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{{version030}}
{{item
|itemtype = Wand
|name = Wand of polymorph
|cost = ?
}}
{{flavour|A magical device which causes a creature to be transmogrified into another form. It is especially effective against shape-changing creatures.}}

A '''wand of polymorph''' will attempt to permanently transform one monster into another, or temporarily transform the player.

==Useful Info==
Unless resisted by [[willpower]], a targeted monster will evaporate and instantly reform as another random creature; this will drop all of their equipment (though their new form will pick it back up, if able), heal them significantly, and clear any ongoing [[status effect]]s. Their new form will be one out of three monsters of the same [[holiness]]. This is displayed when targeting the wand, and is designated for every individual monster. Polymorph has no effect on the [[undead]] or [[nonliving]], but [[demon]]s are still affected.

Normal casters lose their spells when polymorphed, and polymorph will never turn a monster into an "actual" spellcaster. The new form will gain "innate" abilities of their new form, like a [[dragon]]'s breath, but not spells with the wizard (like [[orc wizard]]s) or divine (like [[spriggan berserker]]s) [[spell slot flags]]. Note that most demons' spells are considered innate abilities, so the new form will have its respective spells. Uniques retain their name, but not their spells.

Followers of [[Zin]] incur piety loss and [[penance]] if they zap this wand.

===Special===
*When targeting a player, it temporarily transforms them into a [[bad form]]. While some of these have useful traits, you'll most likely become something more or less helpless in combat.
*When targeting an [[ugly thing]] or [[very ugly thing]], it causes them to change colour with 100% success.
*When targeting a [[shapeshifter (monster)|shapeshifter]] or [[glowing shapeshifter]], it causes them to change form with 100% success.

==Strategy==
Use with caution. While this wand ''can'' turn dangerous monsters into creatures that are easier to deal with, it can also turn them into even ''worse'' monsters.

===Good targets===
*{{monsterlink|Electric eel}}: They'll turn into a less dangerous flying or water-capable creature.
*{{monsterlink|Hornet}}: Despite how dangerous they are, hornets have fairly low HD and [[willpower]].
* {{brown|c}} [[File:Centaur (monster).png]] '''[[Centaur (monster)|Centaur]]''': Low HD and Willpower means they will most of the time be turned into a creature incapable of using their notoriously lethal bows.
*{{monsterlink|Boggart}} (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.
*{{monsterlink|Orc wizard}} and {{monsterlink|Orc priest}}: Usually you'll have better ways to deal with these guys, but polymorph tends to make them into something less dangerous.
*{{monsterlink|Anaconda}}: They have moderately high HD, but low willpower, and whatever they polymorph into is at least likely to be something you can more easily escape from.
*{{monsterlink|Unseen horror}}: If you can get them in a corridor to line up the shot, this is a good way to make them visible. Despite their name and glyph, they are natural monsters and have only modest HD, making polymorph pretty safe.
*{{monsterlink|Moth of wrath}} and {{monsterlink|Death drake}}: They have ''very'' low will and HD for enemies often found around [[Zot]]; berserked monsters and [[miasma]] are almost certainly more dangerous than the end result.
*{{monsterlink|Ice beast}} (or other elementally-attuned monsters): If you're fighting something that resists all of your spells, turn it into something you can actually fight.
*{{monsterlink|Sigmund}} (and other well-armed [[unique]]s): If he turns into anything but a humanoid, his branded scythe, spells, and wands will be useless.

===Bad targets===
*{{monsterlink|Hydra}}: High HD, meaning there's a reasonable chance you could get a [[dragon]]. Most characters can run away from hydras (and should if they lack a means to kill them).
*{{monsterlink|Death yak}}: Also high HD, and has unusually high willpower as well.
*{{monsterlink|Ghost moth}}: High will means that it's better to just kill them.
*{{monsterlink|Gastronok}}: He has HD 20. This means he can become a [[titan]]. You don't want to fight Gastronok the titan.

===Self targeting===
Remember that you are also a valid target for polymorph, and you ignore your own willpower. This is usually dubious: there's 5 [[bad form]]s, so at least one can actively harm you.

But in the early game, you may have few other options. Most forms can help an early game character out:
* [[Tree Form]] - High AC, relatively strong [[Unarmed Combat]], poison resistance. Can't move or teleport, melds armour.
* [[Fungus Form]] - [[Confusing]] Unarmed attacks, poison resistance. Can't move when monsters are visible, melds all equipment.
* [[Bat Form]] & [[Pig Form]] - Fast movement. Melds all equipment, melds rings, and prevents spellcasting.
* [[Wisp Form]] - Many resistances. Melds all equipment.
E.g. when next to a dangerous melee enemy on D:4 or so, 4 of the 5 forms can help you (Tree & Fungus increase combat ability, Bat & Pig let you run).

==History==
*Prior to [[0.26]], wands of polymorph could change monsters into any eligible monster of the same holiness. Though it heavily favored forms of similar [[HD]], monsters with few options could get weird results, like [[Grinder]] turning into a [[hellephant]]. Therefore, there was no indication of what a monster might turn into.
*Prior to [[0.21]], wands of polymorph could have at most 24 charges.
*Prior to [[0.20]], [[unique]]s would retain their spells post-polymorph if they became an intelligent form that could speak.
*Wands of polymorph was added in [[0.12]], replacing the very similar [[wand of polymorph other]]. The latter would inflict permanent [[bad mutations]] on you instead of temporary bad forms. You also could not target yourself.

==See Also==
*[[Polymorph]]

{{wands}}

Wand of polymorph - Revision history

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