There are lots of discussions online, but I can't find an answer. Can I cast Polymorph on my Changeling Sorlock? I would think that if it's "not" possible, it would be mentioned under the "Race" description. I think that's a pretty important point, which one would want to know, before level 7.
Conversely, if it can't be done, I feel that if I change into a minotaur, or goliath for example, I should have their stats, instead of my own.
Polymorph works just fine on a changeling, there's no restrictions that would prevent it from doing so.
The Changeling's Shapechanger ability explicitly does not change the character's stats, only their appearance. A Changeling with 9 strength can make themselves look like a buff minotaur with 18 strength, but their actual strength score stays 9. Polymorph can only change the target into a creature of the Beast type, minotaurs and goliaths are not beasts so the spell can't turn someone into one.
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
No, you can't polymorph your changeling. Polymorph has no effect on shapechangers.
Correct! But Changeling description doesn’t call out that they are a shape changer, it should be in replacement of the creature type Humanoid.
Changelings have a feature explicitly called "shapechanger." When it was in UA, it was called something different, which led to some confusion. They changed the name specifically to clarify that changelings are shapechangers.
No, you can't polymorph your changeling. Polymorph has no effect on shapechangers.
Correct! But Changeling description doesn’t call out that they are a shape changer, it should be in replacement of the creature type Humanoid.
Changelings have a feature explicitly called "shapechanger." When it was in UA, it was called something different, which led to some confusion. They changed the name specifically to clarify that changelings are shapechangers.
Ooo! Now that’s interesting, I have no idea which side of the fence I am on anymore. Imma just observe
No, you can't polymorph your changeling. Polymorph has no effect on shapechangers.
Correct! But Changeling description doesn’t call out that they are a shape changer, it should be in replacement of the creature type Humanoid.
Changelings have a feature explicitly called "shapechanger." When it was in UA, it was called something different, which led to some confusion. They changed the name specifically to clarify that changelings are shapechangers.
Ooo! Now that’s interesting, I have no idea which side of the fence I am on anymore. Imma just observe
If designer tweets clarifying intent are of interest to you, Jeremy Crawford has commented (image because Twitter won't let you see tweets unless you're signed in):
So, why would they omit the fact that they can't be polymorphed in the race description? That's pretty important. I don't think any other race has immunities.
So, why would they omit the fact that they can't be polymorphed in the race description? That's pretty important. I don't think any other race has immunities.
Because it's in the spell text of polymorph? A race description is an inappropriate place to say "hey this one specific spell doesn't work on me." The race says it's a shapechanger. Polymorph says it doesn't work on shapechangers. All the information is exactly where it should be.
No, you can't polymorph your changeling. Polymorph has no effect on shapechangers.
Correct! But Changeling description doesn’t call out that they are a shape changer, it should be in replacement of the creature type Humanoid.
Changelings have a feature explicitly called "shapechanger." When it was in UA, it was called something different, which led to some confusion. They changed the name specifically to clarify that changelings are shapechangers.
Ooo! Now that’s interesting, I have no idea which side of the fence I am on anymore. Imma just observe
If designer tweets clarifying intent are of interest to you, Jeremy Crawford has commented (image because Twitter won't let you see tweets unless you're signed in):
That does interest me! Neat, typically I don’t think of the Shapechanger Feature, but rather the creature type, my life is a lie!
So, I'm expected to read every single spell just to find out what the player races are immune and resistant to? Pretty weak rebuttal.
It’s more that you don’t need a list of all the spells you’re immune to in your racial list. Because it’s not important until it comes into play, hence, you’ll only need to see it when the spell is cast. Much more elegant.
So, I'm expected to read every single spell just to find out what the player races are immune and resistant to? Pretty weak rebuttal.
You are expected to read a spell to find out what kinds of creatures that spell does or does not apply to. Not sure why you're getting such an attitude about it.
The issue is that every other creature that's considered a Shapechanger has the Shapechanger subtype. They really should have just said that the Changeling's type was "Fey (Shapechanger)."
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
The issue is that every other creature that's considered a Shapechanger has the Shapechanger subtype. They really should have just said that the Changeling's type was "Fey (Shapechanger)."
There's no such thing as a subtype in 5e. Those are tags, and "changeling" is also a tag. "Elf" is a tag. Tags are only every specified for NPCs, because NPCs don't have Race text, and NPC changelings do have the "shapechanger" tag. The game doesn't need to specify that the elf player race's type is "Humanoid (elf)" because the race is literally called elf. It doesn't need to specify that the changeling player race's type is "Humanoid (changeling, shapechanger)" because it has a trait explicitly called "shapechanger.
