So the
s a bit weak to be perfectly honest.
It's stats are as follows:
HP: 98
STR 20
DEX 14
CON 16
INT 10
WIS 10
CHA 8
It has got AC of 16, no resistances, no condition immunities, nothing. A one on one fight between it and the boss at the Grymforge it would probably lose 9/10, due to reliance on bleed mechanics.
In fact, I would argue it’s similar to wildshape, which are both plagued by similar issues, this form even more so. Of course, I haven’t thoroughly tested it in a fight, but compared to some of the broken spells, items and classess, it comes up short.
AC of 16 is good in ACT 1, but you can only get this form in ACT 2, at which point it becomes lacklustre. Before you yell at me for not taking into account, an AC rising skill, I know it exists. But it takes a while to get going and doesn’t make up for the rest of the problems. There are already builds with AC of 48 or something as crazy.
To make matters worse, it has got similar issues to wildshape, but further exagarrated:
-It doesn’t benefit from any items, none whatsoever.
-If you have got a class or race with some amazing features like most of them probably won’t work.
-By replacing the stats of your character, it makes certain classes simply worse, mostly those reliant on CHA, WIS or INT.
-It's complete lack of immunities, resistances and good saving throws, makes it worse than a well build fighter, paladin, etc. Especially with certain rare items.
-You can only use it once per long rest.
-It seems to retain your saving throw proficiencies and maybe some racial features.
In comparison, here are the stats of CR 10 Young Red Dragon, which is weaker than an Elder Brain (CR 14):
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 178 (17d10 + 85)
Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft., fly 80 ft.
STR 23 (+6)
DEX 10 (+0)
CON 21 (+5)
WIS 14 (+2)
INT 11 (+0)
CHA 19 (+4)
Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +9, Wis +4, Cha +8
Skills Perception +8, Stealth +4
Damage Immunities fire
Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 18.
It also has got 3 attacks and fire breath, which deals 16d6 fire damage in a huge area. And it's nowhere near as powerful as our characters can get with some of the items.
Evil paths are already missing out on content, making rewards for being evil lacklustre when compared to being good, really not worth it. This form should be tempting not just for RP reasons.
