Polymorph and hitpoints

[SnowHeart]

Question for Ye Assembled Wise-Men and Women: I know that when a PC polymorphs he retains his own hitpoints but takes the constitution score of the new form. I assume this means his base hitpoints remain the same but are adjusted based on the new Constitution modifier. Is that correct?

If so, assuming the adjusted hitpoints are higher than they are in the PC's natural form, what happens if the PC has been badly injured and then reverts to his natural form (e.g., natural PC has 40 hitpoints, polymorphed he has 60, he takes 59 points of damage, shifts back, and is now... what... at -19?)?

If not correct and the PC really retains his original hitpoints, how does one make a polymorph-focused caster (e.g., Master Transmogrifist) that is going to last in a fight at higher levels without getting utterly demolished in just a couple hits because he still has his piddling wizard/sorcerer hitpoints?

(I would imagine this question has been asked frequently and is probably answered in quite a few places but I just can't find it. Feel free to just whack me over the head and give me a link. Sorry if this is a stupid and oft-asked question.)

 

[Thanee]

Yes, according to the Rules of the Game article about Polymorph, the hit points are adjusted for the new Con score.

Anything coming after that (the new Polymorph subschool) is different, though.

As for what happens when you change back, you lose the hit points from the increase Con then... and yeah, that could be bad.

Bye
Thanee

 

[thedmstrikes]

Please delete double post.

 

[thedmstrikes]

Quoted from the 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.

Given this information, as the subject returns from the polymorph induced change, it is not healed of any of it's wounds. However, if I were your transmogrifist, I would simply polymorph into another creature before resuming my original form. I get to retain my intelligence afterall, so why wouldn't I think of it?

 

[SnowHeart]

Quoted from the SRD:

...if I were your transmogrifist, I would simply polymorph into another creature before resuming my original form. I get to retain my intelligence afterall, so why wouldn't I think of it?

Good, sound suggestion. Add to that the MasTrans can take advantage of certain creatures' fast healing ability, and it shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks for the advice y'all.