[Q] Can I cast Polymorph Other on myself to gain a permanent duration?

[Kraedin]

You are incorrect Hong. For game rule purposes, the rules do not distinguish between types of Humanoid. The technical reason that type does not change is to prevent people from gaining type specific abilities such as immunity to crits and certain energy attacks.

If you polymorph, you are an elf. You would gain low-light vision and any other abilities associated with the elven physical type.

Really? Considering that elves are Medium-Size Humanoids with a subtype of ELF I'm not sure I buy that. Also, you don't get any elven traits, they're an (ex) ability.

 

[AuraSeer]

You certainly can use Polymorph Other on yourself. The target is "One Creature," and the caster certainly qualifies as a creature.

 

[Hypersmurf]

As a precedent, the Multi-Head Casting feat from the WotC site - going from memory - has a prerequisite of "naturally possessing more than one head". Polymorph or Shapechange effects are insufficient to take the feat.

In my opinion, that's a good benchmark for racial prerequisites.

I wouldn't allow someone to polymorph into an elf to satisfy the "creator must be an elf" requirement of Boots of Elvenkind. I believe the boots must be made 1. by real elves, 2. with the help of real elves, or 3. out of real elves.

-Hyp.

 

[hong]

Re: Re

You are incorrect Hong. For game rule purposes, the rules do not distinguish between types of Humanoid.

Ah, I see. Those words between the square brackets on the Type entry in a stat block are just meaningless verbage, then.

ALSO!!!

- Elven blood: For all special abilities and effects, a half-elf is considered an elf. Half-elves, for example, can use elven weapons and magic items with racially specific elven powers as if they were elves. -- PHB p.18

- Orc blood: For all special abilities and effects, a half-orc is considered an orc. Half-orcs, for example, can use special orc weapons or magic items with racially specific orc powers as if they were orcs. -- PHB p.19

- [Oathbow] Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armour, creator must be an elf. -- DMG p.189

- Belt of Dwarvenkind: ... If the wearer is not a dwarf, he gains darkvision (range 60 feet), dwarven stonecunning, a +2 enhancement bonus to Constitution, and a +2 resistance bonus against poison, spells, and spell-like effects. -- DMG p.210

So a humanoid type can change into another type of humanoid without any difficulty.

Type includes subtype. Sub-Type, ya know?

What am I missing here Hong?

A lot.

Show me oh wise (smart ass is more like it) one.

You say this like it's a negative thing.

 

[LokiDR]

I have to agree with Hong and the others. The rules say you don't gain type, including sub-type, and your physical stats would be that of an average Elf. Not a good option.

As a DM, however, I would let you research a spell/rite/ritual/whatever that would let you gain that sub-type. If you like the idea of changing into an elf, try that on your DM. Maybe you would have to prove yourself to a noble elven house and then you could get a transfusion of elven spirit, making you a member of the house and giving you the sub-type without changing your physical stats. Also, this change instanious, so it could not be dispelled. Brings new meaning to elf poser.

 

[Darkness]

Solution: Propose to your DM a 5-level prestige class that, by eating elves alive, enables you to gain their racial abilities and enables you to become one by level 5.

Oh, and be nice to each other, folks - just in case...

 

[Hypersmurf]

Solution: Propose to your DM a 5-level prestige class that, by eating elves alive, enables you to gain their racial abilities and enables you to become one by level 5.

Say, yeah - a modified Acolyte of the Skin, only instead of wearing a demon's skin, you have to flay an elf...

-Hyp.

 

[Celtavian]

Re

The sage indicated Low-light vision is one of the things you gain when you polymorph just as you gain certain natural attacks such as constrict.

The elven subtype would preclude him from using elven specific items, and any racial bonuses associated with culture would probably be precluded such as automatic proficiency in longsword, rapier and bows.

He would still gain keen senses and low-light vision. He would lack the immunity to sleep and the save bonus for charm. The age thing could go one way or the other.

I still think it would be feasible that he could learn to be an arcane archer from a roleplay perspective. He would just have to work with a creative DM willing to run such a scenario. In my opinion, the reason they do not allow non-elves to become arcane archers is purely cultural.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Anyone read KJ Parker's Belly of the Bow?

Maybe as long as either the Arcane Archer or the Arcane Archer's bow is an elf, it would be okay...

-Hyp.

 

[Plane Sailing]

You could always kill yourself and undergo reincarnation from a friendly druid. It might take a few goes, and there is that awkward level loss, but it could turn you into a genuine elf!