This spell grants you temporary hit points equal to the creature you are transforming into.
It doesn't specify that you lose the temp HP when the spell ends. I only notice this because I saw someone chatting about it. They thought that it automatically assumes the player character keeps their temp HP because it doesn't specify...
I wouldn't personally allow the PC to keep the temp HP after the spell ends because the spell's magic is gone when it ends, thus so are the temp hp.
This spell grants you temporary hit points equal to the creature you are transforming into.
It doesn't specify that you lose the temp HP when the spell ends. I only notice this because I saw someone chatting about it. They thought that it automatically assumes the player character keeps their temp HP because it doesn't specify...
I wouldn't personally allow the PC to keep the temp HP after the spell ends because the spell's magic is gone when it ends, thus so are the temp hp.
[...] I wouldn't personally allow the PC to keep the temp HP after the spell ends because the spell's magic is gone when it ends, thus so are the temp hp.
IMHO, this is the right interpretation. Essentially, you should follow the Duration and Concentration rules for spells.
It's not explicitly spelled out and technically contradicts the given definition, but comparing other examples such as Armor of Agathys and False Life, it seems like if a spell that grants Temp HP has a duration as opposed to being instantaneous, the intent is the Temp HP lasts until depleted or another condition ends the spell effect.
Edit- Okay, got the older version of the spells from my tooltip, which honestly seems to support my RAI call for 2024. I don't really mind the concept of them trying to streamline the content in '24, but you really get the sense they didn't have someone blind read things like spell descriptions to make sure they carried over the right intent when they pruned the descriptions.
The thing is that with the 2024 version of Polymorph, WotC used the description of Mass Polymorph, but removed two lines in the THP section for some reason; my guess it's an oversight. Personally, I apply the guidance from page 19 in the new DMG: Rules rely on good faith interpretation.
The thing is that with the 2024 version of Polymorph, WotC used the description of Mass Polymorph, but removed two lines in the THP section for some reason; my guess it's an oversight. Personally, I apply the guidance from page 19 in the new DMG: Rules rely on good faith interpretation.
"Rules rely on good faith interpretation"
I love this.
So many arguments could be extinguished with this line of thinking.
This spell grants you temporary hit points equal to the creature you are transforming into.
It doesn't specify that you lose the temp HP when the spell ends. I only notice this because I saw someone chatting about it. They thought that it automatically assumes the player character keeps their temp HP because it doesn't specify...
I wouldn't personally allow the PC to keep the temp HP after the spell ends because the spell's magic is gone when it ends, thus so are the temp hp.
Is anyone else seeing conversation like this?
Thoughts?
"What you saw belongs to you. A story doesn't live until it is imagined in someone's mind."
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
There has been a lot of discussion about this in this thread: https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/dungeons-dragons-discussion/rules-game-mechanics/204984-2024-major-nerf-to-true-polymorph
There is no real consensus and the rules as written are quite unclear.
Figured there was a discussion somewhere. Just didn't have the time to find it! Thanks!
"What you saw belongs to you. A story doesn't live until it is imagined in someone's mind."
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
IMHO, this is the right interpretation. Essentially, you should follow the Duration and Concentration rules for spells.
In the thread shared by @wagnarokkr, you’ll find a link to the Polymorph spell: 2014 vs 2024 - no real difference? - Rules & Game Mechanics thread, along with a video from Pack Tactics which explains the spell incorrectly.
It's not explicitly spelled out and technically contradicts the given definition, but comparing other examples such as Armor of Agathys and False Life, it seems like if a spell that grants Temp HP has a duration as opposed to being instantaneous, the intent is the Temp HP lasts until depleted or another condition ends the spell effect.
Edit- Okay, got the older version of the spells from my tooltip, which honestly seems to support my RAI call for 2024. I don't really mind the concept of them trying to streamline the content in '24, but you really get the sense they didn't have someone blind read things like spell descriptions to make sure they carried over the right intent when they pruned the descriptions.
The thing is that with the 2024 version of Polymorph, WotC used the description of Mass Polymorph, but removed two lines in the THP section for some reason; my guess it's an oversight. Personally, I apply the guidance from page 19 in the new DMG: Rules rely on good faith interpretation.
"Rules rely on good faith interpretation"
I love this.
So many arguments could be extinguished with this line of thinking.
"What you saw belongs to you. A story doesn't live until it is imagined in someone's mind."
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings