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Does a petrified creature stay conscious (and mentally sane)?
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The next dungeon my party visits will contain some strange statues. Most of them are just Stone Golems, which will attack them. But near the end of the dungeon, the party will discover that one of the statues is no statue at all, but a petrified monk. He was petrified over 500 years ago (which is important for plot reasons) by a Flesh to Stone spell. The party cleric will (probably) cast Greater Restoration and turn the monk back to normal. I really like this idea, because it allows me to bring in an eyewitness who experienced firsthand what happened half a millennium ago.
I assumed that the monk would be thankful and glad to share some reliable knowledge with the party. Then I read through the petrified condition:
• A petrified creature is transformed, along with any nonmagical
object it is 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 (see the condition), 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, although a poison or
disease already in its system is suspended, not neutralized.
A petrified creature is also incapacitated:
• An incapacitated creature can’t take actions or reactions.
But I cannot find the part where it says that the petrified creature is unconscious. Which means that this poor monk stood in the dungeon for 500 years without being able to see, hear or feel anything. Completely alone with his thoughts. As a consequence, he is probably insane after the cleric fixed him. Am I overlooking something?
Does a petrified creature stay conscious (and mentally sane)?
dnd-5e spells conditions unconscious sanity
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
The next dungeon my party visits will contain some strange statues. Most of them are just Stone Golems, which will attack them. But near the end of the dungeon, the party will discover that one of the statues is no statue at all, but a petrified monk. He was petrified over 500 years ago (which is important for plot reasons) by a Flesh to Stone spell. The party cleric will (probably) cast Greater Restoration and turn the monk back to normal. I really like this idea, because it allows me to bring in an eyewitness who experienced firsthand what happened half a millennium ago.
I assumed that the monk would be thankful and glad to share some reliable knowledge with the party. Then I read through the petrified condition:
• A petrified creature is transformed, along with any nonmagical
object it is 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 (see the condition), 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, although a poison or
disease already in its system is suspended, not neutralized.
A petrified creature is also incapacitated:
• An incapacitated creature can’t take actions or reactions.
But I cannot find the part where it says that the petrified creature is unconscious. Which means that this poor monk stood in the dungeon for 500 years without being able to see, hear or feel anything. Completely alone with his thoughts. As a consequence, he is probably insane after the cleric fixed him. Am I overlooking something?
Does a petrified creature stay conscious (and mentally sane)?
dnd-5e spells conditions unconscious sanity
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
I don't know. Usually, I would assume that a creature turned to stone is unconscious. But most questions regarding spell effects are answered with "A spell only does what it says it does". That's why I'm asking.
– hohenheim
52 mins ago
Are you more concerned about consciousness or awareness? The condition and spell do not include the condition of unconscious in the descriptions so it leads me to believe you are more concerned with the latter.
– Slagmoth
51 mins ago
English is not my native language and I don't know the difference between consciousness and awareness. I would use both words interchangeably.
– hohenheim
46 mins ago
No worries, English is my wife's third language so I understand. Consciousness in this context is more like being asleep or knocked out... whereas awareness is sensory in my question. And looking back at it I need more coffee because it likely would confuse a native speaker as well. Apologies.
– Slagmoth
43 mins ago
Hmm, then my question should be: Would the monk feel like waking up after a long and restful sleep. Or would he be insane and deranged, due to the lack of stimulus over the years.
– hohenheim
41 mins ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
The next dungeon my party visits will contain some strange statues. Most of them are just Stone Golems, which will attack them. But near the end of the dungeon, the party will discover that one of the statues is no statue at all, but a petrified monk. He was petrified over 500 years ago (which is important for plot reasons) by a Flesh to Stone spell. The party cleric will (probably) cast Greater Restoration and turn the monk back to normal. I really like this idea, because it allows me to bring in an eyewitness who experienced firsthand what happened half a millennium ago.
