Polymorph: Difference between revisions
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{{Spell | {{Spell | ||
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{{flavour|This spell randomly alters the form of another creature.}} | {{flavour|This spell randomly alters the form of another creature.}} | ||
'''Polymorph''' is a [[Transmutations]] spell which, if used on a [[:Category:Natural_holiness|natural]], [[:Category:Demonic_holiness|demonic]], or [[:Category:Plant_holiness|plant]] monster, will transmute it into another monster of the same category, usually with the same or slightly higher [[HD]]. Some chaotic creatures are special cases: [[ugly thing]]s simply change their color, while [[shapeshifter]]s and [[glowing shapeshifter]]s will heal some HP | '''Polymorph''' is a [[Transmutations]] spell which, if used on a [[:Category:Natural_holiness|natural]], [[:Category:Demonic_holiness|demonic]], or [[:Category:Plant_holiness|plant]] monster, will transmute it into another monster of the same category, usually with the same or slightly higher [[HD]]. Some chaotic creatures are special cases: [[ugly thing]]s simply change their color, while [[shapeshifter]]s and [[glowing shapeshifter]]s will heal some [[HP]] and change form. | ||
If Polymorph is used by an enemy on a player who fails to resist, the player will suffer a | If Polymorph is used by an enemy on a player who fails to resist, the player will suffer a temporary [[bad form]] transformation. [[Mutation resistance]] is useless against this, but [[magic resistance]] and worshiping [[Zin]] may protect you. | ||
Similar effects can be achieved with a [[wand of polymorph]], the attack of a [[chaos]] weapon, and some [[Transmutations]] miscast effects. | Similar effects can be achieved with a [[wand of polymorph]], the attack of a [[chaos]] weapon, and some [[Transmutations]] miscast effects. | ||
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===Good Targets=== | ===Good Targets=== | ||
This is a partial list of good targets for spells, wands or clouds of polymorph other - that is, monsters which are unlikely to become more powerful when polymorphed. | This is a partial list of good targets for spells, wands or clouds of polymorph other - that is, monsters which are unlikely to become more powerful when polymorphed. | ||
*[[Electric eel]] - They'll turn into a less dangerous flying or water-capable creature. | *[[Electric eel]] - They'll turn into a less dangerous flying or water-capable creature. | ||
*[[Red wasp]] - If you lack poison resistance these can be very nasty. | *[[Red wasp]] - If you lack poison resistance these can be very nasty. | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
Prior to [[0.12]] this spell was called Polymorph Other. When used on the player by a monster, it had the same effects as [[Malmutate]]. | Prior to [[0.12]], this spell was called [[Polymorph Other]]. When used on the player by a monster, it had the same effects as [[Malmutate]]. | ||
Revision as of 13:20, 2 May 2013
Version 0.12: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.
 Polymorph
| |
|---|---|
| Level | 4 |
| School1 | Transmutation |
| School2 | Hexes |
| Source(s) | |
| Casting noise | 3 |
| Spell noise | 0 |
| This spell randomly alters the form of another creature. |
Polymorph is a Transmutations spell which, if used on a natural, demonic, or plant monster, will transmute it into another monster of the same category, usually with the same or slightly higher HD. Some chaotic creatures are special cases: ugly things simply change their color, while shapeshifters and glowing shapeshifters will heal some HP and change form.
If Polymorph is used by an enemy on a player who fails to resist, the player will suffer a temporary bad form transformation. Mutation resistance is useless against this, but magic resistance and worshiping Zin may protect you.
Similar effects can be achieved with a wand of polymorph, the attack of a chaos weapon, and some Transmutations miscast effects.
Strategy
Good Targets
This is a partial list of good targets for spells, wands or clouds of polymorph other - that is, monsters which are unlikely to become more powerful when polymorphed.
- Electric eel - They'll turn into a less dangerous flying or water-capable creature.
- Red wasp - If you lack poison resistance these can be very nasty.
- Moth of Wrath - They can turn a crowd of weaklings into a berserk mob.
- Boggarts (and other low-HD summoners) - Although fragile, summoners can bring lethal reinforcements into play. Fortunately they have low enough HD that the polymorph results are usually pretty pathetic.
- Jelly - Polymorphing is an effective means of avoiding their corrosive attacks.
- Harpy - An option if you have issues dealing with very fast monsters.
- Oklob plant - Usually turns into a wandering mushroom.
- Sigmund (and other well-armed uniques) - If he turns into anything but a humanoid, his branded scythe, spells, and wands will be useless.
Bad Targets
- Hydra - These often become storm dragons or guardian serpents. Even if you have problems with hydras, these alternatives are worse.
- Slugs - They have very high HD. An elephant slug has nearly the same HD as an ancient lich. The results will not be pretty.
- Adders or other inoffensive creatures - you'd really rather have a boggart?
- Worms - They may hit hard early on, but they're slow and you'll soon outgrow them. But they do have fairly high HD, and a human hits harder and is much faster.
- Slime creatures - A single one can turn into a giant orange brain or a storm dragon. Larger versions can turn into multiple such creatures.
History
Prior to 0.12, this spell was called Polymorph Other. When used on the player by a monster, it had the same effects as Malmutate.