Can You Reverse Polymorph? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, polymorph is a powerful spell, but it isn’t an irreversible curse. While it can drastically alter a creature’s form, it’s not an insurmountable obstacle. The key to understanding how to reverse polymorph lies in understanding the different types of polymorph spells, their durations, and the mechanics that govern their effects. Generally, polymorph can be reversed through several means, including time, specific spell interactions, and combat-related conditions. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Understanding Polymorph and Its Reversal
The core concept of polymorph magic is the temporary or permanent transformation of a creature into another form. This could be anything from a harmless animal to a fearsome beast, depending on the spell used. However, these transformations are not without limitations, and most importantly, they are not designed to be permanent unless specific conditions are met. There are generally two forms of polymorphs to be aware of.
Standard Polymorph
The standard polymorph spell has a duration. The transformation lasts for this duration, unless certain conditions occur. If the duration runs out, or the target drops to 0 hit points, the polymorph effect ends, and the creature reverts to its original form.
True Polymorph
True Polymorph, on the other hand, offers the potential for a permanent transformation. However, this permanence isn’t absolute. If the caster maintains concentration on the spell for the entire duration, the transformation becomes permanent. But even permanent True Polymorph isn’t invincible. There are ways to reverse this powerful effect.
Methods of Reversing Polymorph
Several methods can reverse a polymorph spell, whether it’s a standard or a “permanent” True Polymorph. These methods can be broadly classified as:
Time and Duration
- Duration Expiration: The simplest way to reverse a polymorph is to wait for its duration to expire. Standard polymorphs have fixed durations and the effect simply ends after this time is over.
- Concentration Break: If a caster needs to concentrate to maintain the polymorph effect, interrupting their concentration (through damage or other means) will cause the spell to fail and the creature to revert to its original form.
Combat and Damage
- Dropping to 0 Hit Points: If a polymorphed creature’s hit points reach 0, the polymorph effect immediately ends, and they revert back to their original form. Any excess damage is carried over to the original form, potentially causing a very dangerous situation for the target.
Spell Interactions
- Dispel Magic: Dispel Magic is a powerful counter to magical effects. It can be used to dispel the effects of polymorph, including True Polymorph, as long as a successful caster level check is made. The spell ends, and the target returns to its original form.
- Remove Curse: Remove Curse can also dispel True Polymorph, especially if the transformation is considered a form of curse.
- Antimagic Field: Entering an antimagic field will also suppress the effects of any spell, including both standard and true polymorph, causing the target to revert immediately to their original forms.
Important Considerations
- Shapechangers: Creatures that are natural shapechangers aren’t affected by polymorph spells. They are immune to the transformation.
- Saving Throws: An unwilling creature targeted by a polymorph spell gets a Wisdom saving throw to avoid being affected by it. A successful saving throw prevents the transformation.
- Conditions: Existing conditions (like blindness, poison, etc.) are carried over during and after the polymorph effect, as the spell doesn’t remove any pre-existing conditions.
In essence, while polymorph is a transformative spell, its effects are not absolute or irreversible. Whether through time, combat, or strategic spellcasting, there are ways to overcome this magical obstacle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reversing Polymorph
Here are 15 common questions about reversing polymorph, providing further insight into its mechanics:
1. What happens when a polymorphed creature reverts to its original form?
When a polymorphed creature reverts, it returns to its original form with the hit points it had before the transformation. If it reverted due to dropping to 0 hit points, any excess damage is applied to their original form.
2. Can you dispel a permanent True Polymorph?
Yes, Dispel Magic can dispel a permanent True Polymorph if a successful caster level check is made. Additionally, other effects like Remove Curse and Antimagic Field can end a permanent polymorph.
3. Does Moonbeam undo polymorph?
No, Moonbeam does not undo polymorph as it does not dispel magic. It deals damage, but that doesn’t affect a polymorph transformation.
4. If a polymorph ends when the target hits 0 hp, does the extra damage carry over?
Yes, excess damage from the transformed state is carried over to the creature’s original form when it reverts due to reaching 0 hit points.
5. Can you polymorph twice on the same target?
Yes, you can cast True Polymorph multiple times on the same target, and each instance must be dispelled separately. If multiple True Polymorphs are active, you’d have to roll separately to dispel each instance at a lower level than 9th, although a 9th level Dispel Magic will dispel all instances.
6. Does rage last through polymorph?
No, the rage of a Barbarian does not carry over when polymorphed. Since the Barbarian is no longer a Barbarian in their new form, they lose access to Rage. However, if the revert back to their base form, they may again rage, granted conditions allow.
7. Can I True Polymorph into a dragon?
Yes, you can use True Polymorph to transform into a dragon, such as an ancient brass dragon, as long as the dragon is of the appropriate CR for your level.
8. What happens to poison when a creature is polymorphed?
The poison remains with the creature that was originally poisoned. If the player is polymorphed, they will be poisoned when polymorph is dropped, as the original body is still afflicted.
9. Can a Sorcerer get True Polymorph?
No, the Sorcerer class does not inherently get the True Polymorph spell. Only a Wizard can inherently get the spell at level 17, though there are other ways to access it through items or magic classes, such as a Bard with magical secrets.
10. Can you polymorph yourself?
Yes, you can polymorph yourself, and maintain the form for the spell’s duration unless you lose concentration or hit 0 hit points.
11. Does polymorph remove blindness or other conditions?
No, polymorph does not remove existing conditions like blindness. These conditions persist even in the polymorphed form.
12. Can you cast spells while true polymorphed?
No, generally, you cannot cast spells while True Polymorphed because you lose access to your class features, including your ability to cast spells. If your form has spell casting, you do not gain this benefit, either.
13. Can a druid polymorph into an owlbear?
No, a druid can’t use polymorph into an Owlbear, as it is a monstrosity, and Druids can only transform into Beasts.
14. How do I stop someone from using a polymorph spell?
Focusing fire on the caster to break their concentration is a good tactic, and setting up traps that force concentration saves. Additionally, preventing line of sight and targeting the caster directly should be employed.
15. Why is True Polymorph such a good spell?
True Polymorph is a powerful spell because of its versatility. It allows for the user to not only take powerful forms, but also transformative possibilities. In addition, if you can get the ability to cast spells as your transformation (if allowed), then you could potentially cast Wish, making it one of the most versatile spells possible.