PrC's for Duskblades?

[Kaisius]

Duskblades were what sold me on the PHB II. I'm playing one in AoW and have been looking a possible PrC to go into, but I haven't found one I like. The best I've found so far is Dragon Disciple, but it'll push my 5TH level spells out of reach. I'd like one that continues my spell advancement. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you, for your time and attention.

[ericthecleric]

I'm not sure that I would take levels in a PrC. Continuing to 20th-level would give you arcane channeling (full attack), quick cast 4/day, spell power +5, and up to 6 5th-level spells (the latter could give you 6 quickened true strike spells, or chain lightning and/or disintegrate).
If you did want to dilute the duskblade levels though, I'd recommend taking a level or two of swordsage or warblade- both from Tome of Battle- but leave gaining them until the last minute (because half your duskblade levels would count towards gaining maneuvers, for example, if you took a level in swordsage at 19th-level, you'd be able to pick 5th-level maneuvers right then).

[Vattnisse]

I love the Duskblade too. However, to my mind, one of the nicer things about the PHB2 core classes was that the way they are set up discourages multiclassing and PrC's, and thus reduces the class-shopping some players are prone to.

I agree with you, though - if you want a PrC, the best bet might be Dragon Disciple. If you have a good Cha score, a couple of levels of Blackguard wouldn't hurt, either -- those save bonuses are golden.

[RolandStJude]

I agree. The best thing for a duskblade is probably more duskblade. One idea I'm working on now is a Duskblade 9/Swordsage1/Jade Phoenix Mage 10. The Duskblade and JPM seem well-matched and (unless you want to spend feats on it) you need the Swordsage to give you the prerequisites for JPM.

Anyone else think this is a cool idea? Am I off my rocker? I could post more of a build if you're interested.

[ericthecleric]

Your Jade Phoenix build might be good- I don't have the book in front of me at the moment, having lent the book to a player for a game I'm runing on Monday. Can you remind me what the benefits are (aside from +1 spellcaster levels)?

[RolandStJude]

+1 CL at 8/10 levels(not 1st or 6th), full BAB, good fort save, 1 manuever every other level, 1 stance every third level, and then some class abilities that dovetail nicely with what a duskblade is already trying to do.

For example, the first one allows you to sacrifice an arcane spell slot to for +4/+Xd10 to your next melee attack. (X = the level of the spell you've given up.) Others allow you to follow a successful martial strike attack with a spell that gets free metamagic effect. So if you make a sucessful martial strike, your next spell is quickened or empowered.

So you you could quick cast True Strike make a martial strike (like Shadow Garrote, a 5d6 ranged touch attack) and follow that up with a quick cast free Empowered Shocking Grasp delivered via sword.

They dovetail well flavorwise, too.

[ericthecleric]

Sounds good to me.

[Kaisius]

Thank you, everyone, for your comments. I had just about decided to stick to duskblade (the PHB II even recommends that as the best bet). I was just wanting to see what my options were. Thanks again.