Mastering Polymorph: A Comprehensive Guide to Classes and Transformations

The Polymorph spell in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition is a potent tool for battlefield control, creative problem-solving, and even strategic advantages. It’s a spell that sparks the imagination, allowing a caster to transform a creature (willing or unwilling) into a different form. But who gets access to this incredible power? The Polymorph spell is available to the following classes: Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, and Wizard.

Unveiling the Polymorph Spell: Class by Class

Let’s delve deeper into how each class utilizes the Polymorph spell, considering their unique features and playstyles.

Bards: Masters of Illusion and Transformation

Bards are known for their versatility, and Polymorph fits perfectly into their repertoire. Learning the spell at level 7, they can use it to control the battlefield or even transform themselves into a powerful beast in a pinch. However, Bards are restricted by the spell’s limitation to transforming creatures into beasts and not other monster types like dragons.

Druids: Guardians of Nature’s Shifting Forms

Druids have a unique relationship with transformation, primarily through their Wild Shape ability. While Wild Shape allows them to transform into beasts at will, Polymorph offers them a chance to affect other creatures. However, the Polymorph spell has no effect on shapechangers so wouldn’t work on druids. Druids can be powerful if polymorphed.

Sorcerers: Harnessing Innate Magic

Sorcerers, with their innate magical abilities, can also wield Polymorph from level 7 onward. The spell allows them to tap into their raw magical potential to alter reality itself. Sorcerers can be affected by the spell if cast at a higher level.

Wizards: Scholars of Arcane Lore

Wizards, the quintessential spellcasters, also gain access to Polymorph. As with the other classes, they learn it at a minimum of level 7. Wizards can strategically use the spell to turn enemies into harmless creatures or allies into formidable beasts.

Polymorph vs. True Polymorph

It’s crucial to distinguish between Polymorph and True Polymorph. While Polymorph is restricted to transforming creatures into beasts, True Polymorph, a 9th-level spell, allows transformations into any creature, object, or even into structures. Unfortunately, druids don’t have access to True Polymorph like bards, warlocks, and wizards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Polymorph

Let’s address some common questions regarding the Polymorph spell and its implications.

1. What level do I need to be to cast Polymorph?

The minimum level required to cast Polymorph is 7th level, as that’s when the classes who get the spell (Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, and Wizard) gain access to 4th-level spells.

2. Can a Warlock learn Polymorph?

Polymorph is not, in fact, on the warlock spell list. The only way a single-class warlock can get access to polymorph by themselves is through the invocation.

3. Can you Polymorph a Werewolf?

The werewolf can use its action to polymorph into a wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a wolf, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its AC, are the same in each form.

4. Can you Polymorph a Dragon?

The Polymorph spell states ” The spell has no effect on a shapechanger or a creature with 0 hit points.” So the spell fails if a creature has a shapechange ability. If you polymorph a dragon it loses all its features. You have to earn that spell though, through high saves and legendary resistances.

5. Can you Polymorph a Mimic?

Mimics Can Polymorph themselves, but they can’t become other creatures when they do. Mimics can turn themselves into normal seeming objects made of wood or stone, like treasure chests, doors, sarcophagi and walls.

6. Can Changelings be Polymorphed?

WotC has confirmed that changelings are considered to have the Shapechanger subtype. So they are indeed immune to Polymorph and can be affected by moonbeam.

7. Can you Polymorph into an Owlbear?

No. An owlbear is a monstrosity, and a druid can only turn into beasts with Wild Shape.

8. Can you Polymorph a Familiar?

Yes, Polymorph can be cast on a familiar in D&D 5E. But keep in mind that you can only polymorph something to a creature of the same CR or less. Most familiars are CR0.

9. What is the strongest creature you can Polymorph into?

The classical high end beast for Polymorph is the Tyrannosaurus Rex, as it can freely move around on land, has a lot of hp, and a nasty bite. Conveniently, it also is CR8. Alternatively, especially if you need something with more intelligence that can carry out a simple plan, you can use the CR7 Giant Ape.

10. Can you Polymorph Twice?

As you note, it’s possible to cast True Polymorph twice and have both spells reach their permanent stage.

11. Can a Wizard True Polymorph into a Dragon?

Yes you can True Polymorph into an ancient brass dragon.

12. Can you Polymorph a Dragon Turtle?

Jester successfully Polymorphed the dragon turtle into a sea turtle and combat subsided. However, Caduceus realized that the dragon turtle was still pursuing them in its sea turtle form as this form was in fact faster than its original form.

13. Does Rage apply to Polymorph?

Rage ends when polymorphed. Arcane Ward is the odd one out: it’s not part of the creature’s own game statistics.

14. Can Changelings turn into Aarakocra?

Changelings cannot alter themselves enough to change physical sizes (i.e, changing from Medium to Small, etc). It is worth noting that while a changeling could technically shift into something like an aarakocra, their wings would be non-functional.

15. Can Sorcerers learn True Polymorph?

Sorcerer doesn’t have spells like Forcecage, Wall of Force, Feeblemind, Maze, Mind Blank, Foresight, Prismatic Wall, and the mentioned True Polymorph and Shapechange.

The Educational Power of Games

The Polymorph spell is a powerful tool that allows the players to use their imagination and solve problems creatively. It gives the player the ability to change the game in any way they want. Games like Dungeons and Dragons allow players to be creative and learn valuable skills. If you are interested in learning more about games and learning visit the Games Learning Society website.

The Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explores how games foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.

The Polymorph spell is a game-changer, offering immense strategic and narrative possibilities. Understanding which classes have access to it, and the intricacies of its use, will undoubtedly enhance your D&D experience.