petrification and creature types

[Koja of Khazari]

Here's a strange one: does a petrified creature still count as a creature of its type, plus any subtypes, or does it count only as an inanimate object until it is restored to flesh? For example, does a petrified demon still count as a demon, or is it effectively just a statue of a demon? If someone casts detect evil, is the petrified demon detected? If someone casts dismissal or dispel evil on the petrified demon, does the spell succeed because it's an evil outsider (and does it still get a Will save), or does it fail because it's a stone object?

[Koja of Khazari]

I'm currently leaning toward having it still count as a creature of its type, simply due to the "rule of cool". It's more interesting to have the demon "statue" radiate an aura of evil, revealing that the "statue" is more than it appears. Maybe other fell creatures are attracted to the petrified demon, worshiping it as a god or just basking in its evil glow.

Coolness aside, I really kind of need to work this one out. Is a petrified creature an inanimate object, or is it still a creature of its type (and subtypes) that is suffering from a severe affliction? What do the aforementioned spells do? Does a bane hammer do its extra damage when you try to smash the "statue" to pieces?

[Crimeo]

It is definitely still a character/creature.

1) Petrified is a character condition. This alone wouldn't make sense if it weren't a character.

2) It says in the description of the condition that "A petrified character has been turned to stone and is considered unconscious."

3) The spell stone to flesh lists a petrified creature as one kind of target.

4) Nothing in the text of the condition says it's an object...

So 3:0 evidence for creature:object, as far as I can see.

[Ravingdork]

I would treat it as an inanimate object for nearly all purposes.

[Dave Justus]

I also believe it is an inanimate object, similar to a corpse in concept.

Like a corpse, certain specific magics have a different effect on it than most other objects, but for most purposes it is just a statue.

Of course it is unclear what happens to the 'soul' while a creature is petrified, I think you could come up with several valid choices and adding in some flavor of an evil aura, especially for particularly powerful things would be fine.

I personally wouldn't have any bane or similar effects work on the statue, it is stone not a creature at that point.

[Crimeo]

Corpses are ALSO creatures (in addition to objects). "Target: Dead creature touched" in the rules of raise dead, for example. But then also gentle repose lists "SR negates (obbject)"