Does Alter Self stack with Enlarge Person?


Rules Questions


Alter self lets you change from medium to medium, and gives a size bonus to str: "If the form you take is that of a Medium humanoid, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Strength."

Enlarge person changes you from medium to large and gives a size bonus to str "This spell causes instant growth of a humanoid creature, doubling its height and multiplying its weight by 8. This increase changes the creature's size category to the next larger one. The target gains a +2 size bonus to Strength"

Should these size bonuses stack?
Prawn


The basic answer is that bonuses of the same type (size in this case, AKA polymorph bonus type) don´t stack.
The basic+1 answer is that only one polymorph effect period can be in effect at once,
i.e. you can´t gain wings from one form, turn into giant sized troll with another, and gain a bigger bonus to STR, DEX and CON from another.

Paizo PRD: Magic Chapter: Transmutation School: Polymorph Sub-School:

You can only be affected by one polymorph spell at a time. If a new polymorph spell is cast on you (or you activate a polymorph effect, such as wild shape), you can decide whether or not to allow it to affect you, taking the place of the old spell. In addition, other spells that change your size have no effect on you while you are under the effects of a polymorph spell.

RPG Superstar 2011 Top 4

He's got the right of it.

Dark Archive

Enlarge Person is not a Polymorph Spell.

RPG Superstar 2011 Top 4

Doesn't matter. Alter self is, and while you are under the affects of a polymorph spell other spells that change your size have no effect.


Size bonuses don't stack, just like most bonuses don't stack.


Say I am a tiefling and cast alter self to be human. Can I then enlarge myself?


no, you're still type outsider(native)


are there any sell or item that will allow me to do so?


no, not that I'm aware of.


I have returned!


The Pass For Human alternate racial trait (from Inner Sea Races), lets you be affected by Enlarge Person.

The Occultist Size Alteration ability (transmutation focus power), can enlarge you despite your outsider type. It doesn't last as long as Enlarge Person, though.

Why do you want to enlarge yourself?

If you just want the size bonus to strength, then Alter Self can get you that. If you just want the extra reach, then Long Arm will work. Cast both on yourself and you have almost duplicated the effects of Enlarge Person but without the penalties to DEX and AC.


To increase the number of people I can aid other with the feat Bodyguard with gloves of arcane striking and benevolent armor. It's +12 AC to any of my allies as AoOs.

The Exchange Owner - D20 Hobbies

Old necro ;-(

DoubleBubble wrote:
To increase the number of people I can aid other with the feat Bodyguard with gloves of arcane striking and benevolent armor. It's +12 AC to any of my allies as AoOs.

You will see table variance on several of the components of that build. What does that have to do with this thread?

Stynkk wrote:
Size bonuses don't stack, just like most bonuses don't stack.

+1

Scipion del Ferro wrote:
Doesn't matter. Alter self is, and while you are under the affects of a polymorph spell other spells that change your size have no effect.

+1

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