Suggestions for dealing with Polymorph Other?

[Grog]

Having been DMing 3e for quite a while now, I've come to the conclusion that Polymorph Other is an incredibly powerful spell that borders on game unbalancing. The problem isn't PCs casting the spell on enemies, it's them casting the spell on allies. For example, at 7th level, when the PCs first get the spell, the wizard can polymorph the party's main front-line character into a troll. The fighter then gets a 23 strength, a +7 natural armor bonus to AC, and a 10 foot reach. The character also keeps all his ordinary abilities and the use of all his items. As the PCs increase in level, they can eventually be polymorphed into giants, which makes the problem even worse.

Any suggestions on how to deal with this? The spell gives characters power that's a quantum leap beyond what they would otherwise have access to at their level. Ordinarily, I hate to say that the PCs just can't do something, but this spell is so powerful I may not have a choice.

 

[Bob Aberton]

Make it permanent, removable only by "Break Enchantment," but not by Remove Curse.

That should cure them of their penchant for polymorph when the townsfolk try to kill them, and they can fit in dungeon corridors.

Always remember, Trolls, and especially Giants generally can't fit in your typical 10'by10' corridor

 

[Hammerhead]

Just kill the people who can end the spell. See how the fighters go about entering town as a troll.

 

[Black Omega]

My PC's haven't reached this point yet, they are just talking about PO'ing horses into pegasi for the 120' movement. I doubt they'll get to this point, since turning yourself into a hidious monster simply for the power is not exactly honorable and my game is based in Rokugan.


Setting can have an effect on this as well. Some settings simply turning into creatures like trolls will be very poorly looked upon, which at least means in town it won't be used.

Also, strictly enforce that DC 19 will save for them to be able to function normally in combat.

If the PC's are high enough level to use PO, then their enemies should as well. So use it against them.

And as always, dispel magic is your friend.

 

[Black Omega]

Double post

 

[Grog]

Also, strictly enforce that DC 19 will save for them to be able to function normally in combat.

The spell's been errataed and doesn't have that anymore.

If the PC's are high enough level to use PO, then their enemies should as well. So use it against them.

And as always, dispel magic is your friend.

Good advice, but it really throws off the scales for any fight with enemies that can't dispel, or fail their dispel check. I can't think of any other buffing spell that a) lasts as long (permanent until dispelled) and b) does as much as PO does.