D&D 5E Polymorph question (She turned me into a NEWT!!!...I got better.)

[Uller]

One of my players selected polymorph. He immediately asked what happens if the target dies (not reduced to zero...but dies)?

This relates primarily to the instant death from massive damage rules. The spell text says the spell ends if the target is reduced to 0 hp or dies. It then later goes on to say that if the target is reduced to 0 hp it reverts to its normal form and it's hp is reduced by the damage it took but is not unconcious if it's hp are above 0. But it does not say anything about what happens if the target died. Does it revert and is dead? Does it revert and lose any hp? For instance...if you turn an ogre into a mouse with 1 hp and do 2 or more damage to it (thus killing it instantly) what happens?

I'm inclined to say he isnt dead. As a combat spell Polymorph seems to be on the same order as Banishment. You can take a foe out of the fight until the fight is over or concentration is broken but that's about it. But I'm wondering what others say...

 

[Charles Rampant]

Is this not the same issue as Druids wild-changing and being hit by Finger of Death? In that (rather niche) circumstance, the Druid turns back into his/her original race, only dead.

 

[Dausuul]

I would say that the special rule for polymorph (revert to normal form, apply spillover damage to your normal hit points) is applied before checking for instant death. So, if you have 10 hp, and you're polymorphed into a mouse with 1 hp:

• If you take 2 damage, you are reduced to 0 and apply polymorph rules first. You revert to human form with 1 spillover damage. You apply that damage to your human hit points and have 9 hp left. You are no longer at 0 hit points, so instant death doesn't happen.
• If you take 21 damage, you revert to human form with 20 spillover damage. You apply that damage to your human hit points and are reduced to 0, with 10 damage left over. Since that damage equals your max hit points in human form, instant death kicks in and you die.
• If you are hit by power word kill, you just die. Per the text, the spell ends if you are reduced to 0 or die. You have not been reduced to 0, but you have died, so the spell ends and you revert to normal form. You're still dead.

Notably, you are vulnerable to power word kill in mouse form even if your normal form has too many hit points to be affected.

 

[Li Shenron]

I would be very careful and adjudicate what happens depending on the specific circumstances.

I wouldn't try to imply one general rule for all cases, because I have the feeling that whatever general rule is chosen, it would still generate plenty of crappy cases.

As far as I can go with generalizations, I'd try to keep in mind that the purpose of 5e polymorph (when used offensively) is more to take someone out of the fight, but not to render it hopeless and easily killed. So if you try to take advantage of the polymorphed form to kill it effortlessly, I'll just make you fail. If you can get some advantage e.g. lower ST against an insta-kill spell, that's ok for me, but not if it would make it a piece of cake.

 

[Dausuul]

I wouldn't try to imply one general rule for all cases, because I have the feeling that whatever general rule is chosen, it would still generate plenty of crappy cases.

I'm not seeing a case in which "revert to normal form first, apply spillover damage, then check for instant death" would cause problems. Can you suggest one?

 

[Uller]

I think I like Dasuul's reasoning. Reduce target to 0 hp, apply any effects or spells that happen at 0 hp then apply conditions (such as instant death). After all, I don't think I'd apply the instant death from massive damage rule before Death Ward...

This keeps Polymorph in line with other 4th level spells...besides...it's best use is probably not as a combat spell but as a buff spell. One of the front line PCs is getting low on hp: "RAAARGH I'm M***** F****** T-REX!"