Change shape and ability scores / special abilities

[Nielle]

Hello.

If creature (great wyrm bronze dragon or succubus) changes shape to human form, what happens to spell-like abilities of natural form and ability scores. Do they change by table of size differences so huge dragon shifting to the human form get -16 to Str, +4 to Dex, -8 to Const and mental statistics are not changed?

Thank you for your time

[Velcro Zipper]

As I understand it, you follow the guidelines set within whatever Polymorph spell is closest to what you are doing.

For instance, a large oni using Change Shape to become a medium or small humanoid uses the guidelines for Alter Self and actually gains a +2 STR or +2 DEX. No other scores change, but the oni might also gain a swim speed or scent depending on what it becomes. Strange I guess, but it does keep things simple and makes ruling impromptu changes fast.

[Nielle]

Yeap. That`s strange, because gargantuan bronze dragon becoming medium human gets additional +2 to str and gets 37 strength score. That`s... well, not a strength of humansize creature = )

[Velcro Zipper]

I think it's a common enough trope to have an ultra-strong monster disguised as a seemingly frail old woman and then claim her occasional public display of strength is the result of clean living and carrying water to and from the village for 50+ years.

[Maezer]

Nielle wrote:

Hello.

If creature (great wyrm bronze dragon or succubus) changes shape to human form, what happens to spell-like abilities of natural form and ability scores. Do they change by table of size differences so huge dragon shifting to the human form get -16 to Str, +4 to Dex, -8 to Const and mental statistics are not changed?

Thank you for your time

There is a table on page 212 of the core rulebook for creatures undergoing a polymorph effect from a size other than medium or small. Essentially you apply the adjustment listed on the table then apply the spell effects as described by the spell.

Your Huge dragon would be -8 str, +4 dex, -4 con, then apply the spell effects if any. This would still leave your dragon quite strong for a human, but weaker than a dragon of its natural size which is probably reasonable.

[Nielle]

Thank you