Polymorph self... is it worth it?

01-09-2006, 11:46 PM

I'm curious as to what the veterans here think about the 4th level spell 'Polymorph Self'.

I agree that it's suicide to polymorph yourself and send yourself into battle.

However, we all know that project images can only attack if they are polymorphed. A polymorphed gnoll (or four) buffed with many spell protections which only your image can cast on itself would make great fodder.

Link · 01-10-2006, 05:09 AM

... but it's a whole lotta preparation for some fodder, I'd say. Polymorph Self is not a good spell at all IMHO, there are plenty items out there that change you into much more valuable creatures. Think Troll (Cloak of the Sewers) for regeneration, for example.

On top of that, there's the spell Shapechange that lets you transform yourself into a Mindflayer, possibly the most powerful creature one can turn into.

01-10-2006, 06:21 AM

Quote:

On top of that, there's the spell Shapechange that lets you transform yourself into a Mindflayer, possibly the most powerful creature one can turn into.

But that's a Lvl 9 spell...

ister · 01-10-2006, 08:44 AM

Polymorph self is, in my opinion, a utility spell that is very valuable in specific situations. The only useful form is the jelly, but the jelly has resistances that can't be duplicated until you get shapechange. The jelly is much better than a mage transformed into a troll by the cloak. Against a pure spell caster the jelly's magic resistance is great. But really the spell is only useful in specific fights.

banzai · 01-10-2006, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ister:
Polymorph self is, in my opinion, a utility spell that is very valuable in specific situations. The only useful form is the jelly, but the jelly has resistances that can't be duplicated until you get shapechange. The jelly is much better than a mage transformed into a troll by the cloak. Against a pure spell caster the jelly's magic resistance is great. But really the spell is only useful in specific fights.

For specific situations this spell rocks ! One of my favourite spells when it comes to Lich-bashing. Polymorph your caster into the mentioned jelly and send just him to the awaiting Lich. The Lich starts with his best spells like Time Stop et alii. but with 100% magic resistance this is no real problem. Just wait till the Lich has used up his best and most deadly spells and then attack with the rest of your group. With a bit of proper timing Liches and of course a lot of other lone casters aren´t real threats anymore.

Sir Degrader · 01-10-2006, 12:02 PM

Oooh, I have to try that out! Anyways, I agree, the spell is good in specific situations, like D'arnise keep, when you have Nalia in your party (I don't really know why else you'd keep her really).

ElfBane · 01-10-2006, 01:38 PM

Ooooh! Combat spoilers here. May want to edit the topic title.

Cam_H · 01-10-2006, 05:59 PM

An unusual variant, admittedly, but I found that it was a handy spell for my solo sorcerer games when doing Improved Ilyich. As a relatively low-level caster, you can quickly run out of spells and have (for instance) a 'near death' duergar warrior chasing after you with naught at hand but the +1 Quarterstaff. You can finish them off before your nap with a Polymorth Self to a Flind and go head-to-head in combat. Furthermore this spell can heal damage if you go through the shapechange process a couple of times, which again is handy if CLW don't come as a Bhaalskill.

Admittedly, not one of my preferred spells otherwise.

pritchke · 01-13-2006, 11:38 AM

It has it uses. Of course there are always other ways to go about doing the things than using Polymorth Self they just are not as fun.

01-10-2006, 08:44 AM	#4
ister Drow Warrior Join Date: January 12, 2005 Location: usa Age: 57 Posts: 291	Polymorph self is, in my opinion, a utility spell that is very valuable in specific situations. The only useful form is the jelly, but the jelly has resistances that can't be duplicated until you get shapechange. The jelly is much better than a mage transformed into a troll by the cloak. Against a pure spell caster the jelly's magic resistance is great. But really the spell is only useful in specific fights. __________________ \" Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.\"<br />JFK

01-10-2006, 01:38 PM	#7
ElfBane Mephistopheles Join Date: March 21, 2004 Location: Cape Canaveral, FL Age: 70 Posts: 1,450	Ooooh! Combat spoilers here. May want to edit the topic title. __________________ They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790), Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759. Iraq and Afghan fatalities: 6,855 and counting. Silence IS consent.

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01-09-2006, 11:46 PM	#1
mountain_hare Guest Posts: n/a	I'm curious as to what the veterans here think about the 4th level spell 'Polymorph Self'. I agree that it's suicide to polymorph yourself and send yourself into battle. However, we all know that project images can only attack if they are polymorphed. A polymorphed gnoll (or four) buffed with many spell protections which only your image can cast on itself would make great fodder.

01-10-2006, 05:09 AM	#2
Link Jack Burton Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: The Netherlands Age: 40 Posts: 5,888	... but it's a whole lotta preparation for some fodder, I'd say. Polymorph Self is not a good spell at all IMHO, there are plenty items out there that change you into much more valuable creatures. Think Troll (Cloak of the Sewers) for regeneration, for example. On top of that, there's the spell Shapechange that lets you transform yourself into a Mindflayer, possibly the most powerful creature one can turn into.

01-10-2006, 12:02 PM	#6
Sir Degrader Thoth - Egyptian God of Wisdom Join Date: November 3, 2001 Location: Canada Age: 64 Posts: 2,871	Oooh, I have to try that out! Anyways, I agree, the spell is good in specific situations, like D'arnise keep, when you have Nalia in your party (I don't really know why else you'd keep her really).

01-10-2006, 05:59 PM	#8
Cam_H Zhentarim Guard Join Date: July 12, 2005 Location: Australia, if you must know. Age: 59 Posts: 320	An unusual variant, admittedly, but I found that it was a handy spell for my solo sorcerer games when doing Improved Ilyich. As a relatively low-level caster, you can quickly run out of spells and have (for instance) a 'near death' duergar warrior chasing after you with naught at hand but the +1 Quarterstaff. You can finish them off before your nap with a Polymorth Self to a Flind and go head-to-head in combat. Furthermore this spell can heal damage if you go through the shapechange process a couple of times, which again is handy if CLW don't come as a Bhaalskill. Admittedly, not one of my preferred spells otherwise.

01-13-2006, 11:38 AM	#9
pritchke Bastet - Egyptian Cat Goddess Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 50 Posts: 3,491	It has it uses. Of course there are always other ways to go about doing the things than using Polymorth Self they just are not as fun.

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