How to become a Dragon? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 DontEatRawHagis Oct 05, 2011 20:50:33	Okay, so I have finished the Verdant Passage, awesome read, and I was wondering how do the Sorcerer-Kings become Dragons. Now in the story they mention using Obsidian Orbs filled with life force(?) and the need for a pyramid made of obsidian. Now I know from previous posts that there requires a giant structure and that The Dragon might not have been the first Dragon. So here is my question, aside from the "Easy" way to become the Dragon what is the exact way to become one? It seems the other Sorcerer King's are taking the long and hard way to become ones. Any ideas?
#2 mgbeach Oct 06, 2011 5:19:40	There was a 2nd edition AD&D supplement called Dragon Kings that detailed the process for taking characters on Athas beyond 20th level. The path for a Wizard was to become a dragon and the process is detailed in that book. Here is the Defiler Metamorphosis spell (sorry if the formatting is a little wonky) Defiler Metamorphosis (Alteration/Evocation) Range: 0 Components: V, S, M Preparation Time: Variable Duration: Permanent Casting Time: Special Area of Effect: The caster Saving Throw: None Defilers who have earned sufficient experience points to advance to the next stage of their dragon metamorphosis must successfully cast this spell. Once cast, the defiler mutates his physical form drastically, each time becoming less human and more dragon. The defiler may begin his preparation time at any point as he approaches his next level, building structures, gathering components, studying, etc. But the spell cannot be cast before he has earned all necessary experience points. Though the experience points have been earned, the defiler gains no benefits of his new level until after the defiler metamorphosis spell is cast. The exact material components, preparation time, and casting time differ, depending on what level the defiler 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 defiler 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 ancient documents, tablets, and scrolls that have never been studied by another defiler. Such materials must be discovered by the defiler or his minions and must be studied for at least eight hours every day for the entire year. Acquisition of such documents will usually be a quest in and of itself; once used, these documents cannot be used for this spell 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 Hit Dice worth of living creatures for the life-leeching process. The riches vanish and the living creatures are slain one heartbeat after the defiler 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 spell when attaining all three of the low levels. The spell 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 spell 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 creatureit is likely that it will force the defiler 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 Hit Dice). A new structure must be built, which can be used for all three middle-level transformations, but this structure must be made of stone, take at least three years to construct, and must be ornately decorated, costing no less than 125,000 gp. The casting time is three days; any interruption results in spell failure. High (27th, 28th, and 29th levels): For the high levels of dragon metamorphosis, the process actually must take place on either an elemental or the Astral plane. No structure or riches are required, but the caster must travel to his plane of choice with no fewer than 200 Hit Dice of living creatures from the Prime Material plane. The living creatures must be no fewer than 10 Hit Dice each and must willingly travel to the plane and participate in the casting. The actual casting time is 24 hours, and the caster must have the full cooperation of at least three powerful beings from that plane 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 planar beings to cooperate. Final (30th level): The final stage of dragon metamorphosis requires no preparation time 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 Hit Dice, and be capable of casting 9th-level Wizard spells or 7th-level Priest spells. The spell 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 defiler must make a successful system shock roll or die in the mutation process. Any interruption or mistake during the casting of the spell will kill the defiler character. This spell can only be cast by defilers. Additional information about travel between the planes is discussed in the chapter on the elemental planes. More information about life-leeching by high-level defiler magic can be found in the chapter on wizards.
#3 Prom Oct 06, 2011 18:52:04	Letting a character become a dragon is a very cool idea. I might have that one tucked away as a surprise.
#4 shadowoflameth2 Oct 06, 2011 22:14:46	4th eddition has the Dragon King Epic Destiny. As the final stage when the character is retired, he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form.
