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#1 jonplaywu Oct 11, 2008 17:42:56

Rajaat’s Pact Through a dark pact binding your soul to that of the Warbringer Rajaat, you have gained ultimate power, but at ultimate cost. Prerequisite: 21st level, Skill: Arcane, Feat: Ritual Caster Alignment: Chaotic Evil, Evil, Unaligned Race: Human Becoming a dragon requires that the human undergo a lengthy metamorphosis as he rises from 20th to 30th level. It’s a 10-step process begun when the character first casts the defiler metamorphosis Ritual upon reaching 20th level. During each stage, the character’s form changes, soon becoming unrecognizable as human. The figure undergoes tremendous growth and acquires great mass. Scales and wings form, and the dragon undergoes a period of complete savagery before regaining his senses. The defiler metamorphosis ritual explains the 10-step process. Any interference with its casting or failure to follow exactly the steps outlined by the ritual results in the failure of the ritual and the death of the caster. As each stage of the metamorphosis is extremely painful, the dragon must pass a Endurance skill check or die in the process. Once an individual becomes a dragon by reaching 21st level, he is immune to the effects of age and will never die of natural causes, though poison and disease can still kill. The dragon also gains the ability to understand and speak any language. I am become death, destroyer of worlds… With the ritual cast, your path into darkness is guaranteed. Moving from the shell of mortality, you now perceive all reality in its most base form. Life force is your meat and drink, and all that consumes you is the need to drink your fill. As you gain more power, and your form contorts further and further into the shape of a dragon, your relation with people around diminishes. Only “higher” beings such as yourself are worthy of respect, and you become anathema to beings of “purity” and “goodness”. During the Metamorphosis, you will be given opportunities to abandon this dark road, but they will become more and more difficult until you finally cross the threshold and become a true “Dragon”. The Defiler’s Wake Draconic Ascension: When you complete your final quest, your draconic nature yearns to complete your apotheosis. With the final casting of the Metamorphosis ritual, your body leaves any vestiges of your mortal form and takes on the form of a “True Dragon”. Tearing free of the trappings of mortality you rise into the Feywild, passing into the empty Astral Sea. There, your path creates a new conduit for you to move freely from the mortal plane to the Astral. Forming your own domain out of pure will, you create a place for your “perfect form” to hold audience as the “True Dragon” for eternity. Soon enough, your transcendent senses discern mortal prayers directed at you. Draconic Features All Dragons gain the following class features. 21st-Level Dragon: At this level, the individual undergoing dragon metamorphosis enters the first of 10 stages which result in the alteration of his physical form. The humanoid form of the dragon doubles in mass, attaining a weight of 350 pounds. The dragon may gain bulk while retaining its original size, may grow up to 8 feet in height, or may increase in density without apparent changes in size or bulk. These changes are unpredictable and can’t be controlled. While the dragon still retains many humanoid characteristics, it develops a slight elongation to the face and nostrils. A more pronounced spine and rudimentary shoulder and back scales also mark this stage of the metamorphosis process. The character gains +2 to all stats and can never use an ability without defiling* the land around it. 22nd-Level Dragon: This stage involves further alterations to the dragon’s physical form, resulting in an increase in size to as tall as 10 feet and in weight to approximately 450 pounds. Other changes include a more pronounced elongation of the face, the beginnings of scales on the dragon’s now-prominent snout, a further delineation of the spine, and the emergence of a tail stub. The character’s defenses all go up +1 and you gin the trance ability if you don’t have it already. 23rd-Level Dragon: In the third metamorphic stage, the dragon increases in weight to 650 pounds and gains an additional foot in height. A drastic lengthening of all limbs, including fingers and toes, occurs. The neck lengthens dramatically as well, lifting the now-markedly reptilian head and face high above the shoulders. By this level, body hair has vanished. The characters AC increases by +1 and gains the vulnerability Radiant at this level. 24th-Level Dragon: At this stage, the dragon’s original humanoid form is nearly impossible to distinguish. Weight increases to almost 900 pounds and the dragon may reach 12 feet in length (or height). Full scales cover the dragon except for the underbelly and the underside of its limbs, giving the metamorphosing creature an AC increase of +4. The dragon’s legs lose their human structure, developing huge thighs, sharp-angled, bony calves, and taloned feet. Some dragons also develop a prominent hunch about the shoulders and waist. The dragon can now move at a speed of 15 in both an upright position and on all four limbs. Its taloned fingers allow the dragon two attacks as an at-will basic melee (each 2d10 + STR damage each). The Dragon can no longer wear clothes or Armor at this point. 