What does type mean?

[incognito]

So, I'm thumbing through the MM last night (and the SRD this morning), and I noticed a lot of creatures with a "type" next to them, but nowhere is that "type" detailed.

For instance: We all know what the Fire (sub)-type gives: immunity to fire, and double damage from cold.

There is also 'Incorporeal' which means immunity to normal weapons and 50% miss change even from ehcahnted weapons. Also 50 miss chance for spells unless they are force spells (Magic Missile, etc).

OK so who can tell me what the "Reptillian" type gives? How about the "Aquatic"

I am making a PC lizardman(ECL+2): looks like +2STR, +2CON, +5 Natural Armor, +4 Balance, Swim and Jump, +3 Reflex Save, Base Spd 30, and 2d8 HD.

Does Aquatic mean he can breath water? What about a swim speed (hey, it could be in errata soemwhere!).

Anyone out there have ideas?

 

[Crothian]

I think it's to allow you to get a fast, basic understanding of what the creature is.

 

[Caliban]

Some spells or abilities can use those "types" for extra effects, or may be set to only affect creatures of that type. (Aquatic -bane sword for example.)

 

[Rill]

Types are also used by various domains to specify turning/rebuking powers. The Scalykind domain in the FRCS is an example of the selective use of the (reptilian) subtype for rebuking purposes.

-Rill

 

[dcollins]

Admittedly there isn't a complete list for type modifiers.
This is basically laid out in the relevant section on MM p. 6, "Type Modifiers".

 

[incognito]

AS expected - so there is no:

All "reptilians' are cold blooded and blah blah blah soemwhere

ahh well...

 

[Staffan]

Fire, Cold and Incorporeal are the only subtypes with inherent effects. All others are just "tags" that may or may not trigger other effects. For example, the subtype "goblinoid" triggers a +1 bonus to hit from dwarves.

They are mostly useful for outsiders and humanoids who are so diverse that many effects that require you to choose a creature type also require you to choose a subtype if you choose these. For example, a ranger can't take "Humanoids" as his favored enemy, he has to take "Humanoids (elf)" or something like that.