Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 stevesteam Jul 14, 2008 13:30:31	I am starting a game for my two children (ages 7 and 9) and I want to give them each a "dragon dog". They are playing a Dragonborn paladin and a Dragonborn tbd and I will run a Dragonborn laser cleric as an npc (think monster checks and heals). This is not a big enough party to run through modules as is so I want to give them each a dog. My concept Hit points - as a fighter Skills - acrobatics, athletics, endurance, perception Racial skills - +2 endurance, +2 perception Racial as Dwarf -1 to shift/push ability Racial Scent: +5 nature (only for tracking) Racials: +2 STR +2 CON Size: Medium (should they large and rideable?) Speed: 6 "Class" Defenses: +1 all AC: as chain (but natural armor so dex adds), add 2 at each tier change Eligible feats: Alertness, Durable, Toughness, Weapon Focus (bite), Stealth, Skill Focus (any known skill) Encounter Powers To My Side Shift movement to stand adjacent to owner Semper Fi Interrupt Trigger - owner reduced to 0 or less Dog takes damage instead damage: 1d8 sneak attack: +1d6/tier if combat advantage The goal is for the dogs to provide health and combat staying power without being hard for them to manage. they should be a little weaker and more boring than regular characters, but stay competitive as the kids' toons level. Feedback welcome
#2 generalhenry Jul 14, 2008 13:36:55	(should they large and rideable?) no, most dungeons don't have enough room AC: as chain (but natural armor so dex adds), add 2 at each tier change all their stats should scale one per level instead of one per two levels. (the normal result of magic items etc)
#3 lord_bryon Jul 14, 2008 13:38:01	Great Idea. I, like you, have a 7 year old and a 9 year old. Also like you we play D&D together. My 9 year old loves the Dragonborn he is begging me for some kind of Animal companion-In 3rd edition, he had a giant scorpion- I think I'll take this and play around with it... Sorry I'm not much help otherwise.
#4 stevesteam Jul 14, 2008 13:40:56	I totally forgot to include my adjustment for magic item progression They get armor, cloak, and weapon bonuses as if they had the basic flavor item of each type (+1 AC, +1 other Defense, +1 Attack/Damage). Probably work an exact schedule of when they kick in, but it will only slightly lag the base item availability. They should always look a little worse than the actual toons.
#5 stevesteam Jul 14, 2008 13:45:07	no, most dungeons don't have enough room Good point. Also, want to make clear that they can navigate stairs, climb walls (per athletics) so they won't often be left behind.
#6 generalhenry Jul 14, 2008 13:50:47	hmmm. . . I see why pets, but why dogs? Various lizards, drakes, dinosaurs, cats, etc. . .
#7 stevesteam Jul 14, 2008 14:03:10	A dragon dog is whatever they think looks cool. 4 legs, tail, good perception so they aren't surprised. Sized and skilled so it doesn't slow them down when they move around. Don't care if it's a squirrel, cat, etc. The most important things are that it is simple to play (by them), doesn't steal the spotlight (except to "catch a bullet"), and helps them engage in standard adventures appropriate to their level.
#8 wyld_mutation Jul 14, 2008 14:03:14	I'd give them drakes to reflect that they are dragonborn. A properly leveled down drake of course. then it would level with them. Of course you can give them almost any creature and just say all creatures have the same stats anyway.
#9 pukunui Jul 14, 2008 16:00:05	I'd give them drakes to reflect that they are dragonborn. A properly leveled down drake of course. then it would level with them. Of course you can give them almost any creature and just say all creatures have the same stats anyway. This. Guard drakes make good pets. ;)