Editing Athasian Dragon (section)

===Metamorphosis Stages===
[[File:Athasian dragon metamorphosis 2E.jpg|thumb|right|An illustration of the gradual change]]
'''21st-level dragon:''' A dragon character who reaches 21st level makes the first in a series of ten alterations to its physical form. When completed, the humanoid form of the dragon doubles in mass to 350 pounds. The dragon may retain its original height and simply gain bulk, may grow as tall as 8 feet, or may simply grow more dense. Physical changes are uncontrollable and unpredictable. Though it still retains humanoid characteristics, the dragon's face elongates slightly and its nostrils lengthen. The dragon's spine becomes more pronounced, and rudimentary scales appear on the shoulders and back. THAC0 remains 11.

'''22nd-level dragon:''' Here the dragon's physical
form changes still further, increasing to around 450
pounds and as tall as 10 feet. Its face elongates further and the first hints of scales appear on its lengthened snout. The dragon's spine becomes still more pronounced, and the stub of a tail appears. The dragon's THAC0 improves to 10.

'''23rd-level dragon:''' The dragon grows to around 650 pounds and gains another foot in height. All limbs lengthen drastically, including fingers and toes. The dragon's neck also lengthens, lifting its now reptilian head and face far above its shoulders; all hair vanishes by this level. THAC0 becomes 9.

'''24th-level dragon:''' The dragon's humanoid origins can hardly be recognized. Its weight increases to nearly 900 pounds and it can be as much as 12 feet long. Tough scales, now everywhere but the underbelly and the underside of its limbs, grant a natural Armor Class of 4. The legs become strikingly inhuman, developing huge thighs and a hard angled, bony calf and taloned foot. At this level the dragon may also hunch severely at shoulder and waist, and can move either upright or on all four limbs at a rate of 15. Its wicked claws give two attacks per round (2d10 damage). THAC0 drops to an 8.

'''25th-level dragon:''' Now fully 12 feet long from snout to growing tail, the dragon weighs around 1,600 pounds. Its scales give AC 0 and now have a magical enchantment that allows only weapons of +1 or better magic to hit. The dragon's jaws protrude remarkably, allowing a bite attack that inflicts 4d12 damage. The dragon enters a period of uncontrolled savagery known as its "animalistic period". THAC0 falls to 7.

'''26th-level dragon:''' By this time, the 2,000-pound form is completely hunched but can still stand erect at its full 16-foot height at times. Its scales have improved to AC -2. The hind legs have strengthened, allowing a jump of 5' per round. Also, its great claws now inflict 2d10 + 5 points of damage, with a THAC0 of 5.

'''27th-level dragon:''' With this new level, the dragon nearly doubles its weight to 4,000 pounds (2 tons) and a length of 20 feet. Its armor improves to AC -4. With the progressing metamorphosis, it can now use its breath weapon, a cone of superheated sand 5' wide at its base, 50' long, and 100' in diameter at the far end, inflicting 10d12 damage, with a THAC0 of 3.

'''28th-level dragon:''' The dragon's weight increases to 10,000 pounds (5 tons), and its length reaches to 25 feet, mostly due to its full-grown tail. The tail can attack (5d10 damage). Also, the dragon's claws now inflict 2d10 + 10 damage each. Hide and scales lend it AC -6 and immunity to weapons of less than +2 magical enchantment. Also, the dragon has a natural magic resistance of 20% at this level. THAC0 drops to 1.

'''29th-level dragon:''' The dragon is 30 feet long and 20,000 pounds (10 tons). Wings sprout at this level, but only give 18 (C) flying speed. Armor improves to AC -8 and magic resistance to 40% . The breath weapon inflicts 20d12 damage. At the end of this experience level, the dragon's animalistic period draws to a close, and cold cunning and reason once again take control. At 29th level, the dragon's THAC0 becomes -1 .

'''30th-level dragon:''' This final stage of the metamorphosis leaves the humanoid form completely behind in favor of a pure dragon, 40 feet long and 50,000 pounds (25 tons). Its wings are fully developed, allowing 45 (A) flying movement. Scales give AC -10 and magic resistance of 80%. Attacks improve to 2d10 + 15 damage each; breath weapon reaches its maximum 25d12 damage. THAC0 is -3 .