Magic bonus and Disguise Skill

[Szander]

There is some significant confusion in our group about the disguise skill and it's associated bonuses from magic. In the skill itself it states that these items/spells give a +10 bonus. It specifically references Alter Self in this entry.
Under the Polymorph school entry it states that these spells give a +20 bonus to disguise. The confusion comes from the fact that Alter Self is a Polymorph spell. This has led to the discussion of whether there is a error in the book, and what the real bonus should be.
Has there been clairification by anyone with authority on this subject? I was unable to find any, but my search-fu is not that strong.

[Dorje Sylas]

Interesting. May be a long standing copy past error. I haven't seen it come up before. I guess hit the FAQ button.

[Ughbash]

Alter self is a LOW level polymorph.

The specific overrules the general so I would say a +10 to disguise with alter self.

[Dorje Sylas]

That's not really the problem, the bonus is stated in disguise vs sub-school description.

PRD Polymorph section

Quote:

While these spells make you appear to be the creature, granting you a +20 bonus on Disguise skill checks, they do not grant you all of the abilities and powers of the creature.

PRD Disguise

Quote:

Magic that alters your form, such as alter self, disguise self, polymorph, or shapechange, grants you a +10 bonus on Disguise checks (see the individual spell descriptions).

The thing is these spells no longer give an individual difference and most reference Polymorph sub-school. +10 was in the 3.5 SRD for the kill, so the question is the +20 an error or the +10?

[Ravingdork]

Transmutations and polymorph effects actually change one's form, which is why it warrants a +20 bonus. Illusions are somewhat less convincing for a variety of reasons, and only grant a +10 bonus.

At least, that's they way I understood it.

[Szander]

Ravingdork wrote:

Transmutations and polymorph effects actually change one's form, which is why it warrants a +20 bonus. Illusions are somewhat less convincing for a variety of reasons, and only grant a +10 bonus.

At least, that's they way I understood it.

I would tend to agree, however when both types of spells are referenced in a entry I tend to seek clairification from the developers. If you all could flag this to the FAQ so we can get an official clairification that would be apperciated.

[Sean K Reynolds]

I've brought this to Jason's attention.

[Szander]

Sean K Reynolds wrote:

I've brought this to Jason's attention.

Thank You Sean.