Totem Shape, Polymorph and 'extraordinary abilities'...

[Mr.Joel]

Looking for opinions here. The Druid's Totem Shape ability says that it "operates like the spell polymorph self". That spell (actually polymorph self/other) says, in part: "The polymorphed caster acquires the physical and natural abilities of the new form... Physical and natural abilities do not include magical flight and other magical forms of travel, spell-like abilities, supernatural abilities or other extraordinary abilities."

Apart from the magical powers listed, what falls in the category of "extraordinary abilities"? Example: Can a polymorphed or totem shape spider spin webs? Can a lion pounce? Can a wolf sniff out foes by scent? According to the D&D 3.5 SRD, these are all "extraordinary abilities". But in C&C, there's no such term, AFAIK.

Thoughts welcome. Thanks!

[gideon_thorne]

The druid's shape change gives them all the abilities of natural life forms. Extraordinary abilities are along the lines of spell like effects and the like.
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[serleran]

If it is not a spell, or spell-like effect, then it is natural. Winged flight is natural, so are the natural senses of a creature (darkvision, twilight vision, scent, etc.) The term "extraordinary" in C&C, unlike d20, means "not normal or enhanced beyond the natural."
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[bighara]

One of the potentially confusing points is that in polymorph, it gives an example of a character not gaining some of a lion's attacks. The point there, IMO, is that things like additional attacks (2 Claws, etc.) aren't gained.

[Treebore]

If the ?CK thinks its part of their "natural" abilities then they should get them.

Like I would hope that a CK would think a lion getting more than one attack is "natural", or that a wolf's sense of smell is natural, etc...
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[Mr.Joel]

Thanks all!

Re: the multiple attacks, the spell specifies that the polymorph form does not get extra attacks "just because the creature type transformed and [sic] naturally has extra limbs, wings, or a tail." That supports the idea that special, but natural, abilities that can provide extra attacks when successful, such as Pounce or Rake, will work.

[Lord Dynel]

I wonder the reasoning behind this. Was it to avoid an overpowering situation of multiple attacks?

And, FWIW, I agree with the others - the polymoprhed person gets all the natural abilities of the new form.
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[serleran]

Quote:
Was it to avoid an overpowering situation of multiple attacks?

Pretty much. You really want a 6th level druid turning into a sabre-tooth cat and getting a +9 BtH and dealing like 3d4 damage per hit (x2) and a nasty bite, plus raking? That's like 5 attacks which will easily dominate the combat at that level. Plus, its unlimited -- the druid can remain in that form as long as desired.
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