Can you cast true polymorph on a familiar?

Can You Cast True Polymorph on a Familiar?

As a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) player, you’re constantly seeking new ways to utilize your spells and abilities. One question that has been debated among players is whether it’s possible to cast True Polymorph on a familiar. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide insights on what you need to know about familiars and polymorph spells.

True Polymorph: What You Need to Know

True Polymorph is a powerful spell that allows you to transform a creature into a different form, subject to certain limitations. The spell’s description states that it can transform a creature into a creature with a Challenge Rating (CR) of 30 or lower, which is an impressive range of possibilities.

Familiars: The Basics

Familiars are a type of companion that can be bound to a player character using the Find Familiar spell. Familiars have their own characteristics, such as intelligence, language, and abilities, which are determined by the spell’s caster. While familiars are intelligent and can be trained, they are not considered players in their own right.

Can You Cast True Polymorph on a Familiar?

To answer the question directly, no, you cannot cast True Polymorph on a familiar. According to the spell’s description, True Polymorph can only transform a creature into a creature with a CR of 30 or lower. Since a familiar is not considered a creature in the same sense as a monster or an animal, it falls outside the scope of True Polymorph.

Why Familiars are Excluded

There are several reasons why familiars are excluded from True Polymorph’s targeting:

• Familiars are not considered creatures: As mentioned earlier, familiars are not considered creatures in the same sense as monsters or animals. They are created by the Find Familiar spell and are bound to the player character.
• Familiars are under the control of the caster: Familiars are bound to the player character and are subject to their control. They are not independent entities with their own agency.
• Familiars are not subject to polymorphing: The mechanics of polymorphing a creature would not apply to a familiar, as it is not a creature in the same sense.

Alternative Options

If you’re looking for ways to transform your familiar, there are alternative options available. For example:

• Wild Shape: As a druid, you can use your Wild Shape feature to transform into a creature, including a familiar. This would allow you to take on the form of your familiar, but with limitations.
• Find Familiar: You can use the Find Familiar spell to create a new familiar, which would give you access to a new companion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, True Polymorph cannot be cast on a familiar. Familiars are not considered creatures and are not subject to the mechanics of polymorphing. If you’re looking for ways to transform your familiar, there are alternative options available, such as Wild Shape or creating a new familiar using the Find Familiar spell.

Table: Familiar Traits

References

• "Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook" (2014)
• "Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook" (2014)
• "Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual" (2014)

By understanding the limitations of True Polymorph and the characteristics of familiars, you can make informed decisions about your character’s abilities and strategies. Remember, familiars are not creatures and are not subject to polymorphing, so explore alternative options to transform your familiar.