D&D 5E Ploymorph and Concentration

[jadrax]

I don't understand why everyone seems confident that you cannot use feats while polymorphed... does the polymorph spells specifically mentions this? Otherwise, I would expect it depends on the feat.

The target’s game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast.

Feats are game statistics, so unless the statistic block of the chosen beast has them, you lose them.

 

[Falling Icicle]

I really don't like that polymorph changes someone's mental ability scores. I can't even turn into a bird or mouse or something to spy on people without becoming so stupid that I don't even understand what's going on?

 

[Li Shenron]

The target’s game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast.

Feats are game statistics, so unless the statistic block of the chosen beast has them, you lose them.

Ah, so the point of the spell is that it changes both your body and your mind, you really become the new creature, in a sense (except you still recognize your allies). I suppose also your morals and alignment don't really change.

I really don't like that polymorph changes someone's mental ability scores. I can't even turn into a bird or mouse or something to spy on people without becoming so stupid that I don't even understand what's going on?

It sounds like this Polymorph is rather meant to work offensively, as Baleful Polymorph in 3.5. Although, it also works beneficially, if you choose a proper creature form, but then it's got some strict limitations.

 

[Falling Icicle]

It sounds like this Polymorph is rather meant to work offensively, as Baleful Polymorph in 3.5. Although, it also works beneficially, if you choose a proper creature form, but then it's got some strict limitations.

Doesn't the transmuter specialist have a feature that lets them cast this spell on themselves for free? (I don't have my PHB yet). If so, then it wasn't primarily meant for offensive use.

 

[KarinsDad]

I really don't like that polymorph changes someone's mental ability scores. I can't even turn into a bird or mouse or something to spy on people without becoming so stupid that I don't even understand what's going on?

Be an Imp, go invisible, spy all you want.

Oh, I forgot. Being invisible as an Imp requires concentration, so that ability cannot be used.

But, the Imp still can Shapechange into a rat, raven, or spider and it states nothing about concentration. A Quasit can shapechange into a bat, centipede, or toad.

Not impossible, it just takes a bit of ingenuity. More than one way to skin a cat.


I find it interesting that some of the abilities of the Polymorphed into creature are lost, specifically, abilities that require concentration.

 

[Li Shenron]

I find it interesting that some of the abilities of the Polymorphed into creature are lost, specifically, abilities that require concentration.

Mmm... I just hope that 5e has simpler rules than 3e about what abilities are lost/kept/gained, and that we don't once again get into the insane updates loop of 3ed...

 

[TheSethGrey]

I had said something here that was incorrect, my bad.

 

[RotGrub]

I really don't like that you can only polymorph someone into a beast.
I really like using polymorphed creatures in my games.

For example, dungeon magazine 50 has a person who was polymorphed into a beholder.

Heck I once ran a module with a kender who was polymorphed into a dragon.

i'm also thinking of Clacker, who was polymorphed into a hook horror.
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Clacker


I realize the 5e version of polymorph was nerfed, but they did so at the expense of tradition.

 

[TheSethGrey]

I really don't like that you can only polymorph someone into a beast.
I really like using polymorphed creatures in my games.

For example, dungeon magazine 50 has a person who was polymorphed into a beholder.

Heck I once ran a module with a kender who was polymorphed into a dragon.

i'm also thinking of Clacker, who was polymorphed into a hook horror.



I realize the 5e version of polymorph was nerfed, but they did so at the expense of tradition.

All you gotta do is get that True Polymorph man, make that beholder polymorph permanent.

 

[bganon]

I really don't like that you can only polymorph someone into a beast.
I really like using polymorphed creatures in my games.

For example, dungeon magazine 50 has a person who was polymorphed into a beholder.

Heck I once ran a module with a kender who was polymorphed into a dragon.

i'm also thinking of Clacker, who was polymorphed into a hook horror.
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Clacker

EDIT: Ninja'd!

I realize the 5e version of polymorph was nerfed, but they did so at the expense of tradition.

What you describe is called "True Polymorph" now. It's a 9th-level spell.