Polymorph is one of the most commonly debated spells. This thread has been created to provide a central point for adventurers and DMs to ask questions about this controversial spell. I'd like to start by listing common discussions that usually occur around polymorph and gain agreement on any questions brought forth by the community. I will periodically update the first post as needed for links and reference.
Common Discussions:
What effects or features carryover into my new form, or back into my original form?
How do ongoing effects work with polymorph?
What is the interaction of magical vs non-magical abilities and whether the creature's type is changing; especially for parties that use Divine Sense, Primeval Awareness or Detect Magic?
For Wild shape, which racial traits, feats, and class features are retained?
I was grappled before the change, am I still grappled afterwards?
How do attack options interact with wild shape (i.e. Grapple, shove, extra attack, multi attack, martial arts)?
Can I cast spells while wild shaped.
Common Agreement
For Polymorph, replace the target's character sheet or stat block with the new stat block.
Magical change (i.e. Ancient Dragon Shapechange): changes creature type as new stat block is used
Non-magical change (i.e. Vampire, Werewolf): does not change creature type as same stat block is used
For Wild shape, you retain racial traits, feats, and class features that do not have specific anatomical requirements
If the change in size would mean you cannot be grappled, the existing grapple is broken.
Wild shape and attack options:
Grapple or shove cost one attack, so you can still perform an extra attack. As multi attack is a single action, grapple or shove replaces multi attack.
Martial arts can be used in any shape, but cannot be used with a natural weapon
Cannot cast from wild shape until level 18 class feature
Pick a question (or bring your own) and have at it!
Polymorph and True Polymorph are actually really easy to adjudicate compared to class features like Wild Shape which let you carry over some of your statistics.
What effects or features carryover into my new form, or back into my original form?
None of the target's statistics carry over other than personality and alignment. The target uses the monster's stat block and nothing else. Conditions or ongoing effects aren't statistics, so they're not replaced in any way and do carry over.
How do ongoing effects work with polymorph?
Any ongoing effects continue to work as normal. Polymorph doesn't say it ends existing conditions or effects, so it doesn't. Some effects might end as a side effect of the creature's statistics changing - for example, the target may become too large for the creature that's currently grappling it, or it could become an invalid target for a spell such as Hold Person, which only works on humanoids. But these effects are ending as a result of their own rules, not because of Polymorph specifically ends them.
tl;dr replace the target's character sheet or stat block with the new stat block.
I agree with InquisitiveCoder on this one. But to add my own thought to the thread; the reasons behind polymorph spells being commonly debated seem to be confusing it for wildshape, or holding over the details of polymorph from some prior edition that weren't so clear, with the random occasional misapplication of the specific vs. general rules rule.
tl;dr replace the target's character sheet or stat block with the new stat block.
I agree with all of your points and Aaron's, and your summary is the version I have always used And will add to OP. Are ther any other questions that you encounter?
Like Aaron mentioned, most of the questions I've seen stem from conflating Polymorph, Wild Shape, and ad-hoc monster shapeshifting abilities.
Common points of confusion are magical vs non-magical abilities and whether the creature's type is changing; both of these details come into play with parties that love to use Divine Sense, Primeval Awareness or Detect Magic.
An ability like a Vampire or Werewolf's shapeshifting isn't magical (because the stat blocks don't say they magically transform), and their type doesn't change, because they're still using their own stat block. A Vampire in bat form is still an undead, not a beast; and a Werewolf in wolf form is still a humanoid. On the other hand an Ancient Gold Dragon's Change Shape is magical - it says so explicitly - and they become a humanoid or beast, because the ability replaces their stat block and their type isn't one of the things they keep.
Wild Shape causes a lot of confusion as to which racial traits, feats and class features are retained. The rule is easy - if it doesn't call out specific anatomy that the new form lacks, you keep it. But if it modifies statistics that would get replaced by the new stat block, that still gets replaced. A Wild Shaped Drow still has sunlight sensitivity unless the new form lacks eyes; a Wild Shaped Dragonborn still has a breath weapon unless their new form lacks a mouth. But a Wood Elf's Fleet of Foot doesn't apply, because their speed got replaced, but they do keep Mask of the Wild. Likewise a Hill Dwarf's Dwarven Toughness doesn't apply, because your HP pool gets replaced by the new stat block's, but they do keep Dwarven Resilience. A Multiclass Druid/Barbarian can still rage, and a Multiclass Druid/Monk still benefits from Martial Arts and Ki, because none of those rely on specific anatomy or alter statistics that get replaced.
