Athasian Shadow Dragons
Hit Die: d12
Requirements:
To qualify to become an athasian shadow dragon, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Skills: Knowledge (arcana) 24 ranks, Knowledge (psionics) 24 ranks, Knowledge (planes) 12 ranks.
Feats: Great Fortitude, any 2 metamagic feats and 2 metapsionic feats.
Spells: Must be able to cast 9th-level arcane spells and manifest 6th-level psionic powers.
Special: Must be able to draw upon the Black for spell energy. Must have the Shadespeak class feature. Must have the Black-Touched Template. Must be a defiler and have cast the defiler metamorphosis I spell.
Class Skills
The athasian dragon’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Jump (Str), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Literacy (none), Profession (Wis), Psicraft (Wis), Spot (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill Points at Each Level: 2 + Int modifier.
Class Features
Weapon and Armor proficiencies: Athasian dragons gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
Spells and Powers per Day: Starting at 2nd level, and at each level thereafter, an Athasian dragon gains an effective caster level and manifester level increase in an existing arcane spellcasting class and an existing manifester class, for purposes of determining level-dependant spell and power effects (including augmentation), overcoming SR/PR and dispel effects. He does not receive additional spells per day, power points, known powers or learn new spells, nor does he gain any other benefit a character of those classes would have gained.
Shadow Type: A Shadow Dragon at first level gains a number of benefits due to her connection with the Black.
For every level that she gains in the Shadow Dragon PrC, the radius of the Unnatural Aura increases 10ft.
When the Shadow Dragon would gain a breath weapon, it ignores the effect listed in the metamorposis epic spell, and instead follows this rule:
Dragon's breath: The shadow dragon's breath weapon is a cone of shadow stuff (as a regular athasian dragon), it does d10 dmg for every 2 HD 1/2 from abrasion, 1/2 from cold. Also, those damaged must make a fortiude save (20 + 1/2 HD) or lose 1 point of strenght per 5 HD of the Dragon.
Finally, the Shadow Dragon is constantly surrounded by whips of shadow that spring forth from her body and the shadows around her; this operates as a constant blur effect, mimicking the spell.
Shadow Dragon Magic (Su): Athasian shadow dragons can choose to power their spells with energy from the Black rather than plants. While this is not something new to the caster, the amount of energy that the character is able to channel is increased, drawing the Black “closer” to the Prime Material plane. When using the Black, the “terrain” is treated as fertile. Casting in this way is considered defiling and subject to all the rules thereof. Living creatures caught in the defiling radius of the athasian shadow dragon, when they are using shadow dragon magic take 1 point of cold damage per level of the spell being cast. (0 level spells inflict 1 point of cold damage.) All those caught within the defiling radius also have to make a fortitude save (DC Caster level + ½ Int modifier) or suffer a 2 point penalty on all attack, damage, and initiative rolls for 1 round/ spell level. Shadow Dragon magic requires a piece of masterwork obsidian of a value of least 250cp as a focus.
For starters, you could add abilities like a different type of breath weapon thats super frozen sand and deals str drain or the ability to sacrifice spell slots in order to cast an unprepared illusion spell of equal level on the fly.
Just some suggestions. Hope you find them helpful
I like what your trying to do, but this mirrors the original Dragon PrC to closely IMO. If your going to do a shadow dragon variant I’d suggest making original/unique abilities in the vein of raze the black. Not that its OGC, but what if you handled this like a substitution level sort of system rather its own full blown PrC?
For starters, you could add abilities like a different type of breath weapon thats super frozen sand and deals str drain or the ability to sacrifice spell slots in order to cast an unprepared illusion spell of equal level on the fly.
Just some suggestions. Hope you find them helpful
yeah, at work today I thought about it, and decided that it was too similar. given that, I have changed some things. I have just edited the post so that one does not need to scroll down. thank you for the suggestions. please let me know what you think about the shadow mastery abilities, are they too powerful, ect. I also changed the rate of advancement for the spellcaster and manifester levels, to tone things down and change things some. anyway, it's out in the universe now, like it or not. please also know that this is just a first attempt, so be brutally honest. I have similar ideas for Storm Dragons and Necromantic Dragons.
