Shadow Dragon (Wizard Spell)

Used almost exclusively by shadow dragons, this spell allows a dragon to transform itself into pure “shadowstuff.” While so transformed, the dragon retains all of its powers and abilities, including spell-use, breath weapon, and so forth. In dim, shadowy areas, a shadow dragon can hide in shadows with a 90% chance of suc­cess, and the dragon is totally invisible in utter darkness (either magical or natural).
Once in this form (and during the one full round it takes for the dragon to transform), the dragon is impervious to most attacks, though it is not entirely invulnerable. Attacks that can harm a shadow dragon include:
* Light-based spells inflict 1d6 points of damage per spell level for each round a shadow dragon remains in their area of effect. Thus, a light or a faerie fire spell in­flicts 1d6 points of damage per round of ex­posure, a continual light inflicts 3d6, and the light of a prismatic sphere inflicts 9d6 points of damage each round a shadow dragon remains within its radiance. Spells that create a flash or burst effect inflict double this damage, but allow a saving throw vs. spell for half damage. All other spells will not harm a shadow dragon unless specifically designed to affect shadows or creatures composed of shadow, or dragonkind in general. (White fireball and other fire-based spells do shed some light; they are not considered light-based for purposes of this spell.)
* Normal weapons do not harm a shadow dragon unless augmented with a light-based spell, in which case damage is inflicted as above, according to the spell used (the weapon itself inflicts no damage, nor do bonuses from magic or high Strength scores). An augmented weapon implies the use of a light, continual light, or similar spell that has been placed directly on the weapon.
* Magical weapons inflict damage equal to their magical bonus. If augmented with a light-based spell, the light damage and the magical damage are combined. Strength bonuses and normal weapon damage are ex­cluded. Magical weapons that normally shed light inflict damage as an augmented weapon, as described above.
* Full sunlight immediately negates the spell and forces the dragon back into its true form. The change occurs in a single round, during which time the dragon is helpless and can do nothing other than suffer through the forced transformation. Opponents gain a free round of attacks. While the transforma­tion takes place, the light-based attacks noted above have no effect, but other attack forms have normal effects.
Notes: Restricted to dragons. Uncommon for shadow dragons: otherwise, very rare. (Updated from Dragon Magazine.)
Category:Wizard Spells
Category:Spells from Wizard's Spell Compendium
Category:Spell from Cult of the Dragon
Category:Spells