To what degree does polymorph any object change the subject?

[smuckenfart]

If a human is changed into a troll with polymorph, it does not gain the regeneration because Extraordinary qualities are not gained.

Does a human gain the regeneration capability when polymorphed into a troll with polymorph any object?

in DnD3.5e, Is the only difference between the level 4 spell polymorph, and the level 8 spell polymorph any object that the latter can target objects?
Or does it change the target entirely?

 

[James Gasik]

The only difference is that it can target objects and also, the target gains the intelligence of it's new form (and possibly acquires Wisdom and Charisma if it lacked it). Oh and the fact that the duration can be permanent in the right circumstances.

I've used this in a game twice to polymorph into a more powerful creature permanently twice, buffing my ability scores and gaining "the Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution of their new forms, as well as size, extraordinary special attacks, movement capabilities (to a maximum of 120 feet for flying and 60 for nonflying movement), natural armor bonus, natural weapons, racial skill bonuses, and other gross physical qualities such as appearance and number of limbs."

Seems pretty good to me.

 

[Voadam]

Polymorph Any Object
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 8, Trickery 8
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature, or one nonmagical object of up to 100 cu. ft./level
Duration: See text
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates (object); see text
Spell Resistance: Yes (object)

This spell functions like polymorph, except that it changes one object or creature into another. The duration of the spell depends on how radical a change is made from the original state to its enchanted state. The duration is determined by using the following guidelines.
Changed Subject Is: Increase to Duration Factor1

Add all that apply. Look up the total on the next table.



Same kingdom (animal, vegetable, mineral) +5
Same class (mammals, fungi, metals, etc.) +2
Same size +2
Related (twig is to tree, wolf fur is to wolf, etc.) +2
Same or lower Intelligence +2
Duration Factor Duration Example
0 20 minutes Pebble to human
2 1 hour Marionette to human
4 3 hours Human to marionette
5 12 hours Lizard to manticore
6 2 days Sheep to wool coat
7 1 week Shrew to manticore
9+ Permanent Manticore to shrew

Unlike polymorph, polymorph any object does grant the creature the Intelligence score of its new form. If the original form didn’t have a Wisdom or Charisma score, it gains those scores as appropriate for the new form.

So it sounds like RAW PaOing something into a troll is just like polymorphing them into a troll except for duration and mental stats.

 

[smuckenfart]

We've been using it wrong for years then. PoA our fallen cleric into a vampire for the fast healing. He wasn't too thrilled after waking up, don't think his god was either.

 

[James Gasik]

Yeah the only way you can polymorph into an undead is if you are already an undead. It's interesting that you can polymorph them anyways given that undead are immune to baleful polymorph due to this clause in the undead type:

• Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless).

 

[Voadam]

We've been using it wrong for years then. PoA our fallen cleric into a vampire for the fast healing. He wasn't too thrilled after waking up, don't think his god was either.

Polymorph had a ton of official revisions throughout 3e and 3.5 so PaO being based off of it would vary too depending on specific version. I cited the 3.5 version in the online d20 srd.