Question: change/alter self

[drnuncheon]

Do the spells change self and alter self allow you to make multiple changes while the duration of the spell lasts, or is it one change that then lasts until the spell expires?

I had always assumed the former, but it came to my attention that one of my players assumed the latter, and upon rereading I can't seem to find evidence either way.

My instinct is that he is right, because the spells are rather powerful for their level otherwise, but I thought that I'd check to see how other DMs handle it.


Also, if one were to imbibe a potion of change self without knowing that those were its effects, what would happen? No change? Change to a 'default' form specified by the creator of the potion? Change to a random form?

Thanks!

J

 

[Magus_Jerel]

Alter Self - relevant text located in last paragraph of spell description:

Once the new form is chosen, it remains for the duration of the spell

Change self -

Good question - as there is no clear cut text. I would say that you cannot, as you don't have to concentrate to maintain/interact with the spell.

IMC -
If you did this - you would very suddenly become "aware" of what the potion does - and have to use it or lose it. You can delcare that you wish to "change into" your normal form - and no actual change occuring.

 

[Christian]

I'd have to disagree with Magus on that second question. The creator has to choose the effects when the potion is brewed as if he were casting it then. For instance, you don't have potions of endure elements, you have potions of endure elements (fire), of endure elements (acid), etc. By analogy, I would say that a potion of change self would bestow a specific form, chosen by the caster at the time of creation of the item.

 

[Magus_Jerel]

The problem is - you can't make this choice without knowing who the drinker of the potion is going to be in this case.

If the choice has to be made - what happens if the choice is illegal for the character involved?

Your precedent is just fine - it COULD go either way - but it is easier to simply state that the potion works "as the spell" - and that the imbiber gets to make the choice upon recieving it.

With the Resist Elements spell - you could make the argument that there are actually five versions of each of these spells, just as there are four versions of "Protection from Alignment". With Alter Self - you can't make the same argument.

It is really a flip of the coin tho - either way. I don't see too many potions of alter self anyway IMC.