Rarely do individuals willingly embrace the transition into creatures of the night; instead, it is often thrust upon them. Cursed by malevolent forces, subjected to horrifying experiments, or ensnared by the sinister designs of dark entities—these are all catalysts that may precipitate a transformation. Yet, there are instances where individuals actively seek out such metamorphoses. Whether lured by the promise of power or driven by the pursuit of lofty goals, some may choose to embark on this path voluntarily.
Following this initial discussion, it is imperative to ensure that you fulfill all prerequisites associated with the transformation. These prerequisites can be categorized into two types: mechanical and roleplay requirements. Mechanical prerequisites encompass criteria such as ability scores, spellcasting proficiency, and other mechanical features. Roleplay prerequisites, on the other hand, involve in-game actions and character development that justify the initiation of the transformation. While it is advisable to accomplish these milestones within the context of the game itself rather than solely through backstory, alternative paths to fulfilling prerequisites may be explored in consultation with your GM.
Transformation Progression
While transformations are milestone achievements and each level comes with a flaw, transformations still represent a significant increase in power. For this reason, the following level table is a guide for when players should be able to level up a transformation. After all, only the strongest survive such an ordeal. Note that not all transformations will be able to follow this due to prerequisites. In this case, characters can reach higher transformation levels at higher class levels.
| Transformation Level | Class Level Range | Hit Dice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 – 4 | 1d4 |
| 2 | 5 – 10 | 1d4 |
| 3 | 11 – 16 | 1d4 |
| 4 | 17+ | 1d4 |
Removing a Transformation
Reversing a transformation is an incredibly difficult process. The changes that have occurred in a character have fundamentally altered their biology, and perhaps their mind. However, anything is possible in a magical world. To cure a transformation, treat it as a curse. The curse level of a transformation is equal to the character’s transformation level. Rather than casting remove curse with the cure components, the regenerate spell must be cast with the cure components instead. A character that has reached the 4th level of a transformation, or that has been transformed for longer than one year, can only be cured by a wish spell. If a character is killed and resurrected, the GM decides if they are resurrected with transformation levels.
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