#5 claytoniantomb Oct 08, 2011 0:32:19	he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form. No. It says you are free to choose your own destiny, and gives some suggestions. The rampaging dragon is a power.
#6 mgbeach Oct 08, 2011 2:08:38	he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form. No. It says you are free to choose your own destiny, and gives some suggestions. The rampaging dragon is a power. It does ignore all the previous fluff to say that the dragon form isn's full-time and permanent, though. In fact, that's the whole point of going through this painful, costly, and dangerous process.
#7 RalofTyr Oct 29, 2011 15:22:33	To become a dragon is like immortallity and the Epic of Gilgamesh; it takes a long-time; it takes litterly years if you play once a week to build up the necessary XP. And there's a good chance of the PC dying or failing, then he has to start all over.
#8 the_ubbergeek Oct 29, 2011 23:05:24	he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form. No. It says you are free to choose your own destiny, and gives some suggestions. The rampaging dragon is a power. It does ignore all the previous fluff to say that the dragon form isn's full-time and permanent, though. In fact, that's the whole point of going through this painful, costly, and dangerous process. Except it is a past edition, and so fluff may be changed if fitting and deserved. It is a bit a remixed setting.
#9 DontEatRawHagis Oct 30, 2011 15:44:28	I'm working on a 4e conversion for s***s and Giggles.
#10 Prom Nov 15, 2011 14:08:24	Where do I find information on the Dragon King Epic Destiny?
#11 DontEatRawHagis Nov 15, 2011 14:25:23	Where do I find information on the Dragon King Epic Destiny? In 4th Edition, Dark Sun Campaign Setting.
#12 Kye_Tyrad Nov 16, 2011 10:12:31	All the Epic Destinies for start on page 98 in the Dark Sun Campaign Setting. The Dragon King starts on page 99.
#13 Prom Nov 16, 2011 13:58:43	I'm assuming that the Dragon King Epic Destiny idea is taken from Chinese Mythology of the Dragon Kings. Four divine rulers who guarded the four seas, who can take human or dragon form. I'm just thinking how that might be connected to the world of Athas, but there's not much on Athas History in the new setting book.
#14 khorne37 Nov 17, 2011 15:37:52	Well every City State has a King that is in some level a dragon. There are also no regular dragons on Athas. So it may have had some influence but I do not know to what extent.
#15 Prom Nov 17, 2011 19:56:44	Well every City State has a King that is in some level a dragon. There are also no regular dragons on Athas. So it may have had some influence but I do not know to what extent. I guess my question is this. How did Athas become a dying world? I'm aware that people talk about the world being devastated by magic, but what were the events? Is there any official history behind the setting, before the sorcerer Kings? There must be a good reason why the sorcerer Kings are trying to become dragons.
#16 khorne37 Nov 17, 2011 20:11:16	The dragon kings caused the destruction by following a Rajjat the first arcane user. He wanted to destroy all of the "new races" and the kings were his champions. The use of their powerful defiling magic killed the planet.
#17 DontEatRawHagis Nov 17, 2011 20:44:04	There must be a good reason why the sorcerer Kings are trying to become dragons. Dragons on Athas do not use normal arcane magic, they use Dragon magic. Dragon magic is a combination of Psionics and Arcane magic. The power is more powerful than normal spells. To fully utilize dragon magic a Sorcerer must transform into a Dragon. At least thats what I can assume from the Denning books.
#18 Gallard Nov 18, 2011 1:29:01	Well every City State has a King that is in some level a dragon. There are also no regular dragons on Athas. So it may have had some influence but I do not know to what extent. I guess my question is this. How did Athas become a dying world? I'm aware that people talk about the world being devastated by magic, but what were the events? Is there any official history behind the setting, before the sorcerer Kings? There must be a good reason why the sorcerer Kings are trying to become dragons. a brief history of Athas (from memory) - in the beginning there was the Blue Age. athas was covered in water, and halflings were the only sentient race. they created many works in harmony with nature: floating cities, living artifacts, and more. one day some went too far, and caused an epic disaster remembered only as the 'Brown Wave'. the oceans drained, the sun went from bright white to a muted yellow, and new races started appearing in the newly lush and green valleys. thus dawned the Green Age. eventually one named Rajaat was born ... the First Sorcerer. he was born twisted, deformed; for this he hated himself and everything around him. his rage fueled him, and the arcane power source entered the world; with this new power, he trained a number of human apprentices, molding them to his will. to the majority he taught preserver magic, in tune with the