Alter Self and Scent...

[Witness]

Had a situation come up recently in game where a spellcaster snuck into an Orc camp disguised as an Orc by using the Alter Self spell. Since Orcs have the Scent ability, the question came up as to whether or not Alter Self changes ones smell. The spell description didn't really say either way, so the DM ruled that it does not affect scent.

So, does your scent change with the spell Alter Self?

If not, is their anyway to magically change scent other than Polymorph spells?

 

[bret]

Pass without Trace does something in this area, since you could no longer be tracked by scent.

Polymorph definately should affect Scent.

It takes a Major Image to include Scent in an illusion.
Personally, I would tend to include the normal smell of a form under the heading of minor physical alterations. You might try getting someone to post the 3.5 version of the spell, it might give a better idea of what the designers had intended it to be capable of.

 

[DreamChaser]

I believe that a 2nd level spell should only be able to change features that a character is aware of. A human could not change his smell to that of an orc because he does not have the scent feat. An orc could because she would.

Polymorph on the other hand is high enough level to do it for you.

JMHO. No rules to back that up.

DC

 

[DreamChaser]

in 3.5 Alter Self is a minor polymorph, allowing you to change into any creature within one size category that is of the same type as you (humanoid for most) but there is a limit of 5 HD on it.

Like polymorph, however, it does not grant any special sensory powers such as low-light vision, blindsense, scent (mentioned specifically). Nor can you take on a template.

DC

 

[Dinkeldog]

I'd have no problems with the PC creating a 0-level spell that just altered his scent to match another creature. I'd probably have that available to Druids and Bards, as well.

 

[Tellerve]

On the WOTC site there is a spell under the Far Corners of the Earth bit for the spells of the Underdark called Remove Scent. It is a first level spell for Brd 1, Rng 1, and Sor/Wis 1.

Tellerve