Shadow Type: A Shadow Dragon at first level gains a number of benefits due to her connection with the Black. First, she gains the Black-touched template. For every level that she gains in the Shadow Dragon PrC, the radius of the Unnatural Aura increases 10ft. Additionally, she seems to slide from shadow to shadow, increasing her base movement by 20. In darkness, she gains the ability Fast Healing 2 (ex). When in shadows or darkness, the Shadow dragon can become invisible a number of times per day equal to her Shadow Dragon level. At will, the Shadow dragon can assume the form of a billowing form of darkness and shadow, exactly like the gaseous form spell. She cannot attack or cast spells that require verbal, somatic, or material components. She can use psionics while in this shadow form. Finally, the Shadow Dragon is constantly surrounded by whips of shadow that spring forth from her body and the shadows around her; this operates as a constant blur effect, mimicking the spell.
That's a lot of info in one paragraph, and a lot of abilities at 1st level. Maybe spread some of these out over a few levels. Also you might want to throw some italics in there for the names of spells to help parsing the text.
Also you might want to re-format the table; it's very hard to read in its current state.
Shadow Mastery:
At first level, and every even level thereafter, the Shadow Dragon Gains a new Shadow Mastery ability from the list below. These abilities are not spells or psionics, and are not effected by anti-magic/psionic effects, or dispelling/disruption effects:
Along with Psionic enchantments and increases to caster/manifester levels, everything interesting seems to happen to this class at even levels. Maybe make some of the abilities gained at odd levels.
Shadow Minions: The Shadow Dragon can create and control Shadow constructs like a cleric of equal character level. These function just like the Astral Constructs would, only they are composed of shadow stuff from the Black. A Shadow Dragon may control 2 HD of Shadow minions per character level.
How is this like a cleric at all? How are these created, how long do they last, what level of astral construct do they mimic? How often is this ability useable? Are they summoned constructs or constructed on Athas (do they have the extraplanar subtype)?
A Light in the Darkness: The Dragon is surrounded by little motes of light, which swirl and play with the shadow stuff that surrounds him. These lights blink in an out of existence, and cause the shadows surrounding the Dragon to dance all the more. The Shadow dragon can discharge one of these motes per dragon level per day. They explode in a burst of light and may be a bolt, 5ft wide and 60ft long, or a ball, 20ft in diameter. They cause 10d6 points of heat and light damage.
Why an ability based on light and heat when the Black is all about darkness and cold? Why not just have them fire bolts of Black (negative) energy? I'd also suggest picking one of bolt or ball type effect, not a choice.
Shadow Stride: Once every 2 rounds, as a move equivalent action, the Shadow Dragon may move up to 300ft through shadows. He must start within a shadow and end within a shadow that is not his own.
Maybe just use the Shadow Jump ability of a shadowdancer, since that already a nicely defined ability.
Shadow Size: Understanding that a Shadow’s size is independent of the size of the thing making the shadow, a Shadow Dragon who selects this ability may spend a full round action to increase or decrease his size category by one size for every 3 levels he possesses, rounded down. All changes to abilities based on his new size category take effect immediately. Using this ability provokes an attack of opportunity.
How long does this last and how often can it be used?
Also, for these Shadow Mastery abilities, after twelve levels in the class the character runs out of options. I know that's already a lot, but altering some of these abilities so that they can be taken multiple times would help.
Raze the Black: The shadow dragon can choose to raze the Black, drawing the two planes closer together and casting creatures from one plane into the other. When a shadow dragon deflies, she may choose to sacrifice 1 hit point per spell level, in exchange for every other being in the defliling radius making a Reflex save (DC Caster Level + 1/2 Int modifier) or be sucked into the Black. Each round that someone is trapped in the Black they suffer 3d10 points of damage (cold) and must make a Fortitude check (DC 25) or lose 1 point of Str, Dex, and Con from the numbing effects of the Black. Creatures native to the Black are thrust into the Prime Plane and must make a Fortitude save (DC 25) or are stunned and slowed. These effects last for 1 round per spell level, after which the two planes return to normal, barring any future use of the Raze the Black psionic enchantment.