I assumed that the monk would be thankful and glad to share some reliable knowledge with the party. Then I read through the petrified condition:
• A petrified creature is transformed, along with any nonmagical
object it is 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 (see the condition), 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, although a poison or
disease already in its system is suspended, not neutralized.
A petrified creature is also incapacitated:
• An incapacitated creature can’t take actions or reactions.
But I cannot find the part where it says that the petrified creature is unconscious. Which means that this poor monk stood in the dungeon for 500 years without being able to see, hear or feel anything. Completely alone with his thoughts. As a consequence, he is probably insane after the cleric fixed him. Am I overlooking something?
Does a petrified creature stay conscious (and mentally sane)?
dnd-5e spells conditions unconscious sanity
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
The next dungeon my party visits will contain some strange statues. Most of them are just Stone Golems, which will attack them. But near the end of the dungeon, the party will discover that one of the statues is no statue at all, but a petrified monk. He was petrified over 500 years ago (which is important for plot reasons) by a Flesh to Stone spell. The party cleric will (probably) cast Greater Restoration and turn the monk back to normal. I really like this idea, because it allows me to bring in an eyewitness who experienced firsthand what happened half a millennium ago.
I assumed that the monk would be thankful and glad to share some reliable knowledge with the party. Then I read through the petrified condition:
• A petrified creature is transformed, along with any nonmagical
object it is 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 (see the condition), 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, although a poison or
disease already in its system is suspended, not neutralized.
A petrified creature is also incapacitated:
• An incapacitated creature can’t take actions or reactions.
But I cannot find the part where it says that the petrified creature is unconscious. Which means that this poor monk stood in the dungeon for 500 years without being able to see, hear or feel anything. Completely alone with his thoughts. As a consequence, he is probably insane after the cleric fixed him. Am I overlooking something?
Does a petrified creature stay conscious (and mentally sane)?
dnd-5e spells conditions unconscious sanity
dnd-5e spells conditions unconscious sanity
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
edited 50 mins ago
doppelspooker♦
31.4k11134222
31.4k11134222
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
asked 56 mins ago
hohenheim
1,874739
1,874739
I don't know. Usually, I would assume that a creature turned to stone is unconscious. But most questions regarding spell effects are answered with "A spell only does what it says it does". That's why I'm asking.
– hohenheim
52 mins ago
Are you more concerned about consciousness or awareness? The condition and spell do not include the condition of unconscious in the descriptions so it leads me to believe you are more concerned with the latter.
– Slagmoth
51 mins ago
English is not my native language and I don't know the difference between consciousness and awareness. I would use both words interchangeably.
– hohenheim
46 mins ago
No worries, English is my wife's third language so I understand. Consciousness in this context is more like being asleep or knocked out... whereas awareness is sensory in my question. And looking back at it I need more coffee because it likely would confuse a native speaker as well. Apologies.
– Slagmoth
43 mins ago
Hmm, then my question should be: Would the monk feel like waking up after a long and restful sleep. Or would he be insane and deranged, due to the lack of stimulus over the years.
– hohenheim
41 mins ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
I don't know. Usually, I would assume that a creature turned to stone is unconscious. But most questions regarding spell effects are answered with "A spell only does what it says it does". That's why I'm asking.
– hohenheim
52 mins ago
Are you more concerned about consciousness or awareness? The condition and spell do not include the condition of unconscious in the descriptions so it leads me to believe you are more concerned with the latter.
– Slagmoth
51 mins ago
English is not my native language and I don't know the difference between consciousness and awareness. I would use both words interchangeably.
– hohenheim
46 mins ago
No worries, English is my wife's third language so I understand. Consciousness in this context is more like being asleep or knocked out... whereas awareness is sensory in my question. And looking back at it I need more coffee because it likely would confuse a native speaker as well. Apologies.
– Slagmoth
43 mins ago
Hmm, then my question should be: Would the monk feel like waking up after a long and restful sleep. Or would he be insane and deranged, due to the lack of stimulus over the years.
