Does polymorph work on lycanthropes?

Does Polymorph Work on Lycanthropes?

Polymorph is a powerful spell in Dungeons & Dragons that allows a caster to transform a creature into a new form. But what happens when a lycanthrope, a creature with the ability to transform into a wolf-like humanoid, is targeted by this spell? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.

Direct Answer: No, Polymorph Does Not Work on Lycanthropes

According to the Polymorph spell description, any creature with the shapechanger trait cannot be affected by the spell. Lycanthropes, being shapechangers, are explicitly excluded from the spell’s effects. This means that a lycanthrope cannot be transformed into a new form using Polymorph.

Why Lycanthropes are Excluded

The reason lycanthropes are excluded from Polymorph’s effects is that they have the ability to transform into a wolf-like humanoid on their own. This natural transformation is a key aspect of their shapechanger trait, and the spell designers likely wanted to avoid conflicting with this ability. By excluding lycanthropes from the spell’s effects, the designers ensured that the spell’s intended purpose – transforming creatures into new forms – would not be disrupted by a lycanthrope’s natural shapechanging abilities.

Implications for Lycanthrope PCs

For players who control lycanthrope characters, this means that they will not be able to use Polymorph to transform into a new form. However, this does not mean that they are completely unable to transform. As a lycanthrope, they can still transform into their wolf-like humanoid form using their natural abilities.

Implications for DMs

For Dungeon Masters, this means that they will need to be mindful of the lycanthrope’s shapechanging abilities when designing encounters. While Polymorph may not be an option for lycanthrope PCs, other spells or abilities may still be effective in dealing with these creatures. DMs should also be prepared to adjudicate situations where a lycanthrope’s natural transformation conflicts with the effects of other spells or abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Polymorph does not work on lycanthropes due to their shapechanger trait. This exclusion ensures that the spell’s intended purpose is not disrupted by a lycanthrope’s natural shapechanging abilities. For lycanthrope PCs, this means they will need to rely on their natural abilities to transform, while for DMs, it means being mindful of the lycanthrope’s shapechanging abilities when designing encounters.

Additional Considerations

• Wild Shape: While Polymorph does not work on lycanthropes, Wild Shape, a Druidic spell, may still be effective in transforming a lycanthrope into a new form.
• Other Shapechangers: Other shapechangers, such as werewolves or vampires, may also be excluded from Polymorph’s effects due to their shapechanger trait.
• Spell Interactions: DMs should be prepared to adjudicate situations where a lycanthrope’s natural transformation conflicts with the effects of other spells or abilities.

Table: Polymorph and Lycanthropes

By understanding the rules and implications of Polymorph on lycanthropes, players and DMs can create more balanced and engaging encounters in their Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.