Wild Shape also causes confusion regarding spellcasting, because the bit that says you can't speak is right next to the rule that says you can't cast spells. They're unrelated. Even if you found a way to cast a spell without components, you still can't cast spells while Wild Shaped.
Another common point of confusion is how Wild Shape interacts with grappling, shoving, Extra Attack, and Martial Arts. Grappling and Shoving require the Attack action; Multiattack is its own action, so you can't replace part of your Multiattack with a Grapple or Shove. Likewise, you can't use Extra Attack with Multiattack for the same reason. Natural weapon attacks like claws and bites aren't unarmed strikes, so Martial Arts doesn't apply to those. However, every creature can make an Unarmed Strike following the normal rules in the Player's Handbook, so Druid/Monks can still use their Martial Arts that way
Something else people forget is that when a monster has a special grapple attack, it doesn't follow the rules in the Player's Handbook; the size restrictions don't apply.
I had a question about returning to original form. If it's cast on a an unwilling creature to polymorph into a much smaller creature then that small creature is captured and put into , say, an iron chest and locked shut. When the spell wears off is the creature then insta-gibbed in the box as they morph into a space FAR too small to contain them?
Is this mentioned anywhere in the rules, i can't find it.
It isn't mentioned anywhere. It is very likely that such a series of events would end up unfolding differently depending on what sort of table you are at. Some DM's might say that the creature is just squished to death, others might rule that since the spell says the target ends up with their previous per-transformation hp balance when the spell ends, that the magical forces likely shatter the prison as the target reverts to its true form if the enclosure is too small.
It could honestly go either way.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The mongoose blew out its candle and was asleep in bed before the room went dark." —Llanowar fable
So i have a question for anyone that might be able to give me an answer. So my friend and i were talking about our current campaign I'm dming. He can polymorph and he was curious if he could technically polymorph to say an adult gold dragon, which in turn then could polymorph into something else and keep the chain going? Then if your hp goes down to zero on the one polymorph would you revert back to what you polymorphed into or revert back to your normal self?
Polymorph turns you into beasts; a gold dragon is not a beast. True Polymorph could transform them into an adult gold dragon, but using Change Shape won't change their HP or prevent them from transforming back if they hit 0 HP. Shapechange lets you transform multiple times, but any transformations after the first won't increase your HP.
Even if you transformed into a form that can cast another polymorph-like spell, you can't concentrate on two spells at once.
For Polymorph, when you replace the target creature's stat block is that only the number stats or, the whole of what is captured in yellow? For example, if one used True Polymorph to change into say, an Oni, would the character acquire an Oni's innate spellcasting abilities? regeneration? or only purely physical traits?
Grapple or shove cost one attack, so you can still perform an extra attack. As multi attack is a single action, grapple or shove replaces multi attack.
RAW this is wrong. Even this sentence as written is wrong. Grapple or shove is an attack, not an action. It replaces one of the attacks within the attack action.
Edit: I misread part of this, i still stand it, however. Edit 2: I'm searching for supporting arguments.
Multiattack
A creature that can make multiple attacks on its turn has the Multiattack ability. A creature can’t use Multiattack when making an opportunity attack, which must be a single melee attack.
Since the multi attack is defined as making multiple attacks, it, in my humble opinion, function exactly like extra attack. You replace one of the multiple attacks with shove or grapple. Multiattack is an ability, not an action. That difference is worth mentioning. Extra Attack is an ability as well. Not an action.
Edit: The Errata has determined that multiattack is it's own independent action from Attack so the rule of replacing an attack within multiple attacks is not likely to apply. According to Mike Mearles in this sage advice, it can be done but be wary of it's consequences.
