Could I activate a shifting rune to turn a weapon into an uncommon one, such as a clan dagger? Do I need access to the weapon to do so?
In PFS, you'd need access though with a clan dagger the GM might reason that you've seen one and qualify even if a clan won't sell you one.
Since a different rune would be a better upgrade than what one can get from choosing an Uncommon weapon (or even Advanced weapon) it's such a non-issue that I think most GMs would allow it in home games. Technically it is a no, but "access to uncommon" is one of the loosest rules I'd be disappointed if a GM didn't have specific reasons. For example, for me it'd depend on which uncommon weapon, and if in a campaign, whether that PC's backstory implies exposure to such a weapon (whether they could craft or buy one aside).
I use Hand of the Apprentice a lot and wanted to open up more crit. specialization options.
Additional question: Does the Bulk also change to that of the new weapon? The only requirement seems to be that both are melee weapons that require the same number of hands, but that just seems a little silly.
You should be able to access all of the crit specializations w/ only Common weapons...except you're likely a Wizard not Trained in some of the weapon groups that are all (or nearly all) Martial. Hmm.
Are you trying to shift your weapon into a poi? That seems the only weapon that opens up a new group for Simple. (Because Darts via stiletto pen aren't sought much.)
I think a straightforward reading would have the Bulk change; it becomes the new weapon after all. It's not merely cosmetic, but a legalistic reading could argue otherwise (and earn my enmity). I guess that the hands requirement comes from a vague estimation of size and/or a game balance because swapping between sizes opens up some strong breadth (though with bastard sword available, I'm not sure that balance argument holds).
I’d say you need some kind of exposure. More than just seeing it, too. Still a GM judgment call but looting one from an enemy who was hitting you with it definitely counts as enough to use shifting.
You should be able to access all of the crit specializations w/ only Common weapons...except you're likely a Wizard not Trained in some of the weapon groups that are all (or nearly all) Martial. Hmm.
I have Dwarven Weapon Familiarity, which lets me treat battle axe, pick, warhammer, and all dwarf martial weapons as simple weapons.
Wouldn't that cover (nearly) all the weapon groups?
No flail, but hammer mirrors it.
And you'd get access to a clan dagger with that too.
Is there something else Uncommon you were wondering about or do our previous answers suffice?
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When I posted the OP, I was thinking of turning the weapon into a second clan dagger so I could use the crit spec granted by Dwarven Weapon Familiarity. But it turns out the clan dagger isn't a finesse weapon, so it doesn't work with my build.
Your answers have been satisfactory. Thank you.