Can I Polymorph a Dragon? A Comprehensive Guide to Shapechanging and Dragons in 5e
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The short answer is: No, you cannot use the standard polymorph spell to transform a creature into a dragon. While the idea of turning an enemy (or even yourself!) into a fearsome dragon is tempting, the rules of D&D 5th Edition impose some significant limitations on this particular spell. The primary reason for this is that polymorph only allows transformation into beasts, and dragons are classified as dragons, not beasts.
Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of shapechanging magic and how it interacts with dragons.
Polymorph Limitations and Dragon Types
The polymorph spell specifically states that: “The new form can be any beast whose challenge rating is equal to or less than the target’s (or the target’s level, if it doesn’t have a challenge rating).” This seemingly simple requirement is the core reason why transforming into a dragon using polymorph is impossible. Dragons are powerful, often magical creatures with their own unique type, distinct from the beast category.
Furthermore, the spell’s description clarifies that: “The spell has no effect on a shapechanger or a creature with 0 hit points.” This adds another layer of complexity. While not all dragons possess the shapechanger subtype, some do, particularly metallic dragons. This will be important to consider when we look into true polymorph.
True Polymorph: A Different Approach
While polymorph is off the table for turning creatures into dragons, the true polymorph spell offers a different pathway, albeit with its own limitations. True polymorph states: “You can turn a creature into another kind of creature, or into an object. The new form can be any kind of creature, as long as the creature’s challenge rating is equal to or less than the target’s (or the target’s level, if it doesn’t have a challenge rating).”
The major difference here is that true polymorph does not restrict the transformed form to beasts. This opens up the possibility of transforming into dragons, or even using the spell to turn a target into a dragon. However, true polymorph has its own restrictions:
- Challenge Rating Limit: The new creature’s challenge rating must be equal to or less than the target’s original challenge rating or level. This might prevent you from becoming the most powerful of dragons, depending on your level and how your DM interprets level-based CR.
- Concentration: Like polymorph, true polymorph requires concentration, and it can be dispelled by taking damage. Additionally, for a change to be permanent, it needs to be maintained for the full duration of the spell (1 hour). This adds an additional layer of risk.
- Size Considerations: If turning an object to a creature, the size of the creature cannot exceed the object’s size.
Metallic Dragons and Shapechanging
Many metallic dragons possess a specific ability known as Change Shape, which allows them to assume other forms, including humanoids and smaller animals. However, this ability is not the same as the polymorph spell, nor does having this ability make them immune to polymorph. The term shapechanger as used within the spell, is actually a subtype, and many dragons don’t have this subtype.
Why This Matters
Understanding the difference between a dragon’s innate Change Shape ability and the polymorph spell is crucial. The spell has specific limitations regarding which creatures can be affected or be transformed into. Dragons that can naturally shapechange are not categorized as shapechangers in a way that would make them immune to polymorph (or similar spells), meaning you can target them with the spell, but you can not turn them into a dragon.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Polymorph and Dragons
To further clarify these complex interactions, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about polymorph, true polymorph, and dragons:
Can a polymorphed dragon cast spells?
No. The polymorph spell explicitly states that the new form prevents you from casting spells, speaking, and using most manipulative actions requiring hands. True polymorph does allow spellcasting if it is a part of the creature you turn into.
What is the strongest creature you can polymorph into?
Using polymorph, the strongest beast you can transform into is a Tyrannosaurus Rex at CR 8.
Which dragons can shapeshift?
Metallic dragons, like Gold, Silver, and Copper dragons, often have the Change Shape ability. Some other dragons may have this ability as well but it is not common for chromatic dragons to possess it.
Can you polymorph a dragon turtle?
Yes, you can use polymorph on a dragon turtle, turning it into a beast, such as a regular sea turtle. However, remember that the polymorphed form can sometimes retain some aspects of the original creature, such as the dragon turtle’s pursuit.
Can you polymorph a werewolf?
Yes, you can use polymorph on a werewolf. The spell will bypass its own shapeshifting ability since that ability doesn’t make the werewolf a shapechanger subtype.
Are Changelings immune to polymorph?
Yes, Changelings are immune to polymorph due to their Shapechanger trait which is an official subtype, unlike a dragon’s shapechanging abilities.
What can I turn into with true polymorph?
With true polymorph, you can turn into any creature whose challenge rating is equal to or lower than your target’s, or turn objects into creatures, provided they meet size and CR restrictions. It also allows access to higher CR beasts than you can polymorph into using polymorph, or even non-beasts such as dragons.
What is the weakest dragon in D&D?
White dragons are generally considered the weakest of the classic chromatic dragons.
Can I polymorph a dragon 5e?
No, you can’t use polymorph to turn a creature into a dragon since it can only be used to turn creatures into beasts.
Why is true polymorph good?
True polymorph is excellent because it offers immense versatility, allowing for transformations into a wide range of creatures, including very powerful creatures with special abilities, or even into other casters with the Wish spell.
Can you polymorph a golem?
No. Golems are immune to spells and effects that alter their form. This immunity even extends to true polymorph, due to their “Immutable Form” trait, which makes them immune to having their form altered.
Can you polymorph into a golem?
Technically, you can use true polymorph to turn an object into a golem, but the golem itself will be immune to further form-altering effects.
Can you polymorph a vampire?
Yes, you can use true polymorph on a vampire, as long as the vampire meets the normal requirements for the spell, like having more than 0 hit points.
Can you polymorph a spirit?
Yes, you can use polymorph to turn a spirit into a beast since spirits are still considered creatures.
Can you polymorph into a planetar?
Yes. True polymorph can potentially turn a target into a Planetar, or even a Pit Fiend, if the target’s original CR is high enough. This also implies you can use it on yourself and use it to become a creature with a high CR.
Conclusion
While the dream of transforming yourself or others into a mighty dragon using the polymorph spell is not achievable, the rules of D&D 5e do provide other avenues for shapechanging and combat. True polymorph offers more flexibility, and some dragons have innate shapechanging abilities, but it is always crucial to understand the specific limitations and interactions between spells, creature types, and unique abilities. By carefully considering these rules, you can fully understand the extent of your abilities within the game and your limits.