Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Oct 24, 2006 15:54:14	The description dosen't say it, but the name gives a clue. Can the spell "Polymorph Other" target the spellcaster?
#2 weasel_fierce Oct 24, 2006 21:48:58	You dont specify editions, but in AD&D1, nothing indicates it isnt possible, though the caster would have to hazard a system shock, which can be tricky business for a magic user
#3 agathokles Oct 25, 2006 3:27:18	The description dosen't say it, but the name gives a clue. Can the spell "Polymorph Other" target the spellcaster? Yes, but it doesn't seem a good idea, since the caster would be stuck in the new form. In AD&D 2e, he may also die (on a failed system shock roll) or believe to be the creature he polymorphed to (on a failed Int check).
#4 zombiegleemax Oct 25, 2006 12:19:53	Yes, but it doesn't seem a good idea, since the caster would be stuck in the new form. In AD&D 2e, he may also die (on a failed system shock roll) or believe to be the creature he polymorphed to (on a failed Int check). Well, as the spellcaster retains his/her spellcasting ability s/he could cast a Dispel Magc to retain it's original form. And I wouldn't worry that much about system shock, it's usually very high but you are right that the wizard is recommended to have high INT for this... Oh, and im talking about 2nd ed. Thanks for you answers
#5 agathokles Oct 25, 2006 12:58:26	Well, as the spellcaster retains his/her spellcasting ability s/he could cast a Dispel Magc to retain it's original form. Only if the assumed form allows it. Don't polymorph into animal forms ;) And I wouldn't worry that much about system shock, it's usually very high but you are right that the wizard is recommended to have high INT for this... Oh, and im talking about 2nd ed. Wizards aren't necessarily that robust, and a 20% chance is IMO already quite risky -- enough to avoid using this spell, and simply use Polymorph Self instead. The Int check is dangerous if the wizard is trying to polymorph into something very powerful -- an ancient dragon or something like that, since it is penalized by the difference in HD between the two forms. Shapechanging into an Orc or something on those lines is not that risky from this point of view.
#6 zombiegleemax Oct 28, 2006 18:20:49	I sure would not risk a 1-in-5 or a 1-in-4 chance of death unless it was absolutely necissary. Odds of a surviving system shock are typically worse than the odds of surviving russian roulette. How many would willingly play this game?
#7 emeriliath Oct 31, 2006 15:39:28	If you can cast polymorph other, try casting charm monster on someone (can you say henchman) repeatedly. When you sure they're charmed, polymorph them instead. Just make sure they'll understand your commands (I mean suggestions from a dear friend, right).
#8 robertfisher Nov 09, 2006 8:48:20	Whatever the rules say, I'd probably allow a MU to cast PO on himself. If he's willing to take that risk, why shouldn't I let him? In my edition (B/X) I believe that PO specifically states that the victim will not retain any spellcasting ability in the new form, whatever the form. simply use Polymorph Self instead. Sure, if that's an option. I imagine this question only comes up in a situation where a MU has PO in his book (or memorized) but not PS.
#9 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2006 14:49:34	In my edition (B/X) I believe that PO specifically states that the victim will not retain any spellcasting ability in the new form, whatever the form. What edition is B/X? Sure, if that's an option. I imagine this question only comes up in a situation where a MU has PO in his book (or memorized) but not PS. Or when the caster wishes to assume a larger form than a hippopotamus.
#10 emeriliath Nov 09, 2006 16:56:07	I am guessing B/X is Basic/Expert. With a polymorph other, I think you get most of the powers of the form, whereas self only gives the shape. Unless you have a sure-fire way to get back to normal, the risk is just not normally worth it. One of the things my old group used to do a lot was polymorph elephants into horses to get better hits for them.
#11 robertfisher Nov 16, 2006 8:48:05	What edition is B/X? Sorry. See What edition is Robert talking about?