johnbragg
2016-02-23, 10:18 AM
I was looking at my 1st edition PHB. And I came across the old Polymorph Self spell.
Polymorph Self (Alteration)
Level: 4 Components: V Range: 0 Casting Time: 3 segments Duration: 2 turns/level Saving Throw: None Area of Effect: The magic-user
Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user is able to assume the form of any creature - from as small as a wren to as large as a hippopotamus - and its form of locomotion as well. The spell does not give the other abilities (attack, magic. etc.), nor does it run the risk of changing personality and mentality. No "system shock" check is required. Thus, a magic-user changed to an owl could fly, but his or her vision would be human; a change to a black pudding would enable movement under doors or along halls and ceilings. but not the pudding's offensive or defensive capabilities. Naturally, the strength of the new form must be sufficient to allow normal movement. The spell caster can change his or her form as often as desired, the change requiring only 5 segments. Damage to the polymorphed form is computed as if it were inflicted upon the magic-user, but when the magic-user returns to his or her own form, from 1 to 12 (d12) points of damage are restored.
I was thinking, that spell would actually slot in between 3rd edition alter self and polymorph self.
Like alter self, you get movement and disguise. Better than alter self, you're not limited by Type. I"d say we translate 1E "small as a wren" to Tiny and "large as a hippopotamus" to Large (rhnioceros is in the SRD as Large, and is heavier than the hippo). Better than polymorph, you can transform into a gaseous or incorporeal form (I think that "creature" includes ghosts and air elementals.) Worse than polymorph, you don't get the combat boosts (creature stats, attack forms.
So would the revived 1st edition polymorph self be 3rd level (less combat utility than polymorph), 4th level (less combat utility, unlimited type) or should it stay buried in the moldering crypt where it lies?
Polymorph Self (Alteration)
Level: 4 Components: V Range: 0 Casting Time: 3 segments Duration: 2 turns/level Saving Throw: None Area of Effect: The magic-user
Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user is able to assume the form of any creature - from as small as a wren to as large as a hippopotamus - and its form of locomotion as well. The spell does not give the other abilities (attack, magic. etc.), nor does it run the risk of changing personality and mentality. No "system shock" check is required. Thus, a magic-user changed to an owl could fly, but his or her vision would be human; a change to a black pudding would enable movement under doors or along halls and ceilings. but not the pudding's offensive or defensive capabilities. Naturally, the strength of the new form must be sufficient to allow normal movement. The spell caster can change his or her form as often as desired, the change requiring only 5 segments. Damage to the polymorphed form is computed as if it were inflicted upon the magic-user, but when the magic-user returns to his or her own form, from 1 to 12 (d12) points of damage are restored.
I was thinking, that spell would actually slot in between 3rd edition alter self and polymorph self.
Like alter self, you get movement and disguise. Better than alter self, you're not limited by Type. I"d say we translate 1E "small as a wren" to Tiny and "large as a hippopotamus" to Large (rhnioceros is in the SRD as Large, and is heavier than the hippo). Better than polymorph, you can transform into a gaseous or incorporeal form (I think that "creature" includes ghosts and air elementals.) Worse than polymorph, you don't get the combat boosts (creature stats, attack forms.
So would the revived 1st edition polymorph self be 3rd level (less combat utility than polymorph), 4th level (less combat utility, unlimited type) or should it stay buried in the moldering crypt where it lies?