The dragon isn't really "razing" anything with this so maybe a different name (like Open Black Hole ;)). Are these rules for damage from the Black consistent with rules in other material (if there are any)?
I think these ideas are pretty cool, but they need some tweaking to make them work right. And the idea of an Athasian Shadow Dragon is awesome... (as if regular Dragons weren't bad enough.)
That's a lot of info in one paragraph, and a lot of abilities at 1st level. Maybe spread some of these out over a few levels. Also you might want to throw some italics in there for the names of spells to help parsing the text.
Also you might want to re-format the table; it's very hard to read in its current state.
yeah, I am not sure how to do that, but I am working on it.
Along with Psionic enchantments and increases to caster/manifester levels, everything interesting seems to happen to this class at even levels. Maybe make some of the abilities gained at odd levels.
That was a typo, Shadow Mastery happens every even level.
How is this like a cleric at all? How are these created, how long do they last, what level of astral construct do they mimic? How often is this ability useable? Are they summoned constructs or constructed on Athas (do they have the extraplanar subtype)?
Still havent worked all this out, but the cleric part was a bit off and has been removed. personally, I like the idea of these little, or big, shadow creatures that run around and do his bidding, espeacially since animals won't go near him.
Why an ability based on light and heat when the Black is all about darkness and cold? Why not just have them fire bolts of Black (negative) energy? I'd also suggest picking one of bolt or ball type effect, not a choice.
Choice is removed, it's a bolt. As for the Light effect, I wanted some abilities based on light, because on athas, both light and darkness are important to the Black. I remember the Shadow Giants needed light to survive, and so I though it appropriate. I also added to the list a ability that regenerates the character when bathed in sunlight.
Maybe just use the Shadow Jump ability of a shadowdancer, since that already a nicely defined ability.
I thought about this, but that is already a feature included in the Shadow Wizard PrC, and wanted something slightly different. I may change it to increase that ability though, depends on people preference.
How long does this last and how often can it be used?
I haven't decided how long to make things last for, or how often they can be used, but I am working things out so they aren't overpowered. any suggestions along these lines would be helpful.
Also, for these Shadow Mastery abilities, after twelve levels in the class the character runs out of options. I know that's already a lot, but altering some of these abilities so that they can be taken multiple times would help.
I wil be changing that.
The dragon isn't really "razing" anything with this so maybe a different name (like Open Black Hole ;)). Are these rules for damage from the Black consistent with rules in other material (if there are any)?
The damaged caused is based of the effects of the greater Shadow Giant monster's ability to create a fog bank of the Black. I called it Razing because it adversely effects both sides, and the creatures within the Black are stunned and slowed.
I think these ideas are pretty cool, but they need some tweaking to make them work right. And the idea of an Athasian Shadow Dragon is awesome... (as if regular Dragons weren't bad enough.)
Thanks for the input. I really appriciate it. Once I (we, as in the boards) hammers this out, I think it is adaptable to Necromant and Ceurlean Wizards as well, with some minor tweaking. Again, the ideas a rough, but slowly comming together. Thanks again for the input.
Again, adding that its breath weapon causes str drain and sacrificing spells slots to spontaneously cast illusions spells would fit perfectly IMO.
Personally, I'd remove the Psionic Enchantment ability completely from this PrC and focus on the shadow aspect of the shadow dragon. The shadow dragon character could always take levels of the original Athasian Dragon PrC in order to gain Psionic Enchanment and those other abilities.
Actually after some thought, I really agree with you. I am changing the powers gained to be of 2 different types, external and personal. so every other level you get a Shadow Mastery power, and the opposite levels you get a Shadow Form power. Let me know what you think.