natural and primal world; others he named champions and secretly taught them how to defile. these champions were both warmongers and arcanists of supreme power. thier goal: the eradication of every living sentient race other than humanity. thus dawned the Red Age, also known as the Cleansing Wars. after many ages of war, the champions looked at what they had wrought, and wondered if Rajaat was being totally upfront with them. many races had gone fully extinct, and the drain of so much defiling magic had warped the world; there was more sand and silt than grass and water, the sun was a dark dull red, and the gods were gone or dead (if they had ever been there in the first place). the champions found out Rajaat's ultimate secret plan: return athas to the halflings of the blue age, not the humans. they banded together, and in one last display of ultimate power they turned on thier former master; the champions trapped Rajaat and bound him in a secret demiplane, the Hollow beneath the Black. in order to accomplish this feat of extreme spellcasting, the champions transformed themselves into new forms using ancient artifacts. one of thier number, Borys of Ebe the 'Butcher of Dwarves', was selected to undergo the full transmogrification, in order to maintain the magic that bound Rajaat in the Hollow. Borys became the most powerful creature in the world, the Dragon of Tyr, and went on a mad rampage. the remaining champions each took one of the remaining cities left in the civilized region and claimed it as monarch and tyrant. each new sorcerer-king, after seeing what Borys underwent, decided to slow thier transformations; possibly to find new ways of completing the process. thus began the current status-quo, and the dawn of the current era: the Desert Age. welcome to Athas, world of the Dark Sun.
#19 Prom Nov 18, 2011 6:15:35	Thanks guys that really helps.
#20 Prom Nov 19, 2011 14:30:42	Today I run my game and will be putting a scroll case in the treasure pile. That scroll case will have a little of the history of Athas and possible future. I'm going to suggest that Dragon kings or a Dragon king will either destroy Athas or save it. I'm hoping this will pull them along toward trying to become a dragon, particularly if I leave instructions on the scroll.
#21 HecklingHound Nov 28, 2011 23:12:56	I never read any of the Dark Sun novels, but I love the setting. I plan on slowly revealing to my players the secrets of becoming a Sorceror King/Dragon by introducing them to 5 great arcane mysteries (Fate, Names, the Elements, Symbols, and Illusion) and the 3 schools of the Way (Distant Hand, Reflected Eye, and Absent Reality). They're only level 8 now, so they'll have all of paragon tier to learn about the history of Athas. The conceit of the current campaign is that centuries ago five great wizards (probably the founders of the Veiled Alliance) worked together to understand the secrets of the Sorceror Kings, but then parted ways, jealously guarding their knowledge. It's a fantastic excuse to make five hidden dungeons. So far all the party knows is that they're in an ancient island observatory that some old cogers at the Balic VA says is sacred ground. I haven't even revealed the SK angle yet.
#22 terminus_vortexa Dec 07, 2011 12:28:40	Athas.org has some excellent rules for 3.5E Advanced Being Metamorphosis(es). I made use of them as a kind of retcon for my already existing rules for AB transformation, as theirs were way better. I deviated from the norm slightly by allowing Avangion and Dragon ABs to further metamorph along an Elemental AB path, provided they had the correct prerequisites. My Thri-Kreen Dragon\Rain Elemental ( the Terminus Vortexa) is exceptionally brutal, and the ability to use Clerical high-leval magic to undo and mitigate his own defiling damage was cool for keeping him as a character dedicated to (and with the party, successfully) destroying the Dragon Kings (Oronis was a friend,and since he is an Avangion, not killed), and overthrowing the Zik-Chil (Who were Babylon 5 Shadows in my game), setting the Thri-Kreen on a new path with a new Emperor.
#23 the_ubbergeek Dec 08, 2011 2:52:10	Athas.org has some excellent rules for 3.5E Advanced Being Metamorphosis(es). I made use of them as a kind of retcon for my already existing rules for AB transformation, as theirs were way better. I deviated from the norm slightly by allowing Avangion and Dragon ABs to further metamorph along an Elemental AB path, provided they had the correct prerequisites. My Thri-Kreen Dragon\Rain Elemental ( the Terminus Vortexa) is exceptionally brutal, and the ability to use Clerical high-leval magic to undo and mitigate his own defiling damage was cool for keeping him as a character dedicated to (and with the party, successfully) destroying the Dragon Kings (Oronis was a friend,and since he is an Avangion, not killed), and overthrowing the Zik-Chil (Who were Babylon 5 Shadows in my game), setting the Thri-Kreen on a new path with a new Emperor. The current rules seems to work well for that.

