Does True Polymorph Give Lair Actions?
The debate surrounding True Polymorph and lair actions has been a topic of discussion among Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of True Polymorph and explore whether or not it grants lair actions.
Direct Answer
According to the official 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, True Polymorph does not grant lair actions. Shapechange, on the other hand, explicitly states that if you change into a legendary creature, you do not keep any legendary actions, resistances, or lair actions.
Shapechange vs. True Polymorph
To understand the difference between Shapechange and True Polymorph, let’s examine their descriptions:
- Shapechange: "You can change your form to match the form of a creature that you can see within range. You can take on the appearance, including the size, shape, and texture of the creature’s body, as well as its mannerisms and voice. While in this form, you have the abilities and attributes of the creature, except for any abilities or attributes that are specifically mentioned as not being granted by the spell."
- True Polymorph: "Choose one creature with at least 1 hit point or nonmagical object that you can see within range. You transform the creature into a different creature, the creature into an object, or the object into a creature (the object must be neither worn nor carried by another creature)."
As you can see, Shapechange explicitly mentions the loss of legendary actions, resistances, and lair actions when taking on the form of a legendary creature. True Polymorph, on the other hand, does not mention anything about lair actions.
Subheadings and Analysis
- Lair Actions and True Polymorph: Since True Polymorph does not mention lair actions, it is unlikely that it grants them. Lair actions are a unique ability granted to legendary creatures, and True Polymorph does not mention anything about granting this ability.
- Legendary Creatures and Lair Actions: Legendary creatures have lair actions, which are a unique ability that allows them to perform specific actions during combat. Shapechange explicitly states that if you change into a legendary creature, you do not keep any legendary actions, including lair actions.
- Why Lair Actions are Important: Lair actions are an important aspect of combat for legendary creatures. They allow these creatures to perform specific actions during combat, such as attacking or moving, which can give them an advantage over their opponents.
- Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the spell descriptions, it is clear that True Polymorph does not grant lair actions. Shapechange explicitly states that legendary creatures lose their lair actions when taking on a new form, and True Polymorph does not mention anything about granting lair actions.
Tables and Examples
| Spell | Lair Actions |
|---|---|
| Shapechange | No, legendary creatures lose their lair actions when taking on a new form |
| True Polymorph | No, there is no mention of lair actions in the spell description |
Conclusion
In conclusion, True Polymorph does not grant lair actions. While Shapechange explicitly states that legendary creatures lose their lair actions when taking on a new form, True Polymorph does not mention anything about granting lair actions. This is an important distinction to make, especially when playing a legendary creature with lair actions.