D&D 5E Polymorph into Non-Beasts

[Cristian Andreu]

In the process of moving from Pathfinder to 5e, one of the players has asked me about using the Polymorph spell to include non-beasts (he was fond of Form of the Dragon in PF).

Just expanding the spell to include other types of creatures seems deceptively tempting, but I'm not sure if I'd be breaking something in the process (I'm guessing the reason to limit it to beasts is to avoid including all those unusual qualities and powers less mundane creatures have).

Would it break it too much? Perhaps lower the max CR when dealing with stuff like dragons and magical beasts?

What would you think are the key things to keep an eye out for?

 

[The Grand User]

Why not port the actual Form of the Dragon over as its own spell?

 

[Moorcrys]

Why not port the actual Form of the Dragon over as its own spell?

That's what I'd do. You could also allow the player to research or acquire polymorph spells that allow transformations into other specific creatures or monsters. That way you can keep track of the forms the player can take and the player keeps the same sort of wizardry they enjoyed in Pathfinder. Win-win.

 

[Cristian Andreu]

Why not port the actual Form of the Dragon over as its own spell?

Hm, that migth not be a bad idea, all things considered. Sure, it'd require some tinkering to determine which parts of the monster get acquired when, but it should be doable.

I'll give it a spin. Thanks!

That's what I'd do. You could also allow the player to research or acquire polymorph spells that allow transformations into other specific creatures or monsters. That way you can keep track of the forms the player can take and the player keeps the same sort of wizardry they enjoyed in Pathfinder. Win-win.

Well, so far the player is only asking for that very particular spell. We're in the process of converting our current campaign and turning into a dragon is part of his essential repertoire (it's a 16th level campaign, for context).

But it sounds like a good idea to allow other creatures with more limited range of options as a spell. Maybe not all dragons, but one specific kind/age tier of dragon in a single spell.

Thanks!

 

[Moorcrys]

Well, so far the player is only asking for that very particular spell. We're in the process of converting our current campaign and turning into a dragon is part of his essential repertoire (it's a 16th level campaign, for context).

But it sounds like a good idea to allow other creatures with more limited range of options as a spell. Maybe not all dragons, but one specific kind/age tier of dragon in a single spell.

Thanks!

Oh, cool! Easy then.

I was just thinking that it'd be an interesting character concept to have a sorcerer having a bunch of monstrous forms up the sleeve to transform into... kind of an aberrant mirror to a Circle of the Moon druid. It might be a lot of fun to play.

 

[The Grand User]

Do be sure to share anything you create with the rest of us. I know I'd appreciate this particular spell