What Can You Turn Into With True Polymorph?
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The True Polymorph spell is a powerful and versatile tool in Dungeons & Dragons, allowing for some truly transformative possibilities. The core answer to the question, “What can you turn into with True Polymorph?” is this: you can transform a creature into any other creature, or an object into any creature, as long as the new creature’s Challenge Rating (CR) is 9 or lower, or if the target is an object, no size restriction on the creature as long as it fits within the object. That single sentence unlocks a huge amount of potential, but it’s important to understand the nuances and limitations. Let’s delve deeper.
Understanding the Core Mechanics
At its heart, True Polymorph is about fundamentally altering the very essence of a being or object. Unlike the standard Polymorph spell, which is limited to beasts, True Polymorph opens up the entire spectrum of creatures described in the Monster Manual and other sourcebooks. This means you aren’t just limited to turning someone into a harmless sheep; you could turn them into a fearsome Giant Ape, a sneaky Invisible Stalker, or even a noble Griffon.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Creature to Creature: You can target a creature and transform it into any other creature with a CR of 9 or less. This form is permanent if you maintain concentration for the full duration of the spell (one hour).
- Object to Creature: You can target an object and transform it into a creature. This creature’s size must fit within the bounds of the object’s size, with no CR restriction as long as it fits within the object. This is a permanent change if you maintain concentration for the full duration.
It’s crucial to note that True Polymorph ends if the transformed creature is reduced to 0 hit points, or if you lose concentration on the spell before the one-hour duration. If the creature dies, the spell ends, but it does not revive the creature and the target does not revert to the old form, as the creature remains dead.
When you true polymorph an object into a creature, it becomes a real creature with all of its normal stats, not a construct or a magical construct.
Creature Selection
The flexibility in creature selection is one of the reasons True Polymorph is so powerful. You are essentially given access to the vast majority of creatures that exist. When using True Polymorph you do not retain your class abilities, racial traits, or other benefits. Instead, you get all the new form’s traits and abilities. For instance:
- Combat Enhancement: Transform an ally into a powerful creature like a Triceratops or Giant Scorpion to significantly boost their combat capabilities.
- Utility Forms: Take on the form of a Giant Eagle for enhanced scouting, or a Giant Octopus for underwater exploration.
- Infiltration: Become a smaller, less conspicuous creature like a Rat or Cat to navigate tight spaces or bypass guards.
- Problem-Solving: Transform into a Gorgon to petrify foes, or turn an enemy into a weak creature such as a Newt.
- Versatility You can transform into creatures that can be used for Transportation, creatures that can be used for Combat, or creatures that can be used for Crafting.
FAQs About True Polymorph Forms
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of True Polymorph and the possibilities it presents:
Can True Polymorph turn someone into a dragon?
Yes, you absolutely can transform someone into a dragon with True Polymorph. For example, you can transform a creature into an Ancient Brass Dragon. Dragons are creatures and do not have a shapechanger tag so the spell will work.
Can True Polymorph turn an object into another object?
No, Polymorph cannot change a creature into an object, and therefore neither can True Polymorph. However, True Polymorph allows you to change an object into a creature.
What happens if a true polymorph creature dies?
The true polymorph spell will end, but the creature will still be dead. The creature will not revert back to its original form if it dies.
Can True Polymorph change gender?
Yes, the spell is worded such that the new form can be any kind you choose. This includes gender and the new form could be a different gender, race, or species.
Can you true polymorph into a legendary creature?
Yes, True Polymorph does not have a caveat that restricts legendary actions, resistances, or lair actions. Therefore, when you turn into a legendary creature, you would gain these features.
Can you use True Polymorph to turn into a Tarrasque?
No, you can’t transform into a Tarrasque with True Polymorph. The spell limits you to creatures with a CR of 9 or lower when transforming creatures. The Tarrasque is CR 30. The Tarrasque has no official player character equivalent, so this cannot be used as the target.
Can you polymorph a dragon?
Yes, you can use Polymorph on a dragon, as they are not considered shapechangers and can be targeted by the spell as long as their CR is equal or less than the caster’s level. However, metallic dragons have a Change Shape ability, which makes them immune to the spell.
Can you still cast spells while True Polymorphed?
No, True Polymorph completely transforms you into the new form, and you do not retain any of your original features, including spellcasting ability. You would, however, gain the new form’s spellcasting features, if any exist.
What is better, Shapechange or True Polymorph?
Shapechange is often considered better for combat scenarios due to the ability to retain class and race features, and also cast spells while in a new form. True Polymorph is better for versatility because it gives you more options to transform into.
Why is True Polymorph good?
True Polymorph’s flexibility allows for transformations that can significantly impact role-playing and combat. With access to any creature with CR 9 or less (or any creature when transforming an object), you can overcome a large variety of problems with specific creatures that provide benefits.
Can you transform yourself with True Polymorph?
Yes, you can use True Polymorph on yourself, as you are a kind of creature.
Can you polymorph a werewolf?
Yes, you can use polymorph on a werewolf as it is not considered a shapechanger even though it can transform itself.
Can a Tiefling turn into an Owlbear?
Yes, there is no rule restricting a Tiefling from transforming into an owlbear. A Tiefling can be any class including druid so can transform into a beast or an elemental.
What is the strongest creature you can polymorph into?
Using only polymorph, the highest CR beast you can turn into is a Tyrannosaurus Rex at CR 8. You could use True Polymorph for other creatures with CR 9 or lower including, for instance, an Allosaurus at CR 2 or a Giant Constrictor Snake at CR 2. You could also transform into a creature with the Wish spell for further versatility.
Do Druids get True Polymorph?
No, Druids do not get True Polymorph. Instead, they have Wild Shape which allows them to change into beasts, and at later levels, elementals. Druids and other shapechangers are still valid targets for the spell.
Conclusion
True Polymorph is more than just a transformation spell; it’s a tool for problem-solving, strategic combat, and creative role-playing. By understanding the rules and limitations, you can unlock its full potential, opening up a world of possibilities for your campaigns. Whether you need to infiltrate a fortress, crush your enemies, or just have some fantastical fun, True Polymorph is one of the most powerful and engaging spells at your disposal.