Reading through the new 2025 Monster Manual, I was reviewing the Shadow Dragon and noticed the adult version does not have any Spellcasting. I would like to create a version with Spellcasting, as an option to run in sessions.
I understand that adding spellcasting will change the CR.
I know that a Shadow Dragon could be any type/color of dragon that is transformed and has been 'stripped of their former color and luster'.
My initial thought was that what ever type of dragon they were, would influence what spellcasting they had, but then I thought about that their new environment changed them so much, even their Breath Weapon changed, so their spellcasting would have been affected as well, so I am now thinking unique spells.
Going with the theme of the Dragon, giving them the Darkness spell seems appropriate.
Given that IF their breath brings a creature to 0hp, they become a Shadow, I thought that, in addition, giving them the Summon Shadowspawn spell would be a good fit and make the battlefield more interesting.
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty. Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers; Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas. Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
Back in 3e Shadow Dragons were treated like a Sorcerer and had a few spells available to them such as: Mirror Image, Dimension Door and Nondetection and a spell called Shadow Walk which is basically Planeshift but only allowed travel to/from the Shadowfell. They could also learn spells from a few divine domains, for 5e purposes the only one that translates from 3e would be the Trickery Domain.
At Greatwyrm age they could also create darkness that was impossible to disperse with mundane or magical light and covered an area of 100 yards (or 300ft or 91meters) which would be similar to Maddening Darkness, maybe use it as a Lair action or regional effect for the Dragons lair.
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty. Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers; Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas. Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
Greetings D&D Beyond and Community,
Reading through the new 2025 Monster Manual, I was reviewing the Shadow Dragon and noticed the adult version does not have any Spellcasting.
I would like to create a version with Spellcasting, as an option to run in sessions.
I understand that adding spellcasting will change the CR.
I know that a Shadow Dragon could be any type/color of dragon that is transformed and has been 'stripped of their former color and luster'.
My initial thought was that what ever type of dragon they were, would influence what spellcasting they had, but then I thought about that their new environment changed them so much, even their Breath Weapon changed, so their spellcasting would have been affected as well, so I am now thinking unique spells.
Going with the theme of the Dragon, giving them the Darkness spell seems appropriate.
Given that IF their breath brings a creature to 0hp, they become a Shadow, I thought that, in addition, giving them the Summon Shadowspawn spell would be a good fit and make the battlefield more interesting.
What else though?
I also looked at Maddening Darkness, but that is an 8th level spell.
Thoughts/Suggestions?
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty.
Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers;
Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas.
Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
Back in 3e Shadow Dragons were treated like a Sorcerer and had a few spells available to them such as: Mirror Image, Dimension Door and Nondetection and a spell called Shadow Walk which is basically Planeshift but only allowed travel to/from the Shadowfell. They could also learn spells from a few divine domains, for 5e purposes the only one that translates from 3e would be the Trickery Domain.
At Greatwyrm age they could also create darkness that was impossible to disperse with mundane or magical light and covered an area of 100 yards (or 300ft or 91meters) which would be similar to Maddening Darkness, maybe use it as a Lair action or regional effect for the Dragons lair.
Rob76,
Thank you for the info, I was not aware of this as I never played 3e.
Both Plane Shift and Dimension Door would be interesting additions, and I like the idea of Plane Shift only linking to the Shadowfell.
Cheers!
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty.
Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers;
Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas.
Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
Wyrmling - Misty Step, Darkness
Adult Dragon - Dimension Door, Shadow of Moil, Blight or Vampiric Touch (modified so that it replaces a Claw Attack)
Ancient Dragon - Dimension Door (as a Legendary Action), Etherealness, Maddening Darkness
Greatwym - Maze, Maddening Darkness (at will), Psychic Scream, Dimension Door (as a Legendary Action), Plane Shift