In reference to natural weapons (Claws and bites) counting as unarmed attacks for the purpose of things like martial arts by monk, I submit the wording for the Dragon Hide Racial Feat:
You grow retractable claws from the tips of your fingers. Extending or retracting the claws requires no action. The claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the normal bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.
Claws for tabaxi and in this feat are natural weapons, used for unarmed attacks. They may change the damage from bludgeoning to slashing but still count. Unarmed simply means no weapon is used.
1) The usual reading I have seen is that MultiAttack is a specific action and is not equivalent to the Extra Attack action that is possessed by some player character classes. Some monsters have the Attack action listed in their stat block and others have the Multiattack action. This interpretation is more in line with RAW .. I have no idea what RAI might be.
On the topic of polymorph:
"The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast. It retains its alignment and personality."
One of the popular choices is a T-rex with stats of
STR 25 (+7)
DEX 10 (+0)
CON 19 (+4)
INT 2 (-4)
WIS 12 (+1)
CHA 9 (-1)
The mental stats are specifically replaced by the polymorph spell but personality is retained. Thus, you end up with a PC with an Intelligence of 2 in the body of a T-rex who is just as friendly or mean as the PC but who is incapable of reasoning.
1) They should be incapable of coordinating any actions with their party. They will likely munch on whoever is closest or whatever looks tastiest. For example, it might decide that attacking the horses of your opponents would be a yummy thing to do ... humanoids are too scrawny.
2) Would they be able to recognize party members? With an int of 2 they might be incapable of remembering what friends might look like. Furthermore, if there were any intra-party conflicts, the newly minted T-rex might identify the party member they don't like as as much of a threat as the bad guys.
3) How much control should the PC have over the actions of themselves while polymorphed into a T-rex? They only have an intelligence of 2 .. it cant' go much lower though I suppose a worm might have a 1 since the scale only goes from 1-20ish.
4) If your newly minted T-rex is a peaceful lawful good character ... would it just run away since it doesn't want to hurt anyone? It certainly doesn't have the intelligence to glance at a group and tell friend from foe, melee from spellcaster or what might be the biggest threat ... except for whoever might have just poked him with a metal stick.
Anyway, I've seen quite a few people comment on the utility of polymorphing front line fighters who are almost out of hit points into T-rexes and I just don't see it. Aren't the two fighters who are changed into T-rexes by a twinned polymorph more likely to rip into this really threatening T-rex beside them rather than some small squishy humanoids or other threat? The polymorphed characters certainly do not have the intelligence to recognize that the other T-rex might be a party member also transformed into a T-rex.
How do folks play this? I can see using polymorph to transform opponents into something small and containable for later disposal (rabbit comes to mind) but transforming party members into formidable but incredibly stupid opponents would appear to be asking for trouble. Wisdom might account for something but the T-rex instincts that are governed by wisdom are also probably not the most useful in the midst of a coordinated party combat.
The T-rex only retains personality and alignment ... not intelligence, wisdom or other characteristics. Personality is only the character's general disposition not how they think or feel about other characters. So ... I can't see polymorphing party members in this type of situation as being useful at all.
Edit: PS ... as far as I can tell the polymorphed creature would be incapable of grappling or shoving unless it was in their stat block. They would also be unable to use most other class capabilities from their original form since with the low int they would not even know they had them or how to use them.
Edit 2: Polymorph isn't wildshape so a polymorphed T-rex druid wouldn't be able to cast at all no matter what level .. they would not know how.
For Polymorph, when you replace the target creature's stat block is that only the number stats or, the whole of what is captured in yellow? For example, if one used True Polymorph to change into say, an Oni, would the character acquire an Oni's innate spellcasting abilities? regeneration? or only purely physical traits?
Thanks!
Have them make note of the alignment and personality. Then take away their character sheet and give them the entire stat block of the Oni. Everything on the Oni's stat block is at their disposal and nothing else.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat On - Mod Hat Off
1) They should be incapable of coordinating any actions with their party. They will likely munch on whoever is closest or whatever looks tastiest. For example, it might decide that attacking the horses of your opponents would be a yummy thing to do ... humanoids are too scrawny.
