Just how broken is it? Polymorph Any Object

[MarkB]

last time I checked, living creatures are full of minerals of great intrinsic value

Not really - or at least, not any value greater than the cost of extracting and refining them. When was the last time you heard of a cattle farmer selling off his stock for their mineral wealth?

 

[Greenfield]

last time I checked, living creatures are full of minerals of great intrinsic value, so how the hell does this spell even function then? that line needs to be expanded or ignored for this spell, considering that limited wish CAN make stuff, and that one is lower level.

Living creatures are full of materials that are of great biological/medical value, if you happen to live in a world where such extraction is possible, and where there is no magical Remove Disease capacity.

Just remember, "Intrinsic value" is relative to the location. On a Dark Sun world, water has an immense intrinsic value, while on the Elemental Plane of Earth, gemstones are relatively common and of no great intrinsic value.

If, that is, you happen to be in a game world where the DM actually bothers to include Supply and Demand as a dynamic factor in the economy.

 

[Nezkrul]

while on the Elemental Plane of Earth, gemstones are relatively common and of no great intrinsic value

exactly, go turn coal into diamonds there, then bring them back with you when you planeshift

 

[Greenfield]

... and watch your DM cast Dispel BS as soon as you try!

If you're going to the Plane of Earth to get money, just being a shovel and a Rod or spell to detect gems and minerals. At least let the DM make something of an adventure out of it.

 

[Nezkrul]

... and watch your DM cast Dispel BS as soon as you try!

If you're going to the Plane of Earth to get money, just being a shovel and a Rod or spell to detect gems and minerals. At least let the DM make something of an adventure out of it.

Nonsense, telling a 16th+ sorcerer/wizard that he actually has to work for his money is assinine