I think the DD Dragon Form should function more like the Druid Wild Shape ability in that it should be a SU ability and function for 1 hour per level of DD. I feel that the SU ability more accurately reflects the tapping into your dragon heritage than acquiring the ability to cast a polymorph spell on your self.
The problem with this might be that it makes the DD overly powerful. I was wondering what you think of this change? This is of course for a home brew game.
Although I do wonder why the developers didn't reuse the Wild Shape ability mechanics for this in the first place. The druid classes Wild Shape ability was the established method for a shape changing class ability. I would have expected any new classes that have a shape changing ability to follow the same rules as previously established classes especially a core classes.
I'm currently playing a Sorc 3 / Fighter 3 / DD 10 and I would say that being able to stay in dragon form 100% of the time would probably be unbalanced - 6 natural attacks is pretty strong. As is, Form of the Dragon II is pretty strong, but since one can't stay in it all day, you are forced to build your character's gear for combat in both forms, causing you to split your money a bit. I'd advise against this change unless you're planning to take away something else to balance out this boost.
Just my 2 cp.
If you are high level it shouldn't make too much difference, but between 7-9 it will be way overpowered.
I'm currently playing a Sorc 3 / Fighter 3 / DD 10 and I would say that being able to stay in dragon form 100% of the time would probably be unbalanced - 6 natural attacks is pretty strong. As is, Form of the Dragon II is pretty strong, but since one can't stay in it all day, you are forced to build your character's gear for combat in both forms, causing you to split your money a bit. I'd advise against this change unless you're planning to take away something else to balance out this boost.
Just my 2 cp.
I believe your character could maintain the dragon from for 13 hours and would be in their human form for 11 hours. Even at 20th level the DD would not be able to remain in dragon form for 24 hours. I do understand that you could maintain the form for what most people consider the adventuring day.
I agree it is a powerful ability but I believe it is not as powerful as the wild shape power of the druid. The druids ability to choose multiple forms from animals (huge to dimitive) Plant creatures (small to Huge), and Elementals (small to Huge). In addition the druid is able to use the power multiple times per day. I am not suggesting that the DD get the multiple uses per day like the druid class.
Please keep in mind that to me the ability to change into a dragon is cap stone power of this prestige class.
If you believe the this would be over powered would changing the duration to 30 minutes per level or 1 hour per two levels be enough of a change?
If you are high level it shouldn't make too much difference, but between 7-9 it will be way overpowered.
I don't think you can obtain the dragon form power before 12th level. You must have 5 ranks in knowledge arcane to enter the DD class and the dragon form power is obtained as a 7th level DD. Thus the character would have to be 12th level.
I don't think it will be a problem then. Druid is already stronger than Sorcerer at most levels anyway. Take my advice with a grain of salt though, I balance against the strong options and single class fighters and rogues don't make appearances at our tables after level 5 or so.
This thread may belong in homebrew instead of advice.