Hydras and Polymorph

[strongbow]

Remember that Polymorph references Alter Self, which states that the form you assume may be no bigger than one size of your normal form. So no polymorphing into a hydra unless your normal form is large. sorry man.

 

[Scion]

which might not be that hard, enlarge person and then polymorph.. this was just brought up on another thread, and I am unsure if it works or not..

As for the original question of the poster though, so he does grow extra heads back? and they cand be sundered as normal?

 

[strongbow]

Alter Self says one size within your normal size. If you are enlarged, your new enlarged size is not your normal size. Don't know off the top of my head on the head sunder question, so I won't speculate.

 

[Scion]

Seems like a good enough answer for any general dm, but it definately seems a bit iffy.. normal size compared to when? Is normal size defined? Is a permanent polymorph any object creature the new mormal? how about a reincarnated one?

It will work for now though good enough. Still, given the limited choices spending 2 spells for a few minutes of extra size i dont know if it would be horribly overpowered or not.

 

[Iku Rex]

Remember that Polymorph references Alter Self, which states that the form you assume may be no bigger than one size of your normal form. So no polymorphing into a hydra unless your normal form is large. sorry man.

The assumed form's size can be anything from Fine to Colossal. -- Skip Williams

Skip Williams' polymorph only references alter self when the whim strikes him.

 

[RigaMortus]

Also, if it came down to it, couldn't one Polymorph into a Medium sized Hydra?

 

[Scion]

All the hydras are huge right? So there arent any medium sized ones to turn into

A lenient dm might allow a young version of one that is medium sized, but there are no stats for it so it would be difficult.

 

[Sekket]

There are stats for every age category of dragon... and inbetween (Thank you Draconomicon). Wouldnt be hard to figure out an equivalent progression for a hydra of equal CR or power.

 

[Thanee]

Might be, but that is not an average Hydra then and thus no legal target for Polymorph.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Saeviomagy]

The section of polymorph which says "the form must be no smaller than fine" replaces the section of alter self which requires you to be within a size category of your original form.

And if you're going to argue against that, then answer me this: Why would polymorph be deliberately worded so as to disadvantage casters that are size: fine? After all, they're the only ones that could become smaller than fine anyway. It seems odd to specifically restrict them...

Polymorphed hydras should probably
a) Be allowed to make full attacks after movement or a charge (very similar to pounce, which is an ex special attack, therefore allowed by polymorph)
b) Have their heads be sunderable (seems like a physical property)
c) Not regenerate heads (seems like a special quality)