Spell: Alter Self

[angel_of_death]

I play a 3rd level human wizard and wanted to know if i understand the spell alter self right. In my understanding only the type (humanoid) is important not the subtype (like reptilian or goblinoid).

I think my wizard can use it to get +5 to AC as a lizard folk or +6 to AC as a troglodyte, without a penalty other than looking like them. He can cast all his spells, can use any weapon,.... Also i can use it to change him in one of this flying elves to gain a fly speed (this is a cheap fly spel then) for half an hour.

If my wizard changes in a lizardfolk for example he has an AC of +5 natural, +2 Dex, +4 Mage Armor, +1 mithral buckler so AC 22 for 30 minutes. If someone plays a more combat oriented character with more Dex and a better shield this spell can get him a really high AC at low levels.

Do i read it right and if yes is this spell overpowered for 2nd level or do i read it false.

Also are their other good humanoids to change into.

 

[Liquidsabre]

Don't forget an Aquatic elf for waterbreathing and a swim speed. The rest you have right as well. Yes, the spells is a bit overpowered for a second level spell but it is also restricted to "personal" only. So useful for you? yes. Useful for party? no.

Btw, this is an excellent Sorcerer spell to take with it's multipurposes. A 2nd lvl Fly spell, a 2nd lvl water breathing spell, a 2nd level natural armor spell. May only use one at a time, but perhaps a little too buff for a 2nd lvl spell.

 

[Darklone]

2nd level fly spell? How? No Coreclasses with flying IIRC...

 

[PaulGreystoke]

Also i can use it to change him in one of this flying elves to gain a fly speed (this is a cheap fly spel then) for half an hour.

This will work in FR, but not yet in Core - unless your DM has allowed in (or created) a race of flying humanoids.

 

[Thanee]

2nd level fly spell? How? No Coreclasses with flying IIRC...

Avariel are winged elves, but they only exist in the FR, I think.

I wonder, tho, that there is no kind of "birdman" in the various MMs.

Bye
Thanee

 

[tmaaas]

Yes, this spell can be incredibly useful. As a DM I'd consider limiting it to forms the caster is personally familiar with (i.e., has come into contact with).

 

[Liquidsabre]

Though I'm intrigued by the possible ramifications of the caster being an Outsider. Does that mean they can only change into another Outsider type? That would be *twitch*....something.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

I have a bard who uses this spell to change into a troglodyte regularly. It doesn't seem to have stopped him from taking serious damage, if he is foolish (or desperate) enough to jump into the thick of things.

It's a very nice spell, but I wouldn't say overpowered. The high-end of 2nd-level, if you will. Then again, I play in a game without avariel, so no flying for me.

 

[Darklone]

Though I'm intrigued by the possible ramifications of the caster being an Outsider. Does that mean they can only change into another Outsider type? That would be *twitch*....something.

Wasn't there that little natural armour +15 outsider?

 

[DM_Matt]

It's a very nice spell, but I wouldn't say overpowered. The high-end of 2nd-level, if you will. Then again, I play in a game without avariel, so no flying for me.

Yup. Powerful. On par with or weaker than Scorching Ray though...Mmmmmm, 11th level caster with empower doing an 18d6 nosave touch attack with a 4th level spell.