Stupid question: Wild shape + alter self stack?

[Dark Dragon]

The question is simple (and I'm quite sure about the answer): Do the effects of the druid's wild shape and alter self abilities stack? I need to convince my (strict) DM by using the rules....

The problem: my druid got disintegrated during the RttToEE campaign o) and brought back as a centaur via True Reincarnate (that remembers me of Obi Wan's last words to Darth Vader: "If you kill me, I'll become more powerful than you can imagine.") Well, back to topic: As the druid is now a large creature (5x10 ft, weight 1400 pounds), he faces some "problems" in cities (spending the night in the stables) as well as in the party's main base (e.g., getting to the third floor)...

I have an idea to get rid of such problems: Wild shape into a baboon (size m) to circumvent the weight problem and then using alter self to take the form of a human, elf,....

Alter self from the SRD:

The character can alter the character's appearance and form-including clothing and equipment-to appear taller or shorter, thin, fat, or in between. The assumed form must be corporeal. The character's body can undergo a limited physical transmutation, including adding or subtracting one or two limbs, and the character's weight can be changed up to one-half.

From my interpretation of the rules, the combo should work. But I don't know all rules, FAQs and erratas, sooo, I'm asking here.

 

[Dingleberry]

I had a similar question from a player with a sorcerer PC addressing the interaction between alter self and polymorph self. The specific multi-part question was:

"If I've already used alter self to get wings, then I polymorph into a minotaur, does the minotaur have wings? If not, can I use alter self to add wings AFTER I've polymorphed into the minotaur? If so, do I still have wings when I change back?"

First off, I couldn't find a clear answer in the rules. That said, I ruled that polymorph (as well ats its dismissal or dispelling) wipes out any alter self changes, but alter self CAN be used on a polymorphed form. In other words, no to his first question, yes to the second, and no to the third.

My reasoning is that polymorph is like hitting the "form reset" button, which clears all previous modifications. I viewed the healing effect of polymorphing as support for this position. The obvious counter-argument is that it's an ongoing magic effect, like bull's strength, and should therefore all prior modifications should carry over to the new form - but I didn't find that as compelling.

I would treat wildshape the same way.

 

[nharwell]

Well, I see no reason why you couldn't CAST Alter Self while Polymorph Self is already in effect. However, a Druid can not use his Alter Self ability while in wildshaped form. According to the wild shape description "The druid also retains her own type (for example, humanoid), extraordinary abilities, and spell-like abilities, but not her supernatural abilities." Alter Self is a supernatural ability for druids and thus can't be used.
You can check the text of wild shape at
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20020202ex

 

[Dark Dragon]

Argh, yes, by the rules, you're right .

Well, then my druid has to take the Shifter PrC...*sigh* Two feats needed...that'll take some time (unless he adds some fighter levels ).

Thanks for clarification .

 

[Darklone]

Why didn't that other guy polymorph into a minotaur WITH wings?

 

[Antikinesis]

Why didn't that other guy polymorph into a minotaur WITH wings?

Nice try! The Poly spells change the target into an average example of another creature. You can choose things like hair color, eye color, etc. You don't get to add random appendages, though.

-AK

 

[Dingleberry]

Pick up a hat of disguise and you're back in business - just remember to take it off before you wildshape.

 

[LokiDR]

There is no reason the listed centaur can not use "Thousand Faces" to look like an elf (remove 2 limbs, go down one size catagory) you would just weigh as much as a centaur. If that weight is a problem, ask the DM how much a fully loaded fighter weights. I don't see the difference as being too great.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Don't forget... baboons can't talk...

-Hyp.