If I am reading it correctly the only benefits you get are the attribute bonuses the spells give you, and the movement types and speeds depending on the animal selected. Other than that the only difference between two large animals, assuming they are both land based is flavor.
Edit: I found the answer.
Yes. You still need to by familar with the animal, so it could be the difference between being a cheetah and being a jaguar.
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Question in regards to wildshape
Read as written,
Wild shape functions as Beast Shape I (with minor difference for wild shape)
When you cast this spell, you can assume the form of any Small or Medium creature of the animal type. If the form you assume has any of the following abilities, you gain the listed ability: climb 30 feet, fly 30 feet (average maneuverability), swim 30 feet, darkvision 60 feet, low-light vision, and scent.
Small animal: If the form you take is that of a Small animal, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Dexterity and a +1 natural armor bonus.
Medium animal: If the form you take is that of a Medium animal, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Strength and a +2 natural armor bonus.
It is my understanding that you gain these bonuses despite any creature you choose to shape into. You do not gain Natural Armor or Natural attacks of the new form. (Special qualities are granted with higher levels) Is this so?
Also another added question, using wild shape I can only shape up to Beast Shape III. Where as a sorcerer/wizard can eventually gain access to Beast Shape IV. Again my understanding that because Beast Shape/Elemental Body and Plant shape are not druid spells, that a sorcerer has the potential to wild shape better than a druid?
Polymorph: A polymorph spell transforms your physical body to take on the shape of another creature. While these spells make you appear to be the creature, granting you a +10 bonus on Disguise skill checks, they do not grant you all of the abilities and powers of the creature. Each polymorph spell allows you to assume the form of a creature of a specific type, granting you a number of bonuses to your ability scores and a bonus to your natural armor. In addition, each polymorph spell can grant you a number of other benefits, including movement types, resistances, and senses. If the form you choose grants these benefits, or a greater ability of the same type, you gain the listed benefit. If the form grants a lesser ability of the same type, you gain the lesser ability instead. Your base speed changes to match that of the form you assume. If the form grants a swim or burrow speed, you maintain the ability to breathe if you are swimming or burrowing. The DC for any of these abilities equals your DC for the polymorph spell used to change you into that form.In addition to these benefits, you gain any of the natural attacks of the base creature, including proficiency in those attacks. These attacks are based on your base attack bonus, modified by your Strength or Dexterity as appropriate, and use your Strength modifier for determining damage bonuses.
So, In answer to Samuel's question, you do gain the natural attack of the creature you shape into.
Additionally, the main benefits of using wild-shape as a druid instead of using the spell are that the duration is much longer, it can not be dispelled, and with the Natural Spell feat, a druid can cast spells while wildshaped, whereas a sorcerer or wizard can never qualify for the feat. (unless he were a lycanthrope or doppelganger or some other form of shape-shifter as his original form)
if you go to medium you get those bonuses, regardless of if your starting was small or medium.
This is why a medium human can alter self to a medium human and get a +2 str boost.
Yes. You still need to by familar with the animal, so it could be the difference between being a cheetah and being a jaguar.
What he said is true, but which animals you are familiar with, is determined by your Game master. So you might want to check with him, to see what option you will be allowed to take.
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also, in addition to what the spell allows... you also need to read page 211-212 " Transmutation = Polymorph " section. As this also list what you can and can not do, while polymorphed by the spell.... section is often overlooked by new players, but a must read if you are taking Druid.
Yes. You still need to by familar with the animal, so it could be the difference between being a cheetah and being a jaguar.What he said is true, but which animals you are familiar with, is determined by your Game master. So you might want to check with him, to see what option you will be allowed to take.
........................
also, in addition to what the spell allows... you also need to read page 211-212 " Transmutation = Polymorph " section. As this also list what you can and can not do, while polymorphed by the spell.... section is often overlooked by new players, but a must read if you are taking Druid.
You know you quoted a 6 year post right?
You know you quoted a 6 year post right?Yes. You still need to by familar with the animal, so it could be the difference between being a cheetah and being a jaguar.What he said is true, but which animals you are familiar with, is determined by your Game master. So you might want to check with him, to see what option you will be allowed to take.
........................
also, in addition to what the spell allows... you also need to read page 211-212 " Transmutation = Polymorph " section. As this also list what you can and can not do, while polymorphed by the spell.... section is often overlooked by new players, but a must read if you are taking Druid.
Does it matter how old the original post is, really. The 4 post before mine was recent.
Also, i run across these post all the time, when i am googling stuff. Even old post can still be good, on letting you know how to do stuff. After all i just ran across this post again, just now while web seraching :-)