Polymorph Spell Line... for Race Classes!

[Prime32]

Minor metamorphosis isn't on the srd.

It's on the same page, further down.

[CDTalmas]

I'm still of the opinion that the spells can work, but they will need some... fine-tuning, if that's the way you'd prefer to call it.

Now, the main issue everyone seems to be having is the ability to get multiple uses out of it.  You like the idea of single-form spells.  Mayhap there are ways to reach an equilibrium between the two.  I already have a few options, though drawbacks should not be considered lightly.

Option 1:  Recast time modification

The spell cannot be recast for X amount of time.  This would force the caster to rely upon his/her new form for a certain duration or use it for its quick use and not be able to access anything for a while.  Something like "Special:  Once a character has polymorphed with this spell, she cannot assume a different form until she has spent the same amount of time in her normal form (minimum 1 hour)" or "Special:  This spell cannot be cast again for as long as the full duration of the spell would last."  These are only examples and I'm open to alternate time frames.

Option 2:  Non-dismissable

The caster MUST remain in this new form until the duration expires.  Durations could be increased or left as is.  It essentially forces the caster to be unable to return to civilization in many instances as well as possibly being mistaken for a member of that race by outside forces (could be good or bad).

Option 3:  Extra resource/time consumption

Sometimes to gain more power, one must sacrifice more.  Perhaps the caster must use a higher-level spell slot to access certain abilities.  Or they must use spell slots of the appropriate level to cast SLA's.  Or maybe they give up a certain amount of wealth equal to a scroll or potion to use some attacks.  Maybe something akin to Produce Flame:  The duration reduces depending on how much power a creature uses.  Ex:  "For every round that you utilize a movement mode that your character does not normally have access to, use a spell-like ability, use a supernatural attack or access an extraordinary quality, the remaining duration of the spell is reduced by half (round down; if duration is measured in minutes or hours, reduce duration to the nearest minute or hour).  This effect applies at the end of your turn and the spell ends if you have no rounds remaining."


These are just a few ideas.  And, again, the versatility of the spells should not be compromised.  They are what they are:  useful.  However, I understand the taking of multiple forms to cover just about any scenario and understand that certain limitations should be put into place to prevent multi-shifting.  Do note that these spells do not affect the MoMF or any other class that gains shapeshifting (yet; 'twould be rude to give access ONLY to arcane casters).

[Prime32]

Option 3 is the only one of those which really does anything. The others just change things from "I go to the next room" to "I wait an hour, then go to the next room" (insert "inside a rope trick" if necessary). By default, it doesn't matter how slowly you complete a dungeon. Also, option 2 is easily bypassed by just dispelling the effect.

If you want a compromise, what about "you can only take the form of a monster for which you have selected the appropriate Monster Blooded feat".

[CDTalmas]

I don't consider feat taxing to be a viable compromise.  I'd be better off just taking a single spell per form.  Also, if one took the Monster Blooded Feat, one would simply take levels in that class.  They would also have to already BE a monster race (if I remember correctly, anyhow; they were "Monstrous" feats, right?).

There are more extreme/dangerous measures to consider.


Option 4:  Permanent?!

As a caster utilizes the spell, they find themselves drawn more and more to its effects.  Whenever a caster assumes a monster race form via a polymorph spell, he adds an addiction point to his sheet.  Every time a caster utilizes a polymorph spell and has an addiction point, they must make a Will save upon transforming (DC 10 + Spell Level + Addiction points) or they gain the personality and mental ability scores of an average member of the race class, including its natural alignment.  These addiction points do not go away naturally and can only be removed via counseling (hire an NPC) and a Wish spell to remove 5 points.

Option 5:  I did WHO to WHAT now?!

Casters don't just gain the form of what they turn into... they channel its very essence!  Whenever the caster polymorphs into a race class, they must make a Will Save (DC 10 + Caster Level + Casting Mod) or become, for all intents and purposes (as Option 4), a member of that race class for the duration of the spell and are unable to dismiss it.  They lose all memory of any events that transpire during the shape change and are under control of the DM until they revert back.

Option 6:  Put your left foot in, take your right leg ou--owwwww!!

Sometimes physically manifesting yourself isn't as painless as one would like.  The caster must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + biggest different in physical stat after racial adjustment) or take a number of points of damage equal to the difference times the spell level (ex:  STR 10 wizard to STR 25 Tarrasque --> Fort 25 failed --> 15 * 4 [Polymorph spell] = 60 damage).


And again, there are any combination of options available.  And more options to consider, I'm sure.

[Prime32]

And those options are binary; either your opponents are screwed when you cast them, or you are. It's always imbalanced, all that changes is the type of imbalance.

You gave Maleficient as an example of polymorph, but Maleficient could not polymorph. She had one form besides her human one, a dragon, which was treated as her "true form" (because being evil turns you into a monster). If you want to represent that, just make her a dragon.
If Maleficient could polymorph then when that prince came after her with his holy sword she wouldn't turn into a dragon. She'd turn into a half-celestial rust monster.

[CDTalmas]

Forgot to mention that in regards to your response for Option 2, they had to use a Dispel to rid themselves of the effect.  Resource consumption, even though it is temporary.  And as for Maleficent, we don't know for certain that it IS an alternate form of hers.  We just know she was capable of changing.  I know the animation should not be a factor in determining her transformation but I just can't help but think that all the flames aren't part of a normal shapechange... Not to mention that she changed herself into a spinning wheel (PaO at will?).  Classification-wise, she was a fairy.

Alright, so binary is bad?  I suppose I should have figured that given the suckiness of the ToM Truenamer.  Option 6 isn't all that binary, though can be dangerous if one fails the save on a particularly [physically] strong critter.  You stated that Option 3 offered some merit.  Could you expand upon that?  Does the reduced duration work well and/or need a little nudge?  Should it all be included or just some?

[veekie]

Forgot to mention that in regards to your response for Option 2, they had to use a Dispel to rid themselves of the effect.  Resource consumption, even though it is temporary.  And as for Maleficent, we don't know for certain that it IS an alternate form of hers.  We just know she was capable of changing.  I know the animation should not be a factor in determining her transformation but I just can't help but think that all the flames aren't part of a normal shapechange... Not to mention that she changed herself into a spinning wheel (PaO at will?).  Classification-wise, she was a fairy.

Pretty much all the relevant mythic fictional transformations only come with ONE form (if it's super big, monstrous or otherwise magical) or purely physical rearrangements (which lets you become a wide variety of animals, but always mundane animals). The former case is much better done as an alternate form, a 'battle mode' with augmented physical capabilities or their true form and the weak humanoid shape merely the disguise/power saving mode.

So in this case, she is a fairy with the natural shape of a honking big fire breathing thing that disguises as a lady-like fae, which is quite common for faeries. Or She is a fairy with an alternate form that takes away most of her magical features in exchange for +Size, +Str, +Con.

[altpersona]

Rise thread from days gone past, rise rise! RISE!!!!   

so, watching the Maleficent movie, its pretty clear (stated in the movie) she is a fairy.