D&D 3E/3.5 Druidesque 3.5 questions

[Zack2216]

now then lets see here...

1. In the wordings of polymorph and alter self, there is no mention of changing into a stronger creature of that race or your hp changing because of your new constitution. Did they do any rulings on this after they released the books, or do they expect everyone from 3.0 to just remember that you can't do either.

2. Animal companion bonus HD, it increases saves, BAB, and gives feats, but does it increase an animals size?

3. Another animal companion question: the description says that the animal companion is treated as a magical beast for type specific effects. So does this mean that the only thing that can benefit from animal growth is a druid with natural spell or your ally's horses?

 

[LokiDR]

now then lets see here...

1. In the wordings of polymorph and alter self, there is no mention of changing into a stronger creature of that race or your hp changing because of your new constitution. Did they do any rulings on this after they released the books, or do they expect everyone from 3.0 to just remember that you can't do either.

Alter self doesn't change your constitution, so it can't change HP. Polymorph states it doesn't change HP, so the change in Con shouldn't effect HP. Wildshape either has the same provision or refers to polymorph. You can not change into a templated creature, so no "changing into a stronger creature of that race". I believe polymorph also mentions turning into an average member of the race.

2. Animal companion bonus HD, it increases saves, BAB, and gives feats, but does it increase an animals size?

It doesn't mention increased size. These are not advancement HD, they are a special class feature. You can argue either, but I would say no increased size.

3. Another animal companion question: the description says that the animal companion is treated as a magical beast for type specific effects. So does this mean that the only thing that can benefit from animal growth is a druid with natural spell or your ally's horses?

I'll have to check the wording later, but I susspect that is a mistake if the wording is the way you posted.

 

[CrimsonTemplar]

I believe that there was a post by the Sage on the WotC message board that the change to Magical Beast type was an error and that animal companions stay animals unless you Awaken them...then they become Magical Beasts. Hopefully this'll be errata'd.

 

[youspoonybard]

Andy Collins said they don't increase size (animal companions, that is).

I have no idea what's going on with the Polymorph/Con bonus thing. My gut feeling is that your normal HP stays the same, but the new con modifier is applied. I don't know if I like that.

Summoned Animals work well with Animal Growth, as does growthing yourself, and growthing your own horse (my horse is my Animal Companion : P) using share spells.

 

[LokiDR]

I have no idea what's going on with the Polymorph/Con bonus thing. My gut feeling is that your normal HP stays the same, but the new con modifier is applied. I don't know if I like that.

It seems I was wrong, the polymorph change of Con does change your HP. Here are the relevant sections from the 3.5 SRD:

Upon changing, the subject regains lost hit points as if it had rested for a night (though this healing does not restore temporary ability damage and provide other benefits of resting; and changing back does not heal the subject further). If slain, the subject reverts to its original form, though it remains dead.
The subject gains the Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution scores of the new form but retains its own Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. It also gains all extraordinary special attacks possessed by the form but does not gain the extraordinary special qualities possessed by the new form or any supernatural or spell-like abilities.

Since a change in constitution is mentioned and it is NOT stated that the HP stay the same, the default rule of retroactive con modification comes into effect. This could get very messy.

 

[Wippit Guud]

Baneful Polymorph covers it:

As polymorph, except that you change the subject into a Small or smaller animal of no more than 1 HD. If the new form would prove fatal to the creature the subject gets a +4 bonus on the save.

Course, if you gain massive HP though con on your own, and then shift back and die... barbarian rage has the same problem and people find it balanced, it's incentive to track your well being a little more carefully.

 

[LokiDR]

Baneful Polymorph covers it:



Course, if you gain massive HP though con on your own, and then shift back and die... barbarian rage has the same problem and people find it balanced, it's incentive to track your well being a little more carefully.

I fail to see the relevance. They could well be refering to making you a fish out of water, literally.

 

[Zack2216]

Very interesting, looks like the only stat really neaded for the druid would be wisdom.

Also, does polymorph/wildshape/shapechange allow the the character to assume the forms of above average monsters and/or monsters with templates?

 

[youspoonybard]

Oddly enough, while 3.0 didn't have any rulings on templates but said you had to be an average member of the species, the 3.5 rulebook says that you can't use templates but says nothing about average stats.

I'd say no, though. There's still plenty of good stuff to turn into.

 

[Dwarmaj]

I didn't see anything in the Polymorph description or in the DMG that said that templates weren't allowed. Where did you find that reference?