Post/Author/DateTime

Post

DontEatRawHagis

Oct 05, 2011 20:50:33

Okay, so I have finished the Verdant Passage, awesome read, and I was wondering how do the Sorcerer-Kings become Dragons. Now in the story they mention using Obsidian Orbs filled with life force(?) and the need for a pyramid made of obsidian. Now I know from previous posts that there requires a giant structure and that The Dragon might not have been the first Dragon.

So here is my question, aside from the "Easy" way to become the Dragon what is the exact way to become one? It seems the other Sorcerer King's are taking the long and hard way to become ones. Any ideas?

mgbeach

Oct 06, 2011 5:19:40

There was a 2nd edition AD&D supplement called Dragon Kings that detailed the process for taking characters on Athas beyond 20th level. The path for a Wizard was to become a dragon and the process is detailed in that book. Here is the Defiler Metamorphosis spell (sorry if the formatting is a little wonky)

Defiler Metamorphosis (Alteration/Evocation)
Range: 0
Components: V, S, M
Preparation Time: Variable
Duration: Permanent
Casting Time: Special
Area of Effect: The caster
Saving Throw: None

Defilers who have earned sufficient experience
points to advance to the next stage of their dragon
metamorphosis must successfully cast this spell.
Once cast, the defiler mutates his physical form
drastically, each time becoming less human and
more dragon.

The defiler may begin his preparation time at any
point as he approaches his next level, building structures,
gathering components, studying, etc. But the
spell cannot be cast before he has earned all necessary
experience points. Though the experience
points have been earned, the defiler gains no benefits
of his new level until after the defiler metamorphosis
spell is cast.

The exact material components, preparation
time, and casting time differ, depending on what
level the defiler 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 defiler 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 ancient documents, tablets, and scrolls that have
never been studied by another defiler. Such materials
must be discovered by the defiler or his minions
and must be studied for at least eight hours every
day for the entire year. Acquisition of such documents
will usually be a quest in and of itself; once
used, these documents cannot be used for this spell
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 Hit Dice worth of living creatures for
the life-leeching process. The riches vanish and the
living creatures are slain one heartbeat after the defiler
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 spell when attaining
all three of the low levels. The spell 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 spell
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 creatureit is
likely that it will force the defiler 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 Hit Dice). A new structure must be built,
which can be used for all three middle-level transformations,
but this structure must be made of stone,
take at least three years to construct, and must be
ornately decorated, costing no less than 125,000 gp.
The casting time is three days; any interruption results
in spell failure.

High (27th, 28th, and 29th levels): For the high
levels of dragon metamorphosis, the process actually
must take place on either an elemental or the
Astral plane. No structure or riches are required,
but the caster must travel to his plane of choice
with no fewer than 200 Hit Dice of living creatures
from the Prime Material plane. The living creatures
must be no fewer than 10 Hit Dice each and
must willingly travel to the plane and participate in
the casting. The actual casting time is 24 hours,
and the caster must have the full cooperation of at
least three powerful beings from that plane 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
planar beings to cooperate.

Final (30th level): The final stage of dragon metamorphosis
requires no preparation time 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 Hit Dice, and be capable of
casting 9th-level Wizard spells or 7th-level
Priest spells. The spell 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 defiler must make a successful system
shock roll or die in the mutation process. Any
interruption or mistake during the casting of the
spell will kill the defiler character. This spell can only
be cast by defilers.
Additional information about travel between the
planes is discussed in the chapter on the elemental
planes. More information about life-leeching by
high-level defiler magic can be found in the chapter
on wizards.

Prom

Oct 06, 2011 18:52:04

Letting a character become a dragon is a very cool idea. I might have that one tucked away as a surprise.

shadowoflameth2

Oct 06, 2011 22:14:46

4th eddition has the Dragon King Epic Destiny. As the final stage when the character is retired, he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form.

claytoniantomb

Oct 08, 2011 0:32:19

he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form.

No. It says you are free to choose your own destiny, and gives some suggestions. The rampaging dragon is a power.

mgbeach

Oct 08, 2011 2:08:38

he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form.

No. It says you are free to choose your own destiny, and gives some suggestions. The rampaging dragon is a power.

It does ignore all the previous fluff to say that the dragon form isn's full-time and permanent, though. In fact, that's the whole point of going through this painful, costly, and dangerous process.

