How Long Does Turn Undead Last?
Direct Answer
Turn undead, a powerful ability for clerics in Dungeons and Dragons, lasts for 1d10 rounds. During this time, the undead creatures are turned and cannot willingly move towards the cleric. They must spend their turns trying to move away from the cleric and can only use the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents them from moving.
Understanding the Mechanics
Duration: The duration of turn undead is determined by rolling a d10 (a ten-sided die). The result of the roll indicates how many rounds the effect will last. A roll of 1d10 is a random number between 1 and 10, inclusive.
Turning the Undead: When the cleric uses turn undead, they can choose to affect any undead creature within range. The affected creatures are turned and cannot willingly move towards the cleric. They must spend their turns trying to move away from the cleric and can only use the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents them from moving.
Special Cases: There are a few special cases to keep in mind when using turn undead:
• Line of Sight: If the cleric leaves the line of sight of the turned undead creatures, the effect ends immediately.
• Attacking the Turned: If the cleric attacks a turned undead creature, the effect ends immediately.
• Saving Throws: Some creatures may have a saving throw to resist the effects of turn undead. If a creature succeeds on its saving throw, it is not affected by the ability.
Practical Applications
Turn Undead vs. Higher-Level Undead: Higher-level undead creatures, such as liches and demiliches, may have stronger saving throws and be less susceptible to the effects of turn undead. In these cases, the cleric may need to use additional abilities or spells to affect the undead creatures.
Combining Turn Undead with Other Abilities: Turn undead can be used in combination with other abilities and spells to create a powerful combination. For example, a cleric could use turn undead and then use a spell to damage the turned undead creatures.
Conclusion
Turn undead is a powerful ability for clerics in Dungeons and Dragons, lasting for 1d10 rounds and affecting any undead creature within range. With its simple mechanics and flexibility, turn undead is an essential ability for any cleric looking to take down the undead.
Table: Turn Undead Mechanics
| Duration | Effect | Special Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 1d10 rounds | Turned undead creatures must spend their turns trying to move away from the cleric | Line of sight, attacking the turned, saving throws |
Key Takeaways
• Turn undead lasts for 1d10 rounds.
• Turned undead creatures cannot willingly move towards the cleric.
• The effect ends if the cleric leaves the line of sight or attacks a turned undead creature.
• Some creatures may have a saving throw to resist the effects of turn undead.