[SPELL] Polymorph: Targetable + Change Only Adjective

[dolifer]

I've been playing around a lot with polymorph recently and noticed it doesn't function as it does in standard D&D rules.

First, in SRD polymorph can be cast on others, whereas it is cast only on self in FK.
Also, the standard rules mention that the desired polymorph may be of the same type as the target's natural race (e.g., a human can polymorph into a human). I would take this as simply changing one's appearance (adjective, in FK terms), but when I try to do this in FK, I get the echo, "You are already a...," and the spell has no effect. I think it would be very enjoyable and more sensible to allow PCs to temporarily change their appearance with this spell by permitting, say, and elf polymorph of an elf with a different adjective.

Finally, though this is a bit off topic... What is the general rule on the extent to which one can use his/her imagination when customizing a particular polymorph? For instance, I've seen in some non-FR sources depictions of horned centaurs. Would it be alright to use this look with a polymorph, regardless of what is usual in FR? Other examples would be oddly-colored/marked animals, forms which look unusually strong/weak for their type, etc.

Multas gratias!

[Valyn]

I like making it possible to shift into your own race so you can disguise yourself as something different.

As for casting on others, I think maybe this is time to break this into Alter Self (level 2 and essentially functions as current polymorph does within one size category of the caster), Polymorph, (shorter duration, more options, creature touched), and Polymorph Any Object (though this would be significantly more difficult to code, but extremely fun seeing as how you may be able to turn a pumpkin into a cart and the likes )

[Rhangalas]

Nah, using polymorph to "create" races it doesn't codedly support, even if they exist in the setting is not allowed. I used to polymorph into a winged centaur with one of my wizards... it was not acceptable.

Polymorph can only be used on yourself in tabletop. Polymorph Other can be used either way, but it does not exist in FK. If I had to guess, you're not allowed to use polymorph to transmute into the same race with different features because thieves do this with disguise. I remember at one time there was an illusion spell called glamour that let you switch adjectives like disguise, but I'm not sure why it was removed, probably the same reason you are not allowed to use polymorph to do it.

[dolifer]

Polymorph can only be used on yourself in tabletop.

I was getting my info for this one from http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/polymorph.htm. Target, according to that version of the spell, at least, is any willing living creature. I don't get to play tabletop nearly as much as I'd like to, though, so I'm sure there are likely differing sources and such.

But I do think it wouldn't be too much to say that wizards can change their form while keeping the same race. My wizard can heal herself like a cleric can, only by different means. I don't see how a rogue's having the disguise ability should have any bearing on whether wizards can use magic to disguise themselves, either with polymorph or a spell like the one Rhangalas mentioned, designed specifically for disguising.

I by no means think this is a pressing issue, btw. Just think it'd be a cool addition at some point if possible.

[Rhangalas]

That's just my reasoning behind the reasoning... heheh. The trend in FK has usually been to keep class skillsets as distinct as possible, so not only is there diversity, but you don't end up with all classes just being the same class with different versions of the same mechanics. Like MMO's these days... *loathe*.

It's probably a moot point now that you can cross-class through items (we need more of that by the way and maybe a little more power to them), but being able to use another classes skills by achieving them through different means and eventually having the same proficiency with them would break the game. With items, you are not only limited by item slots, non-stacking, and explosive energies... but the item enchants themselves adhere to a standard as to how many skill points they can award, so while you might be able to sneak, steal, etc... you'll never be as good as an actual thief at it. Like you mentioned healing as a wizard with vampiric touch, while it is technically a clerical ability, it is a touch spell governed by dexterity/AC that only works if there is something to attack with it, and will never be anywhere near the power or versatility of a clerics healing spells.

Anyways, almost all classes (besides fighters) have a way disguise themselves that is unique to the class and has it's own rules of operation: Thieves/bards use disguises to alter their current race, druids/rangers shapeshift but can only take animal forms, and wizards polymorph but it has to be a different form than their natural form.

I'm not against it... I'm a polymorph advocate, but if anything were to happen, I think the best option would be to increase the duration a little. It went from lasting forever to never lasting.