What Does Turn Undead Do in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide
In the mystical realms of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the power to Turn Undead is a significant ability granted to certain classes, primarily Clerics and Paladins, through their connection to divine forces. In essence, Turn Undead is a Channel Divinity feature that allows a character to present their holy symbol and utter a prayer, compelling nearby undead creatures to flee, be frightened, or even be destroyed. It’s a potent tool against the forces of undeath, offering a vital strategic advantage in battles against these often-terrifying foes. The precise effects of Turn Undead vary slightly depending on the specific edition of D&D being played, but the core mechanic and purpose remain largely the same: to control, repel, and potentially obliterate undead threats. The feature is not just a simple attack; it’s a manifestation of divine power that can dramatically shift the tide of combat.
Understanding the Core Mechanics
How Turning Works
At its heart, Turn Undead is a saving throw based ability. When activated as an action, the character presents their holy symbol and recites a prayer, targeting all undead creatures within a 30-foot radius who can see or hear them. Each affected undead must make a Wisdom saving throw. Failure results in the creature being turned, causing them to attempt to move as far away from the turning character as possible. They cannot willingly move within 30 feet of the turning character, nor can they take reactions. Their only action is limited to the Dash action or attempting to escape from movement-impairing effects. This effect lasts for 1 minute or until the turned creature takes any damage. In simpler terms, it becomes a liability to its own allies.
The Role of Channel Divinity
The Turn Undead ability is fueled by the character’s Channel Divinity, a resource that allows specific classes to tap into divine power. It is often limited to one use per rest period, so utilizing it strategically becomes crucial. Once Channel Divinity is used for turning undead, the character must typically complete a short or long rest to use it again. This adds an element of resource management to the game, forcing players to think about when and where to employ the power. It’s also worth noting that some subclasses or feats might alter how many times you can use your Channel Divinity, making it even more flexible.
Destroy Undead
Furthermore, some characters, typically Clerics, gain the ability to Destroy Undead as they progress in levels. Typically, this begins at 5th level. When an undead creature of a low challenge rating (usually CR 1/2 or lower) fails its saving throw against the character’s Turn Undead, that creature is instantly destroyed. This offers a more decisive way to deal with weaker undead, turning the Turn Undead ability from a means of controlling them to a means of obliterating them entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Turn Undead
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how Turn Undead works in D&D:
1. What are the limitations on movement for a turned undead?
A turned undead must spend its turns trying to move as far away from the character using Turn Undead as it can. It can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of the character. It also can’t take reactions. It’s actions are limited to the Dash action or attempting to escape effects that prevent movement.
2. Can a turned undead creature make opportunity attacks?
A turned undead can provoke opportunity attacks as it is compelled to move away, but it cannot take its own opportunity attacks.
3. Does Turn Undead do damage?
No, the primary function of Turn Undead is to control and repel undead, not directly damage them. However, some optional or houserule variants might allow for damage, but that’s not standard. The core feature relies on a Wisdom saving throw to determine its effect rather than a direct damage roll.
4. Does healing magic hurt undead?
Generally, no. Most healing spells in 5e D&D are specifically designed not to affect undead or constructs. Healing spells typically include language that explicitly excludes undead and constructs as valid targets.
5. Can Turn Undead affect Liches?
Yes, theoretically, Turn Undead can affect a Lich, but Liches possess strong saving throws, making them more difficult to turn. Their high Wisdom saving throw modifier means a greater chance to succeed on the saving throw, making them tough targets for Turn Undead.
6. Does Turn Undead affect Dhampirs?
Yes, Dhampirs, being half-undead, are considered undead for the purposes of Turn Undead, and are therefore susceptible to it. They possess traits of undead, which allows them to be targeted by Turn Undead.
7. Does Turn Undead affect Vampires?
Yes, Vampires, being undead, are susceptible to Turn Undead. The same mechanics apply to them as any other undead creature.
8. Can you blind undead?
Yes, undead can be blinded unless they have specific immunities. Some spells that cause blindness might not work on undead, though, such as Blindness/Deafness spell which specifically affects living creatures.
9. What are the undead weaknesses?
Undead are often weak to radiant damage, fire damage, and effects that disrupt their negative energy animation. Additionally, they are immune to sleep and charm spells.
10. What are undead immune to?
Undead are generally immune to effects that cause ability drain, energy drain, nonlethal damage, and penalties to their physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution), along with effects that would cause fatigue or exhaustion. They are also not at risk of death from massive damage.
11. How many times can you use Turn Undead?
Turn Undead, which is tied to the Channel Divinity ability, is typically limited to once per short or long rest unless otherwise specified by subclass features or feats. So while there’s no limit per encounter, there are limits based on resource regeneration.
12. Why are undead typically evil?
Undead are often portrayed as evil due to their unnatural state, usually animated by negative energy and their destructive hostility towards living beings as a manifestation of their connection to negative energy planes.
13. Can Turn Undead destroy undead?
Yes, a character can destroy certain undead using Turn Undead if they have the Destroy Undead feature, which typically activates at 5th level and instantly destroys undead of a specified challenge rating or lower that fail their saving throw.
14. Does Turn Undead cause fear?
While the immediate effect of Turn Undead is to force undead to flee, the underlying effect can be characterized as a kind of fear due to the supernatural compulsion the character’s deity exerts on the creature. In essence, the undead are frightened into flight.
15. Can undead be healed?
Undead cannot be healed with normal positive healing spells. They typically require other methods such as negative energy spells or unique abilities to be healed.
Conclusion
Turn Undead is more than just a simple ability; it’s a strategic tool that can turn the tide of battles against undead forces. Whether it’s to control, repel, or destroy these creatures, understanding its mechanics and limitations is essential for players. Its reliance on Channel Divinity, Wisdom saving throws, and class-specific enhancements makes it a versatile and crucial feature for those who face the horrors of undeath in the world of D&D. Mastering Turn Undead can empower your characters to be true champions against the forces of darkness.