25th-Level Dragon: In this stage of the metamorphosis, the dragon reaches a full 12 feet from snout to tail and weighs nearly 1,600 pounds. Its hardened scales give it an AC bonus + 2. A magical enchantment now makes the dragon impervious to normal weapons; only magical weapons of +1 or better will inflict damage upon it. The jaws become prominent, endowing the dragon with a bite attack that inflict 4d12+STR points of damage. The tail continues to grow. During this phase, the dragon enters what is known as an “animalistic period” during which its savagery is uncontrollable most of the time. Every time the character enters a combat situation it must roll a STR vs WILL attack against itself. If the Roll succeeds the Character will go on a rampage attacking everything in site for 1d4+Dragon levels in days. 26th-Level Dragon: At this stage, the dragon now weighs 2,000 pounds. Its form is completely hunched into the classic dragon posture, but erect stance is still possible. The dragon’s height can reach 16 feet. The dragon’s scales now afford the bonus of + 2 AC, and the strengthened hind legs allow the dragon a jump bonus of +10. The dragon’s claws now cause 2d10+STR+5 points of damage each. Every time the character enters a combat situation it must roll a STR vs WILL attack against itself. If the Roll succeeds the Character will go on a rampage attacking everything in site for 1d4+Dragon levels in days. 27th-Level Dragon: During this stage, the dragon’s weight doubles to 4,000 pounds and its length increases to 20 feet. Body scales now give the dragon a bonus of + 1. Most importantly, the dragon develops the ability to use its breath weapon, as a range 10 blast 3 4d10+CON, recharge 5,6. Every time the character enters a combat situation it must roll a STR vs WILL attack against itself. If the Roll succeeds the Character will go on a rampage attacking everything in site for 1d4+Dragon levels in days. At this point all equipment must be Large size or becomes to small and delicate for the Dragon to use successfully. 28th-Level Dragon: In this stage, the dragon’s weight again increases, this time to 10,000 pounds. Its now full-grown tail extends the dragon’s length to 25 feet. The dragon develops a tail attack as an encounter which causes 5d10 damage, while damage from each claw attack increases to 2d10+STR+10. The dragon’s tough hide and scales improves its AC by + 1 as well as immunity to weapons with a magical enchantment of less than +2. A natural magic resistance develops during this stage granting it a +2 versus any magical save. As this stage draws to a close, the dragon’s animalistic period also ends; pain-wracked fury once more succumbs to the discipline of cold logic and cunning. 29th-Level Dragon: By this stage, the dragon’s length increases to 30 feet and its weight to 20,000 pounds. The dragon now sprouts wings, although these rudimentary structures only allow it a flying speed of 4 (clumsy flyer). The scaly armor of the dragon affords an Ac increase of +1, while damage from the breath weapon as a range 20 blast 5 4d10+CON, recharge 4,5,6. The dragon’s magic resistance rises to +6 versus magic saves. The Dragon loses the ability to use anything that is not either large size or custom made for its frame. 30th-level dragon: This is the final stage of the dragon metamorphosis. The original humanoid form of the dragon disappears completely, leaving only a pure dragon in its wake. The newly metamorphosed dragon is 40 feet long and weighs 50,000 pounds. Its wings are fully formed, allowing a flying movement of 18 (hover), while its scales offer the dragon an AC bonus of +2. Its magic resistance is now +8 versus magical saves. Damage from each claw attack becomes 2d10+STR+15, and the dragon’s breath weapon attains its maximum damage potential as a range 20 blast 5 4d10+CON, recharge 3,4,5,6 Channeling the Power Body of the Dragon Draconic Utility 26 By tearing away at the very fabric of the life force around it, the Dragon can regain all its power spent. Daily✦Healing Standard Action Personal Effect: During a short rest (10 minutes or more) the Dragon can cause a lush area to become totally defiled. By defiling this area, the dragon acts as if it had taken a full rest and regains its entire daily and encounter powers including powers from magic items, and hit points. Special: This ability cannot be done in any area other than an extremely lush and fertile place. Examples include, a bucolic valley, a lush farmstead in spring, a pure virgin wood. After the ability is enacted, everything in 30 + lvl burst of the Dragon is reduced to ash. Living creatures are affected by a (CHA + lvl of dragon) vs WILL or take (d10 x lvl) of dragon NECROTIC damage. Defiler Metamorphosis By ripping into the life force of the world, you gain the ability to shape your own into that of a greater being. Level: 20 Category: Creation Time: Special Duration: Instantaneous Component Cost: Special plus 1 healing surge Market Price: Not For Sale Key Skill: Arcana Once cast, the character mutates his physical form drastically, each time becoming less human and more dragon. The character may begin his preparation time at any point as he approaches his next level, building structures, gathering components, studying, etc. But the ritual cannot be cast before he has earned all the necessary experience points. Though the experience points have been earned, the character gains no benefits of his new ritual level until after the character metamorphosis ritual is cast. The exact material components, preparation time, and casting time differ, depending on what level the character is about to achieve, grouped by level into low, middle, high, and final metamorphosis. Low (21st, 22nd, and 23rd levels): When approaching these levels, the character is merely beginning his metamorphosis toward dragon form. The preparation time at these levels must be at least one year, during which time the caster must have access to a laboratory and temple, in