Kitsune Change Shape ability versus Tied Up condition.

[Relzyrx]

It doesn't seem clear what type of movement using Change Shape is. Action type is clearly defined, able to be upgraded from standard to move to swift.
The scenario is this: A Kitsune with Realistic Likeness is tied up while impersonating a big fellah. Not large size mind you, but big enough. He wants to use Change Shape to become that thinly built old man he talked to the other day to more easily escape the rope. Can he?
Next, assume his change shape is a move action.
Now what if it's a swift action with Swift Kitsune Shape Changer?
What about if he instead wants to use Fox Form?

[avr]

Yes, yes, yes and yes I think. Polymorph effects beat rope. Is there some reason to think otherwise?

[Relzyrx]

avr wrote:

Yes, yes, yes and yes I think. Polymorph effects beat rope. Is there some reason to think otherwise?

It was actually the subject of a brief OOC argument I had with an experienced GM recently. Upon further research, I shall argue to him that if a wizard can attempt to cast a spell without somatic and material components, or attempt to use a spell-like ability, then a Kitsune may use the supernatural ability Change Shape without problems.

[James Risner]

Quote:

Supernatural Abilities (Su): Using a supernatural ability is usually a standard action (unless defined otherwise by the ability's description). Its use cannot be disrupted, does not require concentration, and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

You may change shape,

Ask your GM whether being manacled, or rope tied matters or it it is treated different than "grappled condition".

[Melkiador]

There shouldn't be any question that he can shape shift. That's just how supernatural abilities are. But I don't think there are rules for this aiding your escape artist roll. It'd require the DM to make up a ruling of how being tied up interacts with the ability. A mean DM could say the ropes are like clothing and change size along with you.

[The Raven Black]

I would rule that a cosmetic change (ie, stay Medium) would not help, or maybe give some small circumstance bonus to reward the inventive player.

A change in Size (say Medium to Small) would free him no problem in my game.

[Val'bryn2]

I'ld personally give a +2-+4 bonus on the escape artist check, since you're much smaller. I'm tempted to allow it as an auto-success, since that's actually a fairly common trope I've seen, but I don't want to make it too powerful, even if it is a niche use.

[Mark Carlson 255]

Did the rope have a special ability on it to prevent any shape changing or poly effects?
MDC

[Relzyrx]

Mark Carlson 255 wrote:

Did the rope have a special ability on it to prevent any shape changing or poly effects?

MDC

As far as I'm aware, regular rope. I imagine shifting into Fox shape, I'd just be entangled for a moment. The ropes wouldn't meld, they were holding the kitsune up, hanged on a meathook.

A +2-4 sounds like a fair ruling for staying medium size but changing body shape.

[Melkiador]

Can anyone find any items intended to hold shape changers?

[ryric]

I would rule that any magic rope would "resize to fit" a shape changer, but they can evade normal rope/manacles pretty easily.

[RealAlchemy]

Not sure that there's specific rules for this, but applying logic (which is always dangerous when interacting with magic) suggests that manacles and knots sized for a medium creature could not hold a tiny one effectively due to smaller wrists, ankles, waist, neck, etc.

[thaX]

Another thing to think about is changing to the thin guy that the character's captors know, and trying to pass off as him.

"You fools, he put me up here and slipped by you..."

The Fox form would definitely get out of the ropes.