Polymorph rules

[Hero]

Creating a spot to record the house rules and clarifications for the polymorph spell. Also applies to shapechange and the metamorphosis psionic power.

Worked through these years ago while playing Lorenzo, and really had to dig back into it when playing Odde. Putting them here for posterity. And discussion as necessary.

[Hero]

A Knowledge check is required to successfully assume the desired form (a demonstration of familiarity with the form through study or direct experience). The DC of this check is 35 minus creature rarity as defined in the Habololy Handbook (0 is rare, 10 is common). You can take 10 on this check but not 20.

You get a bonus to this check as follows if you have direct experience with the desired creature:

• Observation of an active specimen from a distance for at least 1 min = +2
• Direct combat or up close, hands on experience for at least 5 rounds = +5
• Noninvasive, up close study of a corpse or living specimen for at least 10 min =+10
• Dissection and study for at least 1 hour = +15

These conditional bonuses do not stack, only the highest apples.

I built this one out with a bit more detail than as played.

[Hero]

Knowledge(Creaturelore) checks can be made for any type of creature permitted by the spell as a valid target form. Alternatively, you can substitute a different Knowledge check of the appropriate kind based on the type of creature. Relevant knowledge categories for the different creature types are identified in the PHB under the Knowldge skill description.

You get a +2 synergy bonus on this Knowledge(Creaturelore) check to turn into a creature if you have 5 or more ranks of the appropriate other knowledge category.

[Hero]

Failed Knowledge checks to assume a form can be retried after 1 month has passed or when your ranks in the relevant knowledge skill increase.

Be sure to keep track of accessible forms.

DM discretion on exposure quality, DCs and modifiers as appropriate for situation.

[Hero]

Available forms are limited by HD cap and creature type as defined in the spell (Polymorph form HD limit=CL, max 15; Shapechange form HD limit=2*CL, max 50).

Size limits per the spell.

Your type and subtype change to match the new form and you lose your own. You gain most features (good and bad) outlined in the type/subtype descriptions. You do not gain senses like darkvision (since they are SQs) or proficiency with manufactured arms and armor (since those are learned). Shapechange does provide senses.