Magic Lamp Vs Polymorph Potion

[Griffen25]

There is something that has been troubling me with the original Munchkin set.
The Magic lamp is worth 500gp and the Polymorph is worth 1300gp

The polymorph potion allows you to basically get rid of 1 monster in anyone's turn and they/you take the treasure.

The Magic lamp allows you to basically get rid of 1 monster in YOUR turn AND still collect the treasure BUT also allows you to automatically escape from a monster even if you have failed a roll to do so.

Question:
Typically what happens in our games is that somebody versus the Plutonium Dragon or somebody big and when there is no way for them to beat, they use their magic lamp to just rid the monster and collect the treasure. Firstly... does it work like this? (because thats what i thought polymorph potion did..). and Secondly is the Polymorph Potion's ability to use in anyone's turn really that much better to warrant an extra 800gp? or is there something I'm missing.

I currently own the original set & clerical errors (#3), but their at my girlfriends house, so please correct me if I've made any mistakes.

Kind Regards =]

[MunchkinMan]

I've always just accepted the fact that, more often than not, GP value is somewhat arbitrary. However, in the first 18 printings of Munchkin, there were two of them. Perhaps the reduced rarity decreased the price?

However, you are correct, it does work like Pollymorph Potion, but only on your turn.

[Nerftw]

I wonder if it's because Polymorph is more powerful than Magic Lamp, since it can be played against someone else to prevent them from gaining a level in a fight. At level 9, this becomes a powerful tactic to steal the win away from someone.


.... Especially if you wait until everyone's played all their good cards to try and stop the monster.

[Andrew Hackard]

I think looking for a solid, game-mechanical reason for it is likely to be a quixotic pursuit. It is what it is.

[patapwned24]

Originally Posted by Andrew Hackard

I think looking for a solid, game-mechanical reason for it is likely to be a quixotic pursuit. It is what it is.

I dont get what your trying to say here

[Andrew Hackard]

Originally Posted by patapwned24

I dont get what your trying to say here

There's no specific reason why one is worth more Gold Pieces than the other, and you'll drive yourself crazy if you try to find one.

[Genpin]

Magic lamp does not give you treasure if you use it in a combat with two (alive) monsters or more

[AMOE]

It does, but you need to defeat the remaining monster(s) first.

[Doering]

Originally Posted by Nerftw

I wonder if it's because Polymorph is more powerful than Magic Lamp, since it can be played against someone else to prevent them from gaining a level in a fight. At level 9, this becomes a powerful tactic to steal the win away from someone.


.... Especially if you wait until everyone's played all their good cards to try and stop the monster.

You are right, this makes polly way more powerful than the lamp. There are not so many cards that can end a combat.

[Andrew Hackard]

Originally Posted by AMOE

It does, but you need to defeat the remaining monster(s) first.

No, it doesn't. The card says that if there are NO other monsters in the fight, you can take the treasure. (I just noticed this myself while working on the FAQ revision -- which, btw, is in Steve's hands for final comments.)