RalofTyr

Oct 29, 2011 15:22:33

To become a dragon is like immortallity and the Epic of Gilgamesh; it takes a long-time; it takes litterly years if you play once a week to build up the necessary XP.

And there's a good chance of the PC dying or failing, then he has to start all over.

the_ubbergeek

Oct 29, 2011 23:05:24

he is considered to have permanently changed to the rampaging dragon form.

No. It says you are free to choose your own destiny, and gives some suggestions. The rampaging dragon is a power.

It does ignore all the previous fluff to say that the dragon form isn's full-time and permanent, though. In fact, that's the whole point of going through this painful, costly, and dangerous process.

Except it is a past edition, and so fluff may be changed if fitting and deserved. It is a bit a remixed setting.

DontEatRawHagis

Oct 30, 2011 15:44:28

I'm working on a 4e conversion for s***s and Giggles.

#10

Prom

Nov 15, 2011 14:08:24

Where do I find information on the Dragon King Epic Destiny?

#11

DontEatRawHagis

Nov 15, 2011 14:25:23

Where do I find information on the Dragon King Epic Destiny?

In 4th Edition, Dark Sun Campaign Setting.

#12

Kye_Tyrad

Nov 16, 2011 10:12:31

All the Epic Destinies for start on page 98 in the Dark Sun Campaign Setting. The Dragon King starts on page 99.

#13

Prom

Nov 16, 2011 13:58:43

I'm assuming that the Dragon King Epic Destiny idea is taken from Chinese Mythology of the Dragon Kings. Four divine rulers who guarded the four seas, who can take human or dragon form. I'm just thinking how that might be connected to the world of Athas, but there's not much on Athas History in the new setting book.

#14

khorne37

Nov 17, 2011 15:37:52

Well every City State has a King that is in some level a dragon. There are also no regular dragons on Athas. So it may have had some influence but I do not know to what extent.

#15

Prom

Nov 17, 2011 19:56:44

Well every City State has a King that is in some level a dragon. There are also no regular dragons on Athas. So it may have had some influence but I do not know to what extent.

I guess my question is this. How did Athas become a dying world? I'm aware that people talk about the world being devastated by magic, but what were the events? Is there any official history behind the setting, before the sorcerer Kings?

There must be a good reason why the sorcerer Kings are trying to become dragons.

#16

khorne37

Nov 17, 2011 20:11:16

The dragon kings caused the destruction by following a Rajjat the first arcane user. He wanted to destroy all of the "new races" and the kings were his champions. The use of their powerful defiling magic killed the planet.

#17

DontEatRawHagis

Nov 17, 2011 20:44:04

There must be a good reason why the sorcerer Kings are trying to become dragons.

Dragons on Athas do not use normal arcane magic, they use Dragon magic. Dragon magic is a combination of Psionics and Arcane magic. The power is more powerful than normal spells. To fully utilize dragon magic a Sorcerer must transform into a Dragon. At least thats what I can assume from the Denning books.

#18

Gallard

Nov 18, 2011 1:29:01

Well every City State has a King that is in some level a dragon. There are also no regular dragons on Athas. So it may have had some influence but I do not know to what extent.

I guess my question is this. How did Athas become a dying world? I'm aware that people talk about the world being devastated by magic, but what were the events? Is there any official history behind the setting, before the sorcerer Kings?

There must be a good reason why the sorcerer Kings are trying to become dragons.

a brief history of Athas (from memory) -

in the beginning there was the Blue Age. athas was covered in water, and halflings were the only sentient race. they created many works in harmony with nature: floating cities, living artifacts, and more. one day some went too far, and caused an epic disaster remembered only as the 'Brown Wave'. the oceans drained, the sun went from bright white to a muted yellow, and new races started appearing in the newly lush and green valleys. thus dawned the Green Age.

eventually one named Rajaat was born ... the First Sorcerer. he was born twisted, deformed; for this he hated himself and everything around him. his rage fueled him, and the arcane power source entered the world; with this new power, he trained a number of human apprentices, molding them to his will. to the majority he taught preserver magic, in tune with the natural and primal world; others he named champions and secretly taught them how to defile. these champions were both warmongers and arcanists of supreme power. thier goal: the eradication of every living sentient race other than humanity. thus dawned the Red Age, also known as the Cleansing Wars.

