Polymorph and Shapechange trouble

Lord Mephisto · Post by **Lord Mephisto** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:37 am

When a Wizard or Druid use Polymorph or Shapechange, their caster ability score is changed. This shouldn't happen, and it is important because it messes up bonus spell slots.

A Druid with 26 Wisdom (from base ability score and items) who morphs into a bear with lesser Wisdom loses bonus spell slots from high ability modifiers. The same for Wizards. This spell slot returns when the caster returns to their natural form, but then it returns as an open slot effectively reducing their total number of spell uses per day.

This bug is particularly unfair because Sorcerers do not get hurt by it, their spell slots returns for normal use when they return to their normal forms.

Polymorphing and shapechanging are fun, and such an annoying bug shouldn't be hampering it. This must be fixed. There are many ways to fix it, not perfect though.

Post by **Rary** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:30 am

Don't you normally get the same ability score as the morph?

Lord Mephisto · Post by **Lord Mephisto** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:07 am

Rary wrote:Don't you normally get the same ability score as the morph?

Not that it matters much how it "really" works in D&D, but I like to think of this PvP server as "true to the spirit of the rules". After all, it is a D&D game.

And yep, in D&D, the caster keeps their mental scores. And it has always been a deterrant in NWN that spell slots become messed up.

It might be only me, but I actually think shapechanging is polymorphing is fun.

Oh yes, and while I am at it. The same problem exists for Tensor's Transformation. Plus even more trouble with that spell.

A95 · Post by **A95** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:58 am

My druid has no problem with shapechange/wildshape/elementialshape messing up his spell slots.

Lord Mephisto · Post by **Lord Mephisto** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:07 pm

A95 wrote:My druid has no problem with shapechange/wildshape/elementialshape messing up his spell slots.

Are you talking about the spell or the ability?

What is your Wisdom?

A95 · Post by **A95** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:16 pm

I'm talking about I shapechange into any of the shapes and my spell slots dont get messed up.

Wisdom buffed 32

Casas · Post by **Casas** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:36 pm

Your base ability score doesn't change, but you lose all equip. So rings, amulets, helm - it's all gone. That should account for your loss of spell slots.

Lord Mephisto · Post by **Lord Mephisto** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:12 am

Casas wrote:Your base ability score doesn't chance, but you lose all equip. So rings, amulets, helm - it's all gone. That should account for your loss of spell slots.

Your base ability score can change, but it is set at about 20 for many forms. Only higher level casters have a base casting ability score above 20. (Minimum level 12/16+). But losing spells from losing equipment is still a problem in itself.

And that is why something must be done.

A simple but unperfect solution is to give an ability enchantement bonus to caster ability score equal to the bonus from items plus the difference between the old and new base casting ability score for the duration of the spell. (This may cause problems with divine casters though).