A few questions about Simulacrum (Form and abilities)

[Cor Azer]

From the SRD:

Simulacrum

Illusion (Shadow)
Level: Sor/Wiz 7
Components: V, S, M, XP
Casting Time: 12 hours
Range: Touch
Effect: One duplicate creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

Simulacrum creates an illusory duplicate of any creature. The duplicate creature is partially real and formed from ice or snow. The duplicate appears to be exactly the same as the original, but there are differences: The simulacrum has only 51% to 60% (50%+1d10%) of the hit points, knowledge (including level, skills, and speech), and personality of the real creature. Creatures familiar with the original might detect the ruse with a successful Spot check. The character must make a Disguise check when the character casts the spell to determine how good the likeness is.

At all times the simulacrum remains under the character's absolute command. No special telepathic link exists, so command must be exercised in some other manner. The simulacrum has no ability to become more powerful. It cannot increase its level or abilities. If destroyed, it reverts to snow and melts instantly into nothingness. A complex process requiring at least 1 day, 100 gp per hit point, and a fully equipped magical laboratory can repair damage to the simulacrum.

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Now, I was wondering...

Since the caster has to make a disguise check, can he instead make the Simulacrum look like another being, but with the same knowledges as it normally would have?

Also, what abilities does the simulacrum keep? The spell mentions level and skills (and since it dictates levels, I imagine that covers feats as well), but what about monster type or racial abilities?

For example, if a vampire wizard were to cast this, would the simulacrum be considered Undead? Would it have DR 15/+1 and the other vampiric abilities?

 

[drnuncheon]

Since the caster has to make a disguise check, can he instead make the Simulacrum look like another being, but with the same knowledges as it normally would have?

You mean a simulacrum that has the abilities and knowledge of the caster but looks like the caster's worst enemy?

I'd say no - the simulacrum has to look like the person it's a simulacrum of.

That doesn't stop the caster from using his Disguise skill normally, or the simulacrum from using something that would let it alter its appearance.

Also, what abilities does the simulacrum keep? The spell mentions level and skills (and since it dictates levels, I imagine that covers feats as well), but what about monster type or racial abilities?

For example, if a vampire wizard were to cast this, would the simulacrum be considered Undead? Would it have DR 15/+1 and the other vampiric abilities?

Hmm, that's a good one.

Stats aren't mentioned, so they presumably stay the same. For special abilities like Damage Reduction, I'd think that you could use the same formula - the simulacrum would have 8 or 9 points of damage reduction. Binary abilities would be there (although if they were 'as cast by an X-level sorcerer' you would probably want to cut the level just like you would a chaacter level.)

For monsters, I would use the reverse of the MM's scaling up procedure to take away 40-50% of their hit dice, and go from there.

As for type - it's the same 'type' a Shadow Conjuration is. It's not an actual creature, it's an illusion.

J