Polymorphing

[Derakon]

I think the ideal solution is for Wands of Polymorph to appear in the midgame and cause full-random polymorph. That way characters have the resources to avoid instadeath by unlucky zap-ID, and if they want to have fun with Polymorph, they can assume that risk.

I'm inclined to agree with EpicMan here. Untill you have basic4+poison resist, +10 permanent speed and access to temporary speed, and about 600 HP, random polymorph always has the potential for instadeath. That's so late in the game that delaying access to the spell until then means it won't get much use because players will have invested too much into their characters to risk using it.

If anything, it should show up earlier. Though the point about Wands of Wonder is well taken. Maybe replace the polymorph effect for those with teleport-other?

[PowerDiver]

Wands of polymorph make sense as cursed wands, the same as wands of haste monster. You use one once and then squelch it. Of course, this only makes sense if they show up before the player is expected to be able to afford/cast id on them.