Polymorph as a natural ability, and Reincarnated charas.

[thedungeondelver]

So my long-running campaign took a detour that left the party's magic-user reincarnated (not resurrected or raised - there was only a high-level Druid to consult) as a pixie.

When he died, he was a 9th level magic-user.

If we look under the description of the Pixie, among their abilities is "may...polymorph at will...[/i]

The spell Polymorph (4th level) has a duration of 2 rounds/level.

At face value there's nothing given on the duration of the pixie's polymorph ability, and the description does not say "...as the spell" or anything of the like. So one reading is - until the pixie wishes it away. This would be most beneficial to the character, as they are then essentially free to polymorph into human (in this character's case) and just stay that way, retaining the abilities of a pixie and a high-level magic user (there's nothing to contra-indicate the learning of spells and so on). (However as the reincarnated character must start as a "basic" type of the creature they're reborn as, in the pixie example they only have 1d4 hits.)

If, however, we read "level" as equivalent hit dice in this case, then the pixie/magic-user is of 1st level (for determination of spell effects) and can merely stay polymorphed for 2 rounds. As the character gains new levels, the understanding of their new form's powers grow, and they can apply them accordingly (a 2nd level pixie/10th level magic-user can now stay polymorphed for 4 rounds, etc.)

On the other hand, if we deem that the knowledge and powers of the reborn mage are equivalent to his prior to decease, then it's at 9th level - 18 rounds (one and 4/5ths turns). I am least inclined to this particular interpretation, as the powers of pixiedom are not entirely and immediately understood by the otherwise alien personality (that of the magic user in my player's case)...however, pixie abilities are in fact more powerful than that.

Your thoughts?

[darnizhaan]

I believe the general intention for reincarnation is to have the character start anew at the new hit dice for the creature in question. From the DMG commentary of the druid spell:

a badger character could grow to giant size, have maximum hit points, plus bonus points for a high constitution, and the intelligence level of its former character. A centaur reincarnation might eventually gain it dice up to 5,6,7, or even 8, and it would be eligible to wear armor, use magic items, etc.

Also, looking at the PHB druid spell, it indicates that only elf, gnome, or human characters can be created (although by extension also halfling etc. from the magic user table, I presume).

Personally, I would start the pixie over as either a pixie with pixie only abilities who can gain hit dice and use m-u magic items, or as a pixie first level m-u (the less strict interpretation, I suppose).

[darnizhaan]

To clarify, by making new characters for the gnome, elf, human and also PC races from the M-U table I take it to mean that you have to roll up an entirely new first level character with new stats. Thus it would be possible to be killed as a M-U, get reincarnated as a gnome, but not be able to be an M-U.

Naturally, this would be up to the DM in question as how best to handle it.

So what benefit reincarnation? I suppose you get to keep your stuff from the previous life.

Also, it may be helpful to refer to Phoebus and Talbot from the Rogues Gallery. As a lizard man and a centaur they were allowed to progress as fighters to level 10 and 7, respectively. Offiial? I suppose, although it seems to contradict the text of the druid spell.

[Ragnorakk]

I'm grateful that I've never had to make rulings in play on some of the boundary conditions of reincarnation spells as of yet. So theoretically then, thinking about the fact that elf & dwarf PCs operte differently than Monster Manual elves & dwarves, I'd probably treat it as a dual-class situation. As a "fist level pixie" duration for invisibility & polymorph would be lower, based off of the spells (same with magic resistance BTW) but at the point that pixie-level matched the character's magic user level, they'd gain full pixiehood, and then be able to use their MU class abilities. This would necessitate coming up with a pixie class, but I like doing things like that anyway.

[thedungeondelver]

I'm grateful that I've never had to make rulings in play on some of the boundary conditions of reincarnation spells as of yet. So theoretically then, thinking about the fact that elf & dwarf PCs operte differently than Monster Manual elves & dwarves, I'd probably treat it as a dual-class situation. As a "fist level pixie" duration for invisibility & polymorph would be lower, based off of the spells (same with magic resistance BTW) but at the point that pixie-level matched the character's magic user level, they'd gain full pixiehood, and then be able to use their MU class abilities. This would necessitate coming up with a pixie class, but I like doing things like that anyway.

Fortunately, the Dungeon Masters Guide provides us with some guidance here!

Reincarnation: Regardless of the form of the in which the character is reincarnated, allow the new from to progress as far as possible in characteristics and abilities. for example, a badger character could grow to giant size, have maximum hit points, plus bonus points for a high constitution, and the intelligence level of its former character...

Pixies can speak, and as evidenced by their own items, can use magical ones. While starting the new form as a pixie, as well as bodily ability (1/2 HD), all else is as per the original character. However, 9th is the highest level as a magic-user he'll ever be able to attain, now. Pixies being closer to elves in nature than men...

If he'd gotten, say, Brownie that'd be even worse as they're related to halflings who cannot be magic-users at all!

[foxroe]

Hmmm... from the spell description I get the idea that in the new body, you don't get your former abilities. So the character would only vaguely recall his/her former life, and would function only as the current form would. So I would say that a pixie could polymorph "at will" and for as long as it wants to, but wouldn't "advance" in the normal manner (as you point out with that DMG entry).

[thedungeondelver]

Hmmm... from the spell description I get the idea that in the new body, you don't get your former abilities. So the character would only vaguely recall his/her former life, and would function only as the current form would. So I would say that a pixie could polymorph "at will" and for as long as it wants to, but wouldn't "advance" in the normal manner (as you point out with that DMG entry).

I think it's incumbent on what body you get. Also if you re-read you'll note that yes you do advance.

[foxroe]

Right, just not in the manner of normal character advancement if you are a "monster" type, rather than a human/demi-human type (or at least that's how I read it). Unless of course you whip up a batch of monster-as-class descriptions. Then you face the possibility of players whining about wanting to play monsters during future sessions: "How come I can't be a pixie?"

[Clangador]

I allow PC's to retain their abilities when they come back. Otherwise the spell has no practical use to adventurers.

[genghisdon]

I'd say the character lucked out & is now a pixie MU L9

polymorph self lasts 2 TURNS per level (20 minutes/L) and given it is at will for a pixie, could essentially be used indefinitely by the character (though it would wear off while asleep). I'd can see one assigning a level to the pixie's magic that does not change, if desired, and level 8 is used in the monster description. The character has likely taken a quantum leap forward in power, sp I'd suggest penalising any additional XP earned by 50%, as a kind of "balance".

[Clangador]

I'd say the character lucked out & is now a pixie MU L9

polymorph self lasts 2 TURNS per level (20 minutes/L) and given it is at will for a pixie, could essentially be used indefinitely by the character (though it would wear off while asleep). I'd can see one assigning a level to the pixie's magic that does not change, if desired, and level 8 is used in the monster description. The character has likely taken a quantum leap forward in power, sp I'd suggest penalising any additional XP earned by 50%, as a kind of "balance".

Balance in AD&D? Somehow it doesn't seem right.

[genghisdon]

Just because it isn't as simplistic or "important" as some later versions of the game made it, doesn't mean it isn't there. I'd argue there was considerable effort put into creating game balance in AD&D1e.