Buff Polymorph

[TerraDave]

As far as I can tell, for buffing use, this spell allows the caster to turn the target (including self) into either:

1) Any critter of the same CR as that targets level.

2) A creature the caster is familiar with into a comparable CR (which is normally lower then level).

So, which one? And how has buffing polymorphs actually worked in play?

 

[5ekyu]

As far as I can tell, for buffing use, this spell allows the caster to turn the target (including self) into either:

1) Any critter of the same CR as that targets level.

2) A creature the caster is familiar with into a comparable CR (which is normally lower then level).

So, which one? And how has buffing polymorphs actually worked in play?

It is any beast of the same CR as the target.
If the target doesn't have a CR then you use target's level.

 

[TerraDave]

It should probably say Polymorph Buffing.

 

[Jester David]

It’s a pretty good buff spell as monster PCs are a CR half their level, so it’s a significant jump. Especially in hit points.

 

[Guest 6801328]

I know this isn't the question, but Friendly Polymorph is too powerful. And it's not really fun. The caster basically says, "Hey, do you want to do this fight as the character you've so carefully built up over many hours of play, or would you like to be something twice as powerful that has even less decision-making than a Fighter?"

 

[Mistwell]

I know this isn't the question, but Friendly Polymorph is too powerful. And it's not really fun. The caster basically says, "Hey, do you want to do this fight as the character you've so carefully built up over many hours of play, or would you like to be something twice as powerful that has even less decision-making than a Fighter?"

In play my understanding is it's much more akin to an in-combat healing spell. The fighter is about to go down, and they're polymorphed into a giant ape. Because playing a giant ape is better than death saving throws and unconsciousness. The ape isn't twice as powerful - it's got a terrible AC and just OK damage and few options. But, it's better and much more fun than twitching and bleeding all over the place.

 

[Guest 6801328]

In play my understanding is it's much more akin to an in-combat healing spell. The fighter is about to go down, and they're polymorphed into a giant ape. Because playing a giant ape is better than death saving throws and unconsciousness. The ape isn't twice as powerful - it's got a terrible AC and just OK damage and few options. But, it's better and much more fun than twitching and bleeding all over the place.

I often/usually see it used the other way: turn into the Giant Ape first, and when that dies you can go back to your regularly scheduled character at full health.

And maybe I haven't done the full white room theory on this, but how is 2 attacks (+9 to hit) doing 3d10+6 just "ok" for 7th level?

 

[Mistwell]

I often/usually see it used the other way: turn into the Giant Ape first, and when that dies you can go back to your regularly scheduled character at full health.

And as that's less fun, as you stated, why are you seeing that?

Treantmonk lays out the spell as a healing application better than I do, in one of his latest videos.

 

[Guest 6801328]

And as that's less fun, as you stated, why are you seeing that?

Treantmonk lays out the spell as a healing application better than I do, in one of his latest videos.

Probably the same reason I see (and use) so many ASIs, when Feats are more "fun". It's tremendously effective.

 

[Bitbrain]

I know this isn't the question, but Friendly Polymorph is too powerful. And it's not really fun. The caster basically says, "Hey, do you want to do this fight as the character you've so carefully built up over many hours of play, or would you like to be something twice as powerful that has even less decision-making than a Fighter?"

Not fun?

On the handful of times my old sorcerer would cast Polymorph, the other players in my old group would get really excited, especially when I would polymorph the Dwarf Fighter.
In real life, the guy was a massive Jurassic Park fan.

Just the thought of being able to turn into a T-Rex and chomp down on Minotaur skeletons and Triceratops-riding Uthgardt barbarians would make him first shout with delight, and then go on a rampage.

The fact that the Oathbreaker Paladin would ride the T-Rex into battle made it even more awesome.