Unveiling the Secrets of Polymorph: A Caster’s Guide
The Polymorph spell is a staple in the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition arsenal, offering incredible versatility and strategic depth. But which classes get to wield this transformative power? The core classes that can cast Polymorph are: Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, and Wizard. Additionally, a Cleric of the Trickery Domain also gains access to this potent spell. Now, let’s delve deeper into the nuances of Polymorph and its variations.
Polymorph: The Foundational Spell
Polymorph, at its heart, transforms a creature you can see within range into a new form. It’s a 4th-level transmutation spell, requiring a casting time of 1 action and components of Verbal, Somatic, and Material (a caterpillar cocoon). The duration is up to 1 hour, and it requires concentration. This spell offers immense tactical advantages, from disabling powerful enemies to infiltrating enemy strongholds. Understanding the rules governing the spell is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.
What Can You Polymorph Into?
The most significant limitation of the standard Polymorph spell is that you can only transform a creature into a beast with a challenge rating (CR) equal to or lower than the target’s CR (or level, if you’re targeting yourself). This restriction prevents you from turning enemies into overly powerful forms, maintaining a semblance of balance.
How Does Polymorph Affect Statistics?
When a creature is Polymorphed, its statistics are replaced by those of the chosen beast, with a few exceptions. The target retains its alignment and personality. It also retains its Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, but it uses the beast’s version if it’s higher. Furthermore, the target gains the beast’s hit points. However, when the Polymorph ends, the target reverts to its original form with the number of hit points it had before the transformation.
True Polymorph: Ascending to Godhood (Almost)
While Polymorph is powerful, True Polymorph elevates the concept to an entirely different level. This 9th-level transmutation spell shares the same casting time (1 action) and components (Verbal, Somatic, and Material – a drop of mercury, a dollop of gum arabic, and a wisp of smoke), but its potential is virtually limitless. The classes that can cast True Polymorph are Bard, Warlock, and Wizard. Note the absence of Druid from this list.
What Can You Transform Into with True Polymorph?
True Polymorph allows you to transform a creature into any other creature, not just beasts. You can also transform a creature into an object. The target’s CR can’t exceed your level. This opens up countless possibilities, from turning enemies into harmless rodents to transforming allies into formidable dragons.
The Permanency Factor
A crucial aspect of True Polymorph is its potential for permanency. If you maintain concentration on the spell for the full duration (1 hour), the transformation becomes permanent. This can have profound implications for the game world, allowing for lasting changes and strategic advantages. However, beware of Dispel Magic, as a successful casting can undo even a permanent True Polymorph.
FAQ: Polymorph Edition
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Polymorph and True Polymorph:
1. Can only Druids Polymorph?
No. While Druids are a prominent class associated with shapeshifting due to their Wild Shape ability, the Polymorph spell itself is accessible to Bards, Sorcerers, Wizards, and Trickery Domain Clerics, as discussed. Druids, however, do not have access to True Polymorph.
2. Can a Druid cast Polymorph on self?
Yes! You can use Polymorph on yourself, as long as you meet the spell’s requirements (being a creature within range that you can see). However, you are still limited to transforming into a beast.
3. Can you Polymorph a Werewolf?
This is tricky. The spell states it has no effect on a shapechanger. Whether a werewolf can be affected depends on how the DM interprets the werewolf’s inherent shapeshifting ability. Some DMs might rule that werewolves are inherently shapechangers and thus immune, while others might allow it, particularly when the werewolf is already in hybrid or wolf form.
4. Can you Polymorph a Dragon?
Similar to werewolves, dragons present a challenge. If the DM rules that the dragon’s inherent ability to change shape makes it a shapechanger, then Polymorph will fail. Otherwise, if the dragon doesn’t have “shapechanger” tag, Polymorph can be used.
5. Can you Polymorph into an Owlbear?
Not with the standard Polymorph spell. Owlbears are classified as monstrosities, not beasts. Druids can only turn into beasts with Wild Shape. However, with True Polymorph, you could become an owlbear. Furthermore, at 17th level, druids gain access to the Shapechange spell, which does allow them to become an owlbear.
6. Can a Changeling use Polymorph?
Changelings have their own shapeshifting abilities. However, they are not immune to the Polymorph spell. How a Changeling’s innate shapeshifting interacts with Polymorph is up to the DM’s interpretation.
7. Can Warlocks cast Polymorph?
Yes, but with caveats. Polymorph is not normally on the Warlock spell list. However, a Warlock can gain access to the spell through the Sculptor of Flesh invocation. This invocation allows them to cast Polymorph once per long rest using a Warlock spell slot. True Polymorph, on the other hand, is a standard Warlock spell.
8. Can I cast Polymorph on my Familiar?
Absolutely! Your familiar is a creature you can see within range, making it a valid target for the Polymorph spell. This can be a useful tactic for giving your familiar greater combat prowess or utility.
9. Does Dispel Magic work on Polymorph?
Yes. Dispel Magic can end the effects of both Polymorph and True Polymorph. For True Polymorph that has been maintained for the full hour and become permanent, a 9th-level casting of Dispel Magic is guaranteed to end the effect. Lower-level castings require an ability check.
10. What is the strongest creature you can Polymorph into?
With the standard Polymorph spell, which is limited to beasts, the Tyrannosaurus Rex (CR 8) is generally considered the strongest form. However, the “best” form is always situational.
11. Can you Twin Spell True Polymorph?
No, because the targets you affect with this spell are creatures, not attack rolls or something like that.
12. Can you Polymorph into a Planetar?
Only with True Polymorph, and only if your character level is 17 or higher, as Planetars have a CR of 16. This could be a viable strategy for achieving temporary (or even permanent) combat prowess.
13. Can you Polymorph a Dragon Turtle?
Assuming the DM allows it (and the dragon turtle does not have a ‘shapechanger’ tag). Remember that the polymorphed form might still pose a threat, as evidenced by the dragon turtle still pursuing its target in sea turtle form.
14. Can you Polymorph a Kraken?
Again, assuming the DM allows it (and the Kraken does not have a ‘shapechanger’ tag), and only with True Polymorph, because the Kraken doesn’t have a ‘shapechanger’ tag.
15. Can you Polymorph twice?
Yes, you can cast True Polymorph multiple times, potentially creating multiple permanent transformations. However, each instance can be dispelled independently, assuming it hasn’t reached permanency.
Mastering the Art of Transformation
Polymorph and True Polymorph are game-changing spells that demand careful consideration and strategic planning. Understanding the limitations, possibilities, and interactions with other spells and abilities is crucial for any player who seeks to master the art of transformation. Remember to always consult with your Dungeon Master to clarify any ambiguities or edge cases related to these powerful spells. Exploring the educational aspects of games like D&D can be insightful; for more on the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.