So let's say that I'm running a generic Sorcerer with the Draconic Bloodline and taking 8 levels of Dragon Disciple as soon as I can. Figure levels 1-5 Sorcerer, then 6-13 DD, then 14-20 Sorcerer. When do I get bonus Bloodline feats? When do I get bonus Bloodline spells?
The class feature of Disciple states:
Blood of Dragons
A dragon disciple adds his level to his sorcerer levels when determining the powers gained from his bloodline. If the dragon disciple does not have levels of sorcerer, he instead gains bloodline powers of the draconic bloodline, using his dragon disciple level as his sorcerer level to determine the bonuses gained. He must choose a dragon type upon gaining his first level in this class and that type must be the same as his sorcerer type. This ability does not grant bonus spells to a sorcerer unless he possesses spell slots of an appropriate level. Such bonus spells are automatically granted if the sorcerer gains spell slots of the spell's level.
That seems fairly explanatory but its not, particularly in the case of Bloodline feats. At no point in the Disciple's advancement do you actually see Bloodline Spells granted - but the above text specifically makes mention of when you get access to bonus spells, limiting it only by whether or not the sorcerer can cast a spell of that level. What then about feats - not the feats granted by the levels of Disciple, but by the levels of Sorcerer that supposedly stack with them?
A 7th level Sorcerer is slated to get his first Bloodline feat. Does that mean that I get that feat at 7th level (Sorcerer 5 + Disciple 2), or at 15th level (Sorcerer 5 + Disciple 8 + 2 more levels of Sorcerer)?
It seems the confusing term is 'powers', since there are Bloodline Powers and then abilities granted by your Bloodline (Spells, feats, arcana, etc.). I believe that when they mention Bloodline powers for the purposes of stacking, they mean ALL the benefits of the Bloodline, supported by them specifying when you can and can't get Bloodline spells... but I'm looking for someone to either confirm that or to refute it and explain why.
Thanks in advance - I know I can't be the only person trying to figure this out.
For everything but feats, dragon disciple level +sorcerer level.
For feats use dragon disciple.
For everything but feats, dragon disciple level +sorcerer level.
For feats use dragon disciple.
Yep, if you read closely the Bloodline Feats are separated from the Bloodline powers in the Sorcerer descriptions. So the Dragon Disciple has its own unique bloodline feat progression.
Bloodline spells can be a bit wonky because you don't gain spellcasting at every level of Dragon Disciple, so it's a little harder to calculate, but the information is on the right side of the DD table.
You'll get fly at level 7 (5+2) (when your level 3 spells unlock)
You'll get Fear at level 9 (5+4) (when your level 4 spells unlock)
You'll get Spell Resistance at level 13 (5+7) (when your level 5 spells unlock).
You'll get Form of the Dragon I at level 15 (5+10)
For everything but feats, dragon disciple level +sorcerer level.
For feats use dragon disciple.
So it puts the Sorcerer-granted feats on hold?
I appreciate the quick response, but I can find absolutely nothing supporting that 'unspoken exception' in the rules surrounding the two classes. Has it been errata'ed, a FAQ answered on it or something? Any kind of link to something that will make it clear would be much appreciated.
I appreciate the quick response, but I can find absolutely nothing supporting that 'unspoken exception' in the rules surrounding the two classes. Has it been errata'ed, a FAQ answered on it or something? Any kind of link to something that will make it clear would be much appreciated.
There is no unspoken exception, the "bonus feats" is a byproduct of the Sorcerer Class' bloodline feature. As you're no longer taking levels in sorcerer you don't use that part of the table. Just like you don't gain spellcasting at every level because you're no longer a sorcerer, you're a dragon disciple. Different rules stipulated by the Dragon Disciple Class. Blood of dragons specifically deals with Bloodline Powers and Bloodline Spells and omits feats.
Could it be clearer? Yeah.