Transform into a Giant Ape for a Huge Health Pool
The Level 4 spell “Transformation” (better known in English as “Polymorph”) is a very powerful spell that can give creatures a new form. This does not only have to refer to enemies, as you can transform them into a harmless animal for the duration of the spell. The caster can also use this spell on allies or themselves to adopt a form that is particularly strong, agile, or tanky.
In this way, the spell has a similar effect on the self as the Wild Shape of a Druid. To maintain the balance of the form, the creature you transform into must have a maximum Challenge Rating that is equal to or lower than the target’s. In the case where spellcasters can cast a Level 4 spell, they are at least Level 7, allowing them to transform into a giant ape.
The giant ape in D&D has not only simple but also nice attack actions and has a tasty 157 HP, making the use of the transformation alone as a pure “healing spell” immensely powerful, almost too powerful.
For this reason, the ape form is a thorn in the side of many DMs. Battles lose their risk and become tedious, almost boring. Therefore, expect a lot of counterspells, or an outright ban of this form or the spell. And since no one likes bans in Dungeons & Dragons: just don’t use it as an exploit, and everyone will like you a bit more.
