[RPG] How to a non-Dragonborn gain a breath weapon

breath-weapondnd-5eracial-traits

Is it possible, using official material only (i.e. not homebrew, although if Unearthed Arcana has something, I'd be interested in that, but ideally official material) for one to gain a recharging breath weapon (i.e. not something that's a one-time use like a potion of fire breath) besides the following:

  • Being a Dragonborn
  • Learning the dragon's breath spell from Xanathar's Guide to Everything (not strictly a recharging breath weapon, since it's actually a spell, but I thought I'd include it anyway)

Are there any other ways to gain a breath weapon? I don't mind what kind of damage it does (if there are ways that force you to have a breath weapon of a specific type without letting you choose).

Best Answer

Use spells to turn into a dragon

Using true polymorph you can turn yourself into any creature whose CR is equal to or less than yours. Even at level 1 this would enable you to turn into a dragon with a breath weapon.

With true polymorph, the caster concentrating on the spell for an hour would allow you to remain as a dragon until the spell is dispelled.

Of course, this is not ideal for a few reasons. For example, you are now a dragon without access to your class features and true polymorph is a 9th level spell and thus won't be accessible until very high level (if at all).

Shapechange works almost the exact same way except it lets you also keep class features. But it also doesn't become permanent at the end of the duration.

Wish is also an option

As always, wish is an option. You couldn't duplicate the effects of shapechane or true polymorph because they are too high of a level, but you could wish for a breath weapon or wish to be a dragon. Of course, as this is a non-standard use of wish, the 33% of never being able to cast it again apply as well as giving your DM the opportunity to twist the wish however they like. But it is an option.