Serum |
The spell in question:
School transmutation (polymorph); Level alchemist 3, arcanist 3, bard 3, investigator 3, medium 3, mesmerist 3, occultist 3, psychic 3, shaman 3, skald 3, sorcerer/wizard 3, spiritualist 3, summoner 3, summoner (unchained) 3, witch 3
Casting Time 1 minute
Components V, S, F (corpse of the deceased creature whose form you plan to assume)
Range personal
Target you
Duration 1 day/level (D)
Description
This spell functions similarly to alter self, except for the following differences. You assume the exact form of a deceased Small or Medium creature of the humanoid type. Your voice changes to match that of the form you assume. The creature whose form you assume must be dead and you must have access to its fresh corpse (either dead less than 24 hours, or preserved via gentle repose or similar effect). Any attempt to copy the form of a living creature causes the spell to fail. You do not have access to the assumed form’s abilities, memories, mannerisms, or speech patterns. The spell grants a +10 bonus on Disguise checks to appear as the imitated creature.If the assumed creature is returned to life while this spell is active, assume appearance immediately ends.
The initial sentence "this spell functions similarly to alter self, except for the following differences" implies that the caster gains all benefits except that the form chosen is limited to the corpse used as a focus. This includes darkvision, scent, etc. and the size bonus to Strength or Dexterity. The racial abilities seem fine, but a 24+ hour size bonus with no corresponding penalty raises a red flag for me.
dragonhunterq |
Yes, it acts as alter self in all ways other than those listed and nowhere in the spell description removes the size bonuses, unless you really stretch the definition, they are not a function of the assumed forms abilities.
Access to a corpse isn't always easy depending on the campaign and player - and looking like that corpse could lead to...complications if abused.