– hohenheim
41 mins ago
I don't know. Usually, I would assume that a creature turned to stone is unconscious. But most questions regarding spell effects are answered with "A spell only does what it says it does". That's why I'm asking.
– hohenheim
52 mins ago
I don't know. Usually, I would assume that a creature turned to stone is unconscious. But most questions regarding spell effects are answered with "A spell only does what it says it does". That's why I'm asking.
– hohenheim
52 mins ago
Are you more concerned about consciousness or awareness? The condition and spell do not include the condition of unconscious in the descriptions so it leads me to believe you are more concerned with the latter.
– Slagmoth
51 mins ago
Are you more concerned about consciousness or awareness? The condition and spell do not include the condition of unconscious in the descriptions so it leads me to believe you are more concerned with the latter.
– Slagmoth
51 mins ago
English is not my native language and I don't know the difference between consciousness and awareness. I would use both words interchangeably.
– hohenheim
46 mins ago
English is not my native language and I don't know the difference between consciousness and awareness. I would use both words interchangeably.
– hohenheim
46 mins ago
No worries, English is my wife's third language so I understand. Consciousness in this context is more like being asleep or knocked out... whereas awareness is sensory in my question. And looking back at it I need more coffee because it likely would confuse a native speaker as well. Apologies.
– Slagmoth
43 mins ago
No worries, English is my wife's third language so I understand. Consciousness in this context is more like being asleep or knocked out... whereas awareness is sensory in my question. And looking back at it I need more coffee because it likely would confuse a native speaker as well. Apologies.
– Slagmoth
43 mins ago
Hmm, then my question should be: Would the monk feel like waking up after a long and restful sleep. Or would he be insane and deranged, due to the lack of stimulus over the years.
– hohenheim
41 mins ago
Hmm, then my question should be: Would the monk feel like waking up after a long and restful sleep. Or would he be insane and deranged, due to the lack of stimulus over the years.
– hohenheim
41 mins ago
 |Â
show 2 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Remains Sane and Conscious*
tl;dr The petrified monk is not unconscious, and remains sane as the duration of petrification passes quickly from their point of view.
This is About Narrative
Since the effects of the spell do not indicate the long term narrative effects, it is left up to the GM to fill in. The following is a narrative explanation supported by an interpretation of the mechanical description that supports a sane monk after being petrified.
Conscious
The spell does not indicate that the target becomes unconscious, so it does not become unconscious.
Passage of Time not Observed
While the petrified creature is not unconscious, it is not specified that it observes the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the non-petrified world. The conditions taken together seem to indicate that the petrified monk will not be observing the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the world.
ceases aging
The creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.
a poison or disease already in its system is suspended
The monk would would have no way of knowing how long they were petrified. There is no wall clock, and the conditions above indicate a suspension of animation.
Sanity Preserved
Petrification Duration is Different from Perspective of Monk
500 years passes in the blink of an eye for the petrified monk. From their point of view, very little time has passed.
Insanity as a Disease
If you consider insanity to be a disease of the mind, then the spell text specifically forbids that.
The creature is immune to poison and disease
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
If anyone could survive with their sanity intact I would say it would likely be a Monk. Just putting their mind into deep meditation, heck they might even be able to transcend... :D
– Slagmoth
41 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
It is conscious.
The fact that the creature can make Wisdow and Intelligence saving throws means it can think. It can believe in some illusion, or be beguiled by some telepathic lie.
As per RAW, since nothing says it is not unconscious, then it is conscious.
Keep in mind that the creature can still sleep, even in that state. It is like a blind immovable prison, but 500 years of it might make you mad indeed.
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
Remains Sane and Conscious*
tl;dr The petrified monk is not unconscious, and remains sane as the duration of petrification passes quickly from their point of view.
This is About Narrative
Since the effects of the spell do not indicate the long term narrative effects, it is left up to the GM to fill in. The following is a narrative explanation supported by an interpretation of the mechanical description that supports a sane monk after being petrified.