which he or she can gather artifacts of evil. Such materials must be discovered by the character or his minions and each item must be studied for at least eight hours every day for the entire year. Acquisition of such items will usually be a quest in and of itself; once used, these items cannot be used for this ritual again. The material components must include vast riches (at least 10,000 gp worth of jewels, gems, coins, or artistic treasures), a vast structure where the transformation might take place, and no fewer than 1,000 levels worth of living creatures for the life-leeching process. The artifacts dissolve into ash and the living creatures are slain one heartbeat after the character begins casting. The structure, which must cost more than 50,000 gp to build, is not destroyed and may be used again to cast this ritual when attaining all three of the low levels. The ritual is cast from the deep interior of the structure, where the caster will actually transform — no other beings may be present at the instant of casting. The casting time is a full 24 hours; any interruption results in ritual failure. Middle (24th, 25th, and 26th levels): At the middle levels, the process is similar. The preparation time extends to two years per casting, during which time the caster must befriend and visit a powerful creature from an elemental plane. The caster must visit the planar creature three days of every fifteen for the entire preparation period. The DM must create and role-play the elemental creature — it is likely that it will force the character to perform difficult missions, more often than not for its own amusement, all through the preparation period. The material components include fewer riches (at least 5,000 gp) but more living creatures (no fewer than 2,000 Levels). A new structure must be built, which can be used for all three middle-level transformations, but this structure must be made of stone and obsidian, and must be ornately decorated, costing no less than 125,000 gp. The casting time is three days; any interruption results in ritual failure and death. (no save) High (27th, 28th, and 29th levels): For the high levels of dragon metamorphosis must take place in a temple created solely of Obsidian with a value of no less than 250,000 gp. Inside the temple the character must bind four 21st lvl or higher Elementals (one of each element). During the binding, the Dragon must eat the creature and absorb their life force energy. The actual casting time is 24 hours, and the caster must have the full cooperation of at least three powerful beings (11th lvl or higher) for the entire time. Locating beings willing to cooperate should be easy, but getting their cooperation requires exchanges of favors, quests, etc.; preparation time is equal to the time it takes to convince the beings to cooperate. Final (30th level): The final stage of dragon metamorphosis requires no preparation and a single material component; the slain body of a good creature defeated in single combat; the victim must be intelligent, have at least 20 levels, and be capable of casting spells or channeling divine magic. The ritual must be cast over the fallen victim within one hour of his defeat; the casting time is merely one turn. In all cases, the living creatures used as material components must be within one mile of the caster. Once cast, the character must make a STR vs WILL save roll or die in the mutation process. Any interruption or mistake during the casting of the ritual will kill the character character. This ritual can only be cast by characters. The Great One’s Gift Through understanding the life force of Athas, you tap into the living creatures of the world and become something greater, better and more wholesome. Prerequisite: 21st level, Skill: Arcane, Feat: Ritual Caster Alignment: Lawful Good, Good, Unaligned Race: Human Becoming an Avangion requires that the human undergo a lengthy metamorphosis as he rises from 20th to 30th level. It’s a 10-step process begun when the character first casts the preserver metamorphosis Ritual upon reaching 20th level. During each stage, the character’s form changes, soon becoming unrecognizable as human. The figure undergoes tremendous growth and acquires a soft golden glow. Gossamer wings form, and the Avangion undergoes a period of contemplative trance befre being able to continue with its advancement. The preserver metamorphosis ritual explains the 10-step process. Any interference with its casting or failure to follow exactly the steps outlined by the ritual results in the failure of the ritual and the death of the caster. As each stage of the metamorphosis is extremely taxing to the caster and the Avangion must spend at least one week per level of advancement in contemplative solitude. Once an individual becomes a Avangion by reaching 21st level, he is immune to the effects of age and will never die of natural causes, though poison and disease can still kill. The Avangion also gains the ability to understand and speak any language. I am the light, the start of life and I bring you peace. With the ritual cast, your path into the light is guaranteed. Moving from the shell of mortality, you now perceive all reality in its highest form. Life force is your meat and drink, yet to give into your hunger is to destroy yourself. As you gain more power, and your form contorts further and further into the shape of an Avangion, your relation with people around diminishes. Only “higher” beings such as yourself are capable of truly understanding you, yet your goals include all life and all creatures. The Preserver’s Ascension Anvangion Ascension: When you complete your final quest, your pure nature yearns to complete your