The Grim Reality: What Happens When a True Polymorphed Creature Dies?
Death in Dungeons & Dragons is rarely simple, and the True Polymorph spell only adds layers of complexity to the already morbid equation. So, what actually happens when a creature, transformed by this potent magic, shuffles off its mortal coil? The answer is surprisingly straightforward, yet teeming with potential caveats:
The creature reverts to its original form. However, it remains dead.
That’s the crux of it. The True Polymorph spell states that it ends if the target drops to 0 hit points or dies. The distinction is crucial. If the creature dies while True Polymorphed, the spell’s effect is immediately broken, snapping the transformed being back into its original shape, size, and condition – except it’s still very much deceased. Think of it like a deflating balloon: the air is gone, and you’re left with the original, lifeless rubber. The spell ending doesn’t resurrect the creature or undo the fact of its death. If a polymorphed creature is killed without being brought down to 0 hitpoints first, the same thing applies, they stay dead.
This leads to some interesting consequences and frequently debated questions. Let’s delve into those now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about True Polymorph and Death
What happens if a creature is True Polymorphed into an object, and that object is destroyed?
The creature returns to its original form, presumably at 0 hit points, and likely in a location near the destroyed object. The specific placement is subject to DM interpretation, but the intent is generally that the creature reappears where the object was, perhaps with some minor damage or disorientation depending on the nature of the destruction. For example, a creature polymorphed into a vase and smashed into a million pieces probably isn’t in the best shape when it reappears.
Can a True Polymorphed creature be resurrected?
Yes, provided the original creature is a valid target for resurrection magic. The fact that it was True Polymorphed at the time of death doesn’t change the fundamental nature of its soul or its eligibility for spells like Raise Dead, Resurrection, or True Resurrection. These spells target the deceased creature, regardless of any transformations they might have undergone.
If a True Polymorphed creature dies, does the new form’s soul go to its afterlife?
This is a more philosophical question. The generally accepted interpretation is that the True Polymorph spell doesn’t create a new soul. It merely alters the physical form and mental faculties (if the creature’s type changes). The original soul remains bound to the original creature, and it’s that soul that journeys to the appropriate afterlife upon death.
Can you True Polymorph a creature into a dead creature?
The True Polymorph spell requires the target to have at least 1 hit point. Dead creatures typically have 0 hit points. Therefore, you can’t directly True Polymorph a corpse. However, you could use the spell to transform a living creature into a creature of a type that would be considered “undead,” though that creature would be still alive. For example, polymorphing someone into a ghoul would transform them into a living ghoul, not a reanimated one.
If you True Polymorph a dragon turtle into a snail and the snail dies, does it revert back to the dragon turtle?
Yes. Even in its snail form, the creature is still fundamentally the dragon turtle, just magically disguised. Upon death, the spell ends, and the dragon turtle reverts to its original form – deceased, of course.
What happens if a True Polymorphed creature is consumed (eaten)?
If the creature is eaten alive and drops to 0 hit points or dies inside the predator, it reverts to its original form inside the predator. This can lead to some gruesome and messy situations, depending on the size difference between the predator and the original creature. Imagine a True Polymorphed mouse reverting to a giant, dead ogre inside a wolf!
Does True Polymorph end if the caster loses concentration, even after it’s made permanent?
No. Once the caster concentrates on the spell for the full duration (typically one hour), the transformation becomes permanent. Losing concentration after the spell has become permanent has no effect. The transformation remains until dispelled by other means or the creature dies.
Can Dispel Magic reverse a permanent True Polymorph?
Yes, Dispel Magic can end a permanent True Polymorph. Because True Polymorph is a magical effect, and the spell itself is still in effect even when made permanent, Dispel Magic can target the transformed creature and, upon a successful spellcasting ability check (if necessary), revert it to its original form. Antimagic Field will also temporarily suppress the effect.
Can you True Polymorph a Tarrasque?
The text only allows transforming into something with a Challenge Rating less than or equal to the caster’s level or the creature’s current Challenge Rating. Assuming the caster has a level of 20, then no, you cannot use True Polymorph to turn into a Tarrasque. The Tarrasque has a Challenge Rating of 30.
Can a Golem be True Polymorphed?
Many golems have immunity to spells that alter their form. You’d have to consider each case by its own description. If a Golem’s stat block includes language that suggests immunity, it can’t be polymorphed.
If a creature is True Polymorphed into an object, does it retain its original statistics?
No. When a creature is transformed into an object using True Polymorph, it loses all of its original statistics (ability scores, hit points, skills, etc.) and gains the statistics of the object. This is a complete transformation, not just a cosmetic one.
Can you True Polymorph into a legendary creature?
Yes. However, the implications are up for debate with the rules. The general interpretation is that with True Polymorph, you get all the statistics of that creature, and none of your own. With the Shapechange spell, it explicitly states that it does not inherit lair actions, resistances or legendary actions. Since True Polymorph does not make that same caveat, you would gain legendary resistances, lair actions, and legendary actions of any legendary creatures.
What’s the difference between True Polymorph and Shapechange?
While both spells allow transformation, Shapechange is generally considered more powerful for high-level casters in combat. Shapechange allows the caster to retain their class features and spellcasting abilities, while also gaining many of the benefits of the new form. True Polymorph offers more versatility in terms of the types of creatures that can be transformed into, but the target loses all of its original abilities. Additionally, if you polymorph into a legendary creature using True Polymorph, you gain legendary resistances, lair actions, and legendary actions. This is not the case with Shapechange, where these abilities are specifically not inherited.
Can you use True Polymorph to achieve immortality?
While True Polymorph can change a creature’s age, it doesn’t grant true immortality. Even a permanently True Polymorphed creature can still be killed. For true immortality, options like the Clone spell or becoming a lich are more reliable (albeit morally questionable) choices.
What happens if a True Polymorphed creature is targeted by a Wish spell?
The Wish spell is notoriously powerful and can override many other magical effects. The DM has the final say, but a well-worded Wish could potentially undo the True Polymorph, resurrect the creature, or even grant them some form of protection against future transformations or death. However, be warned: misusing Wish can have dire consequences!
Conclusion
True Polymorph is a potent and versatile spell, but its interaction with death is a stark reminder of the inherent risks in tampering with reality. While the transformation can be permanent, death remains a universal constant. Understanding the spell’s limitations and potential consequences is crucial for both players and DMs alike.
Remember to always consider the ethical implications of your actions, especially when wielding such powerful magic. And if you’re looking to learn more about the fascinating world of game-based learning and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.