How to qualify for Dragon Disciple with a non multiclass wizard?

[Xathrax]

Hello everyone,

While they aren't terribly efficient I am a fan of polymorph spells. The idea of turning into something scary seems quite fun to me.

The Dragon Disciple seems really great for this purpose as it's an easy +4 STR, additional natural armor and an amazing d12 HD.

While the sorcerer is the intended fit I don't like being an entire spell level behind as opposed to just 0,5. So what I'd like is to use the wizard instead. The Enchancement wizard gives an easy +2 to a physical ability score already at level 5 which is very nice.

The obvious problem is not having the ability to cast 1st-level arcane spells without preparation. So my question is - is there any way around it by level 5? After searching for a bit myself I see the Preffered Spell feat which seems to fit. Is there any reason this wouldn't work? Also perhaps there is some other way to achieve the same result? Keep in mind that I don't want to mix in a 3rd class.

If this works my next question would be if there are any feats/items that would let me progress my arcane school/bloodline since I can only progress one at a time. I am only aware of Robe of Arcane Heritage and of no feats.

Thanks for your time!

[LazarX]

No there isn't. Forget about the Dragon Disciple and consider going Eldritch Knight instead.

[Claxon]

I thought there was still some debate about whether or not a spell like ability that counted as arcane would fulfill the requirement.

Was this settled some place?

[Icyshadow]

Spell-like ability?

[Xathrax]

LazarX, you can't compare the Eldritch Knight with the Dragon Disciple. You don't get lots of extra ability scores, you don't get natural armor and you MUST multiclass as a wizard to qualify. So that's against every single point I made. Also why does Preffered Spell not qualify? It gives you the ability to spontaniously cast.

[Claxon]

Preferred Spell doesn't qualify you by itself.

The requirement is "the ability to cast 1st level arcane spells without preparation". So you would have to take it at least twice. That would then probably allow you to qualify.

@Icyshadow, is that a suggestion or question? I'm not sure what to make of your statement.

[LazarX]

Xathrax wrote:

LazarX, you can't compare the Eldritch Knight with the Dragon Disciple. You don't get lots of extra ability scores, you don't get natural armor and you MUST multiclass as a wizard to qualify. So that's against every single point I made. Also why does Preffered Spell not qualify? It gives you the ability to spontaniously cast.

He wants a PrC that's based as Wizard because he is a wizard already. He does not want to go sorcerer or bard. The EK gives him good BAB and D10 hit dice.

He can't get into Dragon Disciple unless he scrubs his wizard levels entirely, and goes sorcerer or bard, which he doesn't want to do.

Presumably he wants to go DD to mix it up in Melee, the Eldritch Knight is his best alternative that syncs with the class he has. He'll need one level of Fighter to qualify, so he'll have to compromise on that last.

[Xathrax]

He = me :)

For what I was trying to achieve the EK is not really good.

The Dragon disciple at level 4 gives you 3AC, 4Str, a breath weapon, a feat and d12 HD.
The EK gives you a feat, sucks up an additional caster level and has d10 HD.

If you compare these they are miles apart. Being proficient with weapons and armor is kinda pointless if I'm going to polymorph. Instead if I just go with more wizard levels I get to add +4 to a stat as a swift action and an additional spell level. In my mind this easily makes me a better melee combatant since I get access to better morphing spells.

[Mathaius Erinhir]

Best thing you can do is ask your GM how they perceive the feat. The downside is the arguments that it works are very shaky. There is nothing concrete that says it works or doesn't. Something to ponder though: a hedge witch can spontaneously cast cure spells. Does that mean they qualify for DD as well?

[Azten]

Spell-like abilities counts as spells for the purposes off qualifying for prestige a classes(feats, etc), and you don't prepare them. Grab an SLA and your good to go.

[ZanThrax]

Claxon wrote:

Preferred Spell doesn't qualify you by itself.

The requirement is "the ability to cast 1st level arcane spells without preparation". So you would have to take it at least twice. That would then probably allow you to qualify.

PDT has stated that one spell that you can cast more than once is good enough.

So to get a Wizard into DD, either Preferred Spell or an appropriately leveled SLA will work just fine.

[Tin Foil Yamakah]

Is this for PFS? If not how about not worrying about pre-req's for the "prestige "classes.

[Tinalles]

The DD entry requirements specify: "Ability to cast 1st-level arcane spells without preparation."

Per the FAQ on Spell-Like Abilities, Casting, and Prerequisites, a spell-like ability for an arcane spell would qualify. If you're being especially strict and want to enforce the plural "spells", then you'd need at least two.

And that, frankly, is not that hard. Pick up one from a racial trait -- there are quite a lot of alternate racial traits that grant spell-like abilities. Then pick up a second from Minor Spell Expertise at level 7. And there you go.

There may be some wizard schools that grant SLAs too, though the only one I can think of offhand is Creation, and the SLA doesn't show up till level 8.

[Xathrax]

ZanThrax wrote:

Claxon wrote:

Preferred Spell doesn't qualify you by itself.

The requirement is "the ability to cast 1st level arcane spells without preparation". So you would have to take it at least twice. That would then probably allow you to qualify.

PDT has stated that one spell that you can cast more than once is good enough.

So to get a Wizard into DD, either Preferred Spell or an appropriately leveled SLA will work just fine.

Thanks! That is massive help!