Can Wizards Turn Into Dragons? Unveiling the Secrets of Draconic Transformation in D&D
The short answer, in the world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), is a resounding yes, but with caveats. While wizards don’t inherently possess dragon-transforming abilities, the potent spells Shapechange and True Polymorph offer pathways, albeit temporary, to assume the form of a magnificent dragon. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this draconic transformation.
The Power of Shapechange
Understanding the Mechanics
The Shapechange spell, accessible to both Druids and Wizards, is a 9th-level transmutation spell that allows the caster to transform into a different creature for the duration. The key limitation is that the creature’s challenge rating (CR) must be equal to or lower than the caster’s level. A level 20 wizard, therefore, could transform into an ancient-sized Brass or White Dragon, as pointed out by Karaziox on Twitter, indefinitely, for as long as the spell remains active and the dragon form’s hit points aren’t reduced to zero.
Limitations of Shapechange
It’s crucial to understand that Shapechange is not permanent. While the duration can last for an extended period, concentration is required. If the wizard loses concentration (through damage, incapacitation, or choice), or if the dragon form is reduced to 0 hit points, the wizard reverts to their original form. Furthermore, the wizard retains their class features while in dragon form. This means they can still potentially cast spells (if the dragon form allows for verbal and somatic components) and utilize other wizard abilities.
The Allure of True Polymorph
A More Permanent Transformation
The True Polymorph spell, another 9th-level transmutation spell available to wizards, offers a potentially longer-lasting transformation. With True Polymorph, a wizard can turn a creature (themselves included) into another creature permanently, provided they maintain concentration for the spell’s full duration.
Dragonic Possibilities with True Polymorph
Yes, you can True Polymorph into an ancient brass dragon. As the rules dictate, an ancient brass dragon is a creature, not a shapechanger, and possesses an appropriate CR for a high-level wizard. Therefore, a wizard can transform themselves or another creature into an ancient brass dragon. The transformation becomes permanent if you maintain concentration for the full hour duration.
Breaking the Spell
Despite its near-permanence, True Polymorph is not invincible. The spell can be dispelled, or the transformed creature can revert to its original form under specific circumstances outlined in the spell description. However, unlike Shapechange, losing concentration after the initial casting does not end the effect.
Casting Spells as a Dragon
Dragon Magic
The ability to cast spells as a dragon hinges on whether the specific dragon form is capable of speech and spellcasting. While not all dragons possess innate spellcasting abilities, some, like Gold dragons, are known to be powerful spellcasters. The article notes that if a dragon can speak, it can cast spells, often possessing access to a range of magic-user (MU) spells.
Retaining Wizard Abilities
If a level 20 Wizard uses the Shapechange spell to become an Ancient Brass Dragon, then they retain all their Wizard class features. This can be a massive advantage as they can add their spells in addition to any magical abilities the dragon itself may possess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wizards and Draconic Transformation
1. Can a wizard permanently become a dragon?
No, not through standard spells. Shapechange offers a long-lasting, but temporary, transformation, while True Polymorph offers a potentially permanent transformation, but can still be dispelled or undone under certain conditions. There is no readily available, RAW (Rules As Written) way for a wizard to truly, irrevocably become a dragon.
2. What dragons can a level 20 wizard Shapechange into?
A level 20 wizard can Shapechange into any dragon with a challenge rating of 20 or lower. This includes ancient Brass and White dragons, as well as younger dragons of other types.
3. Does a wizard retain their mental stats after using Shapechange or True Polymorph?
Yes. Both Shapechange and True Polymorph allow you to retain your Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. You gain the physical attributes of the new form (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution), but your mental acuity remains intact.
4. Can a dragon use wizard spells after being True Polymorphed from a wizard?
Yes. If a wizard is True Polymorphed into a dragon and the spell becomes permanent (concentration is maintained for the full duration), the dragon retains the wizard’s Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. If that dragon has the ability to cast spells, they could cast the wizard’s spells.
5. What happens if a wizard is killed while in dragon form from Shapechange?
The wizard reverts to their original form, and their hit points are reduced according to the damage taken in dragon form. If the damage exceeds their remaining hit points in wizard form, they die.
6. What happens if a wizard is killed while in dragon form from True Polymorph?
The same thing that would happen to any dragon of the dragon’s type. The wizard still retains their original intelligence but is now essentially a dragon of whatever type they were polymorphed into.
7. Can a dragon Shapechange into a human?
Some dragons, particularly metallic dragons, have the innate ability to Change Shape into humanoids or animals. This is typically a specific ability granted to certain dragon types, not a universal dragon spell. Whether a dragon can acquire the Shapechange spell and use it to transform into something beyond their innate abilities would be up to the Dungeon Master.
8. Is there a way for a wizard to gain permanent dragon-like abilities without transforming?
Potentially through magic items, blessings from powerful draconic entities, or very specific and powerful rituals that are not explicitly described in the Player’s Handbook. Such methods would be highly dependent on the DM and the campaign setting. The possibilities are endless, limited only by the creativity of the players and the DM.
9. What’s the strongest creature a wizard can True Polymorph into at level 20?
The limit is set by CR, and a level 20 wizard can turn into a creature with a challenge rating of 20 or lower. Specific creature choices depend on the desired attributes and abilities. Many powerful demons, celestials, and dragons fall within this CR range.
10. Can you breed dragons who were True Polymorphed into a dragon?
The article stated that some dragons could not breed because they were incompatible. True Polymorph does not generally alter the underlying biology of the target creature in such a way to make them able to breed. It transforms them, body and soul, into a creature of the new type. Whether or not the creature can breed would depend on the specifics of the new form.
11. Do dragons have an alignment in D&D?
Yes. Dragons are traditionally categorized into chromatic (evil) and metallic (good) alignments, although individual dragons may deviate from these norms. This alignment often dictates their behavior, motivations, and interactions with other creatures.
12. Can a wizard turn into a dragonborn?
Yes. As long as the Dragonborn meets the requirements for the Shapechange or True Polymorph spells. It would need to meet the challenge rating requirement.
13. What is the rarest dragon in D&D?
Platinum dragons are generally considered the rarest, often embodying the archetype of good-aligned metallic dragons. They are sometimes considered to be unique and are the chosen form of the god Bahamut.
14. Can dragons learn magic from wizards?
True dragons possess a natural affinity for magic. The books suggest that they improve that magic with training and experience.
15. Is turning into a dragon the only way to play D&D as a dragon?
Not at all! Consider playing a Dragonborn character. Or work with your Dungeon Master to create a unique character race that gives you draconic powers and features. There’s also the Drakewarden Ranger subclass that bonds with a draconic spirit.
Beyond the Spells: The Heart of Roleplaying
While the mechanics of transforming into a dragon are fascinating, the true magic lies in the storytelling. Consider the roleplaying implications of such a transformation. What are the wizard’s motivations for becoming a dragon? How does the transformation affect their personality, their goals, and their relationships with other characters? Are there any long-term side effects of repeatedly shifting between human and dragon forms? These are the questions that truly breathe life into your D&D game.
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Ultimately, the decision of whether to allow a wizard to transform into a dragon rests with the Dungeon Master. By understanding the rules, exploring the narrative possibilities, and embracing the spirit of collaborative storytelling, you can create memorable and epic moments in your D&D campaign. So, unleash your inner dragon and soar to new heights of adventure!