The following rules provide players and GMs with the tools to see the characters slowly become grim monsters. From dread-inducing werewolves to all-powerful liches, from bloodthirsty vampires to plane-touched seraphs, the below Transformations are available to characters.

Individuals rarely choose to transform into monstrous beings. Most often, they have an affliction forced upon them. Foul curses, horrific experiments, and the diabolical machinations of fiends, vampires, and other dark agents are all examples of how a character might start a Transformation.

Beginning a Transformation

There are times, however, when a character may wish to begin a Transformation of their own volition. Perhaps they have succumbed to the lure of power, or they see it as the only way to achieve a greater goal. Regardless, the first step in any Transformation should involve a discussion between the player, the GM, and the rest of the players involved in the campaign. Intentions should be clearly stated, as certain Transformations may not be suitable for the campaign’s setting or story.

Transformation Stages

Each Transformation has four stages. A new stage of a Transformation is reached when a certain milestone or trigger occurs. A list of potential general milestones or triggers is shown below. Additionally, each individual Transformation contains more specific triggers or milestones that can be used to dictate when a Transformation reaches a new stage.

Universal Milestones or Triggers

The following milestones or triggers might cause the beginning of a Transformation, or they may cause a Transformation to move to a new stage.

• Undertaking an exceptionally evil (or good) act

• Completing an ancient ritual

• Obtaining a powerful artifact

• Being cursed by a dark agent

• Being exalted by a patron or divinity

• Making a pact with a powerful fey creature

• Stumbling upon an area infused with great power

Class Levels and Transformation Stages

While Transformations are milestone- or trigger-based achievements, and each Transformation stage comes with a Flaw, Transformations still represent a significant increase in power. For this reason, it is recommended that players and GMs use the Character Level/Transformation Stage table as a guide for when players should be able to increase to the next stage of a Transformation.

Transformation Boons and Flaws

When the prerequisites for a Transformation are met and the Transformation begins, the character undergoing the Transformation is considered to be at Stage 1 of the Transformation.

At this point, the player should follow the instructions for selecting the Boons and Flaws for Stage 1. For some Transformations, the character may have to choose among various options. Similarly, some Transformations may require a character to select more than one Boon or Flaw at a given stage of Transformation.

Curing Transformations

Once the character reaches Stage 1 of a Transformation, no typical magic like Remove Curse can remove the affliction. Magic on the level of the Wish spell or special rituals are needed to completely remove the Transformation and its boons and flaws.