Purple Dragon Breath (Evocation) (Alchemy) Level: 7 Range: Varies Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 3 Duration: 3 rds. Area of Effect: Varies Saving Throw: Special A purple dragon's breath weapon is composed of pure magical energy, formed from a deadly combination of the lightning and fire of its blue and red parents. The dragon's breath can take on three different forms of attack: as a cone of searing energy, a burst of blinding power, or a deadly blade of pure energy. In its cone form, the purple dragon's breath weapon deals about as much damage as other dragons, although the magical energy it exudes makes the breath much deadlier than the usual dragon. Creatures have to be dexterous to avoid maximum damage. In its burst form, the dragon's energy manifests as a blinding flash. All creatures that were within the ability's radius (80 feet) must be incredibly hardy or will be permanently blinded. In the breath weapon's final form, the dragon forms a blade of energy that is used to slash through its enemies. The dragon uses the blade as a weapon within its normal melee reach. It gains iterative attacks with this weapon as per its base attack bonus, but never more than four such attacks. The blade ignores all physical barriers, allowing the dragon to make close-ranged attacks to strike its foes, including those within claw's reach. Again, creatures have to be dexterous to avoid suffering on the receiving end of this attack. Because of the energy nature of the blade, the dragon does not utilize its strength to dictate any additional damage. The dragon usually uses this attack in addition to its other physical attacks, although it cannot use a bite in the same round it attacks with its blade, as the blade of breath comes from its mouth. When the dragon is finished attacking, the blade dissipates. Purple dragons use the cone form against a small number of very dangerous enemies, such as adventurers. The cloudburst form is used against a large number of moderately dangerous enemies, such as a detachment of archers. Focusing the energy into a blade shape produces the greatest effect against one very powerful opponent, such as another dragon. Moreover, the searing hole burned straight through the target does not heal by normal means, so badly had the body around the wound is burned and shocked. [[Cure Disease]] has to be cast upon each wound before natural healing may begin. If the attacking purple dragon is fortunate in unleashing its attack with maximum accuracy, an opponent's limbs are severed as if struck by a [[Sword of Sharpness]]. The energy's sudden brilliance, in any of its shaped forms, is eye-searing, causing anything within a 120-degree arc in front of the dragon's head to be struck blind. During daylight, blindness lasts two melee rounds per age category of the dragon. In twilight or by torchlight, three rounds per age category, and if the dragon is encountered at night, four rounds per age category. The blindness is temporary. If the victim must be returned to sight immediately, such as to fight without penalty, blindness can be ended immediately by the use of [[Cure Blindness]]. | Caster Level | Dragon Age | Breath Damage | | ------------ | ---------- | ------------- | | 14 | 4 | 8d8+8 | | 15-17 | 5 | 10d8+10 | | 18-20 | 6 | 12d8+12 | | 21-23 | 7 | 14d8+14 | | 24+ | 8 | 16d8+16 | [[Dragon Breath (overview)]]