Alter Self and Realistic Likeness

[GMiller939]

If I am a Kitsune with the Realistic Likeness feat, can I make minor changes to my appearance, or do I have to look like someone I met before? What if I want to take my normal human form and change my hair color or make my nose bigger?

Same question goes for Alter Self. Do I have to appear like the exact same orc everytime I cast the spell, or do I have some say in what this orc looks like.

Basically my party members do not know I am a shapeshifter and I want to add flavor to my character by screwing with them a bit in game. I would be making small changes over time. Move a mole from one side of my face to the other, or change my hair color from red to blonde slowly over the course of a month.

[Rynjin]

The thing gives you the ability to precisely mimic anyone you've encountered, and that's it. It's not a catchall "look like anything" ability, or it would say that you can turn into a form and change the appearance as desired.

Likewise, Polymorph spells like Alter Self turn you into a generic member of the race. You can't look like anyone specific, BUT, as it says "many of the fine details can be controlled".

I would say hair color and mole placement falls under "fine details".

HOWEVER, the Kitsune's Change Shape ability specifically says:

"A kitsune can assume the appearance of a specific single human form of the same sex. The kitsune always takes this specific form when she uses this ability."

So it seems like no variations there by how I'm reading the RAW.

But I'd talk with your GM about it. It has no mechanical impact and is amusing, so I'd allow it and there's a good chance he would too I think.

[GMiller939]

Hmm. I read it differently, but obviously I am asking to see if anyone agrees. This clearly alters the shape change ability removing the previous restriction, but it does seem to suggest that you must choose a specific human though.

The DM has already allowed it, but only to avoid an argument. I agree there isn't any reason to disallow it as it only serves to create amusement and doesn't seem to have any power to it.

"You can precisely mimic the physical features of any individual you have encountered. "

What if I wanted to precisely mimic the physical features of two different individuals? I want his chin, and the other guy's eyes :-)