Change Shape:

[LokiDR]

Ok, here is the question: a hound archon PC wants to know exactly what changes when he uses his change shape abilty. For reference:

Change Shape (Su): A hound archon can assume any canine form of Small to Large size. While in canine form, the hound archon loses its bite, slam, and greatsword attacks, but gains the bite attack of the form it chooses. For the purposes of this ability, canines include any doglike or wolflike animal of the animal type.

There is nothing on the general ability "change shape" in the monster ability section of the SRD.

A similar entry is found under doppleganger:

Change Shape (Su): A doppelganger can assume the shape of any Small or Medium humanoid. In humanoid form, the doppelganger loses its natural attacks. A doppelganger can remain in its humanoid form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but a doppelganger reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell or ability reveals its natural form.

The doppelganger's ability did formerly reference alter self. Would alter self be the best way to rule this ability, or does it only modify what is mentioned (size and bite for the hound)?

 

[Camarath]

There is nothing on the general ability "change shape" in the monster ability section of the SRD.

Really? I found this in the TYPES, SUBTYPES, & SPECIAL ABILITIES section of the SRD.

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. Changing shape results in the following changes to the creature:
-The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. It gains the size of its new form.
-The creature loses the natural weapons, movement modes, and extraordinary special attacks of its original form.
-The creature gains the natural weapons, movement modes, and extraordinary special attacks of its new form.
-The creature retains all other special attacks and qualities of its original form, except for breath weapons and gaze attacks.
-The creature retains the ability scores of its original form.
-The creature retains its hit points and saves.
-The creature retains any spellcasting ability it had in its original form, although it must be able to speak intelligibly to cast spells with verbal components and it must have humanlike hands to cast spells with somatic components.
-The creature is effectively camouflaged as a creature of its new form, and gains a +10 bonus on Disguise checks if it uses this ability to create a disguise.

 

[LokiDR]

Well, then I should stop looking in Special Abilities and Conditions, I suppose. Why are there two sections covering special abilities anyway?

 

[Camarath]

Well, then I should stop looking in Special Abilities and Conditions, I suppose. Why are there two sections covering special abilities anyway?

I don't know but Types, Subtypes, and Special Abilities is from the MM and Special Abilities and Conditions is from the DMG. My guess is that Types, Subtypes, and Special Abilities deals with how monster abilities function and Special Abilities and Conditions deals with how to run the effects of some of those abilities.