Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The Grand Mystic 01-13-04, 07:38 PM	Heya everyone! One of my players wants to take the Dragon Disciple PrC for his fighter/sorcerer. However, I need some clarification as to the following: Dragon Apotheosis: At 10th level, a dragon disciple fully realizes his draconic heritage and takes on the half-dragon template... The Monster Manual lists the Half-Dragon template as having a level adjustment of +3 (The example template they list is a human with 4 fighter levels, so I'm guessing this would be equivalent to a 7th level characer.) My question is this: when a player gains the half-dragon template through the Dragon Disciple's Dragon Apotheosis class feature, does the PC also take the level adjustment or not? Also, if I have to make the adjustment, what would be the best way of doing this? (increasing his level appropriately, making him drop three class levels, etc etc.)
Ack'noth Necrom 01-13-04, 08:04 PM	The PC does not gain a Level Adjustment because it would have been gained through his class features within the DDs 10 levels. Also remember that a DD only gets bonus spells with the class he gains no spell progression while taking the class. I know that wasnt one of your questions but its something thats overlooked a lot.
Edymnion 01-13-04, 08:06 PM	No, the LA is already worked into the PrC. If I were you though, I'd be nice to the Player and grant the DD 1/2 or 1/3 spellcasting progression. The complete lack of it severely cripples the PrC. Another option though, look into Savage Species for the Ritual of Vitality. Essentially, you could have the PC undergo a magical ritual to begin transforming him into a half-dragon. Let the PC take levels in the Half-Dragon monster class (search the Savage Progressions archive on the main page for it). That way they can pick up the template without having to waste 10 levels doing it (and really, it is a waste to take the Dragon Desciple).
The Grand Mystic 01-13-04, 08:16 PM	Yeah, I can see how the Ritual of Vitality could be a better option, also allowing the player to use those CL's to better use. :)
Raven Dark 01-14-04, 09:11 AM	Since the Half Dragon template has a +3 LA, doesn't it stand to reason that the prestige class should have been limited to three levels instead of ten?
Ack'noth Necrom 01-14-04, 10:22 PM	Yes it does, however you have to take into account that this class gives you more BAB, Saves, and bonus spells. A normal person sacrificing 3 levels for the half dragon template doesnt get any of those. But hey i still think the class is a complete waste of space, they couldve rewritten the Alienist or sacred exorcist and put it in the DDs place
fractal 01-16-04, 12:32 AM	Also, don't dismiss the benefits of 10d12 (plus con) hit points.
Topaz 01-16-04, 02:21 PM	And wings Only large 1/2 dragons get wings. All DDs get them :)