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<blockquote data-quote="Saeviomagy" data-source="post: 532344" data-attributes="member: 5890">Bret - darkvision is a nonmagical ability of multiple races. It falls in the exact same category as 'the low-light vision of an owl', which is specifically listed as being granted.In the same way, Kuo-toa's happen to be able to pick out any moving object, regardless of whether it is ethereal, invisible or astral, and the writeup of the ability suggests that it falls into that 'natural' area of abilities, and therefore is the same.And before you go dismissing (ex) abilities, let me just point out that a number of abilities which the polymorph spell lists as natural abilities are in fact (ex) abilities (constrict, rake). It is very clear that the dividing line between a gross physical ability and an (ex) ability is thin to the point of almost being nonexistant. Just about the only things which probably wouldn't be granted are certain skill bonuses arising from cultural or mental conditions, and often this distinction is extremely unclear.Also - it DOES give you the ability to move in any environment. Flying, burrowing and swimming speeds (often quite high ones) are all available. It doesn't necessarily give you the ability to survive in any environment, but neither does any other core spell of a comparable level.As for the GM allowing you to read through the monster manual? It's not needed. You WILL meet monsters with useful abilities, and after a short period of observation or combat, you WILL be able to polymorph into them. And with an unlimited number of polymorphs a day, why would you not test out each and every form you can?</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Saeviomagy, post: 532344, member: 5890"] Bret - darkvision is a nonmagical ability of multiple races. It falls in the exact same category as 'the low-light vision of an owl', which is specifically listed as being granted. In the same way, Kuo-toa's happen to be able to pick out any moving object, regardless of whether it is ethereal, invisible or astral, and the writeup of the ability suggests that it falls into that 'natural' area of abilities, and therefore is the same. And before you go dismissing (ex) abilities, let me just point out that a number of abilities which the polymorph spell lists as natural abilities are in fact (ex) abilities (constrict, rake). It is very clear that the dividing line between a gross physical ability and an (ex) ability is thin to the point of almost being nonexistant. Just about the only things which probably wouldn't be granted are certain skill bonuses arising from cultural or mental conditions, and often this distinction is extremely unclear. Also - it DOES give you the ability to move in any environment. Flying, burrowing and swimming speeds (often quite high ones) are all available. It doesn't necessarily give you the ability to survive in any environment, but neither does any other core spell of a comparable level. As for the GM allowing you to read through the monster manual? It's not needed. You WILL meet monsters with useful abilities, and after a short period of observation or combat, you WILL be able to polymorph into them. And with an unlimited number of polymorphs a day, why would you not test out each and every form you can? [/QUOTE]

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