Putting the Helm of the mammoth lord on a shapeshifted character. (PFS)

[BigNorseWolf]

I want to use Helm of the mammoth lord on a character that makes extensive use of fox shape: mostly for the gore attack. Does this work?

Option 1: Shapeshift with the helm on.

Gear and polymorph effects:

When you cast a polymorph spell that changes you into a creature of the animal, dragon, elemental, magical beast, plant, or vermin type, all of your gear melds into your body. Items that provide constant bonuses and do not need to be activated continue to function while melded in this way (with the exception of armor and shield bonuses, which cease to function). Items that require activation cannot be used while you maintain that form. While in such a form, you cannot cast any spells that require material components (unless you have the Eschew Materials or Natural Spell feat), and can only cast spells with somatic or verbal components if the form you choose has the capability to make such movements or speak, such as a dragon. Other polymorph spells might be subject to this restriction as well, if they change you into a form that is unlike your original form (subject to GM discretion). If your new form does not cause your equipment to meld into your form, the equipment resizes to match your new size.

This will work because: The tusks, like the other abilities, are a permanent magical effect Permanant magical effects. You turn into a whatever with tusks.

It won't work because: The tusks rely on the gross physical features of the helm and the helm is subsumed into the fox form.

Shapeshift and then put the helmet on.

This will work because...

A shapeshifted character is not an animal companion or familiar. They do not use the same rules for item slots.

Shapeshifted characters can wear armor, including a helmet. The fox can be put in a full suit of plate armor (though it would only give a +4 armor bonus because he's tiny), including the helmet.

This won't work because.... according to the chart claws/paws critters don't have the anatomy to wear a helmet.

[Lab_Rat]

Shapeshift with helm on:

Won't work either way. If tusks are a permanent magical effect then they are obviously a polymorph effect. The helm uses beast shape I as a spell bases for the tusks. As the polymorph rules state, you can not be under the effects of 2 polymorph effects. So either you get tusks or you get to be a fox. If they are part of the helmet then they won't work as you put in your original post.

[BigNorseWolf]

Hmmm?

This hide helm is set with plates of ivory carved with primitive runes, with a pair of tusks curving down on either side of the wearer’s face for cheek guards.

The helm doesn't specify what effect goes for what.

If they're part of the helmet, you just put the helmet on.

[Lab_Rat]

As the item is written I would say that the horns are part of the helm and that they would morph into your fox form when you transform, just like any other item.

However, regarding my polymorph response:

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Craft Wondrous Item, beast shape I, charm animal, detect animals or plants, speak with animals, creator must have 5 ranks in Handle Animal and Ride; Cost 4,250 gp.

So we have 4 spells required to craft this helm.
Helms benefits:
1) Tusk attack - beast shape I
2) Endure elements - freebee??
3) +5 skill checks vs elephants - charm animal
4) Detect elephants - detect animals or plants
5) Speak with elephants - speak with animals

Helm also has a faint transmutation aura and the only transmutation spell used to craft it is beast shape I a polymorph spell.

[TGMaxMaxer]

If you read the description, the physical tusks of the helm are what provide the gore attack.

It has nothing to do with transmutation really, it's a physical thing, regardless of the spells used to create the item.

[graystone]

I'd say it isn't clear that it's a polymorph effect. If I was DMing it, you'd be fine. However, since this is a PFS question anything even remotely questionable is stuck with the whim of table variation and is therefor unadvisable.

You might have more luck with a white haired witch's hair.