Alter Self (spell)

Alter self is a spell that's able to dramatically adjust the shape of the caster's physical form, though the end result must still be that of a humanoid. Unlike the 1st level spell, change self, alter self is not an illusion, but provides a real physical change.

Alter Self

Range	self
Duration	20-80 rounds +10 per level
Area of Effect	self
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	none
Level	illusionist (2nd)

Thus the caster is able to adjust his or her eyes so as to possess infravision, or hands to become serviceable claws, or even to achieve the ability to breathe water by developing the gills possessed by mermen and sahuagin. Through the spell, the caster is able to raise or lower strength by 2 pts.; no other ability stat may be so adjusted.

Because the caster is physically altered and the spell isn't an illusion, the caster's clothes and equipment aren't adjusted. If a shift is made into a creature of greater mass, the caster's clothes will be damaged in the transformation.

Adjustments for Size

Apparent height and weight may be adjusted either upwards or downwards by 20%, cumulative per level of the caster.

For example, a 200 lb. caster of 3rd level choosing to shrink would multiply his or her size progressively by 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.8, ending with a weight of 102 lb. Calculating for three dimensions, this would make a 6 ft. caster approximately 4 ft. 9 in. tall.

Because of increased or decreased body mass, the caster must also adjust his or her hit points (h.p.) either upwards or downwards. For each two degrees of shrinking, the caster reduces his or her total by 1 h.p. Thus, a 9th level caster choosing to shrink as far as possible would temporarily lose 4 h.p. When gaining mass, the caster adds 1 h.p. per degree of enlarging.

No more than 8 h.p. may be lost through shrinking; there is no limit as to how many h.p. are gained.

Doppelganger

The caster can nearly duplicate the exact appearance of another humanoid, well enough to pass the inspection of any person except the original or the original's immediate family (mate or children; the original's parents can be fooled). The spell obviously provides no details of the original's life or knowledge, however, so any extended conversation with an ally or follower of the associate is bound to produce suspicion.