The issue is that every other creature that's considered a Shapechanger has the Shapechanger subtype. They really should have just said that the Changeling's type was "Fey (Shapechanger)."
There's no such thing as a subtype in 5e. Those are tags, and "changeling" is also a tag. "Elf" is a tag. Tags are only every specified for NPCs, because NPCs don't have Race text, and NPC changelings do have the "shapechanger" tag. The game doesn't need to specify that the elf player race's type is "Humanoid (elf)" because the race is literally called elf. It doesn't need to specify that the changeling player race's type is "Humanoid (changeling, shapechanger)" because it has a trait explicitly called "shapechanger.
DDB's filters for monsters literally has "sub-type" as a filter option. "Shapechanger" is a listed sub-type.
The issue is that every other creature that's considered a Shapechanger has the Shapechanger subtype. They really should have just said that the Changeling's type was "Fey (Shapechanger)."
There's no such thing as a subtype in 5e. Those are tags, and "changeling" is also a tag. "Elf" is a tag. Tags are only every specified for NPCs, because NPCs don't have Race text, and NPC changelings do have the "shapechanger" tag. The game doesn't need to specify that the elf player race's type is "Humanoid (elf)" because the race is literally called elf. It doesn't need to specify that the changeling player race's type is "Humanoid (changeling, shapechanger)" because it has a trait explicitly called "shapechanger.
DDB's filters for monsters literally has "sub-type" as a filter option. "Shapechanger" is a listed sub-type.
That's a D&D Beyond system option as a user interface. It's not proper terminology from the books.
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Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
So, why do they bother to note that Shadar-Kai for example, can't be put to sleep in the Race description?? It's obvious and doesn't need to said, right? That's the only race immunity that I can find and it's listed. Leaving "immunity" to Polymorph out of a race description seems like a pretty big mistake.
No, you can't polymorph your changeling. Polymorph has no effect on shapechangers.
Correct! But Changeling description doesn’t call out that they are a shape changer, it should be in replacement of the creature type Humanoid.
Changelings have a feature explicitly called "shapechanger." When it was in UA, it was called something different, which led to some confusion. They changed the name specifically to clarify that changelings are shapechangers.
Then they've done a ham-fisted job. Someone who has the ability of X isn't necessarily X. It still creates a sliver of doubt that doesn't need to be there. Polymorph targets shapechangers, if Changelings are to be targeted, it should explicitly declare so. There's also the point of whether "shapechangers" refers to creatures that can change shapes, creatures that have the tag "shapeshifter" or creatures with the ability "shapeshifter". That's important in a game where they often rely on "it does what it says it does" to answer questions. The text clearly implies that it is referring to a kind or class of creature, rather than creatures with a certain ability.
So, why do they bother to note that Shadar-Kai for example, can't be put to sleep in the Race description?? It's obvious and doesn't need to said, right? That's the only race immunity that I can find and it's listed. Leaving "immunity" to Polymorph out of a race description seems like a pretty big mistake.
Shadar-Kai and other Elves are written like that because it's the proper way of doing things. It's clear what affects them and why, so the DM can adjudicate what happens easily without argument. You know that Elves can't be magically out to sleep and that Sleep has no affect on them, because it's explicit and obvious in the description.
If they genuinely wanted Changelings to be immune to Polymorph, then they should either have either been given a creature type of Shapeshifter or Fey (Shapeshifter), or they should had an explanatory phrase similar to the Elves. It wouldn't take much, it maintains the MO and so reduces confusion that way and just makes things that much clearer. We shouldn't have to rely on the opinions of Crawford whose opinions, while enlightening, aren't really part of the game and aren't necessarily correct either.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
It's also a bit funny to me that they can "subtly" change, (because it's always humanoid) but can't "really" change, like into a great ape.
The real reason I picked the race was because of the stats. I do change my appearance sometimes, but it's to show what someone looks like, but never to deceive anyone. Sometimes I look like a Brass Dragonborn, because of my Dragon ancestry. I also transformed recently, because the Dwarf woman we found had not seen her husband in 3 years. I transformed to look like him to give her some comfort, but I told her before I did, that it was something I am able to do.
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There are lots of discussions online, but I can't find an answer. Can I cast Polymorph on my Changeling Sorlock? I would think that if it's "not" possible, it would be mentioned under the "Race" description. I think that's a pretty important point, which one would want to know, before level 7.
Conversely, if it can't be done, I feel that if I change into a minotaur, or goliath for example, I should have their stats, instead of my own.
Thanks
Polymorph works just fine on a changeling, there's no restrictions that would prevent it from doing so.