Personally, I'd remove the Psionic Enchantment ability completely from this PrC and focus on the shadow aspect of the shadow dragon. The shadow dragon character could always take levels of the original Athasian Dragon PrC in order to gain Psionic Enchanment and those other abilities.
I'm personally against that idea. Why? Because Psionic Enchantments have not been slated for being "Athasian Dragon" Only. They are universal to all Advanced Beings -- and may still have more added into the mix -- the idea behind Advanced Beings is the blending of Psionics and Magic (or rather, using Psionics to augment/enhance Magic) -- an Athasian Shadow Dragon would still fall well within that category, and thus should have the Psionic Enchantments available to it. If anything, maybe the development of these could be slower than a "normal" (that word just doesn't sound right here) Athasian Dragon.
Where the Shadow Dragon would have differences is the Shadow Dragon Magic, rather than the regular Dragon Magic (the defiling of animals).
I'm personally against that idea. Why? Because Psionic Enchantments have not been slated for being "Athasian Dragon" Only. They are universal to all Advanced Beings -- and may still have more added into the mix -- the idea behind Advanced Beings is the blending of Psionics and Magic (or rather, using Psionics to augment/enhance Magic) -- an Athasian Shadow Dragon would still fall well within that category, and thus should have the Psionic Enchantments available to it. If anything, maybe the development of these could be slower than a "normal" (that word just doesn't sound right here) Athasian Dragon.
Where the Shadow Dragon would have differences is the Shadow Dragon Magic, rather than the regular Dragon Magic (the defiling of animals).
I don't see it as such, but if psionic enchantments had to be included I agree that a slower progression would work.
But it seems like that having the Black Touched template should be more of a prereq than an ability that is gained to me. Depowers this a little bit and makes more sense anyways.
Ok, I am loving this.
But it seems like that having the Black Touched template should be more of a prereq than an ability that is gained to me. Depowers this a little bit and makes more sense anyways.
I have to agree. Gaining the black touched template shouldn't be that hard for an epic level wizard to bestow on themselves.
A Light in the Darkness: The Dragon is surrounded by little motes of light, which swirl and play with the shadow stuff that surrounds him. These lights blink in an out of existence, and cause the shadows surrounding the Dragon to dance all the more. The Shadow dragon can discharge one of these motes per shadow dragon level per day. They explode in a burst of light and act as a bolt, 5ft wide and 60ft long. They cause 10d6 points of light damage.
It doesn't strike me as being all that shadowy or black related.
What about an ability that allows the shadow dragon to add cold descriptor to his spell's damage type (i.e. a magic missile that does both force and cold damage) and dazes the targeted creature(s) for 1 rd due to numbing?
I like pretty much all the abilities you have listed except for the following:
Yeah, the Light in the Darkness ability I was scratching my head over too.
What about an ability that allows the shadow dragon to add cold descriptor to his spell's damage type (i.e. a magic missile that does both force and cold damage) and dazes the targeted creature(s) for 1 rd due to numbing?
Or basically leave the ability as is, but change the light to cold and force damage with 1rd per die of damage due to numbing.
And of course, change the name of the ability.
Definately pondering what a cerulean dragon might have for abilities now.
Personally, I'd remove the Psionic Enchantment ability completely from this PrC and focus on the shadow aspect of the shadow dragon. The shadow dragon character could always take levels of the original Athasian Dragon PrC in order to gain Psionic Enchanment and those other abilities.
I'm personally against that idea. Why? Because Psionic Enchantments have not been slated for being "Athasian Dragon" Only. They are universal to all Advanced Beings -- and may still have more added into the mix -- the idea behind Advanced Beings is the blending of Psionics and Magic (or rather, using Psionics to augment/enhance Magic) -- an Athasian Shadow Dragon would still fall well within that category, and thus should have the Psionic Enchantments available to it. If anything, maybe the development of these could be slower than a "normal" (that word just doesn't sound right here) Athasian Dragon.
