I was rummaging for ideas for a future character, and I am interested in a draconic-theme character. A (multiclass?) sorcerer aiming for Dragon Disciple sounded appealing, but something has been irking me for a while about the PrC - the capstone seems unimpressive. Form of the Dragon 2? Thanks, but a sorcerer will likely be close to casting that on their own by then if they didn't just dip in sorcerer before entering the PrC. I've often enough heard the opinion that the last two levels of the PrC just aren't worth it - and I wanted to do something about it. So instead of getting a rather unimpressive spell-like, why not get the half-dragon template like in 3.5?
I realize that would be a significant power increase, but most classes and PrCs already have impressive capstone abilities - and this would certainly be one well worth the lost caster level. I am a bit worried if it won't be a bit too good, though, and if whether an additional lost spellcasting level (i.e. no new casting at levels 1,4,7,10) won't be necessary to offset it.
What do you think? Has anyone tweaked the PrC like that before?
My group hasn't messed with it too much, but we have switched out the str bonus for cha if the character was going to be caster focused instead of melee based. How would that change things for you?
I recommend just taking 8 levels of dragon disciple. Get that extra spellcasting level as opposed to sacrificing it by taking that 9th level dragon disciple.
I recommend just taking 8 levels of dragon disciple. Get that extra spellcasting level as opposed to sacrificing it by taking that 9th level dragon disciple.
That would be the usual course, sure, but I don't want that. I am looking for a way to make those last 2 levels worthwhile and provide a better end to a PrC focused on exploring one's draconic heritage.
It`s not a good comparison to full Sorceror.
Taking only 1 level of Sorceror with Fighter/Barbarian/Paladin filling out the levels to qualify for DD is much more productive, or using Bard to qualify instead (which has great Archetypes in APG and now UC). I suppose Rogue/Ninja is do-able also, though I haven`t tried it or seen it in play.
It will not have the heights of spell-casting, but the real basis for comparison is a full melee class, or a melee-sorceror multiclass (+Eldritch Knight?), which it stands up to well (if barely). Search for other threads discussing Dragon Disciple, they explore that aspect further.
Even in the low-casting/heavy-melee case, I find the last 2 levels of the PrC to not be useful. Either Eldritch Knight, more Melee classes, or more Sorceror/Bard levels are all going to be a better idea at mid-high levels.
I don`t see how anybody would not belive you that you have Draconic heriage at that point, so I don`t see any flavor issue with not taking the last 2 levels. Just pretend it`s an 8 level PrC if you really need to.
The thing is, I am aware that the last two levels are generally considered "unproductive." I am looking for ways to make them desirable. They seem too weak now - so why not make them better? Giving the full half-dragon template would imo, certainly go some way towards that end. The question is - does it go far enough, and does it go too far?
The thing is, I am aware that the last two levels are generally considered "unproductive." I am looking for ways to make them desirable. They seem too weak now - so why not make them better? Giving the full half-dragon template would imo, certainly go some way towards that end. The question is - does it go far enough, and does it go too far?
Depends on the power level of your game. 20 point with standard WBCL.... I say no for level 16 PC but if was for level 20 then I would say yes.