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? Do wizards REALLY have an advanced knowledge of biology and anatomy with that fine-grained control, or perhaps are they selecting a general shape, and something inherent to their body, soul, spirit, or the magic naturally preserves their general state of health from one shape to another, just as it preserves their memories and mood?
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).

 

[A_Carrington]

If you want to flavor the Healing power as being shapeshifting, you can. Effects are what matter.

 

[Willie the Duck]

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?

I think this would depend significantly on what polymorph actually does in your game (also how magic works, etc.).

So, what can you polymorph into? If, say, when you turn into a horse -- are you turning into a specific horse (one you've seen? one you can imagine?)? The Platonic ideal of 'horse?' A randomly generated representative example of horsedom (subject to variation in line with IRL or in-world demographic variance)?

If the answer is a horse you can imagine, then sure, you should also be able to polymorph yourself into 'you, but healed.' You should also then be able to polymorph into 'that person over there' (for disguise purposes) or even 'you, but stronger,' (general physical improvement). This makes polymorph a really powerful ability (hopefully with build-cost or power point or spell level requirements, however that works in your system).

Mind you, this also depends on qualities such as duration. Does polymorph last for a limited time (or until dispelled, etc.), or is it an instantaneous spell that just changes you and is then done? If the former, healing that could revert back is a tracking challenge (and less useful than traditional 'permanent until re-injured' healing). If the later, wow does the 'you, but stronger' option become a significant power.

 

[Umbran]

If the answer is a horse you can imagine, then sure, you should also be able to polymorph yourself into 'you, but healed.'

But, if the polymorph is not permanent, when you return to your original form, it is gonna be you, but not healed again.

 

[Willie the Duck]

But, if the polymorph is not permanent, when you return to your original form, it is gonna be you, but not healed again.

Yes, I thought I covered that:

Mind you, this also depends on qualities such as duration. Does polymorph last for a limited time (or until dispelled, etc.), or is it an instantaneous spell that just changes you and is then done? If the former, healing that could revert back is a tracking challenge (and less useful than traditional 'permanent until re-injured' healing). If the later, wow does the 'you, but stronger' option become a significant power.

 

[aco175]

I want to play a doppelganger- who is now indestructible. Unless I drown I guess. Oh look, now I'm Bruce Willis.