2) Would they be able to recognize party members? With an int of 2 they might be incapable of remembering what friends might look like. Furthermore, if there were any intra-party conflicts, the newly minted T-rex might identify the party member they don't like as as much of a threat as the bad guys.
3) How much control should the PC have over the actions of themselves while polymorphed into a T-rex? They only have an intelligence of 2 .. it cant' go much lower though I suppose a worm might have a 1 since the scale only goes from 1-20ish.
4) If your newly minted T-rex is a peaceful lawful good character ... would it just run away since it doesn't want to hurt anyone? It certainly doesn't have the intelligence to glance at a group and tell friend from foe, melee from spellcaster or what might be the biggest threat ... except for whoever might have just poked him with a metal stick.
Dogs, Rats, Cats, all have Int at 2 or 3 and all of them can easily identify who is friendly and who is not. They are also able to follow simple commands.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
1) They should be incapable of coordinating any actions with their party. They will likely munch on whoever is closest or whatever looks tastiest. For example, it might decide that attacking the horses of your opponents would be a yummy thing to do ... humanoids are too scrawny.
2) Would they be able to recognize party members? With an int of 2 they might be incapable of remembering what friends might look like. Furthermore, if there were any intra-party conflicts, the newly minted T-rex might identify the party member they don't like as as much of a threat as the bad guys.
3) How much control should the PC have over the actions of themselves while polymorphed into a T-rex? They only have an intelligence of 2 .. it cant' go much lower though I suppose a worm might have a 1 since the scale only goes from 1-20ish.
4) If your newly minted T-rex is a peaceful lawful good character ... would it just run away since it doesn't want to hurt anyone? It certainly doesn't have the intelligence to glance at a group and tell friend from foe, melee from spellcaster or what might be the biggest threat ... except for whoever might have just poked him with a metal stick.
Dogs, Rats, Cats, all have Int at 2 or 3 and all of them can easily identify who is friendly and who is not. They are also able to follow simple commands.
Dogs, rats and Cats can sometimes follow instructions and can sometimes identify who is friendly or not.
However, in all these cases, it requires significant training over a significant period of time for these animals to develop the ability to follow even the simplest of commands and this is usually in response to a direct reward.
A person polymorphed into a beast retains ONLY their personality and alignment.
They don't retain any memory or training. As a result, a polymorphed person should be treated as a completely untrained animal with no memory of the people around it or their goals.Can you tell a dog that has had no training to roll over, sit up, play dead, or attack? No ... because it has no idea what these mean without training. Can it tell friend from foe? ... only as far as one creature is hitting it and another is not.
There is some DM discretion in the transfer of "personality" .. if the character is generally calm or peaceful then perhaps the beast will be more inclined to a peaceful solution first ... but I would be exceptionally careful if someone polymorphed a barbarian ... with the reliance on rage or anger fueled aggression (depending on archetype) ... you might end up with an attack first and ask questions later kind of beast.
The bottom line is that I don't think polymorphing PCs into a T-rex for example to create combatants with large hit points and damage would actually be an effective strategy or be to the party's benefit in most cases. On the topic of twinning a T-rex polymorph on two party members, I would think the most likely response would be two T-rexes fighting each other assuming they were close enough together and could see each other ... though if someone damaged them the T-rex might decide to attack that first.
Obviously the language barrier and low intelligence will pose some hurdles for battle tactics, but if you're reaching for the T-rex button you've already decided to solve the problem with brute force.
On that note, it's also intended that you pick a beast you've seen before, though RAW there's no such requirement. It did get added to Mass Polymorph though.
"Fleshing out your character's personality—the array of traits, mannerisms, habits, beliefs, and flaws that give a person a unique identity" PHB p123
Polymorph spell:
"It retains its alignment and personality."
According to RAW based on the spell wording and PHB. The polymorphed creature replaces the full stat block including mental stats and ONLY retains its personality and alignment where personality is defined as "the array of traits, mannerisms, habits, beliefs, and flaws that give a person a unique identity". This list does not include the memories, knowledge and experiences. The character is transformed into a beast and does not retain anything more than the personality - how they perceive and interact with the world.
