True Polymorph
- Level: 9
- School: Transmutation
- Class: Bard, Warlock, Wizard
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: 30 feet
- Components: V, S, M (a drop of mercury, a dollop of gum arabic, and a wisp of smoke)
- Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
Choose one creature or nonmagical object that you can see within range. The creature shape-shifts into a different creature or a nonmagical object, or the object shape-shifts into a creature (the object must be neither worn nor carried). The transformation lasts for the duration or until the target dies or is destroyed, but if you maintain Concentration on this spell for the full duration, the spell lasts until dispelled.
An unwilling creature can make a Wisdom saving throw, and if it succeeds, it isn't affected by this spell.
Creature into Creature. If you turn a creature into another kind of creature, the new form can be any kind you choose that has a Challenge Rating equal to or less than the target's Challenge Rating or level. The target's game statistics are replaced by the stat block of the new form, but it retains its Hit Points, Hit Point Dice, alignment, and personality.
The target gains a number of Temporary Hit Points equal to the Hit Points of the new form. These Temporary Hit Points vanish if any remain when the spell ends.
The target is limited in the actions it can perform by the anatomy of its new form, and it can't speak or cast spells.
The target's gear melds into the new form. The creature can't use or otherwise benefit from any of that equipment.
Object into Creature. You can turn an object into any kind of creature, as long as the creature's size is no larger than the object's size and the creature has a Challenge Rating of 9 or lower. The creature is Friendly to you and your allies. In combat, it takes its turns immediately after yours, and it obeys your commands.
If the spell lasts more than an hour, you no longer control the creature. It might remain Friendly to you, depending on how you have treated it.
Creature into Object. If you turn a creature into an object, it transforms along with whatever it is wearing and carrying into that form, as long as the object's size is no larger than the creature's size. The creature's statistics become those of the object, and the creature has no memory of time spent in this form after the spell ends and it returns to normal.
Tactical Usage
Ultimate Transformation Magic. True Polymorph provides complete shape-changing capabilities including permanent transformation options.
Strategic Form Optimization. The spell enables transforming into optimal forms for specific challenges or tactical situations.
Object Creation Power. The ability to transform creatures into objects provides unique solutions and creative applications.
Spell Combinations
Form Enhancement. Combining with protective magic ensures transformed creatures maintain advantages in their new forms.
Permanent Transformation Setup. Using concentration protection enables achieving permanent transformations through full duration maintenance.
Strategic Coordination. Pairing with communication magic enables coordination with transformed allies in new forms.
Material Component Details
Complex Alchemical Components. The spell requires mercury, gum arabic, and smoke, representing transformation and fluidity.
Transformation Symbolism. Each component symbolizes different aspects of change: mercury for malleability, gum for binding, smoke for ethereal transition.
Reusable Component Advantage. The materials are not consumed, allowing repeated casting once the components are acquired.
Creator Notes
Ultimate Transmutation Magic. True Polymorph represents the pinnacle of transformation magic with unlimited creative potential.
Permanent Effect Potential. The spell can create lasting changes that fundamentally alter campaign dynamics.
Challenge Rating Balance. The CR limitations prevent abuse while maintaining substantial transformation power.
Environmental Interactions
Form Limitation Considerations. New forms must respect size and challenge rating restrictions.
Anatomy Restriction Impact. Physical limitations of new forms affect available actions and capabilities.
Equipment Integration. Gear melds into new forms, affecting equipment access and utility.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Concentration for Permanence. Maintaining concentration for the full hour makes the transformation permanent until dispelled.
Temporary Hit Point Mechanics. New forms gain temporary hit points equal to their normal hit point total.
Memory Retention. Creature-to-creature transformations retain personality and alignment but gain new physical capabilities.
Control Duration. Object-to-creature transformations remain under caster control for one hour if concentration is maintained.
Alternative Applications
Problem Solving Solutions. Transforming obstacles into useful creatures or objects for creative challenge resolution.
Infiltration Operations. Using transformation for perfect disguises that are undetectable through normal means.
Resource Creation. Converting unwanted objects into useful creatures or transforming enemies into harmless objects.
Related Spells
Transmutation Ultimate Magic. True Polymorph represents the pinnacle of transformation magic at maximum spell level.
Polymorph Comparison. The spell surpasses regular Polymorph with permanence options and broader transformation categories.
9th-Level Power. The spell joins other ultimate magical effects representing peak spellcasting capability.
Scaling Analysis
9th-Level Exclusivity. True Polymorph cannot be upcast, representing fixed ultimate transformation power.
Campaign-Defining Potential. The spell can permanently alter character capabilities and story dynamics.
Resource Investment Maximum. The highest-level slot provides appropriate power for ultimate magical transformation.
Narrative Flavor
Complete Metamorphosis. The transformation should emphasize total physical and magical restructuring rather than simple appearance change.
Reality Alteration Power. The effect should convey fundamental manipulation of matter and magical essence.
Ultimate Transmutation Display. The spell should demonstrate mastery over the very nature of existence and form.