How Does Turn Undead Work?
Turn Undead is a powerful ability that allows a cleric to command undead creatures to flee or become neutral. This ability is a staple of the cleric class in Dungeons & Dragons, and understanding how it works is crucial for any player or DM who wants to use it effectively. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Turn Undead, exploring its mechanics, limitations, and strategic implications.
Channel Divinity: Turn Undead
Turn Undead is a Channel Divinity power that can be used by clerics who have access to the spell. As a cleric, you can use Turn Undead as a bonus action on your turn. When you do, you can target a single undead creature within 30 feet of you.
How Turn Undead Works
When you use Turn Undead, the target undead creature must make a Wisdom saving throw. The DC for the saving throw is equal to your cleric level plus your Wisdom modifier. If the creature fails the saving throw, it becomes frightened and must move as far away from you as it can. Additionally, the creature can’t take reactions until it has moved.
Consequences of Failure
If the undead creature fails the saving throw, it becomes frightened and will attempt to move away from you. This means that the creature will move up to 30 feet away from you in a straight line. The creature will continue to move until it is at least 30 feet away from you or until it is no longer frightened.
Limitations of Turn Undead
While Turn Undead is a powerful ability, it has some limitations. You can only use Turn Undead on a single undead creature at a time. Additionally, the ability only works on creatures that are within 30 feet of you. If the creature is too far away, you won’t be able to use Turn Undead on it.
How Many Times Can You Use Turn Undead?
There is no limit to the number of times you can use Turn Undead in a single encounter. You can use it as many times as you like, as long as you have the ability to cast it. However, keep in mind that using Turn Undead multiple times in a single encounter can be exhausting, and you may need to rest to recover your abilities.
Does Harming Heal Undead?
A common question about Turn Undead is whether harming the undead creature will heal it. The answer is no, harming the undead creature will not heal it. Turn Undead is a divine power that is designed to command the undead creature to flee or become neutral, not to heal it.
Can Undead be Paralyzed?
Another question that comes up is whether undead creatures can be paralyzed. The answer is no, undead creatures are immune to paralysis. This means that even if you use a spell or ability that would normally paralyze a living creature, it will not affect an undead creature.
Does Turn Undead Work on Liches?
A final question that comes up is whether Turn Undead works on Liches. The answer is yes, Turn Undead can work on Liches. However, Liches have a high Wisdom saving throw, so it may be more difficult to successfully turn them.
Conclusion
Turn Undead is a powerful ability that can be used to command undead creatures to flee or become neutral. As a cleric, you can use Turn Undead as a bonus action on your turn. When you do, the target undead creature must make a Wisdom saving throw, and if it fails, it becomes frightened and must move away from you. Keep in mind that Turn Undead has some limitations, including the fact that you can only use it on a single undead creature at a time and that it only works on creatures within 30 feet of you.