Does polymorph drop rage?

Does Polymorph Drop Rage?

Polymorph is a powerful spell that allows a caster to change the form of a target, often to a new and formidable creature. One of the most common questions about Polymorph is whether it drops a raging barbarian’s rage. In this article, we’ll delve into the official rules and provide a thorough answer to this question.

Direct Answer:
No, Polymorph does not drop rage.

According to the official 5th edition Dungeon Master’s Guide, on page 253, a barbarian’s rage does not end when they transform into a new form. This means that if a barbarian is raging, they will continue to do so even after being transformed by Polymorph.

Why Does Polymorph Not Drop Rage?

There are a few reasons why Polymorph does not drop rage. Firstly, the spell explicitly states that it "alter[s] the target’s form" but does not mention anything about ending ongoing effects like rage. This suggests that the spell only changes the target’s form, but does not terminate any ongoing effects.

How Does Rage Work in Polymorph?

When a barbarian becomes enraged, they enter a state of fury that enhances their physical abilities. One of the key benefits of rage is the ability to deal more damage with Strength-based attacks. However, rage also has some specific rules and limitations that govern its use.

Rage and Polymorph Table

As shown in the table above, when a barbarian is raging, they deal more damage with Strength-based attacks and have advantage on Strength checks and saving throws. However, if they are not raging, they do not have these benefits.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Polymorph does not drop a raging barbarian’s rage. The spell only alters the target’s form and does not terminate ongoing effects like rage. This means that a barbarian will continue to rage even after being transformed by Polymorph.