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From the description of the Alter Self spell, I always assumed you turn into the creature whose part you had.
Alter Self
Components V, S, M (a piece of the creature whose form you plan to assume)
Then I read in the magic rules:
Unless otherwise noted, polymorph spells cannot be used to change into specific individuals. Although many of the fine details can be controlled, your appearance is always that of a generic member of that creature’s type.
I'm not really sure which one would apply now.
Bolds are, of course, mine.
I think it just means that if you're a human, and you want to become an elf, you need an elf's fingernail clipping, but you don't look like that exact elf.
Bleh, that makes this spell much creepier. :)
Most instances I've seen where someone has tried to use that spell to mimic a specific person, the DM has simply called for a disguise check. That, along with the accompanying check the observer gets, seems to work pretty well, especially since most of the relevant modifiers to the checks are already spelled out.
the finger nails contain the essence of elfiness or gnolliness or halflingness , not the appearance of that specific individual.
My alchemist is going to have to spend some time at the barber shop to restock....
I think it just means that if you're a human, and you want to become an elf, you need an elf's fingernail clipping, but you don't look like that exact elf.Bleh, that makes this spell much creepier. :)
What's really creepy is that all those pieces of flesh are included in every spell component pouch.
What's really creepy is that all those pieces of flesh are included in every spell component pouch.I think it just means that if you're a human, and you want to become an elf, you need an elf's fingernail clipping, but you don't look like that exact elf.Bleh, that makes this spell much creepier. :)
Haha, yuck! I can imagine magical shopping.
"Gnome flakes, halfling clippings, orc bits... Damned by the gods, why don't you people ever carry elf chips?"