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It depends on which version of Dungeons & Dragons your table uses. Under the 2014 wording, a transformed creature can cast spells only if its new form is capable of doing so. Under the current 2024 wording, the target cannot speak or cast spells while transformed.
What does the 2014 version say?
The 2014 spell replaces the target’s game statistics with those of its new form. It then limits the creature’s actions according to that form, including saying it cannot speak or cast spells unless its new form is capable of those actions. Read the 2014 True Polymorph text.
On the face of this wording, spellcasting depends on the new form’s capabilities and statistics. The original character’s spellcasting statistics are not retained by the replacement clause. The relevant question is therefore whether the new form can perform the requirements of the spell being cast.
What does the 2024 version say?
The current digital 2024 spell text says the target is limited by the anatomy of its new form and “can’t speak or cast spells.” It does not include the 2014 exception for a form capable of those actions. Under that wording, the target cannot cast spells while transformed. Read the current 2024 True Polymorph text on D&D Beyond.
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Does Sage Advice settle the question?
No. The Sage Advice Compendium addresses Polymorph, not True Polymorph. It says a creature transformed by Polymorph cannot cast spells, although it can concentrate on a spell it cast before transforming. It also explains that Polymorph replaces the target’s character sheet or stat block with the beast form’s stat block while other spell effects still exist. Those clarifications concern a different spell and do not directly rule on the wording of True Polymorph. Read the Sage Advice Compendium.
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How to apply the rule at your table
- Confirm whether your table is using the 2014 or 2024 rules.
- With the 2014 text, check whether the new form can perform the actions required to cast the spell, using that form’s capabilities and statistics.
- With the 2024 text, treat the target as unable to speak or cast spells while transformed.
- If you are using print material alongside digital rules, check whether applicable errata changes the text you are using.
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