Where the Shadow Dragon would have differences is the Shadow Dragon Magic, rather than the regular Dragon Magic (the defiling of animals).
Has the epic bureau considered making psionic enchantments into feats, perhaps with a new type like Metamixture [Psionic Enchantment]? That way the same rules wouldn't have to be reprinted for each advanced being, while still allowing for differences in the class based on requirements (like requires arcane spellcasting or requires defiling). And of course the [Psionic Enchantment] type for feats would have standard restrictions like [Wild] feats or [Epic] feats.
Has the epic bureau considered making psionic enchantments into feats, perhaps with a new type like Metamixture [Psionic Enchantment]? That way the same rules wouldn't have to be reprinted for each advanced being, while still allowing for differences in the class based on requirements (like requires arcane spellcasting or requires defiling). And of course the [Psionic Enchantment] type for feats would have standard restrictions like [Wild] feats or [Epic] feats.
That more or less was what I was shooting for. Collecting them all into a single unified location, part of the overall Advanced Being document, and not reprinted for each and every separate Advanced Being. I feel they are something every AB has access to by virtue of being an Advanced Being, and could provide the "universal" aspect all Advanced Beings share. By working them into a set of feats, it also opens the possibility that an Advanced Being could spend their "normal" Feat slot they received from gaining character levels towards more Psionic Enchantments, and we could easily figure out other prerequisites/restrictions for them. My goal is to use them as the way to blend Magic and Psionics together for the Advanced Beings.
ok, I guess you guys are right about the light based ability, it will be changed to something else. I liked the cold and force idea. Also, I added a psionic enchanment to the list. thanks again for all the good feedback. I kinda expect the other variant casters to be in this same vein, so if anyone wanted to take a crack at it, they should feel free. If not, i'll try to start on one next week.
I was using the magic missile more as an example. The ability should be applied to all damaging spells the cast by the SD. Fireball could do half fire/ half cold, lightning bolt would half electricity/ half cold etc... as well as automatically dazing targeted creatures for 1 rd due to numbing cold.
It adds a bit of black/shadowy flavor to the PrC.
The Numbing Touch of Darkness: When casting a spell or manifesting a power that causes damage, the Shadow Dragon may choose to make 1/2 the damage come from the black. This damage is cold in nature, and causes the victim to be stunned for 1 round from the numbing cold of the black.
Good ability, but this may need to be reworded. I also down grade it from automatically stunning creatures to dazing the targets on a failed Fort save against a DC equal to the spell level cast and the SD's Int mod.
Good ability, but this may need to be reworded. I also down grade it from automatically stunning creatures to dazing the targets on a failed Fort save against a DC equal to the spell level cast and the SD's Int mod.
Fixed. Any comments on a slightly different spell progression? I am on the fence. I am not talking major changes, just a few minor "tweaks."
Fixed. Any comments on a slightly different spell progression? I am on the fence. I am not talking major changes, just a few minor "tweaks."
I stick with the spell progression of the revised athasian dragon PrC. You don't want to slow the SD's progression. They're still a manifester/arcane caster just like the original AD in the end.
I just wanted to bring to your attention that there's a difference between stunning and dazing a target. If you want to keep that numbing touch of the black stuns creatures that's fine, but I just wanted to point that out
I stick with the spell progression of the revised athasian dragon PrC. You don't want to slow the SD's progression. They're still a manifester/arcane caster just like the original AD in the end.
I just wanted to bring to your attention that there's a difference between stunning and dazing a target. If you want to keep that numbing touch of the black stuns creatures that's fine, but I just wanted to point that out
sorry about that, I will fix that back to dazed then.
sorry about that, I will fix that back to dazed then.
I'm just giving you suggestions mind you. You can do what you will. Its after all your PrC. ;)
My only feedback would be to name the raze-the-black abilities a bit more differently and perhaps include illusions / illusion magic a bit more often.
I've always thought that a Grey Dragon, or a Tyr-Storm Linked Avignon would be kinda cool. Anyway, thumbs up and get working at it!
Jaanos