YAPT - Yet Another Polymorph Thread

[Alzrius]

Okay, so I've checked the FAQ, as well as a few other books, and can't seem to get clear answers on these questions. So, I'm throwing them out to the community. Apologies in advance if these've already been covered.

Recently I was making a vampire, and when I started on the alternate form power, I noticed some things that threw me. A vampire's alternate form power basically works like polymorph, save for only limited forms and no regaining hit points. However, I noticed that between polymorph's giving you the creature's Type and physical stats, that my vampire would be an Animal, with a Constitution score.

Is that right? Does a vampire turning into a bat lose all of his Undead-type qualities, including immunities?

My second questions is about magic items on an animal's body. If he has a mantle, boots, a vest, bracers, rings, an amulet, and a belt, and then becomes a bat, which of those items would remain on his bat form, and which meld with the form and become non-functional? The vest, boots, and mantle are a no-brainer, but is there leeway on the others? I can't seem to find any rulings about that beyond DM fiat. Thoughts?

 

[TheGogmagog]

Is that right? Does a vampire turning into a bat lose all of his Undead-type qualities, including immunities?

Yes it does. Would be a funny vampire movie... OMG he turned into a bat (shotgun blast) well that was easier than I thought. I would guess his 0 hp gasious form would kick in when slain in that form.

My second questions is about magic items on an animal's body. If he has a mantle, boots, a vest, bracers, rings, an amulet, and a belt, and then becomes a bat, which of those items would remain on his bat form, and which meld with the form and become non-functional? The vest, boots, and mantle are a no-brainer, but is there leeway on the others? I can't seem to find any rulings about that beyond DM fiat. Thoughts?

It's DM fiat. Most that I have seen lean to the side of caution. Forms don't get items unles depicted wearing them or there is some comment in the description. It opens up too much meta-gaming otherwise. Also, a bat with a tiny hat necklace and ring is a bit ridiculous.

 

[FEADIN]

Alternate Form (Su): A creature with this special quality has the ability to assume one or more specific alternate forms. This ability works much like the polymorph spell, except that the creature is limited to the forms specified, and does not regain any hit points for changing its form. Assuming an alternate form results in the following changes to the creature:
—The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. It gains the size of its new form.
......................

 

[Alzrius]

Alternate Form (Su): A creature with this special quality has the ability to assume one or more specific alternate forms. This ability works much like the polymorph spell, except that the creature is limited to the forms specified, and does not regain any hit points for changing its form. Assuming an alternate form results in the following changes to the creature:
—The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. It gains the size of its new form.
......................

Well, that seems to take care of most of that!