Plant Shape Spell & Plant Traits


Rules Questions


When polymorphed into a plant creature using this spell, do you gain Plant Traits...

"Traits: A plant creature possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).

Low-light vision.
Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms).
Immunity to paralysis, poison, polymorph, sleep effects, and stunning.
Proficient with its natural weapons only.
Not proficient with armor.
Plants breathe and eat, but do not sleep."

Im guessing the answer is sadly no, but I thought Id put it out there. I realize there is a limited list of things you get from each version of the spell, but I also know there are other exceptions, such as gaining movement modes and natural attacks. I wasn't sure if these exceptions extended to gaining the traits of the creature type. Thanks!

EDIT: Im also unclear about movement modes. Do I gain all movement modes of the creature whose form I assume?

Shadow Lodge

You do not gain Plant Traits. It is not called out in either the specific spell or the general polymorph rules. Note that polymorph does not change your type.

You do get low-light vision specifically, but not the entire package.

You also do get all movement modes, as described in the general polymorph rules. Note that if the new form is immobile, the spell specifically gives you a 5ft land speed.


Sadly you do not get any other movement modes of the plants as Plant Shape spells do not grant them.

Polymorph Rules wrote:
In addition, each polymorph spell can grant you a number of other benefits, including movement types, resistances, and senses.

But Plant Shape does not mention any movement modes aside from the 5 feet movement Weirdo mentioned.

So you can look like a Mi-Go but you still can not fly.

Shadow Lodge

Huh, I missed the "can."

It does say your base (land) speed always changes - though with plants that's more likely to be a hindrance than a benefit.

Polymorph wrote:
In addition, each polymorph spell can grant you a number of other benefits, including movement types, resistances, and senses. If the form you choose grants these benefits, or a greater ability of the same type, you gain the listed benefit. If the form grants a lesser ability of the same type, you gain the lesser ability instead. Your base speed changes to match that of the form you assume.


I think it is lame that Plant Shape does not grant any movement modes especially since the other x Shape spells do. Wonder if it is just an oversight?

Liberty's Edge

WagnerSika wrote:
I think it is lame that Plant Shape does not grant any movement modes especially since the other x Shape spells do. Wonder if it is just an oversight?

It is possible, as the Bestiary 1 don't have plant creatures with different form of movement (I think), so probably no one thought about this.

Community / Forums / Pathfinder / Pathfinder First Edition / Rules Questions / Plant Shape Spell & Plant Traits All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.