Conscious
The spell does not indicate that the target becomes unconscious, so it does not become unconscious.
Passage of Time not Observed
While the petrified creature is not unconscious, it is not specified that it observes the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the non-petrified world. The conditions taken together seem to indicate that the petrified monk will not be observing the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the world.
ceases aging
The creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.
a poison or disease already in its system is suspended
The monk would would have no way of knowing how long they were petrified. There is no wall clock, and the conditions above indicate a suspension of animation.
Sanity Preserved
Petrification Duration is Different from Perspective of Monk
500 years passes in the blink of an eye for the petrified monk. From their point of view, very little time has passed.
Insanity as a Disease
If you consider insanity to be a disease of the mind, then the spell text specifically forbids that.
The creature is immune to poison and disease
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
If anyone could survive with their sanity intact I would say it would likely be a Monk. Just putting their mind into deep meditation, heck they might even be able to transcend... :D
– Slagmoth
41 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Remains Sane and Conscious*
tl;dr The petrified monk is not unconscious, and remains sane as the duration of petrification passes quickly from their point of view.
This is About Narrative
Since the effects of the spell do not indicate the long term narrative effects, it is left up to the GM to fill in. The following is a narrative explanation supported by an interpretation of the mechanical description that supports a sane monk after being petrified.
Conscious
The spell does not indicate that the target becomes unconscious, so it does not become unconscious.
Passage of Time not Observed
While the petrified creature is not unconscious, it is not specified that it observes the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the non-petrified world. The conditions taken together seem to indicate that the petrified monk will not be observing the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the world.
ceases aging
The creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.
a poison or disease already in its system is suspended
The monk would would have no way of knowing how long they were petrified. There is no wall clock, and the conditions above indicate a suspension of animation.
Sanity Preserved
Petrification Duration is Different from Perspective of Monk
500 years passes in the blink of an eye for the petrified monk. From their point of view, very little time has passed.
Insanity as a Disease
If you consider insanity to be a disease of the mind, then the spell text specifically forbids that.
The creature is immune to poison and disease
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
If anyone could survive with their sanity intact I would say it would likely be a Monk. Just putting their mind into deep meditation, heck they might even be able to transcend... :D
– Slagmoth
41 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
Remains Sane and Conscious*
tl;dr The petrified monk is not unconscious, and remains sane as the duration of petrification passes quickly from their point of view.
This is About Narrative
Since the effects of the spell do not indicate the long term narrative effects, it is left up to the GM to fill in. The following is a narrative explanation supported by an interpretation of the mechanical description that supports a sane monk after being petrified.
Conscious
The spell does not indicate that the target becomes unconscious, so it does not become unconscious.
Passage of Time not Observed
While the petrified creature is not unconscious, it is not specified that it observes the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the non-petrified world. The conditions taken together seem to indicate that the petrified monk will not be observing the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the world.
ceases aging
The creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.
a poison or disease already in its system is suspended
The monk would would have no way of knowing how long they were petrified. There is no wall clock, and the conditions above indicate a suspension of animation.
Sanity Preserved
Petrification Duration is Different from Perspective of Monk
500 years passes in the blink of an eye for the petrified monk. From their point of view, very little time has passed.
Insanity as a Disease
If you consider insanity to be a disease of the mind, then the spell text specifically forbids that.
The creature is immune to poison and disease
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
Remains Sane and Conscious*
tl;dr The petrified monk is not unconscious, and remains sane as the duration of petrification passes quickly from their point of view.
This is About Narrative
Since the effects of the spell do not indicate the long term narrative effects, it is left up to the GM to fill in. The following is a narrative explanation supported by an interpretation of the mechanical description that supports a sane monk after being petrified.
Conscious
The spell does not indicate that the target becomes unconscious, so it does not become unconscious.
