Polymorphing the Terror of the Deep: Can You Polymorph a Kraken?

The short answer is a resounding YES, under the right circumstances. The Polymorph and True Polymorph spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, offer incredible transformative power, and a Kraken, despite its immense size and power, is not immune. However, the specifics of which spell you use and what you’re trying to turn the Kraken into will heavily influence your success. Let’s dive into the details and explore the nuances of this fascinating possibility.

Understanding the Polymorph Spells

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly recap the two main spells involved:

• Polymorph: This 4th-level spell allows you to transform a creature into a beast. Crucially, the target’s challenge rating (CR) or level must be equal to or less than your own level. This is a key limitation, as the Kraken’s immense CR makes direct transformation into it impossible with this spell.

• True Polymorph: A 9th-level powerhouse. True Polymorph grants you the ability to transform a creature into any creature, or even an object into a creature! It shares the level/CR requirement when targeting creatures with a challenge rating, but the object-to-creature conversion is capped at CR 9. This spell offers far more versatility and the possibility of turning into a Kraken.

Why Polymorphing a Kraken Works (and Doesn’t)

The Kraken doesn’t possess any inherent immunity to the Polymorph or True Polymorph spells. It’s not a shapechanger like a werewolf, nor does it have a special ability that nullifies transformation magic. Therefore, the main obstacle is the spell’s limitations, not the Kraken’s defenses.

Using Polymorph on a Kraken is tricky. A Kraken’s exceptionally high CR makes it an impossible target for direct transformation via the Polymorph spell.

However, True Polymorph opens up a wide range of tactical options:

• Turning the Kraken into something else: You could theoretically use True Polymorph to transform the Kraken into a less threatening creature. A sea turtle, for example, would severely hinder its combat effectiveness. If you maintain concentration for the spell’s full duration (one hour), the transformation becomes permanent, provided the target doesn’t drop to 0 hit points.

• Turning something into a Kraken: If you somehow had access to a large enough object (a colossal shipwreck, perhaps?), you could use True Polymorph to transform it into a Kraken. The spell limits this to CR 9, meaning you couldn’t create a fully-powered, standard Kraken, but a weaker version, or a Kraken-like creature, might be possible.

Strategic Considerations

Successful polymorphing of, or into, a Kraken requires careful planning:

• Concentration: Both Polymorph and True Polymorph require concentration. Any damage taken could break your concentration, ending the spell prematurely. Consider using spells or abilities that grant advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration.

• Environment: The environment plays a crucial role. Polymorphing a Kraken on land would severely limit its mobility and offensive capabilities. Conversely, turning it into a creature that thrives underwater could backfire if you’re not prepared.

• Duration: The duration of the spell is critical. A temporary transformation might only buy you a few rounds of respite. Achieving a permanent transformation through True Polymorph requires dedication and focus.

• Counterspells: Be wary of enemy spellcasters who might attempt to counterspell your Polymorph or True Polymorph.

Practical Examples

Let’s consider a few scenarios:

1. The Desperate Escape: A party is cornered by a Kraken in its lair. The wizard, a 20th-level character, casts True Polymorph on the Kraken, transforming it into a giant seahorse. While still large and somewhat dangerous, the seahorse is significantly less threatening than the Kraken, allowing the party to escape.

2. The Naval Diversion: A group of pirates wants to distract a Kraken guarding a treasure hoard. They locate a massive derelict ship and use True Polymorph to transform it into a CR 9 giant octopus. The ensuing battle draws the Kraken’s attention away from the treasure.

3. The Undersea Reconnaissance: A druid needs to explore a sunken city protected by a Kraken. The druid casts Polymorph on themselves, transforming into a remora that can attach itself to the Kraken and travel unnoticed.

FAQs: Your Polymorphing Questions Answered

Can you polymorph into a mind flayer?

True Polymorph allows you to transform into a mind flayer, provided you meet the spell’s other requirements. While the mind flayer’s brain-eating ability is potent, remember that monsters don’t suffer the same cognitive impairments as players when their brains are consumed in this manner.

What is the strongest creature you can polymorph into with the Polymorph spell?

The strongest beast form achievable with the Polymorph spell is typically the Tyrannosaurus Rex, which has a CR of 8. This is due to the fact that Polymorph only allows transformation into beasts, and the T-Rex is the highest CR beast available.

Can you polymorph into any creature with True Polymorph?

With True Polymorph, you can indeed transform a target into any creature, assuming the creature’s CR is equal to or less than your level, and the target isn’t a shapechanger. If turning an object into a creature, the resulting creature’s CR must be 9 or lower.

Can you polymorph into a giant?

The regular Polymorph spell is limited to beasts, so you cannot turn into a giant. However, True Polymorph can turn you into a giant, provided you meet the spell’s CR requirements.

Can you polymorph a dragon turtle?

Yes. If your level or challenge rating is high enough to use True Polymorph and the dragon turtle is not immune to the spell, you can turn it into another creature.

Can you polymorph a werewolf?

Shapechangers such as werewolves are not affected by the True Polymorph spell.

Can you polymorph into an Owlbear?

An owlbear is a monstrosity, not a beast, so Polymorph can’t turn you into one.

Can I true polymorph into an ancient dragon?

Yes, you can use True Polymorph to become an ancient dragon, provided you meet the spell’s requirements. The ancient dragon must not be a shapechanger.

Can you polymorph into a Tarrasque?

No. The Tarrasque’s CR is far too high for any player character to match with the Polymorph spell.

Can black dragons polymorph?

Black dragons, by default, do not possess the ability to cast Polymorph.

Can dragons polymorph into humans?

Some dragons have the innate ability to change shape into humanoids. For dragons with this ability, True Polymorph has no effect, since they are shapechangers.

Can a barbarian rage in polymorph?

When a barbarian is polymorphed, they lose their class features, including the ability to rage.

Can you polymorph a hydra?

Yes, the Polymorph spell can affect a hydra, transforming it into a beast, provided the caster’s level or CR is high enough and the hydra’s hit dice fall within the spell’s limits.

Can a wizard polymorph into a dragon?

A wizard can use True Polymorph to transform into a dragon, as dragons are not shapechangers and do not inherently possess immunity to such spells.

Can you polymorph a golem?

Golems typically possess an ability called “Immutable Form,” which renders them immune to any spell or effect that would alter their form. This prevents them from being polymorphed.

Conclusion: Embrace the Shapeshifting Potential

The ability to polymorph a Kraken, or even become one, is a testament to the sheer power and versatility of magic in Dungeons & Dragons. While not a simple task, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility for high-level characters with the right strategy and spell selection. So, the next time you face the terror of the deep, remember the transformative power at your fingertips! And remember, the power of games and understanding the rules can lead to unexpected learning experiences, similar to the work being done at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.