Magical Creature Templates

A creature template describes the body created by Summon or taken through Polymorph. Its profiles give the available forms, their minimum spell levels, and their physical abilities. Both spells use the same profiles.

Choosing a Profile

Choose a known profile whose minimum level is no higher than the level of the spell being cast. The creature's page gives this requirement. Size is one part of it: a large, simple body may be easier to create than a small creature with flight, spells, or complex powers.

Each creature pattern must be learned through play. Studying a species, finding a teacher, or examining a rare specimen can require as much work as learning a spell. A learned pattern works for both Summon and Polymorph if the caster knows both spells.

The chosen profile supplies size, attack dice, action reserves, dedicated dodges, DR, Reach, special movement, racial magic, and unique traits. Higher profiles may improve these values; use the profiles provided on the creature's page.

Calculating the Body

Record the complete Spell DC when the spell takes effect, including temporary CL increases and other active modifiers. Use it with the chosen profile's multipliers:

Value	Calculation
STR	Spell DC × Strength multiplier
DEX	Spell DC × Dexterity multiplier
Effective CON	Spell DC
Maximum HP	HP per STR × calculated STR

Round each result down. These values remain fixed while that summoned body or Polymorph casting lasts, even after a temporary bonus to the original DC ends. Natural creatures use their own attributes and level.

A Level 2 Black Wolf profile has a ×0.35 STR multiplier, ×0.65 DEX multiplier, and 6 HP per STR. With Spell DC 20, it has STR 7, DEX 13, effective CON 20, and 42 HP.

For physical attacks and grappling, use these attributes under Martial Combat and Defenses. Add STR or DEX to the profile's attack dice as appropriate for the attack.

Ground Speed is 30 ft per tick + 2 ft per DEX, unless the profile gives another value. The wolf above moves 56 ft per tick. Flying, swimming, burrowing, and supernatural movement use the profile's rules.

Saves and Ability DCs

Use the recorded Spell DC and calculated DEX for the body's defenses:

Value	Summon	Polymorph
Reflex modifier	Calculated DEX	Calculated DEX
Fortitude modifier	Recorded Spell DC	Recorded Spell DC
Will modifier	Recorded Spell DC	The transformed creature's original Will modifier
Breath Weapon and other racial ability DCs	Recorded Spell DC	Recorded Spell DC

A template can specify an exception. Polymorph retains the original Will because the transformed creature keeps its own mind. Record the finished values on the creature's sheet when the spell takes effect.

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