Can you change into "monstrous humanoids" or just "humanoids"? What about "fey"? And if the answer is no, what spells allows it?
The humanoid type is just that. Fey aren't humanoid, and the same goes for monstrous humanoids.
It seems that some of the forms aren't attainable right now: There's no spell that allows you to assume fey or monstrous humanoid shape, or ooze or undead, for that matter.
Maybe they'll be added.
Given that you don't get any of the creatures abilities except for swim speed, darkvision and scent and that the effect is mostly cosmetic, I always allowed that you can assume any form you like as long as you stay within size limits and maintain your general body shape, even if you want to appear in a shape of a creature that doesn't really exist.
Though the spell discription says you can't.
Given that you don't get any of the creatures abilities except for swim speed, darkvision and scent and that the effect is mostly cosmetic, I always allowed that you can assume any form you like as long as you stay within size limits and maintain your general body shape, even if you want to appear in a shape of a creature that doesn't really exist.
Though the spell discription says you can't.
You also get natural weapons; that's part of the Polymorph subschool boilerplate.
Alter Self got hit pretty hard with the nerf bat. No more disguising yourself as an Ogre, turning into a Winged Elf and flying away, or morphing into a Troglodyte to enjoy that sweet, sweet +6 natural armor bonus. Given the level of the spell, these nerfs are probably for the best. But definitely one of the best spells in the Bard's arsenal in 3.5.
But now I'm left wondering - how can my Bard impersonate large creatures now? My character won't get Veil until Level 16. I'm guessing I'll have to rely on Major Image to do the acting for me now and rely on Invisibility or Disguise Self so as not to draw attention to myself.
Alter Self got hit pretty hard with the nerf bat. No more disguising yourself as an Ogre, turning into a Winged Elf and flying away, or morphing into a Troglodyte to enjoy that sweet, sweet +6 natural armor bonus.
Alter Self never let you turn into an ogre (which has type Giant).
But now I'm left wondering - how can my Bard impersonate large creatures now? My character won't get Veil until Level 16. I'm guessing I'll have to rely on Major Image to do the acting for me now and rely on Invisibility or Disguise Self so as not to draw attention to myself.
Or you could drink a potion of Enlarge Person, then cast Disguise Self.
Alter Self got hit pretty hard with the nerf bat. No more disguising yourself as an Ogre, turning into a Winged Elf and flying away, or morphing into a Troglodyte to enjoy that sweet, sweet +6 natural armor bonus. Given the level of the spell, these nerfs are probably for the best. But definitely one of the best spells in the Bard's arsenal in 3.5.
Oh well, my glorious use of Alter Self to save my wizard from drowning will have to go down in the history books. :(
Oh well, my glorious use of Alter Self to save my wizard from drowning will have to go down in the history books. :(
What do you mean? You can still use Alter Self to get the ability to breathe underwater (by turning into an aquatic elf, e.g.).
Alter Self never let you turn into an ogre (which has type Giant).
Egad, you're right! I had always overlooked the whole part about "of the same type as your normal form" in the description of Alter Self. *facepalm*
This makes me feel a little better about the new version of Alter Self. I suppose my only complaint at this point is regarding the duration.
Or you could drink a potion of Enlarge Person, then cast Disguise Self.
An excellent idea! Once again, the only problem is with the duration. But with Enlarge Self, that's an understandable limitation.
I suppose you could just chug potions of Enlarge Self the whole time while under the effects of Disguise Self...
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Alter Self got hit pretty hard with the nerf bat. No more disguising yourself as an Ogre, turning into a Winged Elf and flying away, or morphing into a Troglodyte to enjoy that sweet, sweet +6 natural armor bonus.
The only winged elves I know are from Races of Faerun. As far as I can tell, the entry doesn't give a type. If its got wings, it could arguably be a monstrous humanoid.
Troglodytes are not sweet. Quite the opposite, in fact. As a DM I rule that their stench effect is involuntary, which makes them less than popular as adventuring companions.
Oh well, my glorious use of Alter Self to save my wizard from drowning will have to go down in the history books. :(What do you mean? You can still use Alter Self to get the ability to breathe underwater (by turning into an aquatic elf, e.g.).
Aquatic Elf.... doh! Totally forgot about them. I was thinking more along the lines of Sahuagin.
Alter Self never let you turn into an ogre (which has type Giant).My tiefling used to alter self into mephits quite happily.
By "you" I meant "the aforementioned character who was turning into a winged elf and a troglodyte". :)
OK, so how about we expand Alter Self into its own series?
Wiz/Sor 3, Bard 3
Alter Self II
Like Alter Self I except you can assume the form of diminutive or large humanoids. You also assume the form of small or medium monstrous humanoids. You can use this spell to assume the form a specific individual, granting you a +20 on disguise checks to pass as that individual.
Wiz/Sor 4, Bard 4
Alter Self III
Like Alter Self II except you can assume the form of tiny or huge humanoids. You also assume the form of diminutive or large monstrous humanoids. You can also assume the form of small or medium fey that are bipedal. You can use this spell to assume the form a specific individual, granting you a +20 on disguise checks to pass as that individual.
Wiz/Sor 5, Bard 5
Alter Self IV
Like Alter Self III except you can assume the form of fine or gargantuan humanoids. You also assume the form of tiny or huge monstrous humanoids. You can also assume the form of diminutive or large fey that are bipedal. You can also assume the form of small or medium outsiders that are bipedal. You can use this spell to assume the form a specific individual, granting you a +20 on disguise checks to pass as that individual.
(And so on? Or maybe stop there. I'm not sure. I realize there may not actually be humanoid types smaller than small or bigger than medium in the SRD but some other sources may have them.)
The only winged elves I know are from Races of Faerun. As far as I can tell, the entry doesn't give a type. If its got wings, it could arguably be a monstrous humanoid.
Troglodytes are not sweet. Quite the opposite, in fact. As a DM I rule that their stench effect is involuntary, which makes them less than popular as adventuring companions.
The Winged Elves were listed as having the humanoid type. And the great thing about Trogs was that their natural armor was allowed by Alter Self, but their stench wasn't because it was considered an "extraordinary attack".
All pretty much a moot point now, though!
By "you" I meant "the aforementioned character who was turning into a winged elf and a troglodyte". :)
*raises hand*
The problem is that Alter Self is a 2nd level spell, and allowing people to either Fly or have Darkvision treads in 3rd level spell territory. I'm hoping I'll get the chance to playtest this soon...