Using polymorph for a huge boost in AC

[the Jester]

I found the polymorph spells to be quite powerful in my game.

But then, so is stoneskin; so is bestow curse; so is scrying.

I dunno, I run them as errata'd in Tome & Blood/Masters of the Wild; it isn't too out of hand. Although the sorcerer turning seagulls into shriekers all over the deck of a ship was a little out of hand...

Still, there are lots of ways around a high AC, and as someone pointed out, you can't polymorph into an outsider. Not a huge difference, but somewhat of one.

Also, most places I'd think it's hard for a troll, weird big bug, etc. to sit down and buy a beer.

 

[LokiDR]

Polymorph Other and Self are very useful spells. They are also open to abuse. So are a lot of things (ever direct a sphere of anihilation into an ocean?) I think the key is to not to be too reactionary.

Example: "That's BROKEN, lets ban it"
Example: "That's BROKEN, lets use it constantly."

Neither one is really fun in the long run. What about a wizard that needs a few more hit points? Poly is one of the very few choices. What if the wiz wanted to go be a spy? Poly into a horse. I agree that if a group uses it all the time they should have social problems, usually involving the word freak or angering the beings you are impersonating.

If the combat applications of the spell seem to be too much, rule that natual armor is an exceptional abilty. Skin that protects better than full plate seems pretty exceptional. Since polymorph never allowed for (ex) abilities, then you don't get armor. You still get strenght and reach, but this is a 4th level spell and you should get something.

Further, apply the -2 penalty for everything you possibly can, and players with think twice about abusing the spell. Will save is at -2. Your new form does not improve your will save. Don't that just suck. They will at least get annoyed by the constant will saves.

The key here is make the game fun without pulling out the house rule bat if you can avoid it. Simplly asking the PCs to stop might be enough.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

If the combat applications of the spell seem to be too much, rule that natual armor is an exceptional abilty. Skin that protects better than full plate seems pretty exceptional. Since polymorph never allowed for (ex) abilities, then you don't get armor.

It's been errata'd.

Further, apply the -2 penalty for everything you possibly can, and players with think twice about abusing the spell. Will save is at -2.

It's been errata'd, and that penalty only applied to Polymorph Other, not Polymorph Self.

 

[TiQuinn]

How would they polymorph into a Stone Giant if they have never seen one? Perhaps your PCs have, but it's a good point, I think. Unless the PC has personally encountered or met someone who could give them a good description of their abilities and appearance, why would they be able to polymorph into one?

 

[Bastoche]

How would they polymorph into a Stone Giant if they have never seen one? Perhaps your PCs have, but it's a good point, I think. Unless the PC has personally encountered or met someone who could give them a good description of their abilities and appearance, why would they be able to polymorph into one?

Well... It's magic.

 

[TiQuinn]

So's the stuff the wizard who tried to turn himself into a Formian is smoking.

 

[Pielorinho]

Although it would violate the flavor of D&D magic, you could handle polymorph abuse by having the spell leave a resonance on its recipients. If you're polymorphed too often into a troll, for example, your unpolymorphed skin begins to turn a sickly green, and your body starts to be covered in hairy warts, and your arms become disproportionally long. Polymorphed too often into a dragon? Your eyes become herpetologically slit, your teeth become pointy, your skin becomes dry.

Essentially, the more time you spend as a monster, the more monstrous you appear. In game terms, this might start to affect your social rolls, imposing a circumstance penalty to diplomacy and similar checks (and possibly a bonus to intimidation checks).

In a social-heavy game, that might be enough to deter folks.

Daniel

 

[Plane Sailing]

The classic storybook restriction is that if you spend too much time in another form, you may forget yourself and be lost to that form (e.g. Earthsea books).

The "madness" mechanic from Wheel of Time d20 might be another interesting possibility to consider.

 

[LokiDR]

It's been errata'd.

So you don't get natural armor as a polymorphed form? Solves that problem.

 

[Henry]

So what happens when the local adventuring parties all learn that a band of "marauding shape-changing trolls" are pillaging and roaming the countryside? What happens when a local lord (or an enemy of the PC's) offers a substantial monetary reward for killing the magical troll marauders?

Gotta take the good with the fun...