D&D 5E Ploymorph and Concentration

[TheSethGrey]

So if you Polymorph yourself and take damage, I assume you have to make a Con Save to keep the Polymorph active, but reading through Polymorph it doesn't sound like the feats I take stay with me when I polymorph, so there's no reason to take feats to give me bonuses to con saves. Do you guys have any tips for making sure Polymorph is viable to cast on yourself?

 

[Boarstorm]

Caveat: I haven't actually read the polymorph spell. Forgive me if this turns out to be misguided.

The simplest thing would be to pick a form with a high Con score, I should think.

 

[TheSethGrey]

In theory yes, but I'll get Polymorph at around level 8, and turn into a T-Rex which has I think... +4 to con? It's a decent amount, but it's AC is piss poor. The question is how much damage will I be taking around level 8, that way I can figure out my average DC.

 

[evilives]

So if you Polymorph yourself and take damage, I assume you have to make a Con Save to keep the Polymorph active, but reading through Polymorph it doesn't sound like the feats I take stay with me when I polymorph, so there's no reason to take feats to give me bonuses to con saves. Do you guys have any tips for making sure Polymorph is viable to cast on yourself?

I would make sure the DM bought into the idea of polymorphing into a beast incapable of casting spells, yet somehow able to concentrate to maintain a spell.

 

[KarinsDad]

I would make sure the DM bought into the idea of polymorphing into a beast incapable of casting spells, yet somehow able to concentrate to maintain a spell.

There's a big difference between casting and concentrating.

As far as the PHB is concerned, a PC can only lose concentration by taking damage, casting another spell, or being incapacitated/killed. Shy of other special rules, there is nothing in there about any other effect like polymorph (which by definition evidently requires concentration to maintain the effect, do not have the book in front of me).

 

[evilives]

There's a big difference between casting and concentrating.

As far as the PHB is concerned, a PC can only lose concentration by taking damage, casting another spell, or being incapacitated/killed. Shy of other special rules, there is nothing in there about any other effect like polymorph (which by definition evidently requires concentration to maintain the effect, do not have the book in front of me).

That's your take on it. Me, I would add "transformed self into a beast with an Intelligence of 2" to the list of things that break concentration. Others may consider the self-transformation worthy of a DC 10 Con save to maintain the spell as your frame is wracked and warped by magic. So, make sure the DM buys into it.

If your DM allows a caster to self-Polymorph, a beast with high Constitution looks like the best bet so far.

As for potential save DCs, the T-rex's bite attack is one starting point for level 8: 33 damage divided by 2 for a Con save of DC 16.

 

[KarinsDad]

That's your take on it. Me, I would add "transformed self into a beast with an Intelligence of 2" to the list of things that break concentration. Others may consider the self-transformation worthy of a DC 10 Con save to maintain the spell as your frame is wracked and warped by magic. So, make sure the DM buys into it.

Actually, I think that it is pretty much WotC's take on it as well.

The spell section states that targets can be the caster unless explicitly stated otherwise. Polymorph does not state otherwise.

The Polymorph spell states a Duration of Concentration, up to 1 hour.

Concentration rule states nothing about losing it if losing intelligence (and even Feeblemind states that the creature can identify friends, follow them, and even protect them).

The Polymorph spell states that the creature retains its personality (and alignment).

Granted, an Int 2 creature would not be able to use a lot of thought, but it would still stick with its friends, help out in a fight, etc.


So yes, you could screw over your player as a DM, but RAW and RAI seem to indicate that WotC thinks that self Polymorphing is a viable option. Not necessarily a very good option, but a viable one. If the rules allow for it, why screw over your player? It's not as if this is so much more powerful than casting other spells.

 

[evilives]

If the rules allow for it, why screw over your player? It's not as if this is so much more powerful than casting other spells.

Alright, Polymorph was designed to be self-cast (Grabbed my PHB, it fell open to page 119, the Shapechanger feature from the School of Transmutation. Read. Laughed and conceded the point).

I don't try to screw over players. I am a bit gun-shy regarding any spell in the polymorph family.

So for the OP's question of what to do to eek as much out of the self-Polymorph as possible. Items are out; feats are out.

Cast Mirror Image before Polymorph to reduce chances of being hit at all.
Convince the cleric in the party to burn concentration on Resistance for a one-time +1d4 on a save of your choice.
Bribe another wizard to concentrate on Stoneskin (or Blur) for you.

 

[1of3]

You probably can use magic items, armor etc. You just need someone to put them on you after you transform.

Other than that, it is a very viable thing to do. It's a 4th level spell that combines the effects of flying, water breathing, change in size, a huge amount of temporary hit points and potential for deception. It's a spell that offers the utility of the Druids most iconic class feature. It's not a perfect combat buff, but then what is in 5e compared to earlier editions?

 

[Li Shenron]

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.