apotheosis. With the final casting of the Metamorphosis ritual, your body leaves any vestiges of your mortal form and takes on the form of a “True Avangion”. Tearing free of the trappings of mortality you rise into the Feywild, passing into the empty Astral Sea. There, your path creates a new conduit for you to move freely from the mortal plane to the Astral. Forming your own domain out of pure will, you create a place for your “perfect form” to hold audience as the “True Avangion” for eternity. Soon enough, your transcendent senses discern mortal prayers directed at you. Channeling the Power Revive the Earth Avangion Utility 21 In blenin your life force with that of Athas, you return life to where there is little. Daily✦Healing Standard Action Personal Effect: During a short rest (10 minutes or more) the Avangion can cause an area previously defiled to become lush and fruitful. By rejuvenating this area, the avangion expends this daily power but all allies within the area regain all abilities and hitpoints as if they had just taken an extended rest. In addition to this, any vegitation in the area springs forth rapidly around them to create a small lush area equal to a burst 20/Avangian level progressionin squares around them Special: This ability can be done in any area other than the shadowfel, where life is anathema to its very existence. The action of doing this renders the avangion helpless for 1 minute/Avangion level. Avangion Features All Avangions gain the following class features. 21st-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the first stage towards becoming an Avangion. The casters type becomes Aberration,losing all previous types, and gaining all advantages of the new type. The caster no longer can die of old age, and no longer suffers penalties to attributes for aging. Also the caster gains the following abilities at will: comprehend languages, discern lies, detect good/evil as an at-will range 20. The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the first three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000cp. (50,000 gp) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling, and the cost is made up of the remains (ash, physical remains, artifacts, etc...) of enemies of life. I.e. high level defilers and the like. Physically the newly formed avangion changes very little, save possibly gaining slightly more noble features or the eyes may take on a gold or silver sheen. 22nd-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the second stage towards becoming an Avangion. At this stage the defensive nature of the avangion starts to manifest, allowing them to gain a +1 deflection bonus on its armor value as well as resistance 5 against all attacks except necrotic. The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the first three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling, and the cost is made up of the remains (ash, physical remains, artifacts, etc...) of enemies of life. I.e. high level defilers and the like. Physically the avangion’s skin takes on a metallic glow similar to its eyes, and any hair they have turns pure white. 23rd-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the third stage towards becoming an Avangion. At this stage the avangion increases yet further giving them an increased deflection bonus on armor up to +2 total, and they gain the ability to fly speed 6 (clumsy flyer) The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the first three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling, and the cost is made up of the remains (ash, physical remains, artifacts, etc...) of enemies of life. I.e. high level defilers and the like. Any concealment of the avangions true form is lost at this stage. As enormous gossamer wings sprout from the back and shoulders. The wings themselves are filmy and nearly transparent, though they span about 20 feet. The avangion’s eyes become bright silver and the skin glitters in the sunlight. 24th-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the fourth stage towards becoming an Avangion. At this stage the avangion’s defensive abilities increase dramatically. Their deflection bonus on the armor raises to +3 and resistance 10 against all attacks except necrotic and they improve the ability to fly speed 10 (clumsy grounded). An avangion also gains a +1 bonus to their cha due to their heightened sense of self and inner power. The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the second three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling in an area no less than one mile in all directions, and the cost is made up of gifts from no less than three powerful good creatures. The structure is centered around a single bush or tree that the preserver has himself personally saved from defiling. The avangions original form becomes increasingly vague. All hair has vanished at this point and webs of filmy winglike material forms between the arms, torso, and their fingers and toes. Its existing wings form into multiple folds which can be extended out to a 25 foot span. 25th-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the fifth stage towards becoming an Avangion. At this stage the avangion deflection bonus to armor increases up to +6, they improve the ability to fly speed 18 (hover). At this point the Avangions inner nature and outer form have changed to the point that they no longer require material or somatic components to cast spells or perform rituals. In addition the avangion’s size increases 1 size category, gaining all the inherent features therein. Also note that at this point, the avangions body has changed so much as to make grappling them extremely difficult, the avangion now adds