Polymorph (4th level) is limited in what it can turn things into. From the spell text (second paragraph): The new form can be any beast whose challenge rating is equal to or less than the target’s (or the target’s level, if it doesn’t have a challenge rating). A beast is a particular creature type.
Does polymorph change mental stats?
The text of true polymorph defines how a character changes when affected by that spell: The target’s game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the new form. It retains its alignment and personality.
Do you have to have hands to cast polymorph?
My DM took it this way: spells don’t require hands or speech while casting a Subtle Spell, so he could transform his character into a Giant Ape with polymorph, buffed with Mage Armor, and kept counter-spelling me since I was the only caster in the fight. I think this is the wrong way to interpret the whole thing, but I am running out of proof.
When to use the 4th level polymorph spell?
In a fight with multiple powerful enemies, temporarily transforming a beefy baddie into a wimpy lizard to render it useless while you wail on its allies is a great use of a 4th-level spell slot. When you cast polymorph, the target must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the spell takes effect.
Can a polymorphed creature cast a subtle spell?
If it was phrased along the lines of “The polymorphed creature cannot cast spells with somatic or verbal components”, then there may be an argument for Subtle Spell to get around this, but it explicitly forbids any spellcasting, which includes spells without verbal/somatic components. Subtle spell shouldn’t make a difference here.
What happens if I polymorph my boss enemy?
On a success, they recall hearing about the Polymorph spell and the two possible remedies. On a failure, they don’t. In which case the target will remain polymorphed until it gets hit by a stray fireball or some such. I might even allow the target itself an Arcana check, and on a success, it will try reducing its own HPs.