This may not be how it was intended or how other people choose to interpret it but since personality is defined in the PHB and the spell explicitly only mentions personality while other spells like clone state "The clone is physically identical to the original and has the same personality, memories, and abilities ..." where memories and abilities are explicitly listed separately from personality. I would say that there is reasonable room to state that the polymorphed creature does not retain memories, experience or knowledge ... it simply becomes the beast it is transformed into.
First off, I apologize if this has already been answered but if the description of the polymorph spell it says "The transformation lasts for the Duration, or until the target drops to 0 Hit Points or dies." My question lies within the "or dies" part. If they revert at 0HP then what is necessary for them to qualify as dead? Meaning, is it possible to kill a creature who is polymorphed?
edit:
ex, the target has 8 or 12 HP, a single attack does 22 points of damage, is the target considered dead at this point?
Polymorph is one of the most commonly debated spells. This thread has been created to provide a central point for adventurers and DMs to ask questions about this controversial spell. I'd like to start by listing common discussions that usually occur around polymorph and gain agreement on any questions brought forth by the community. I will periodically update the first post as needed for links and reference.
Common Discussions:
Common Agreement
Pick a question (or bring your own) and have at it!
Polymorph and True Polymorph are actually really easy to adjudicate compared to class features like Wild Shape which let you carry over some of your statistics.
What effects or features carryover into my new form, or back into my original form?
None of the target's statistics carry over other than personality and alignment. The target uses the monster's stat block and nothing else. Conditions or ongoing effects aren't statistics, so they're not replaced in any way and do carry over.
How do ongoing effects work with polymorph?
Any ongoing effects continue to work as normal. Polymorph doesn't say it ends existing conditions or effects, so it doesn't. Some effects might end as a side effect of the creature's statistics changing - for example, the target may become too large for the creature that's currently grappling it, or it could become an invalid target for a spell such as Hold Person, which only works on humanoids. But these effects are ending as a result of their own rules, not because of Polymorph specifically ends them.
tl;dr replace the target's character sheet or stat block with the new stat block.
I agree with InquisitiveCoder on this one. But to add my own thought to the thread; the reasons behind polymorph spells being commonly debated seem to be confusing it for wildshape, or holding over the details of polymorph from some prior edition that weren't so clear, with the random occasional misapplication of the specific vs. general rules rule.
Like Aaron mentioned, most of the questions I've seen stem from conflating Polymorph, Wild Shape, and ad-hoc monster shapeshifting abilities.
Common points of confusion are magical vs non-magical abilities and whether the creature's type is changing; both of these details come into play with parties that love to use Divine Sense, Primeval Awareness or Detect Magic.
An ability like a Vampire or Werewolf's shapeshifting isn't magical (because the stat blocks don't say they magically transform), and their type doesn't change, because they're still using their own stat block. A Vampire in bat form is still an undead, not a beast; and a Werewolf in wolf form is still a humanoid. On the other hand an Ancient Gold Dragon's Change Shape is magical - it says so explicitly - and they become a humanoid or beast, because the ability replaces their stat block and their type isn't one of the things they keep.
Wild Shape causes a lot of confusion as to which racial traits, feats and class features are retained. The rule is easy - if it doesn't call out specific anatomy that the new form lacks, you keep it. But if it modifies statistics that would get replaced by the new stat block, that still gets replaced. A Wild Shaped Drow still has sunlight sensitivity unless the new form lacks eyes; a Wild Shaped Dragonborn still has a breath weapon unless their new form lacks a mouth. But a Wood Elf's Fleet of Foot doesn't apply, because their speed got replaced, but they do keep Mask of the Wild. Likewise a Hill Dwarf's Dwarven Toughness doesn't apply, because your HP pool gets replaced by the new stat block's, but they do keep Dwarven Resilience. A Multiclass Druid/Barbarian can still rage, and a Multiclass Druid/Monk still benefits from Martial Arts and Ki, because none of those rely on specific anatomy or alter statistics that get replaced.
Wild Shape also causes confusion regarding spellcasting, because the bit that says you can't speak is right next to the rule that says you can't cast spells. They're unrelated. Even if you found a way to cast a spell without components, you still can't cast spells while Wild Shaped.