their Int modifier to all grapple checks. The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the second three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling in an area no less than one mile in all directions, and the cost is made up of gifts from no less than three powerful good creatures. The structure is centered around a single bush or tree that the preserver has himself personally saved from defiling. At this point the original form starts to become lost in the wispy folds of its wings, which can now extend to a 30foot span. The jaw retracts while the eyes grow larger. The arms and legs grown thinner to the point where they can no longer support the their own weight. The avangion now can only float or fly at all times. The avangion can also no longer wield hand held weapons or make standard unarmed attacks, though it may still touch objects and creatures with the extensions of its body. Avangions at this stage gain the ability to absorb magical items that take up body slots into their body gaining all of the ability of the item as if the item were worn, this effect lasts until they absorb a new item into the same slot at which point the former abilities are lost. (Note the act of absorbing the magical item destroys the item in question.) This ability is very important at this point as the avangion is no longer able to use many magic items, that take up body slots, regularly due to the massive transformation of the body. 26th-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the sixth stage towards becoming an Avangion. Their deflection bonus on the armor raises to +8, their flight ability makes them immune to crashing unless brought to the ground by another being, cha increases by another +1. The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the second three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling in an area no less than one mile in all directions, and the cost is made up of gifts from no less than three powerful good creatures. The structure is centered around a single bush or tree that the preserver has himself personally saved from defiling. At this stage the avangion becomes far more mobile and graceful. Its incredible shining wings now span up to 40 feet, with the central body being now nearly lost in their folds. 27th-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the seventh stage towards becoming an Avangion. Due to the transformation the mind and body of the avangion changes yet more, gaining a bonus of +1 cha, +1 wis, and +2 dex. and resistance 15 against all attacks except necrotic The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the third three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling in an area no less than one mile in all directions, and the cost is made up of gifts from the eight casters that contribute to the ritual. The structure is centered around a single bush or tree that the preserver has himself personally saved from defiling. The original form is nearly lost at this point. The creature now has only a head and torso which are nearly lost among the near endless folds of its gossamer wings. The wing span is now about 50 feet when fully extended. 28th-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the eight stage towards becoming an Avangion. At this point the avangions defensive capabilities increase to raise its deflection bonus to +10 and resistance 20 against all attacks except necrotic. A brilliant radiance of light extends out to in a burst 5 centered in the avangion that acts as a permanent aura of light (Which grants combat advantage to any evil creature within the burst) as well as dispelling all darkness and negating the normal affect of a defiler casting within the Avangions aura radius. The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the third three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling in an area no less than one mile in all directions, and the cost is made up of gifts from the eight casters that contribute to the ritual. The structure is centered around a single bush or tree that the preserver has himself personally saved from defiling. The wingspan at this point has increased to 65 foot. 29th-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the ninth stage towards becoming an Avangion. Their deflection bonus on the armor raises to +12, cha increases by another +1, and the aura increases to burst 10 centered on the Avangion while gaining the ability to act as a variant of the ray of enfeeblement spell to all evil creatures within the aura. (All evil creatures within the radius are attacked immediately INT vs Fort Hit: 1d10 + Intelligence modifier necrotic damage, and the target is weakened until the end of your next turn.) The spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the third three preserver metamorphosis spells, costing no less than 5,000,000 Cp. (50,000 gp.) This focus structure is actually a purified area that has been untouched by defiling in an area no less than one mile in all directions, and the cost is made up of gifts from the eight casters that contribute to the ritual. The structure is centered around a single bush or tree that the preserver has himself personally saved from defiling. Physically the avangion gains still more to its wings, now being an 80 foot span that nearly envelopes its torso and head. From a distance the avangion resembles a cloud of interwoven wings at this point. 