Player's Handbook

Polymorph Self

A 4th-level wizard spell.

← All spells

At a glance

Level4
SchoolAlteration
Range0
ComponentsV
Duration2 turns/level
Casting time4
Area of effectThe caster
Saving throwNone
ReversibleNo
SourcePHB p. 206

Description

When this spell is cast, the wizard is able to assume the form of any creature, those that are noncorporeal, from as small as a wren to as large as a hippopotamus. Furthermore, the wizard gains its physical mode of locomotion and breathing as well. No is required. The spell does not give the new form’s other (attack, magic, special , etc.), nor does it run the risk of the wizard changing personality and mentality. When the polymorph occurs, the caster’s equipment, if any, melds into the new form (in particularly challenging campaigns, the DM may allow protective devices, such as a ring of protection, to continue operating effectively). The caster retains all mental abilities, including spell use, assuming the new form allows completion of the proper verbal and and the are available. A caster not used to a new form might be penalized at the DM’s option (for example, –2 penalty to attack rolls) until he practices sufficiently to master it. Thus, a wizard changed into an owl could fly, but his vision would be human; a change to a black pudding would enable movement under doors or along halls and ceilings, but not the pudding’s offensive (acid) or defensive capabilities. Naturally, the of the new form is sufficient to enable normal movement. The spellcaster can change his form as often as desired for the duration of the spell, each change requiring a . The wizard retains his own , attack rolls, and saving throws. The wizard can end the spell at any time; when voluntarily returning to his own form and ending the spell, he regains 1d12 hit points. The wizard also will return to his own form when slain or when the effect is dispelled, but no hit points are restored in these cases.