Does damage carry over polymorph?

Does Damage Carry Over Polymorph?

Polymorph is a powerful spell in Dungeons & Dragons that allows a caster to transform a creature into a new form. One of the most important aspects of polymorph is whether the damage carried over from the original form to the new form. In this article, we will explore the rules surrounding damage carryover in polymorph and provide guidance on how to handle this situation.

What is Polymorph?

Before we dive into the specifics of damage carryover, let’s quickly review what polymorph is. Polymorph is a 6th-level transmutation spell that allows a caster to transform a creature into a new form. The spell can be used to transform a creature into any creature with a challenge rating (CR) of 1 or less, or to transform a creature into a new form that is not a creature at all (such as a object or a location).

Does Damage Carry Over?

Now, let’s get to the question at hand: does damage carry over from the original form to the new form when using polymorph? According to the official Dungeons & Dragons rules, if the creature reverts back to its normal form due to dropping to 0 hit points, any excess damage carries over to its normal form. This means that if the creature is polymorphed into a new form and then takes damage, that damage will still be applied to the creature when it reverts back to its normal form.

Examples of Damage Carryover

Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate how damage carryover works in polymorph:

• Example 1: A wizard casts polymorph on a goblin, turning it into a bear. The bear is then attacked by a player character and takes 10 points of damage. When the bear drops to 0 hit points, it reverts back to its normal form as a goblin. The 10 points of damage carried over from the bear form to the goblin form.
• Example 2: A druid casts polymorph on a human, turning it into a wolf. The wolf is then attacked by a monster and takes 15 points of damage. When the wolf drops to 0 hit points, it reverts back to its normal form as a human. The 15 points of damage carried over from the wolf form to the human form.

Exceptions to Damage Carryover

While damage generally carries over from the original form to the new form, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:

• Exhaustion: If the creature is exhausted due to taking damage, it will not carry over to its normal form. Exhaustion is a separate condition that can be applied to a creature, and it will not be affected by damage carryover.
• Other Conditions: Some conditions, such as paralyzed or petrified, may not carry over to the new form. Consult the specific condition’s rules to determine if it carries over.

Conclusion

In conclusion, damage carried over from the original form to the new form when using polymorph. However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind, such as exhaustion and other conditions. By understanding how damage carryover works, you can ensure that your polymorphed creatures are properly handled in your Dungeons & Dragons game.