True Polymorph

PHB 283:

Creature into Creature. (...) the new form can be any kind you choose. The target's game statistics, including mental ability scores, are replaced by the statistics of its new form. It retains its alignment and personality. (...)

The creature is limited in the actions it can perform by the nature of its new form (...).


Let's say a high level player (wizard, bard, etc) casts True Polymorph to change an ally into another creature with legendary actions (such as a dragon, a mummy lord, a vampire, etc). Would this ally's form change into the complete stat block (excluding alignment and personality) of the new form? Would the ally thus be able to use the new form's Legendary Actions? If not, which rule would prevent that?


According to MM 6 "stat block" of a creature means the same as its "game statistics". This suggests that the answer to my question is a yes. However, Legendary Actions are not mentioned in the section listing what's part of the stat block (MM 6-11), under header Statistics. They are only mentioned under header Legendary Creatures. Is there a reason for this?

My common sense tells me that I should ignore this typographic detail. Just making sure there's no rules preventing players from getting Legendary Actions.



The rule on this was changed in the Monster Manual errata (and recent printings):


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    \$\begingroup\$ You would think that could have been added as well to the PHB errata for the spell... \$\endgroup\$ – Slagmoth Apr 4 '18 at 12:43
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    \$\begingroup\$ @Slagmoth Yeah, even in the recent books it appears in a weird space (not everyone reads the introduction). I guess it is easier to put it here in case they make new spells in the future that let you change your form. \$\endgroup\$ – David Coffron Apr 4 '18 at 12:43
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    \$\begingroup\$ Agreed, the introduction in most of the books isn't really that interesting or important but for the Monster Manuals it has been crucial for a good many years. So some advice to all you new players and DMs, READ IT. \$\endgroup\$ – Slagmoth Apr 4 '18 at 12:47
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    \$\begingroup\$ @Slagmoth: XGE has a pretty vital one too. \$\endgroup\$ – Rubiksmoose Apr 4 '18 at 12:48
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    \$\begingroup\$ @Rubiksmoose I did say "most" :) but yeah forgot about that one, "Ten things to remember" is vital rules clarification and really the only thing in that book that is not really optional. \$\endgroup\$ – Slagmoth Apr 4 '18 at 12:52

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