Alter Self and Polymorph [Archive] - Wizards Community

Alter Self and Polymorph [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Sang-Drax
06-04-04, 12:30 PM I've seen in Character Optimization Board someone who had this idea: a 15th-level druid could wild shape into a, say, dire tiger; then use alter self and go back to his original form. Now he has all the dire tiger stats yet he can use all his magical items.

Well, I suppose the example above could not be done because the wild shape now changes the creature type. Thus, the druid would be an animal, and, as such, could only become one with alter self. He could, however, become a really strong wolf or something.

However, what would happen if I used polymorph and then alter self? Is it written anywhere whether it can or can't be done? For instance, if I have outsider type, and I become a Jarilith (Str 35, Dex 29, Con 27 - it is like a demonic lion), then could I alter self into a tiefling and retain all my ability scores? It can be simply broken in some specific situations like this one.
meabolex
06-04-04, 01:30 PM Outsider is always a can of worms when you're talking about polymorph. There are numerous powerful choices, and yes, if not controlled by the DM it can spiral into insanity.

The best thing the DM can do is state that you can only polymorph into a creature that you have carefully studied. This would involve fighting one in combat and being subjected to its special abilities.

While this is quite a powerful DM restriction, it can limit potential abuses.
Seeker95
06-04-04, 06:45 PM It is only broken when a DM lets a player break it. Sometimes the DM needs to just slap the player back into the game.
Exile
06-05-04, 04:20 AM A question on polymorph...

It says you can turn into any (corporeal) creature... can I take a base creature.... say... Solar... and then add a half-dragon (or any other) template to it? Iron Golem-Half-Celestial? Things like that...

Thx,

Exile.
smrtgmp
06-05-04, 07:34 AM you cant add templates.
Sang-Drax
06-06-04, 08:28 AM True, but polymorphing into an outsider is not the real point in my question... what I ask is: is it possible to poplymorph into a form and then alter self into another?

Can I polymorph into a legendary wolf and then alter self into a small dog, becoming an ultra-fast and ultra-strong puppy?

Can I polymorph into a stone giant and alter self into an ogre?
Seeker95
06-06-04, 03:38 PM Originally posted by Sang-Drax
Can I polymorph into a stone giant and alter self into an ogre? Sure. If you want to.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Sang-Drax 06-04-04, 12:30 PM	I've seen in Character Optimization Board someone who had this idea: a 15th-level druid could wild shape into a, say, dire tiger; then use alter self and go back to his original form. Now he has all the dire tiger stats yet he can use all his magical items. Well, I suppose the example above could not be done because the wild shape now changes the creature type. Thus, the druid would be an animal, and, as such, could only become one with alter self. He could, however, become a really strong wolf or something. However, what would happen if I used polymorph and then alter self? Is it written anywhere whether it can or can't be done? For instance, if I have outsider type, and I become a Jarilith (Str 35, Dex 29, Con 27 - it is like a demonic lion), then could I alter self into a tiefling and retain all my ability scores? It can be simply broken in some specific situations like this one.
meabolex 06-04-04, 01:30 PM	Outsider is always a can of worms when you're talking about polymorph. There are numerous powerful choices, and yes, if not controlled by the DM it can spiral into insanity. The best thing the DM can do is state that you can only polymorph into a creature that you have carefully studied. This would involve fighting one in combat and being subjected to its special abilities. While this is quite a powerful DM restriction, it can limit potential abuses.
Seeker95 06-04-04, 06:45 PM	It is only broken when a DM lets a player break it. Sometimes the DM needs to just slap the player back into the game.
Exile 06-05-04, 04:20 AM	A question on polymorph... It says you can turn into any (corporeal) creature... can I take a base creature.... say... Solar... and then add a half-dragon (or any other) template to it? Iron Golem-Half-Celestial? Things like that... Thx, Exile.
smrtgmp 06-05-04, 07:34 AM	you cant add templates.
Sang-Drax 06-06-04, 08:28 AM	True, but polymorphing into an outsider is not the real point in my question... what I ask is: is it possible to poplymorph into a form and then alter self into another? Can I polymorph into a legendary wolf and then alter self into a small dog, becoming an ultra-fast and ultra-strong puppy? Can I polymorph into a stone giant and alter self into an ogre?
Seeker95 06-06-04, 03:38 PM	Originally posted by Sang-Drax Can I polymorph into a stone giant and alter self into an ogre? Sure. If you want to.