Petrified Condition 5e
A petrified creature is turned to stone, incapacitated, and unaware of its surroundings. It has resistance to all damage.
Effect
- A petrified creature is transformed, along with any nonmagical objects it's wearing or carrying, into a solid inanimate substance (usually stone). Its weight increases by a factor of ten, and it ceases aging.
- The creature is incapacitated, can't move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.
- Attack rolls against the creature have advantage.
- The creature automatically fails Strength and Dexterity saving throws.
- The creature has resistance to all damage.
- The creature is immune to poison and disease (existing poison/disease is suspended).
Common Sources
Flesh to Stone spell (gradual petrification over multiple saves), Basilisk's petrifying gaze, Medusa's petrifying gaze, Cockatrice's bite, and Beholder's petrification ray.
Key Interactions
- Greater Restoration can end petrification.
- The resistance to all damage means a petrified creature is actually somewhat protected.
- Time doesn't pass for the petrified creature — useful for story hooks.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting resistance to all damage — petrified creatures are harder to destroy than you'd think
Common Mistake
Not tracking the gradual petrification from Flesh to Stone (multiple saves over turns)
DM Tips
DM Tip
Petrification is a great story device — discovering petrified adventurers hints at danger ahead
DM Tip
Give players clear warning signs before a basilisk or medusa encounter