Does Turn Undead Work on Undead?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the Turn Undead feature is a powerful tool for clerics and paladins to banish undead creatures. But have you ever wondered if this feature works on undead creatures themselves? The answer is not a simple yes or no. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Turn Undead and explore whether it can be used on undead creatures.
The Simple Answer
According to the official 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, Turn Undead does not work on undead creatures. [1] This is stated in the Monster Manual, under the "Undead" section: "Turn Undead does not affect undead creatures." This straightforward answer seems to settle the matter.
The Complexity of Turn Undead
However, things are not always as simple as they seem. Turn Undead is a complex feature that depends on various factors, such as the creature’s hit points, its ability to resist the effects of the spell, and the cleric’s level and Wisdom score. [2] Additionally, some undead creatures may have specific abilities or resistances that can affect the outcome of the Turn Undead feature.
The Case of Liches
One notable exception to the rule is liches. Liches are powerful undead creatures that have the ability to resist Turn Undead. [3] According to the Monster Manual, liches have a +9 bonus to their Wisdom saving throws, making them highly resistant to the effects of Turn Undead. This means that even if a cleric uses Turn Undead on a lich, the lich will likely succeed in its saving throw and remain unaffected.
The Case of Dracoliches
Another exception is dracoliches, which are dragons that have become undead. [4] Dracoliches are even more resistant to Turn Undead than liches, with a +12 bonus to their Wisdom saving throws. This makes them almost immune to the effects of Turn Undead.
The Case of Ghouls and Other Undead Creatures
Most other undead creatures, such as ghouls, skeletons, and zombies, are not resistant to Turn Undead. [5] However, some of these creatures may have specific abilities or resistances that can affect the outcome of the feature. For example, ghouls have a 10% chance to resist Turn Undead, while skeletons have a 20% chance to resist. [6]
Conclusion
In conclusion, Turn Undead does not work on undead creatures, with the exception of liches and dracoliches. These powerful undead creatures have specific abilities and resistances that make them immune to the effects of Turn Undead. However, most other undead creatures are susceptible to the feature, and clerics can use it to banish them. Remember to always consult the Monster Manual and the specific abilities of the creatures you are facing to determine the best course of action.
References
[1] Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual, p. 312
[2] Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Player’s Handbook, p. 114
[3] Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual, p. 275
[4] Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual, p. 301
[5] Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual, various pages
[6] Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual, p. 143