Post by therealvaris on Aug 27, 2015 20:06:33 GMT
The polymorph spell, one of the first true game-changers for the wizard, a nightmare for the DM. Here's the spell as it is listed...
P o l y m o r p h
4th-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (a caterpillar cocoon)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
This spell transforms a creature that you can see
within range into a new form. An unwilling creature
must make a Wisdom saving throw to avoid the
effect. A shapechanger automatically succeeds on this
saving throw.
The transformation lasts for the duration, or until
the target drops to 0 hit points or dies. The new form
can be any beast whose challenge rating is equal to or
less than the target’s (or the target’s level, if it doesn't
have a challenge rating). The target’s game statistics,
including mental ability scores, are replaced by the
statistics of the chosen beast. It retains its alignment
and personality.
The target assumes the hit points of its new form.
When it reverts to its normal form, the creature
returns to the number o f hit points it had before it
transformed. If it reverts as a result of dropping to
0 hit points, any excess damage carries over to its
normal form. As long as the excess damage doesn’t
reduce the creature’s normal form to 0 hit points, it isn’t
knocked unconscious.
The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by
the nature of its new form, and it can’t speak, cast spells,
or take any other action that requires hands or speech.
The target’s gear melds into the new form. The
creature can’t activate, use, wield, or otherwise benefit
from any of its equipment.
My question is, if the Wizard polymorphs him/herself into a beast, does the spell still require concentration? It specifically states, "The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can’t speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech." Doesn't this mean that the Wizard loses his/her ability to maintain the spell via concentration, therefor making the spell basically an instant cast with a duration (unless the beast reaches 0 hp in combat)? The Wizard would then not be able to cancel the spell in any way of their own accord, like they would be able to if it were cast on another target.
Thoughts?
P o l y m o r p h
4th-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (a caterpillar cocoon)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
This spell transforms a creature that you can see
within range into a new form. An unwilling creature
must make a Wisdom saving throw to avoid the
effect. A shapechanger automatically succeeds on this
saving throw.
The transformation lasts for the duration, or until
the target drops to 0 hit points or dies. The new form
can be any beast whose challenge rating is equal to or
less than the target’s (or the target’s level, if it doesn't
have a challenge rating). The target’s game statistics,
including mental ability scores, are replaced by the
statistics of the chosen beast. It retains its alignment
and personality.
The target assumes the hit points of its new form.
When it reverts to its normal form, the creature
returns to the number o f hit points it had before it
transformed. If it reverts as a result of dropping to
0 hit points, any excess damage carries over to its
normal form. As long as the excess damage doesn’t
reduce the creature’s normal form to 0 hit points, it isn’t
knocked unconscious.
The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by
the nature of its new form, and it can’t speak, cast spells,
or take any other action that requires hands or speech.
The target’s gear melds into the new form. The
creature can’t activate, use, wield, or otherwise benefit
from any of its equipment.
My question is, if the Wizard polymorphs him/herself into a beast, does the spell still require concentration? It specifically states, "The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form, and it can’t speak, cast spells, or take any other action that requires hands or speech." Doesn't this mean that the Wizard loses his/her ability to maintain the spell via concentration, therefor making the spell basically an instant cast with a duration (unless the beast reaches 0 hp in combat)? The Wizard would then not be able to cancel the spell in any way of their own accord, like they would be able to if it were cast on another target.
Thoughts?
I hope I'm not being to argumentative - I just enjoy a good rules debate when a game isn't raging in front of me
