Summon Dragon
- Level: 5
- School: Conjuration
- Class: Wizard
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: 60 feet
- Components: V, S, M (an object with the image of a dragon engraved on it worth 500+ GP)
- Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
You call forth a Dragon spirit. It manifests in an unoccupied space that you can see within range and uses the Draconic Spirit stat block. The creature disappears when it drops to 0 Hit Points or when the spell ends.
The creature is an ally to you and your allies. In combat, the creature shares your Initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately after yours. It obeys your verbal commands (no action required by you). If you don't issue any, it takes the Dodge action and uses its movement to avoid danger.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. Use the spell slot's level for the spell's level in the stat block.
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Large Dragon, Neutral AC 14 + the spell's level HP 50 + 10 for each spell level above 5 Speed 30 ft., Fly 60 ft., Swim 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 (+4) | 14 (+2) | 17 (+3) | 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) |
Resistances Acid, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Poison Immunities Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned Senses Blindsight 30 ft., Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 12 Languages Draconic, understands the languages you know CR None (XP 0; PB equals your Proficiency Bonus)
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Shared Resistances. When you summon the spirit, choose one of its Resistances. You have Resistance to the chosen damage type until the spell ends.
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Multiattack. The spirit makes a number of Rend attacks equal to half the spell's level (round down), and it uses Breath Weapon.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: Bonus equals your spell attack modifier, reach 10 feet. Hit: 1d6 + 4 + the spell's level Piercing damage.
Breath Weapon. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC equals your spell save DC, each creature in a 30-foot cone. Failure: 2d6 damage of a type this spirit has Resistance to (your choice when you cast the spell). Success: Half damage.
Tactical Usage
Powerful Combat Ally. Summon Dragon provides a formidable combat companion with strong offensive capabilities, multiple attacks, and useful resistances.
Versatile Mobility Options. The dragon spirit offers flying, swimming, and ground movement, enabling tactical positioning across diverse battlefield conditions.
Scaling Damage Output. The spirit's attacks and hit points scale with spell level, maintaining effectiveness throughout character progression.
Spell Combinations
Defensive Enhancement. Combining with protective magic strengthens the dragon spirit's survivability during extended combat encounters.
Positioning Support. Using alongside movement magic enables optimal placement of both caster and summoned dragon for maximum tactical advantage.
Concentration Protection. Pairing with defensive spells protects the caster's concentration, ensuring the dragon spirit remains active throughout combat.
Material Component Details
Dragon Engraved Object. The spell requires an expensive object worth at least 500 gold pieces featuring dragon imagery for magical focus.
Artistic Investment Component. The engraved dragon serves as both material component and symbolic connection to draconic magical essence.
Reusable Focus Item. The component is not consumed, allowing repeated casting once the initial investment is made.
Creator Notes
High-Level Summoning Magic. Summon Dragon represents powerful conjuration magic that creates temporary but formidable draconic allies.
Balanced Scaling Design. The spell scales effectively with slot level while maintaining reasonable power limitations for its spell level.
Resource Investment Balance. The expensive material component prevents abuse while providing substantial combat value.
Environmental Interactions
Multi-Terrain Mobility. The dragon spirit's varied movement modes enable operation in aquatic, aerial, and terrestrial environments.
Size Considerations. As a Large creature, the dragon spirit requires adequate space for summoning and maneuvering during combat.
Resistance Sharing. The shared resistance feature provides defensive benefits to the caster based on environmental damage threats.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Initiative Sharing. The dragon spirit shares the caster's initiative count but takes its turn immediately after the caster.
Command Requirements. The spirit requires verbal commands to take specific actions, defaulting to Dodge action without instructions.
Scaling Mechanics. All statistical improvements scale with the spell slot level used for casting.
Duration Limitations. The spirit disappears when reaching 0 hit points or when the spell duration ends.
Alternative Applications
Exploration Support. Using the dragon spirit's senses and mobility for reconnaissance and area exploration beyond combat.
Transportation Aid. Leveraging the dragon's flight and swimming capabilities for party movement across difficult terrain.
Intimidation Presence. Employing the draconic appearance for social encounters requiring impressive or threatening displays.
Related Spells
Summoning Spell Comparison. Various summoning spells create different creature types, while Summon Dragon focuses on draconic magical beings.
Conjuration School Progression. The spell represents high-level conjuration magic in the tradition of creature summoning.
Dragon Magic Connection. The spell connects to draconic magical themes without requiring actual dragon involvement.
Scaling Analysis
Linear Power Growth. The dragon spirit's statistics scale linearly with spell slot level, maintaining consistent relative power.
Combat Effectiveness Maintenance. The scaling ensures the summoned creature remains viable in higher-level encounters.
Resource Value Optimization. Higher-level casting provides excellent value for the significant spell slot investment.
Narrative Flavor
Draconic Spirit Manifestation. The summoned creature should appear as a spectral or magical dragon rather than a true dragon.
Elemental Dragon Variety. The chosen resistance type should influence the dragon's appearance and breath weapon manifestation.
Magical Bond Connection. The relationship between caster and dragon spirit should emphasize magical partnership rather than domination.