after many ages of war, the champions looked at what they had wrought, and wondered if Rajaat was being totally upfront with them. many races had gone fully extinct, and the drain of so much defiling magic had warped the world; there was more sand and silt than grass and water, the sun was a dark dull red, and the gods were gone or dead (if they had ever been there in the first place). the champions found out Rajaat's ultimate secret plan: return athas to the halflings of the blue age, not the humans. they banded together, and in one last display of ultimate power they turned on thier former master; the champions trapped Rajaat and bound him in a secret demiplane, the Hollow beneath the Black.

in order to accomplish this feat of extreme spellcasting, the champions transformed themselves into new forms using ancient artifacts. one of thier number, Borys of Ebe the 'Butcher of Dwarves', was selected to undergo the full transmogrification, in order to maintain the magic that bound Rajaat in the Hollow. Borys became the most powerful creature in the world, the Dragon of Tyr, and went on a mad rampage. the remaining champions each took one of the remaining cities left in the civilized region and claimed it as monarch and tyrant. each new sorcerer-king, after seeing what Borys underwent, decided to slow thier transformations; possibly to find new ways of completing the process. thus began the current status-quo, and the dawn of the current era: the Desert Age.

welcome to Athas, world of the Dark Sun.

#19

Prom

Nov 18, 2011 6:15:35

Thanks guys that really helps.

#20

Prom

Nov 19, 2011 14:30:42

Today I run my game and will be putting a scroll case in the treasure pile. That scroll case will have a little of the history of Athas and possible future. I'm going to suggest that Dragon kings or a Dragon king will either destroy Athas or save it. I'm hoping this will pull them along toward trying to become a dragon, particularly if I leave instructions on the scroll.

#21

HecklingHound

Nov 28, 2011 23:12:56

I never read any of the Dark Sun novels, but I love the setting. I plan on slowly revealing to my players the secrets of becoming a Sorceror King/Dragon by introducing them to 5 great arcane mysteries (Fate, Names, the Elements, Symbols, and Illusion) and the 3 schools of the Way (Distant Hand, Reflected Eye, and Absent Reality). They're only level 8 now, so they'll have all of paragon tier to learn about the history of Athas.

The conceit of the current campaign is that centuries ago five great wizards (probably the founders of the Veiled Alliance) worked together to understand the secrets of the Sorceror Kings, but then parted ways, jealously guarding their knowledge. It's a fantastic excuse to make five hidden dungeons. So far all the party knows is that they're in an ancient island observatory that some old cogers at the Balic VA says is sacred ground. I haven't even revealed the SK angle yet.

#22

terminus_vortexa

Dec 07, 2011 12:28:40

Athas.org has some excellent rules for 3.5E Advanced Being Metamorphosis(es). I made use of them as a kind of retcon for my already existing rules for AB transformation, as theirs were way better. I deviated from the norm slightly by allowing Avangion and Dragon ABs to further metamorph along an Elemental AB path, provided they had the correct prerequisites. My Thri-Kreen Dragon\Rain Elemental ( the Terminus Vortexa) is exceptionally brutal, and the ability to use Clerical high-leval magic to undo and mitigate his own defiling damage was cool for keeping him as a character dedicated to (and with the party, successfully) destroying the Dragon Kings (Oronis was a friend,and since he is an Avangion, not killed), and overthrowing the Zik-Chil (Who were Babylon 5 Shadows in my game), setting the Thri-Kreen on a new path with a new Emperor.

#23

the_ubbergeek

Dec 08, 2011 2:52:10

Athas.org has some excellent rules for 3.5E Advanced Being Metamorphosis(es). I made use of them as a kind of retcon for my already existing rules for AB transformation, as theirs were way better. I deviated from the norm slightly by allowing Avangion and Dragon ABs to further metamorph along an Elemental AB path, provided they had the correct prerequisites. My Thri-Kreen Dragon\Rain Elemental ( the Terminus Vortexa) is exceptionally brutal, and the ability to use Clerical high-leval magic to undo and mitigate his own defiling damage was cool for keeping him as a character dedicated to (and with the party, successfully) destroying the Dragon Kings (Oronis was a friend,and since he is an Avangion, not killed), and overthrowing the Zik-Chil (Who were Babylon 5 Shadows in my game), setting the Thri-Kreen on a new path with a new Emperor.

The current rules seems to work well for that.