30th-Level Avangion This spell transforms an arcane caster into the final form of an Avangion. The final form increases 1 size category, gaining all the inherent features therein, and gains a +2 bonus to wis, and a +1 bonus to cha. The aura also advances to its final state with a radius of burst 15 and causes defling to backlash unto itself. (any defiler who uses their ability within the aura, causes 1d10/level of spell damage to themselvesThe spell must be cast within a specialized focus structure designed specifically for the final preserver metamorphosis spell, costing no less than 8,200,000 Cp. (82,000 gp.) This focus structure is a stone tomb large enough to hold the Avangion, built around a perfectly sealed glass case. In addition a diamond, of value no less than 10,000 gp, is incorporated into the focus structure. The casting time is one round, although upon casting the avangion, focus structure, and diamond disappear for 2d12 months for places unknown, leaving only the glass case behind. If the glass case is damaged during this time frame the avangion is lost to oblivion. In its final form the avangions wings span 90 feet. Preserver Metamorphosis In attuning yourself to the life force of Athas, you now bring about growth, life and change within your own form. Level: 20 Category: Creation Time: Special Duration: Instantaneous Component Cost: Special plus 1 healing surge Market Price: Not For Sale Key Skill: Arcana Once cast, the character mutates his physical form drastically, each time becoming less human and more avangion. The character may begin his preparation time at any point as he approaches his next level, building structures, gathering components, studying, etc. But the ritual cannot be cast before he has earned all the necessary experience points. Though the experience points have been earned, the character gains no benefits of his new ritual level until after the character metamorphosis ritual is cast. The exact material components, preparation time, and casting time differ, depending on what level the character is about to achieve, grouped by level into low, middle, high, and final metamorphosis. Low (21st, 22nd, and 23rd levels): When approaching these levels, the character is merely beginning his metamorphosis toward dragon form. The preparation time at these levels must be at least one year, during which time the caster must have access to a laboratory and temple, in which he or she can gather artifacts of life. Such materials must be discovered by the character or his minions and each item must be studied for at least eight hours every day for the entire year. Acquisition of such items will usually be a quest in and of itself; once used, these items cannot be used for this ritual again. The material components must include vast riches (at least 10,000 gp worth of jewels, gems, coins, or artistic treasures), a vast structure where the transformation might take place, and no fewer than 1,000 levels worth of living creatures for the life-leeching process. The artifacts dissolve into ash and the living creatures are slain one heartbeat after the character begins casting. The structure, which must cost more than 50,000 gp to build, is not destroyed and may be used again to cast this ritual when attaining all three of the low levels. The ritual is cast from the deep interior of the structure, where the caster will actually transform — no other beings may be present at the instant of casting. The casting time is a full 24 hours; any interruption results in ritual failure. Middle (24th, 25th, and 26th levels): At the middle levels, the process is similar. The preparation time extends to two years per casting, during which time the caster must befriend and visit a powerful creature from an elemental plane. The caster must visit the planar creature three days of every fifteen for the entire preparation period. The DM must create and role-play the elemental creature — it is likely that it will force the character to perform difficult missions, more often than not for its own amusement, all through the preparation period. The material components include fewer riches (at least 5,000 gp) but more living creatures (no fewer than 2,000 Levels). A new structure must be built, which can be used for all three middle-level transformations, but this structure must be made of stone and obsidian, and must be ornately decorated, costing no less than 125,000 gp. The casting time is three days; any interruption results in ritual failure and death. (no save) High (27th, 28th, and 29th levels): For the high levels of dragon metamorphosis must take place in a temple created solely of Obsidian with a value of no less than 250,000 gp. Inside the temple the character must bind four 21st lvl or higher Elementals (one of each element). During the binding, the Dragon must eat the creature and absorb their life force energy. The actual casting time is 24 hours, and the caster must have the full cooperation of at least three powerful beings (11th lvl or higher) for the entire time. Locating beings willing to cooperate should be easy, but getting their cooperation requires exchanges of favors, quests, etc.; preparation time is equal to the time it takes to convince the beings to cooperate. Final (30th level): The final stage of dragon metamorphosis requires no preparation and a single material component; the slain body of a good creature defeated in single combat; the victim must be intelligent, have at least 20 levels, and be capable of casting spells or channeling divine magic. The ritual must be cast over the fallen victim within one hour of his defeat; the casting time is merely one turn. In all cases, the living creatures used as material components must be within one mile of the caster. Once cast, the character must make a STR vs WILL save roll or die in the mutation process. Any interruption or mistake during the casting of the ritual will kill the character character. This ritual can only be cast by characters.