What Does Turn Undead Do in D&D?
In Dungeons & Dragons, Turn Undead is a powerful ability that allows characters to repel and turn undead creatures. This spell is often used by clerics, paladins, and other characters who rely on divine magic to turn the tide of battle. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Turn Undead, exploring its effects, limitations, and strategies for using it effectively.
What Does Turn Undead Do?
When a character casts Turn Undead, they present their holy symbol and speak a prayer, censuring the undead creatures within 30 feet. Each undead creature within range must make a Wisdom saving throw to resist the effects of the spell. If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned, meaning it becomes frightened and begins to move away from the character.
Consequences of Being Turned
When an undead creature is turned, it has several consequences:
- Frightened: The creature becomes frightened, increasing its difficulty to attack the character and its allies.
- Moves away: The creature begins to move away from the character, making it harder for the creature to attack or surround the character.
- Cannot take reactions: Turned undead creatures cannot take reactions, making it more difficult for them to act in combat.
Limited Range and Duration
The range of Turn Undead is limited to 30 feet, and the effect lasts for 1 minute. If the character leaves the undead creature’s line of sight, the turning effect ends. If the character attacks a turned undead creature, the turning effect ends for that individual creature.
Strategies for Using Turn Undead
Here are some strategies for using Turn Undead effectively:
- Combine with other abilities: Pair Turn Undead with other abilities, such as heal or shield, to maximize its effectiveness.
- Use it to control enemies: Turn Undead can be used to control hordes of undead creatures, making it easier to attack or flee from them.
- Use it to protect allies: Turn Undead can be used to protect allies from undead threats, giving them a safety net in combat.
- Use it to demoralize enemies: Turning undead creatures can demoralize their allies, causing them to become more difficult to control or even break.
Types of Turn Undead
There are several types of Turn Undead, each with its own unique effects and requirements:
- Channel Divinity: Turn Undead: This is the basic form of Turn Undead, which can be cast by clerics and other characters with access to the Channel Divinity feature.
- Turn Undead (Spell): This is a spell that can be cast by characters of any class, but is typically more powerful than Channel Divinity: Turn Undead.
- Aura of Protection: This ability, found in some campaigns, allows characters to maintain a protective aura around them, turning undead creatures within a certain radius.
Conclusion
Turn Undead is a powerful ability in D&D that can turn the tide of battle. By understanding its effects, limitations, and strategies, characters can use Turn Undead to repel and control undead creatures, gain an advantage in combat, and protect their allies. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, mastering Turn Undead can be a game-changer in your D&D campaigns.