The Kitsune Change Shape racial trait says it functions as Alter Self minus the ability score changes, and that it's a standard action, but it says nothing about frequency or duration (aside from Alter Self's duration, which seems too short for the fluff of Kitsune in mixed societies spending most of their time in human form). My instinct would be that it is more or less at will and as long as the Kitsune feels like it, but that seems like it might be overboard (of course it's still a standard action either way). The same question applies to the Kitsune's Fox Shape racial feat; it similarly has no duration or frequency aside from "functions as Beast Shape II;" this one actually gives a stat boost, so it has better crunch reason to be limited but not so much for fluff (plus you have to pay for it by having BAB +3 and 13 CHA plus taking the feat, so maybe not).
The Tengu's Long-Nose Form racial feat, for comparison, does specify once per day and functioning like Alter Self (including the +2 Strength, this time, plus scent, but no disguise bonus), but also doesn't say anything specific about duration and 1 minute/level doesn't seem like enough flavor-wise.
From what I've read, Dragons and some other things with Shape Change have the duration be basically as long as they want, though most of them have the number of times they can change to and back from their alternate forms limited per day, like the Tengu, but unlike (as far as explicit statements) both of the kitsune's forms.
Looking for other opinions I guess but especially any official word would be much appreciated, thanks.
Is that official, or just opinion? Is there some kind of outstanding rule that answers these questions? (also I am curious about the duration on Long-Nose form)
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They have the Change Shape ability. See here:
Change Shape (Su) A creature with this special quality has the ability to assume the appearance of a specific creature or type of creature (usually a humanoid), but retains most of its own physical qualities. A creature cannot change shape to a form more than one size category smaller or larger than its original form. This ability functions as a polymorph spell, the type of which is listed in the creature's description, but the creature does not adjust its ability scores (although it gains any other abilities of the creature it mimics). Unless otherwise stated, it can remain in an alternate form indefinitely. Some creatures, such as lycanthropes, can transform into unique forms with special modifiers and abilities. These creatures do adjust their ability scores, as noted in their description.
See on site here.
Ah, OK, so it is the same as that. Thanks. Tengu as well, or is theirs time limited for some reason?
blackbloodtroll is quite right.
The tengu one is a spell-like, thus having the one use and a caster level.
Sure it means the tengu version isn't as good, but tengu aren't primarily shapechangers and are getting a pretty good spell as far as spell like abilities bought with a single feat go.
Tengu also escape the kitsune's weakness to Favoured Enemy (shapechanger) and shapechanger bane weapons that would be common in any setting with lycanthrope problems.