Transform into an animal, insect, magical beast or monster
Transmutation
Action: Standard
Components: V,S,M
Duration: See text
Spell Lists: Alchemy,Arcane
Levels: 3,5,7,9,10
Polymorph is a powerful and versatile transmutation spell that allows the sorcerer to adopt the form and abilities of a creature they know and have studied. Recognized as one of the most powerful transmutation spells, it is also considered one of the most dangerous for the caster. Indeed, when the sorcerer transforms, they inherit not only the strengths of the chosen creature but also its vulnerabilities. For example, a sorcerer transformed into a mouse could find themselves in great danger when faced with a cat. This is why wise practitioners use Polymorph strategically, judiciously choosing forms that minimize risks while maximizing tactical advantages.
When casting Polymorph, the sorcerer must specify the duration of their transformation. This duration can vary considerably, ranging from a few combat turns to several hours. The complexity of the process of returning to the original form depends on the level of mastery of the spell. Basic versions of Polymorph require about two minutes for detransformation, while advanced versions allow for an almost instantaneous return, taking only a single tick.
Once transformed, the sorcerer temporarily loses access to their equipment and usual magical abilities. However, they retain their intelligence and consciousness while acquiring all the abilities, powers, and physical characteristics of the creature whose form they have taken. For example, by transforming into a troll, the sorcerer will benefit from its extraordinary regeneration abilities. In dragon form, they can use its devastating breath, while transformed into a wolf, they will enjoy a keen sense of smell and increased speed.
When the transformed sorcerer is targeted by a spell, they use the reflexes of their current form to try to escape it. If the spell affects them despite this, mental effects are resisted using the sorcerer's willpower, while physical effects are countered using the creature's endurance.
During the spell's duration, the sorcerer's original body is put into stasis. Aging is suspended, and no natural or magical recovery occurs on the original body. Consequently, Cerberus sorcerers cannot recover their spells by spending time in a transformed form. Similarly, damage or healing suffered in transformed form only affects the creature's body and not the sorcerer's original body.
Advanced versions of Polymorph offer the possibility of changing form several times during the spell's duration. This ability usually requires a period of concentration, whose duration is specified by the spell, allowing the sorcerer to pass from one form to another without having to recast the spell.
Polymorph, the creation of genius Gérard Alois, is distinguished by its resistance to usual counterspells. To dispel the transmutation magic, a Dispel Magic spell must overcome a difficulty threshold increased by 25% (during the caster's level roll). Similarly, the detection of Polymorph by Detect Magic is made more complex, with a 25% penalty applied to the detection roll (DC check).
A sorcerer mastering Polymorph at a sufficient level can learn to transform into new creatures. This process requires an in-depth study of the morphology and capabilities of the target creature. The duration of this learning, particularly for rare magical creatures, is left to the Game Master's (GM) discretion.
Advanced versions of Polymorph allow for transforming creatures other than the caster. If the target is willing, the transformation occurs normally, although the transformed creature cannot change form itself. However, it can return to its original form under the same conditions as the caster.
To transform a hostile creature, it must fail a Will save opposed to the spell's DC, with a 25% penalty reflecting the increased difficulty of transforming an unwilling subject.
| Characteristic | Level 3 | Level 5 | Level 7 | Level 9 | Level 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum duration | hours/level | hours/level | days/level | days/level | Permanent |
| Number of transformations | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 |
| Return to initial form | 1 minute | 2 turns | 1 turn | 1 tick | 1 tick |
| Transformation change speed | 3 ticks | 3 ticks | 3 ticks | 2 ticks | 1 tick |
| Communication | Natural organs of the creature | Oral with original voice | Oral or Psychic (30 ft) | Oral or Psychic (200 ft) | Oral or Psychic (∞ allies, 1000 ft enemies) |
| Max. size of creatures | Medium | Large | Huge | Gargantuan | Colossal |
| Target | Self | Self, Ally | Self, Ally, Enemy | Self, Ally, Enemy | Self, Ally, Enemy |