Turn Undead Dnd 5e Saving Throw

Turn Undead in D&D 5e: Understanding the Saving Throw

The Turn Undead spell is a staple for clerics and paladins in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, offering a potent way to control and even destroy undead creatures. However, understanding the mechanics of the saving throw involved is crucial for effective use. This article delves into the specifics of the Turn Undead saving throw, covering its mechanics, factors influencing success, and strategic considerations. This will equip you to better utilize this powerful spell in your campaigns.

What is the Turn Undead Saving Throw?

The Turn Undead spell doesn't simply automatically banish undead. Instead, it forces the undead creatures within range to make a Wisdom saving throw. The DC (Difficulty Class) of this saving throw is determined by your spellcasting ability modifier (Wisdom) plus your proficiency bonus. This means a higher Wisdom score directly translates to a higher chance of successfully turning undead.

Understanding the Results of the Saving Throw:

The outcome of the saving throw determines the effect of the Turn Undead spell:

• Successful Save: Undead creatures that succeed on their saving throw are unaffected by the spell. They remain hostile and continue to pose a threat. This is why a high Wisdom score for the caster is essential.
• Failed Save: Undead creatures that fail their saving throw are turned. This means they must move as far away from you as possible, and they cannot willingly move closer to you for the duration of the spell. This provides a tactical advantage, allowing you to control the battlefield and potentially separate weaker undead from stronger ones. The type of undead also influences the result.

Factors Affecting the Saving Throw:

Several factors influence both the caster's DC and the undead creature's saving throw:

• Caster's Wisdom: A higher Wisdom score directly increases the DC of the saving throw, making it harder for undead to resist. This highlights the importance of maximizing your character's Wisdom stat.
• Proficiency Bonus: Your proficiency bonus adds to the DC, further increasing your chances of success. This is why choosing a class with strong spellcasting capabilities early is so beneficial.
• Undead's Wisdom Saving Throw Modifier: The undead creature's own Wisdom saving throw modifier determines its likelihood of success. Some undead have higher Wisdom scores than others. This means that some undead are more resistant to Turn Undead than others.
• Spell Level: While the base Turn Undead spell is effective, higher-level castings can significantly impact its effectiveness. Higher levels of the spell can affect a greater number of creatures and increase the difficulty of the saving throw.

Strategic Considerations for Using Turn Undead:

• Grouping Undead: Try to group undead together to maximize the impact of a single Turn Undead casting. This is more efficient than casting multiple low-level spells.
• Environmental Factors: Use the environment to your advantage. Force turned undead into unfavorable terrain or obstacles to hinder their movement. This allows you to control the battlefield more effectively.
• Combining with Other Spells: Combine Turn Undead with other spells or abilities to maximize its effectiveness. For example, a Hold Person spell can prevent undead from moving, making the Turn Undead much more effective.
• Understanding Undead Types: Different types of undead possess varying levels of resistance to Turn Undead. Strategically planning your spell use based on the types of undead you are facing is crucial for optimal results.

Mastering the Turn Undead spell involves more than just casting it; it requires a strategic understanding of its mechanics and the factors that influence its success. By understanding these elements, you can significantly increase the effectiveness of this powerful spell and gain a significant tactical advantage in your battles against the undead hordes.