVS 23. SC is at 2.
SC 14, DVS 23. SC is killed.
However, there's no reward to this fight. The next section just moves us ahead to the same one as if we didn't stop to investigate the deer, so yes, this was just a simple trap option, and the deer was better left alone.
This, unlike the previous one, is a mandatory encounter, and it's here where we really see the major downside to having killed that potential companion earlier.....Late in the afternoon, you are resting against the trunk of a rotten tree. You are convinced that you are close to your goal. The feeling of oppression weights down on you like a physical force, but you have more direct evidence than that. Chaos is beginning to taint the forest. You have seen a two-headed weasel scurrying through the putrid leaf mould; you have seen ivy with a trunk as thick as an ancient oak; and at one point the ground itself heaved underneath you - you didn't wait to see what caused it!
Suddenly the tree you are leaning against gapes and tries to engulf you; but you leap away from it in time. That puts paid to your plan of resting before the final push towards your goal: you are not going to stop for anything now. You pick up your backpack....and freeze! A guttural call disturbed a raven from its branch, and the call was answered by another behind you - and another, and another! You are surrounded, and you don't yet know by what or whom. If you have a companion, turn to 323; otherwise, turn to 229.
Considering the long-established traditional animosity/hatred between Wood Elves and Dark Elves, its actually somewhat curious that the PC didn't immediately recognize what he was facing upon hearing that "guttural call". Surely if any other race can recognize Dark Elf language, it's Wood Elves....It soon becomes clear what you are up against. A raiding party of six Dark Elves is closing in on you, flitting from tree to tree. As soon as you see them, your Wood Elf blood boils. These warped Elves mock the goodness of the other Elven races; this scum deserve to die. Will you stand and fight, or run to try to break through their ever decreasing circle?
Fight or run?