Should all undead be immune to polymorphing?

[delta]

I'm wondering from a context of magical logic -- As a general rule, should all undead be immune to polymorphing?

Note the universal quantification of the suggested rule. If you think that some undead can by polymorphed and others can't (e.g., maybe spectres are immune but others types aren't), then you should pick "no" as a response.

[naiyor]

I say no to polymorphing incorporeal entities...but, if you did polymorph a spectre, could/would they turn into an evil, incorporeal, ferret? -- if that is the desire of the magic user.

[Desparil]

In strict OD&D terms, I don't see anything limiting what you can cast polymorph on.
If you move on to 1E, there's a vague admonition that it's not possible to morph a less intelligent creature into a more intelligent form, which might restrict skeletons and zombies from being morphed into most types of creatures, but one of the explicit, Gygax-given examples of how hit points are conserved through the morphing process is of an undead creature:

However, the new form of the polymorphed creature may be stronger than it looks, i.e. a mummy changed to a puppy dog would be very tough

Starting with 2E, the restriction against using polymorph to turn an unintelligent creature into an intelligent one is lifted, though the target might retain its former, unintelligent mentality at least temporarily.

[delta]

Mar 24, 2023 11:31:19 GMT -6 naiyor said:

I say no to polymorphing incorporeal entities...but, if you did polymorph a spectre, could/would they turn into and evil, incorporeal, ferret? -- if that is the desire of the magic user.

Not so coincidentally, I'm making another poll right now on that related subject. :-)

[hamurai]

I voted No, as I stated in the other thread, I'd say that the spell forces any creature into the new form, spectres and the like would be forced to assume a corporeal state and different form.

[naiyor]

Mar 25, 2023 0:02:58 GMT -6 hamurai said:

I voted No, as I stated in the other thread, I'd say that the spell forces any creature into the new form, spectres and the like would be forced to assume a corporeal state and different form.

If this happens, do you think the now-corporeal creature could be damaged by normal weapons? I would think so

[hamurai]

Yes, I'd absolutely say so, unless the new corporeal form was chosen from among those creatures which cannot be damaged by normal weapons.

[delta]

Interestingly it was pointed out to me that the B/X rules do limit the spell to living creatures only (on either side of the transfer).

[dicebro]

“No one completely understands the magic they wield.” Quote from a Magic User.

[howandwhy99]

I believe the "Polymorph Anything" spell was much later. Initially it was strictly living things.