Polymorph Question [Archive] - Wizards Community

Polymorph Question [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Tequila_Sunrise
11-07-06, 10:24 PM I'm no expert on this spell or on the problems with it; in fact I was surprised when I heard that there WAS a problem with it.

So, am I right in thinking that the problem with it stems from the fact that its HD cap allows a caster to take the form of a monster that is significantly more powerful than was originally intended by the spell? For example, battler type monsters usually have significantly more HD than their CR, thus limiting the caster of polymorph to take a battler form of significantly lower CR than his level. Or at least this was the intention before the splatbook monsters started stretching and breaking the HD:CR ratio, so now a careful caster of polymorph can choose a form whose CR is close to his level?

If I'm correct in this assumption, I have a stupid question: has anyone ever simply exchanged the HD cap in lieu of the spell's CR cap?

Thanks, TS
Tequila_Sunrise
11-12-06, 02:13 AM Really folks, if I'm completely wrong in my assumptions and/or solution just tell me.

Or maybe everybody is just so stunned that someone so new to the issue came up with such a simple and brilliant solution that you're all ashamed to say so? ;)
Tequila_Sunrise
11-19-06, 05:41 PM ...so judging from the lack of responses, it seems I've come up with a simple and brilliant solution to this polymorph problem that so many folks are worked up about.

In that case, what would you say is an appropriate CR cap for the spell? Perhaps 2/3 caster level?
Thomar_of_Uointer
11-21-06, 03:00 PM This is really the wrong place to ask this. Try the spells forum.

The problem with polymorph was manyfold.
First, it kept getting better. Every splatbook you had gave you a handful of new forms to take advantage of. There are several threads detailing the best forms to use for this spell.
Second, it was a hassle. The mechanic could be a gamestopper. The spell basically had you rewrite your character on the fly, sometimes in the middle of combat, and we all know how long character creation takes. There was also the problem of PCs saying, "I polymorph into..." and then they started flipping through their book.

Aaand... That's all I can think of, sorry.

The problem with using CR is that CR accounts for Hit Dice and special qualities, among other things. HD isn't an accurate measuring stick either. I would resolve the problem by making a seperate spell for each form, outlining exactly what abilities the caster gets.
Tequila_Sunrise
11-22-06, 12:34 AM This is really the wrong place to ask this. Try the spells forum.

Well thanks for the courtesy of answering at least!

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tequila_Sunrise 11-07-06, 10:24 PM	I'm no expert on this spell or on the problems with it; in fact I was surprised when I heard that there WAS a problem with it. So, am I right in thinking that the problem with it stems from the fact that its HD cap allows a caster to take the form of a monster that is significantly more powerful than was originally intended by the spell? For example, battler type monsters usually have significantly more HD than their CR, thus limiting the caster of polymorph to take a battler form of significantly lower CR than his level. Or at least this was the intention before the splatbook monsters started stretching and breaking the HD:CR ratio, so now a careful caster of polymorph can choose a form whose CR is close to his level? If I'm correct in this assumption, I have a stupid question: has anyone ever simply exchanged the HD cap in lieu of the spell's CR cap? Thanks, TS
Tequila_Sunrise 11-12-06, 02:13 AM	Really folks, if I'm completely wrong in my assumptions and/or solution just tell me. Or maybe everybody is just so stunned that someone so new to the issue came up with such a simple and brilliant solution that you're all ashamed to say so? ;)
Tequila_Sunrise 11-19-06, 05:41 PM	...so judging from the lack of responses, it seems I've come up with a simple and brilliant solution to this polymorph problem that so many folks are worked up about. In that case, what would you say is an appropriate CR cap for the spell? Perhaps 2/3 caster level?
Thomar_of_Uointer 11-21-06, 03:00 PM	This is really the wrong place to ask this. Try the spells forum. The problem with polymorph was manyfold. First, it kept getting better. Every splatbook you had gave you a handful of new forms to take advantage of. There are several threads detailing the best forms to use for this spell. Second, it was a hassle. The mechanic could be a gamestopper. The spell basically had you rewrite your character on the fly, sometimes in the middle of combat, and we all know how long character creation takes. There was also the problem of PCs saying, "I polymorph into..." and then they started flipping through their book. Aaand... That's all I can think of, sorry. The problem with using CR is that CR accounts for Hit Dice and special qualities, among other things. HD isn't an accurate measuring stick either. I would resolve the problem by making a seperate spell for each form, outlining exactly what abilities the caster gets.
Tequila_Sunrise 11-22-06, 12:34 AM	This is really the wrong place to ask this. Try the spells forum. Well thanks for the courtesy of answering at least!