A Question about the Shapechanger Subtype

[Madokar Valortouched]

So I've got a BBEG that is in possession of the Demonic Book of the Damned. One of the abilities granted through the Book is the option to choose any Demon Lord Boon as a free ability without having to take the Demonic Obedience feat.

If this BBEG takes Haagenti's Master of Shapes Boon, he gains the Shapechanger Subtype. Now, the Shapechanger Subtype doesn't actual state that it grants the Change Shape ability. Just that the subtype includes creatures who can change their form.

So if the BBEG takes the Master of Shapes Boon and gains the Shapechanger Subtype, does he gain the Change Shape ability or not? Because if he can't Change Shape while he has the subtype, then what is the point of having the subtype?

[Fuzzy-Wuzzy]

The subtype isn't meant to do anything for you itself; it's just there as a consequence/explanation of the actual benefits of the boon.

[Madokar Valortouched]

Fuzzy-Wuzzy wrote:

The subtype isn't meant to do anything for you itself; it's just there as a consequence/explanation of the actual benefits of the boon.

Hmm. Then I wonder what the point is of granting a subtype that does nothing. At any rate. I think Nocticula's Tempting Flesh Boon is more appropriate for what I want my BBEG to do.

[blahpers]

Madokar Valortouched wrote:

Fuzzy-Wuzzy wrote:

The subtype isn't meant to do anything for you itself; it's just there as a consequence/explanation of the actual benefits of the boon.

Hmm. Then I wonder what the point is of granting a subtype that does nothing. At any rate. I think Nocticula's Tempting Flesh Boon is more appropriate for what I want my BBEG to do.

Things that gaining the shapechanger subtype via master of shapes does:

1. You qualify for feats that have the shapechanger subtype as a prerequisite (e.g., Gruesome Shapechanger). You may still need some other ability to benefit from such feats, though.
2. A ranger with favored enemy (humanoid (shapechanger)) or anybody with a shapechanger bane weapon can now wreck your face more easily. So watch out for your local Werewolf Hunters Union.

[Madokar Valortouched]

blahpers wrote:

Madokar Valortouched wrote:

Fuzzy-Wuzzy wrote:

The subtype isn't meant to do anything for you itself; it's just there as a consequence/explanation of the actual benefits of the boon.

Hmm. Then I wonder what the point is of granting a subtype that does nothing. At any rate. I think Nocticula's Tempting Flesh Boon is more appropriate for what I want my BBEG to do.

Things that gaining the shapechanger subtype via master of shapes does:

1. You qualify for feats that have the shapechanger subtype as a prerequisite (e.g., Gruesome Shapechanger). You may still need some other ability to benefit from such feats, though.
2. A ranger with favored enemy (humanoid (shapechanger)) or anybody with a shapechanger bane weapon can now wreck your face more easily. So watch out for your local Werewolf Hunters Union.

That would be especially bad, since said BBEG is using a new virulent strain of lycanthropy to attack Andoran as part of a false-flag operation to assassinate Supreme Elect Codwin I.