Passage of Time not Observed
While the petrified creature is not unconscious, it is not specified that it observes the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the non-petrified world. The conditions taken together seem to indicate that the petrified monk will not be observing the passage of time in the same way as the rest of the world.
ceases aging
The creature is incapacitated (see the condition), can’t move or speak, and is unaware of its surroundings.
a poison or disease already in its system is suspended
The monk would would have no way of knowing how long they were petrified. There is no wall clock, and the conditions above indicate a suspension of animation.
Sanity Preserved
Petrification Duration is Different from Perspective of Monk
500 years passes in the blink of an eye for the petrified monk. From their point of view, very little time has passed.
Insanity as a Disease
If you consider insanity to be a disease of the mind, then the spell text specifically forbids that.
The creature is immune to poison and disease
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
edited 31 mins ago
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
answered 45 mins ago
Grosscol
4,792843
4,792843
If anyone could survive with their sanity intact I would say it would likely be a Monk. Just putting their mind into deep meditation, heck they might even be able to transcend... :D
– Slagmoth
41 mins ago
add a comment |Â
If anyone could survive with their sanity intact I would say it would likely be a Monk. Just putting their mind into deep meditation, heck they might even be able to transcend... :D
– Slagmoth
41 mins ago
If anyone could survive with their sanity intact I would say it would likely be a Monk. Just putting their mind into deep meditation, heck they might even be able to transcend... :D
– Slagmoth
41 mins ago
If anyone could survive with their sanity intact I would say it would likely be a Monk. Just putting their mind into deep meditation, heck they might even be able to transcend... :D
– Slagmoth
41 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
It is conscious.
The fact that the creature can make Wisdow and Intelligence saving throws means it can think. It can believe in some illusion, or be beguiled by some telepathic lie.
As per RAW, since nothing says it is not unconscious, then it is conscious.
Keep in mind that the creature can still sleep, even in that state. It is like a blind immovable prison, but 500 years of it might make you mad indeed.
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
It is conscious.
The fact that the creature can make Wisdow and Intelligence saving throws means it can think. It can believe in some illusion, or be beguiled by some telepathic lie.
As per RAW, since nothing says it is not unconscious, then it is conscious.
Keep in mind that the creature can still sleep, even in that state. It is like a blind immovable prison, but 500 years of it might make you mad indeed.
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
It is conscious.
The fact that the creature can make Wisdow and Intelligence saving throws means it can think. It can believe in some illusion, or be beguiled by some telepathic lie.
As per RAW, since nothing says it is not unconscious, then it is conscious.
Keep in mind that the creature can still sleep, even in that state. It is like a blind immovable prison, but 500 years of it might make you mad indeed.
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
It is conscious.
The fact that the creature can make Wisdow and Intelligence saving throws means it can think. It can believe in some illusion, or be beguiled by some telepathic lie.
As per RAW, since nothing says it is not unconscious, then it is conscious.
Keep in mind that the creature can still sleep, even in that state. It is like a blind immovable prison, but 500 years of it might make you mad indeed.
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
answered 51 mins ago
BlueMoon93
10.2k958112
10.2k958112
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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I don't know. Usually, I would assume that a creature turned to stone is unconscious. But most questions regarding spell effects are answered with "A spell only does what it says it does". That's why I'm asking.
– hohenheim
52 mins ago
Are you more concerned about consciousness or awareness? The condition and spell do not include the condition of unconscious in the descriptions so it leads me to believe you are more concerned with the latter.
– Slagmoth
51 mins ago
English is not my native language and I don't know the difference between consciousness and awareness. I would use both words interchangeably.
– hohenheim
46 mins ago
No worries, English is my wife's third language so I understand. Consciousness in this context is more like being asleep or knocked out... whereas awareness is sensory in my question. And looking back at it I need more coffee because it likely would confuse a native speaker as well. Apologies.
– Slagmoth
43 mins ago
Hmm, then my question should be: Would the monk feel like waking up after a long and restful sleep. Or would he be insane and deranged, due to the lack of stimulus over the years.
– hohenheim
41 mins ago