Post/Author/DateTime	Post
KingSoft 08-03-05, 04:28 PM	I am currently having a problem with the duration of 3.5 polymorph (1min/level). I understand that Wizards had to change it due to balancing factors, but the current version kills a lot of classic D&D plots. A common plot is to have a NPC really be a polymorphed monster (mind flayer, red dragon, whatever), but with the current version you can no longer have that kind of plot. Heck, with a duration that short it’s hard to understand why there are so many half-red dragons running around :) . I want to cerate an alternate version of polymorph that dose not really have any use in combat, but allows a creature to disguise itself as a vastly different race for a long time, so I was thinking of making an alternate version of polymorph that lasts 1hour/level, but only grants the basic shape and movement modes of the creature in question, and nothing else. Quick spell layout Duration 1hour/level Gain the type, and forms of movement of the creature polymorphed in to. Gain the nat armor, or keep your own which ever is lower. Gain the physical states of the creature, or keep your own which ever is lower. Gain no Ex,Su, or spell-like abilities. Everything else is like the PH polymorph. Do you guys think a spell like this is balanced? The only real problem I see is that it will make overland flight (level 5 spell) obsolete, because you can change into a monster, a small dragon for example, which can fly much faster for just as long. I don’t think this is a huge problem because overland flight is underpowered for the level. Any and all suggestions welcome. thx
Seeker95 08-03-05, 04:59 PM	A common plot is to have a NPC really be a polymorphed monster (mind flayer, red dragon, whatever), but with the current version you can no longer have that kind of plot.That's what polymorph any object is for. Or even polymorph plus permanency.
KingSoft 08-03-05, 05:29 PM	Wow, you guys respond fast. True, but PAO is out of the reach of most high LA monstars (read: most of them), and if I used polymorph + permanency the red dragon would have to spend exp every time he reveled his true form to eat the surprised adventures (at least I think so). Not looking for a way to permanently alter their forms, just long enough for them to be disguised in public. After a hard day of dealing with annoying humans, the red drag would want to go home and sleep on his horde, which something he couldn’t do as a human (ouch).
Ut-Napishtim 08-03-05, 05:39 PM	Heck, with a duration that short it’s hard to understand why there are so many half-red dragons running around :) . Because it's such a leet build - duh. Trying to rationalize it will just make you crazy, trust me - I've tried. True, but PAO is out of the reach of most high LA monstars (read: most of them), and if I used polymorph + permanency the red dragon would have to spend exp every time he reveled his true form to eat the surprised adventures (at least I think so). I would say that with Polymorph plus Permanency I would allow the recipient to freely shift back and forth between one selected form (when the spell is cast) and his/her natural one.
stamhaven 08-03-05, 11:21 PM	Looks like a resonable 5th level spell to me (don't want it to be much better than overland flight). I agree permanaency is not a good uption for that villan concept. At 10 minutes per level I think it' would be a fine 4th level spell.
NeueRegel 08-04-05, 12:07 AM	Back in the day, polymorph was split into two spells; polymorph other, and polymorph self. The Other was like today's, kinda. The Self was kinda like what you envision, but even less. Except duration, like what you like for the plot. I suggest that you stop using the name "Polymorph" at all. It scares people; Everybody jumps to arms, because of what happened since the AD&D days, the way it became so munchkin-abusable. Just totally forget a rational conversation when you say it. I suggest instead, that you look at "Alter Self", and move it up a step. Call it "Greater~" or "Improved~" or some such, and make it 3rd lv? Or, keep it "drastic form change" but movement modes only; not even the normal attack modes or anything. (The magic isn't strong enough to allow you the "knowledge" or proficiency to use your new claws or teeth, but you can run or fly just fine...) Again, only 2nd or 3rd level; concentrate on a long duration (h/lv?) while giving up all offensive/defensive ideas. I totally and wholeheartedly agree with you, btw. This spell needs to have been done a long time ago, I just never got around to it myself because our groups play pure core rules. NeueRegel