Casting spells while polymorphed (in certian shapes)

[Drakill Tannan]

For example, the goblin and kobold shapes. I can understand why an umber-hulk can't cast spells, both RPwise and Mechanically wise, however, the goblin and kobold shapes, as well as the child shapes offer no real mechanical benefit, and ICly there is no reason why they cannot cast spells: they have fingers, can speak and stuff.

This would allow for great impersonations. I always wanted to have a wizard that polymorphs into a goblin, mugs a PC for, say 150 gold, then uses that as an excuse to do goblins quest. I think that kind of scenarios would be awsome.

[The Crimson Magician]

I think this is a wonderful suggestion, if mechanically possible.

[Thomas_Not_very_wise]

The Shifter PrC allows for this. No reason why this shouldn't either.

[Egon the Monkey]

Great idea. Would make pixie/nymph forms handy for combat and give the 'disguise' forms some form of firepower.

[Coldburn]

It would make Pixie, Zombie and Troll forms incredibly overpowered. Compare:
Stoneskin, level IV spell: 10/+5, 10 damage/ level Absorbation, for 1 turn/ level.
Zombie Poly, level IV spell, 10/-, unlimited Absorbation, for 1 turn/ level.

Lesser Spell Mantle, level IV spell, immune to level III spells and lower, 1 round/ level.
Pixie Form, level IV spell, immune to level III spells and lower, 1 turn/ level, also, high stealth capability.

If this suggestion makes it, I hope it'll only be for shapes that offer no additional benefits, but only flavor or RP disguise.

[Egon the Monkey]

It would make Pixie, Zombie and Troll forms incredibly overpowered.

Possibly. Apples to oranges comparison there Coldburn. Remember that Polymorph prevents use of any spells, and any consumable but potions, as well as making you appear to be whatever the creature is. I have before said "I'm going to do something alarming, and change my shape. It's only a disguise, it's still me", turned into a Zombie, then got hit with a mace repeatedly by a dumb Cleric until someone talked him down. For example zombie is 10/- DR but you look like a zombie.

Zombie has some sweet DR, and only one creature weapon so it makes sense to buff it. However, you have no way at all to heal yourself as you can't get Inflict Wounds Potions. Casting would at least let you drop Neg Bursts :P. I've only used it on quests where negative damage is spammed about. Likely doesn't need a change.

Pixie Form, level IV spell, immune to level III spells and lower, 1 turn/ level, also, high stealth capability.

Plus Polymoprh downsides, and no weapon except your 1d4-2 dmg claws. Arguably though, an excellent spy form, if you self buff Grace, use invis and stealth, and then you're immune to dispelling and Holding.

Nobody's saying Troll form should get spells, that is in my experience the most used form. For a fun time on a mage PC, polymorph Troll and tank the Trolls quest.

If this suggestion makes it, I hope it'll only be for shapes that offer no additional benefits, but only flavor or RP disguise.

That's the idea really. Let the forms that are otherwise useless use spells if it makes sense. That way, a goblin disguised PC can get out of a situation by casting like a goblin mage, without blowing his disguise, or example. Additionally, I think Goblin and Kobold forms should have Improved Unarmed Strike if they can't be given a weapon automatically.

[Drakill Tannan]

It would make Pixie, Zombie and Troll forms incredibly overpowered. Compare:
Stoneskin, level IV spell: 10/+5, 10 damage/ level Absorbation, for 1 turn/ level.
Zombie Poly, level IV spell, 10/-, unlimited Absorbation, for 1 turn/ level.

Lesser Spell Mantle, level IV spell, immune to level III spells and lower, 1 round/ level.
Pixie Form, level IV spell, immune to level III spells and lower, 1 turn/ level, also, high stealth capability.

If this suggestion makes it, I hope it'll only be for shapes that offer no additional benefits, but only flavor or RP disguise.

Yes, i belive somone had specified so, allow me to look for the post.

Ah, here it is.

For example, the goblin and kobold shapes. I can understand why an umber-hulk can't cast spells, both RPwise and Mechanically wise, however, the goblin and kobold shapes, as well as the child shapes offer no real mechanical benefit, and ICly there is no reason why they cannot cast spells: they have fingers, can speak and stuff.
 
This would allow for great impersonations. I always wanted to have a wizard that polymorphs into a goblin, mugs a PC for, say 150 gold, then uses that as an excuse to do goblins quest. I think that kind of scenarios would be awsome.

That said, I have not tried all shapes, and have not used the kobold nor goblin shape in actual quests so don't know if they have some obscure ability the DMs want us to "discover". Sames goes with child shapes. The nymph shape i also have no idea if it offers any benefit.

[Lenthis]

The nymph shape has the ablitiy to steal the hearts and souls of all who gaze on her ethernal beauty! (AKA the benifit is being able to turn into a nymph xD)