Can you assume the same "generic" creature each time you polymorph?

[deuxhero]

Quote:

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. Polymorph spells cannot be used to assume the form of a creature with a template or an advanced version of a creature.

Is this appearance a "specific individual"?

[Sadurian]

Not really, but I can't think of any particular reason why a GM wouldn't allow a polymorphed character to so closely resemble the last one as to make no difference. Injuries and other effects carry over to a shapeshifted form, of course.

For example, if the polymorph was to create a 'strange dark wolf' that patrolled a given area to keep curious villagers away, as GM I would certainly allow the following polymorph to be a 'strange dark wolf' that was taken to be the original.

However, if the 'strange dark wolf' was there before the adventurers arrived, the polymorph wouldn't be allowed to duplicate it exactly for the purposes of fooling the locals. That would be trying to change into a 'specific individual'. Of course, one dark wolf looks like another....

[deuxhero]

I was thinking more in terms of humanoids (because there are plenty of reasons to revisit an alias, esp with such short duration), but I guess that example works too I guess.

[Sadurian]

Hmmm. Were I GMing (or a player trying to convince the GM), I think I'd have a Disguise check on top of the polymorph in that case. It isn't a specific individual in so much as it isn't Hans the Baker, but it is still trying to exactly replicate a given image.

Hat of Disguise is better and is only 1800 gold....

[Remy Balster]

I was under the impression that you had to always assume the same form for any particular race you changed into, and only controlled minor details. If you set those minor details the same each time, your polymorphed form would be identical each time.

[Drakkiel]

I have always played it as Remy has said

[Cranky Dog]

In the old days I went with the idea of "what would I look like if I was born as this race/creature" and always look like that.

Another view is "here's the form in my mind's eye when I think of this race/creature" and become a generic creature from the caster's point of view. So most of the time, it will always look the same. And since different casters have different ideas of what makes constitutes a generic being, they'll always be different from another caster's generic form, or from the race/creature's point of view. It's like asking tow persons to draw a picture of an elf or a dwarf. The essential features will be there (skinny and pointy ears; short and beardy), but the details will be completely different.

[Mojorat]

Alter self would be less useful as a disguise if bob the generic human had to have some part of his anato
Y change every time its used.