Another common point of confusion is how Wild Shape interacts with grappling, shoving, Extra Attack, and Martial Arts. Grappling and Shoving require the Attack action; Multiattack is its own action, so you can't replace part of your Multiattack with a Grapple or Shove. Likewise, you can't use Extra Attack with Multiattack for the same reason. Natural weapon attacks like claws and bites aren't unarmed strikes, so Martial Arts doesn't apply to those. However, every creature can make an Unarmed Strike following the normal rules in the Player's Handbook, so Druid/Monks can still use their Martial Arts that way
Something else people forget is that when a monster has a special grapple attack, it doesn't follow the rules in the Player's Handbook; the size restrictions don't apply.
I had a question about returning to original form. If it's cast on a an unwilling creature to polymorph into a much smaller creature then that small creature is captured and put into , say, an iron chest and locked shut. When the spell wears off is the creature then insta-gibbed in the box as they morph into a space FAR too small to contain them?
Is this mentioned anywhere in the rules, i can't find it.
It isn't mentioned anywhere. It is very likely that such a series of events would end up unfolding differently depending on what sort of table you are at. Some DM's might say that the creature is just squished to death, others might rule that since the spell says the target ends up with their previous per-transformation hp balance when the spell ends, that the magical forces likely shatter the prison as the target reverts to its true form if the enclosure is too small.
It could honestly go either way.
So i have a question for anyone that might be able to give me an answer. So my friend and i were talking about our current campaign I'm dming. He can polymorph and he was curious if he could technically polymorph to say an adult gold dragon, which in turn then could polymorph into something else and keep the chain going? Then if your hp goes down to zero on the one polymorph would you revert back to what you polymorphed into or revert back to your normal self?
Polymorph turns you into beasts; a gold dragon is not a beast. True Polymorph could transform them into an adult gold dragon, but using Change Shape won't change their HP or prevent them from transforming back if they hit 0 HP. Shapechange lets you transform multiple times, but any transformations after the first won't increase your HP.
Even if you transformed into a form that can cast another polymorph-like spell, you can't concentrate on two spells at once.
Thank you, that was helpful
For Polymorph, when you replace the target creature's stat block is that only the number stats or, the whole of what is captured in yellow? For example, if one used True Polymorph to change into say, an Oni, would the character acquire an Oni's innate spellcasting abilities? regeneration? or only purely physical traits?
Thanks!
RAW this is wrong. Even this sentence as written is wrong. Grapple or shove is an attack, not an action. It replaces one of the attacks within the attack action.Edit: I misread part of this, i still stand it, however. Edit 2: I'm searching for supporting arguments.MultiattackA creature that can make multiple attacks on its turn has the Multiattack ability. A creature can’t use Multiattack when making an opportunity attack, which must be a single melee attack.Since the multi attack is defined as making multiple attacks, it, in my humble opinion, function exactly like extra attack. You replace one of the multiple attacks with shove or grapple. Multiattack is an ability, not an action. That difference is worth mentioning. Extra Attack is an ability as well. Not an action.Edit: The Errata has determined that multiattack is it's own independent action from Attack so the rule of replacing an attack within multiple attacks is not likely to apply. According to Mike Mearles in this sage advice, it can be done but be wary of it's consequences.
https://www.sageadvice.eu/2015/03/31/grapple-multiple-attack/
In reference to natural weapons (Claws and bites) counting as unarmed attacks for the purpose of things like martial arts by monk, I submit the wording for the Dragon Hide Racial Feat:
You grow retractable claws from the tips of your fingers. Extending or retracting the claws requires no action. The claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the normal bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.
Claws for tabaxi and in this feat are natural weapons, used for unarmed attacks. They may change the damage from bludgeoning to slashing but still count. Unarmed simply means no weapon is used.
You only lose if you die. Any time else, there's opportunity for a come back.
Just a couple of comments
1) The usual reading I have seen is that MultiAttack is a specific action and is not equivalent to the Extra Attack action that is possessed by some player character classes. Some monsters have the Attack action listed in their stat block and others have the Multiattack action. This interpretation is more in line with RAW .. I have no idea what RAI might be.
