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This idea started as a quick response to a post in the "Polymorph Any Player?" thread. However, I ended up spiraling off topic and spending way too much time on this random idea.
The spell is based off the suggestion of making a 9th level version of polymorph any object. The basic idea is increasing the base spells which the effect is based on(for example, this spell uses form of the dragon III instead of form of the dragon I) and adding component costs to the longer durations. I have included the full spell details(in a spoiler) and a brief argument for why the spell is reasonable.
I appreciate any feedback, but mostly just wanted to share the result of my procrastination!
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CASTING
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Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M (variable see text)
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EFFECT
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Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target one creature, or one non-magical object of up to 100 cu. ft./level
Duration see text
Saving Throw Fortitude negates (object); see text; Spell Resistance yes (object)
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DESCRIPTION
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This spell changes one object or creature into another. This spell can function as alter self, beast shape IV, elemental body IV, form of the dragon III, giant form II, and plant shape III depending on what form you take. You can use this spell to transform all manner of objects and creatures into new forms- you aren't limited to transforming a living creature into another living form. The duration of the spell depends on how radical a change is made from the original state to its transmuted state. The duration and cost of material components is determined by using the following guidelines.
Changed Subject Is...(Increase to Duration Factor*)
Same kingdom (animal, vegetable, mineral) (+5)
Same class (mammals, fungi, metals, etc.) (+2)
Same size (+2)
Related (twig is to tree, wolf fur is to wolf, etc.) (+2)
Same or lower Intelligence (+2)
*Add all that apply. Look up the total on the next "table".
DURATION FACTOR(DURATION, COMPONENT)
0(1 round, none)
2(1 rnd/lvl, none)
4(1 min/lvl, none)
5(1 hour/lvl, diamond dust worth 1,500 gp)
6(1 day/lvl, diamond dust worth 25,000 gp)
7(1 week/lvl, diamond dust worth 25,000 gp)
9+(permanent, diamond dust worth 100,000 gp)
If the target of the spell does not have physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution), this spell grants a base score of 10 to each missing ability score. If the target of the spell does not have mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma), this spell grants a score of 5 to such scores. Damage taken by the new form can result in the injury or death of the polymorphed creature. In general, damage occurs when the new form is changed through physical force. A non-magical object cannot be made into a magic item with this spell. Magic items aren't affected by this spell.
This spell cannot create material of great intrinsic value, such as copper, silver, gems, silk, gold, platinum, mithral, or adamantine. It also cannot reproduce the special properties of cold iron in order to overcome the damage reduction of certain creatures.
Here are my arguments for why the spell is balanced.
- The durations were altered, because creating a huge dragon for 20 minutes from a speck of dust seems a bit ridiculous to me...
- I really wouldn't expect anyone to use this spell for anything less than 1 hour per level and that is where the costly components start. However, it does allow you to change animal companions and such for free which you could not achieve using lower level spells.
- This obviously compares to shapechange at the hour/level duration. My spell has increased duration, but does not allow swapping between forms.
- The significantly longer durations have component costs in line with wish and require very high duration factors(I might still suggest bumping these up to needing 7 and 8 instead of 6 and 7 respectively).
- Making something permanent is exceptionally expensive, requires very high duration factor, and can be dispelled.
PS - Does anyone know how to make a proper table on these forums? I'd love to have made the "Changed Subject Is" and "Duration Factor" tables properly. Perhaps if you cannot we could get a table format option added?
My only issue is that you're knocking Shapechange off it's "peak transmutation" height by adding another 9th level MAJOR poly effect... which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just am used to Shapechange as the queen of polymorphism.
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My only issue is that you're knocking Shapechange off it's "peak transmutation" height by adding another 9th level MAJOR poly effect... which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just am used to Shapechange as the queen of polymorphism.
I am not necessarily "de-throning" just introducing an alternative. shapechange is still great for the caster who wants to have options for different forms during combat (also when going through doorways). True Polymorph fills a slightly different niche. They are very complimentary spells for the hardcore polymorphin' power gamer.
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I don't think it would be unreasonable to lower the component costs, as greater dispels will be flying around left and right by the time 9th lvl spells can be cast.
1 hr/lvl 1,500 gp in diamond dust
1 day/lvl 5,000 gp
1 week/lvl 10,000 gp
permanent 25,000 gpmaybe with an additional gp cost on cast you can increase the DC to dispel? Just a thought.
Also, as I suggested in the other thread, an added line in the 'works like these spells' bit that says "and any other polymorph spells of 7th lvl or lower" would be great... leaving open the use of future/splat book/paizo accessory product spells.
I would not lower the cost. At the level you are getting these spells the price is not that big of a hit and the buff is extremely good. Imagine a raging barbarian huge dragon(with big pointy fangs).
I can agree with changing the wording to allow future polymorph affects of 7th level and lower. I would suggest "the effect of this spell may function as any spell of the polymorph subschool with a spell level of 7th or lower".
My only issue is that you're knocking Shapechange off it's "peak transmutation" height by adding another 9th level MAJOR poly effect... which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just am used to Shapechange as the queen of polymorphism.I am not necessarily "de-throning" just introducing an alternative. shapechange is still great for the caster who wants to have options for different forms during combat (also when going through doorways). True Polymorph fills a slightly different niche. They are very complimentary spells for the hardcore polymorphin' power gamer.
Like the aberrant bloodline sorcerer? Heh.
Like I said, I don't think it's a bad thing, and it is distinct enough in effect to be reasonable.
And if you dipped a level out of ab/sorc into a doughty wilderness tracker, you'd be
Anything into anything, but nothing precious? It's not truly ANYTHING, then.
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The day/level and week/level have the same cost. I would suggest changing that.
Could probably bump it up to 50,000gp for week/lvl, but then the question is when would I choose week/lvl instead of day/lvl. With those two options at the same price the extra duration is a bonus for having a better duration factor. Could probably also change the required duration factor for week/lvl to 9 and keep the price. At that point it makes having high duration factor meaningful without needing to spend a massive amount of resources.
Maybe you don't want that happening... my wizard cabal is planning to picket your house over it.