Polymorph and the power to heal

[1QD]

Polymorph allows the character to change form. It can be found in many systems, each with their own way of handling the results. I was wondering, why not use polymorph to heal? In my system broken bones heal differently than flesh wounds. In general they take much longer and are not covered by typical heal spells. I was thinking, why not just polymorph into a healed version of myself?

Thoughts?

 

[sevenbastard]

Sure, but sometimes rules are more "Game" than they are "Logic".

 

[Mannahnin]

Some versions of polymorph do include healing. Polymorph Self in AD&D, for example, heals the caster 1d12 points when they return to their own form.

I suppose it comes down to a few factors, primarily:

1. Game balance. Is it good for the game/does it support good play if this spell (which is already often very powerful/flexible) ALSO gives healing into the bargain?
2. How do you conceptualize magic in your game? Is this within the framework?
3. How do you conceptualize injury? Is it purely physical? In D&D, especially after level 1, Hit Points are normally only fractionally "meat points" indicating physical injury. They're mostly "don't get hit" points, indicating stamina, skill, luck, possibly divine protection, and the general ability to avoid a telling wound.

 

[Fenris-77]

The ability to heal in most games is very carefully curated and balanced (hopefully). I don't have a problem with the idea of using polymorph to heal from a general standpoint, but if I were going to allow it I would drop the healing effect by a level or two from the level of polymorph (wizards don't usually heal).