Magical Creature Templates

Summon and Polymorph use the same creature patterns. Each creature page assigns its profiles a minimum spell level. The caster can use any profile they know whose requirement is no higher than the level actually cast. The same profile always has the same requirement for both spells.

Knowing either spell does not teach its creature patterns. Each one must be earned through play under the GM's direction. Studying a new species, finding a teacher, obtaining a rare specimen, or understanding a magical creature can demand as much time and effort as learning a new spell. Mastering a pattern teaches it for both Summon and Polymorph if the caster knows both spells. This access is one of the main limits on their versatility.

Size does not set the required level. It remains an important physical trait, but a simple Colossal body can possess a less difficult pattern than a smaller creature with flight, spells, immunities, and complex powers. The selected profile supplies the body's values; the effect's Spell DC determines its quality. A natural creature uses its own attributes and level instead of these formulas.

Creating the Body

Each template gives a Strength multiplier, Dexterity multiplier, and HP per Strength point. Calculate the body when the spell takes effect:

STR = Spell DC × Strength multiplier

DEX = Spell DC × Dexterity multiplier

Effective CON = Spell DC

Maximum HP = HP per STR × STR

Round every result down. Use the complete Spell DC at the moment of creation, including temporary caster-level increases and every other active modifier. These physical values remain fixed for the life of the summon or the duration of the Polymorph casting. Losing the bonus that raised the original Spell DC does not weaken an existing body.

The template's Strength and Dexterity replace separate damage bonuses. A physical attack adds the higher of STR or DEX under the normal weapon rules; an attack that clearly cannot use finesse remains limited to Strength, and firearms add neither. Grappling uses these attributes along with size, anatomy, and experience as described in Martial Combat and Defenses.

Unless a template states an exception, its Ground Speed is 30 ft per tick + 2 ft per point of DEX. Fly, Swim, Burrow, and supernatural movement remain in the template.

Saves and Ability DCs

A summoned creature uses its generated DEX as its Reflex modifier. Its Fortitude modifier and effective CON equal the locked Spell DC, and its Will modifier also equals that DC.

A polymorphed creature uses the generated DEX for Reflex and the locked Spell DC for Fortitude and effective CON, but retains the transformed creature's original Will Save. The body replaces physical attributes, not the mind wearing it.

The DC of a magical body's Breath Weapon and other racial ability is the controlling Spell DC unless its template explicitly says otherwise. Effective CON does not enter the DC formula a second time.

Reading a Template

A template retains only values that cannot be derived from these rules: each profile's minimum spell level, attribute multipliers, HP per STR, size, attack dice, action reserves, dedicated dodges, DR, Reach, special movement, racial magic, and unique traits. Higher profiles may improve any of them. Casting the spell above a profile's minimum does not silently invent a stronger body: use a higher profile only when the creature page provides one. The resulting sheet is calculated once and can be used without repeating these formulas during play.

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