On the topic of polymorph:
"The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of the chosen beast. It retains its alignment and personality."
One of the popular choices is a T-rex with stats of
Have them make note of the alignment and personality. Then take away their character sheet and give them the entire stat block of the Oni. Everything on the Oni's stat block is at their disposal and nothing else.
Feature Requests || Homebrew FAQ || Pricing FAQ || Hardcovers FAQ || Snippet Codes || Tooltips
DDB Guides & FAQs, Class Guides, Character Builds, Game Guides, Useful Websites, and WOTC Resources
Dogs, Rats, Cats, all have Int at 2 or 3 and all of them can easily identify who is friendly and who is not. They are also able to follow simple commands.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Dogs, rats and Cats can sometimes follow instructions and can sometimes identify who is friendly or not.
However, in all these cases, it requires significant training over a significant period of time for these animals to develop the ability to follow even the simplest of commands and this is usually in response to a direct reward.
A person polymorphed into a beast retains ONLY their personality and alignment.
They don't retain any memory or training. As a result, a polymorphed person should be treated as a completely untrained animal with no memory of the people around it or their goals.Can you tell a dog that has had no training to roll over, sit up, play dead, or attack? No ... because it has no idea what these mean without training. Can it tell friend from foe? ... only as far as one creature is hitting it and another is not.
There is some DM discretion in the transfer of "personality" .. if the character is generally calm or peaceful then perhaps the beast will be more inclined to a peaceful solution first ... but I would be exceptionally careful if someone polymorphed a barbarian ... with the reliance on rage or anger fueled aggression (depending on archetype) ... you might end up with an attack first and ask questions later kind of beast.
The bottom line is that I don't think polymorphing PCs into a T-rex for example to create combatants with large hit points and damage would actually be an effective strategy or be to the party's benefit in most cases. On the topic of twinning a T-rex polymorph on two party members, I would think the most likely response would be two T-rexes fighting each other assuming they were close enough together and could see each other ... though if someone damaged them the T-rex might decide to attack that first.
Your memories aren't part of your statistics; they don't get replaced by Polymorph. The intent is that you're still you and you still remember who's your friend and who's your enemies. There's an entire Dragon Talk Sage Advice segment dedicated to Polymorph, if you're interested.
Obviously the language barrier and low intelligence will pose some hurdles for battle tactics, but if you're reaching for the T-rex button you've already decided to solve the problem with brute force.
On that note, it's also intended that you pick a beast you've seen before, though RAW there's no such requirement. It did get added to Mass Polymorph though.
OK ... here are a couple of quotes:
Defintion of personality from the PHB
"Fleshing out your character's personality—the array of traits, mannerisms, habits, beliefs, and flaws that give a person a unique identity" PHB p123
Polymorph spell:
"It retains its alignment and personality."
According to RAW based on the spell wording and PHB. The polymorphed creature replaces the full stat block including mental stats and ONLY retains its personality and alignment where personality is defined as "the array of traits, mannerisms, habits, beliefs, and flaws that give a person a unique identity". This list does not include the memories, knowledge and experiences. The character is transformed into a beast and does not retain anything more than the personality - how they perceive and interact with the world.
This may not be how it was intended or how other people choose to interpret it but since personality is defined in the PHB and the spell explicitly only mentions personality while other spells like clone state "The clone is physically identical to the original and has the same personality, memories, and abilities ..." where memories and abilities are explicitly listed separately from personality. I would say that there is reasonable room to state that the polymorphed creature does not retain memories, experience or knowledge ... it simply becomes the beast it is transformed into.
First off, I apologize if this has already been answered but if the description of the polymorph spell it says "The transformation lasts for the Duration, or until the target drops to 0 Hit Points or dies." My question lies within the "or dies" part. If they revert at 0HP then what is necessary for them to qualify as dead? Meaning, is it possible to kill a creature who is polymorphed?
edit:
ex, the target has 8 or 12 HP, a single attack does 22 points of damage, is the target considered dead at this point?