The Changeling's Shapechanger ability explicitly does not change the character's stats, only their appearance. A Changeling with 9 strength can make themselves look like a buff minotaur with 18 strength, but their actual strength score stays 9. Polymorph can only change the target into a creature of the Beast type, minotaurs and goliaths are not beasts so the spell can't turn someone into one.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
No, you can't polymorph your changeling. Polymorph has no effect on shapechangers.
Correct! But Changeling description doesn’t call out that they are a shape changer, it should be in replacement of the creature type Humanoid.
Changelings have a feature explicitly called "shapechanger." When it was in UA, it was called something different, which led to some confusion. They changed the name specifically to clarify that changelings are shapechangers.
Ooo! Now that’s interesting, I have no idea which side of the fence I am on anymore. Imma just observe
If designer tweets clarifying intent are of interest to you, Jeremy Crawford has commented (image because Twitter won't let you see tweets unless you're signed in):
So, why would they omit the fact that they can't be polymorphed in the race description? That's pretty important. I don't think any other race has immunities.
Because it's in the spell text of polymorph? A race description is an inappropriate place to say "hey this one specific spell doesn't work on me." The race says it's a shapechanger. Polymorph says it doesn't work on shapechangers. All the information is exactly where it should be.
So, I'm expected to read every single spell just to find out what the player races are immune and resistant to? Pretty weak rebuttal.
That does interest me! Neat, typically I don’t think of the Shapechanger Feature, but rather the creature type, my life is a lie!
It’s more that you don’t need a list of all the spells you’re immune to in your racial list. Because it’s not important until it comes into play, hence, you’ll only need to see it when the spell is cast. Much more elegant.
You are expected to read a spell to find out what kinds of creatures that spell does or does not apply to. Not sure why you're getting such an attitude about it.
The issue is that every other creature that's considered a Shapechanger has the Shapechanger subtype. They really should have just said that the Changeling's type was "Fey (Shapechanger)."
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
There's no such thing as a subtype in 5e. Those are tags, and "changeling" is also a tag. "Elf" is a tag. Tags are only every specified for NPCs, because NPCs don't have Race text, and NPC changelings do have the "shapechanger" tag. The game doesn't need to specify that the elf player race's type is "Humanoid (elf)" because the race is literally called elf. It doesn't need to specify that the changeling player race's type is "Humanoid (changeling, shapechanger)" because it has a trait explicitly called "shapechanger.
DDB's filters for monsters literally has "sub-type" as a filter option. "Shapechanger" is a listed sub-type.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
That's a D&D Beyond system option as a user interface. It's not proper terminology from the books.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
So, why do they bother to note that Shadar-Kai for example, can't be put to sleep in the Race description?? It's obvious and doesn't need to said, right? That's the only race immunity that I can find and it's listed. Leaving "immunity" to Polymorph out of a race description seems like a pretty big mistake.
Then they've done a ham-fisted job. Someone who has the ability of X isn't necessarily X. It still creates a sliver of doubt that doesn't need to be there. Polymorph targets shapechangers, if Changelings are to be targeted, it should explicitly declare so. There's also the point of whether "shapechangers" refers to creatures that can change shapes, creatures that have the tag "shapeshifter" or creatures with the ability "shapeshifter". That's important in a game where they often rely on "it does what it says it does" to answer questions. The text clearly implies that it is referring to a kind or class of creature, rather than creatures with a certain ability.
Shadar-Kai and other Elves are written like that because it's the proper way of doing things. It's clear what affects them and why, so the DM can adjudicate what happens easily without argument. You know that Elves can't be magically out to sleep and that Sleep has no affect on them, because it's explicit and obvious in the description.
If they genuinely wanted Changelings to be immune to Polymorph, then they should either have either been given a creature type of Shapeshifter or Fey (Shapeshifter), or they should had an explanatory phrase similar to the Elves. It wouldn't take much, it maintains the MO and so reduces confusion that way and just makes things that much clearer. We shouldn't have to rely on the opinions of Crawford whose opinions, while enlightening, aren't really part of the game and aren't necessarily correct either.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Thanks Linklite. Well said.
It's also a bit funny to me that they can "subtly" change, (because it's always humanoid) but can't "really" change, like into a great ape.
The real reason I picked the race was because of the stats. I do change my appearance sometimes, but it's to show what someone looks like, but never to deceive anyone. Sometimes I look like a Brass Dragonborn, because of my Dragon ancestry. I also transformed recently, because the Dwarf woman we found had not seen her husband in 3 years. I transformed to look like him to give her some comfort, but I told her before I did, that it was something I am able to do.