So all these years I've used this ability, I reread it today and my head exploded...
Ok exaggeration but still hehe just wanted to double check that I am interpreting all of this correctly. here is where I am hung up. All of these questions spawned when I decided to take an Imp familiar.
1. A creature cannot change shape to a form more than one size category smaller or larger than its original form.
- Imp has two medium sized forms (giant spider and boar). So I am assuming this is a generic rule that is broken if the book says so in special cases like this.
2. the creature does not adjust its ability scores (although it gains any other abilities of the creature it mimics).
- I always read this as you get what the polymorph spell says you can get but... rereading this it clearly says RAW that you still get the natural armor and ANY OTHER ability the creature has... So perfect example, with beast shape 1, giant spider doesnt get web, poison, etc, but with this reading of that sentence it does regardless of the fact that it is supposed to follow beast shape 1. I'm not saying this is broken or anything, otherwise whats the point of a spider form if you cant even web or poison? Plus... spiders are vermin anyway hehe, polymorph can't even do vermin.
3. This ability functions as a polymorph spell, the type of which is listed in the creature’s description
- Imp gets beast shape 1 as its format in it's stat block, but has two tiny forms. Usually I just see polymorph there as the format if it has tiny/large and small/medium. I'm guessing this was just another oopsie that breaks the rule because they accidentally said so.
As the ability reads:
Change Shape (Su)
A creature with this special quality has the ability to assume the appearance of a specific creature or type of creature (usually a humanoid), but retains most of its own physical qualities. A creature cannot change shape to a form more than one size category smaller or larger than its original form. This ability functions as a polymorph spell, the type of which is listed in the creature’s description, but the creature does not adjust its ability scores (although it gains any other abilities of the creature it mimics). Unless otherwise stated, it can remain in an alternate form indefinitely. Some creatures, such as lycanthropes, can transform into unique forms with special modifiers and abilities. These creatures do adjust their ability scores, as noted in their descriptions.
Format: change shape (wolf, beast shape I); Location: SQ, and in Special Abilities for creatures with a unique listing.
1) Seems to be that way. Probably just overlooked in this specific case by the writers.
2) Yep, Change Shape gives the creature EVERY ability of the creature being polymorphed into.
3) Change Shape is treated as Beast Shape I in this case for if it matters(dispelling, abilities involving polymorphing), but the creature can only polymorph into the forms listed. The listed forms aren't limited by the choices allowed in the spell.
awesome thanks for the input! :)
Happy to help! :)