Is thi prestige class ok, if not...what should I change?

I made it up of bits scavanged from OTHER prestige classes such as the kensai (CW) and the Five Animals Fist Fighter (QM)
I just wanted to get some opinions on it before I present it to my DM.

Disciple of Io
D&D 3.5 Prestige Class

Much as a Five Animals Fist Fighter looks to the natural world to enhance his martial technique, a Disciple of Io looks to the mighty dragons to improve his art.
A Disciple of Io looks upon both chromatic and metallic dragons with reverence and awe, seeking to improve himself and eventually become as potent as a dragon himself.
The only currently known teachings of the Disciples of Io are located at the “Grace of Io”, a mountain temple in the northern spine mountains of Faerun. There, an ancient sect of monks teaches the ways of dragon kind, secretly led by an ancient silver dragon in human form. Disciples of Io are easily identified by their rank belts; chromatic ranks are signified by a different color of silk belt and the metallic ranks by a different buckle (In a stylized dragon motif). Disciples can progress through the ranks unattended, but to obtain their belts, must travel back to the monastery to demonstrate their progress.

Hit Dice: d8
Requirements:
BAB: +6
Language: Draconic
Abilities: Dex 17, Wis 17
Feats: Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved initiative, Stunning Attack
Skills: Knowledge (Arcana) 4 ranks, Concentration 4 ranks
Special: Must have had an encounter with an adult dragon and survived.

Class Skills:
The Disciple of Io’s class skills and the relevant abilities are: Appraise(Int), Balance(Dex), Climb(Str), Concentration(Con), Hide(Dex), Intimidation(Cha), Jump(Str), Knowledge(Arcana), Listen(Wis), Spot(Wis), and Tumble(Dex)

Skill Points Per Level: 4+ Int Bonus
Class Features: All the following are class features of the Disciple of Io
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: the Disciple of Io gains no new weapon or armor proficiencies.

Monk Abilities: A Disciple of Io continues to gain the monk’s unarmed attack bonuses, AC bonuses, unarmored speed and unarmed damage increases. He gains iterative unarmed attacks and Stunning Attack uses per day as a monk of his monk and Disciple levels combined.

Class Color Base Fort Ref Will Special
Level Attack Save Save Save
1 White 0 +2 +2 +2 Spirit of the Dragon
Speed of the White Dragon
2 Brass +1 +3 +3 +3 Senses of the Dragon
Grace of the Brass Dragon
3 Black +2 +3 +3 +3 Strength of the Black Dragon
4 Copper +3 +4 +4 +4 Improved Senses of the Dragon
5 Blue +3 +4 +4 +4 Improved Spirit of the Dragon
6 Bronze +4 +5 +5 +5 Focus of the Bronze Dragon
7 Green +5 +5 +5 +5 Shadow of the Green Dragon
8 Silver +6/+1 +6 +6 +6 Mind of the Silver Dragon
9 Red +6/+1 +6 +6 +6 Breath of the Red Dragon
10 Gold +7/+2 +7 +7 +7 Soul of the Dragon




Spirit of the Dragon: At 1st level the Disciple may choose between the Dragon Friend and the Dragon Foe Feats even if he does not meet the prerequisites. At 5th Level, he will receive either the Dragon Cohort or the Dragon Bane Feat based on his previous choice.

Speed of the White Dragon: The Disciple gains an additional unarmored speed bonus of 10’ and an initiative bonus of +2 which stacks with the Improved Initiative feat.

Senses of the Dragon: The Disciple gains an inherent +10 bonus to listen checks and gains Dark vision +30’, which stacks with any darkvision the character already possesses. At 4th Level, the Character gains Blindsense 10’.

Grace of the Brass Dragon: The Disciple gains an inherent +10 bonus to balance checks, and can make movements on vertical or even inverted surfaces as long as he starts and stops his movement on an upright horizontal surface. Each boundary between wall and floor counts as an additional 5’ of distance.

Strength of the Black Dragon: Starting at 3rd level, a Disciple gains the ability to make a DC 15 concentration check as a move action to focus his energy and spirit. If he succeeds he gains +8 to his strength for a number of rounds equal to his class level. Each time after the first that the kensai successfully uses this ability in a day, the check DC increases by 5.

Focus of the Bronze Dragon: The Disciple gains the ability to take 10 on any concentration or focus related skill, no matter his situation. In addition, he no longer loses his dexterity bonus to AC if he is surprised or caught flatfooted.

Shadow of the Green Dragon: The Disciple gains a +10 inherent bonus to intimidate and gaisn the Frightful Presence feat even if he does not meet the prerequisites.

Mind of the Silver Dragon: The Disciple gains spell resistance equal to 10 + his current monk level + his current Disciple of Io level. In order to affect the Disciple with a spell, the caster must succeed on a caster check (1d20+caster level) that equals or exceeds the Disciples spell resistance. If the Disciple gains spell resistance from some other source (such as a Monk’s Diamond Soul ability) only the greatest spell resistance has any effect.

Breath of the Red Dragon: The Disciple gains the ability to make a breath attack that assumes the form of a 30’ cone of fire and does damage equal to his (Disciple of Io level)d6. This ability is usable 3 times a day, no more often than once every 10 rounds, and does not provoke an attack of opportunity.

Soul of the Dragon: The Disciple gains the ability to polymorph themselves into a Dragon of their alignment as a standard action, with hit dice that match their current character level as per the spell (no 15HD limit). This change lasts for 1 hour and can be activated once a day.

Welcome to the boards! New prestige classes go in House Rules instead of Rules, so I'll slide this over.

Incidentally, this seems too strong to me; the fact that the class gives a ton of monk benefits in addition to new abilities pushes it over the balanceometer for me. The PC doesn't seem to make any sacrifices in order to enter the PrC. I like the basic idea, though.

This Prestige class looks great, aside from the obvious balance problem, it has a superb niche, and promise. I don't know whether curbing the abilities as they stand or leaving the abilities of the monk behind is a better idea, It might just be best to playtest them both.

Oh and welcome to the boards!

Yeah, certainly a good idea, good flavor, but way too strong -- it's a monk with a bunch of stuff added, there is no reason to be a straight monk when you could be a disciple of Io.

Maybe if they lost something big, like the spell resistance -- and the silver dragon mind ability gave them Slippery Mind instead, or something like that.

Probably still over the top after that, but I'm not sure.

This post is more of a critique of your class, hopefully these suggestions will give you something more balanced to present your DM.

First lets narrow the concept. As others said the potential monk gives up nothing to enter this prestige class. I have a suggestion for flavor, why not make 2 diametrically opposed sects, each only 5 levels. The chromatic Monks of IO would have to be non-good (So Lawful Neutral or Lawful Evil) and the metallic Monks of IO would have to be non-evil (So Lawful Neutral or Lawful Good). You don't have to change your prc like that, but it would give your DM some potential enemies.

Speaking of pre-reqs, we should get rid of ability score pre-reqs. By and large most PRCs require skill ranks, feats, base saves, base attack bonus, alignment, race, or some class ability (like spellcasting or sneak attack). Forcing certain ability scores is also sorta moot in 3.5 since I can get ability boosting items to overcome them. So my first suggestion is to get rid of those.

I like the language requirement and the encounter with a dragon requirement, those are both flavorful. The BAB requirement is good but high for a straight monk (whom this class seems to be geared for) and the skill and feat requirements are good but only Improved Initiative is a stretch for monks (most monks will have the knowledge, concentration, and of course the bonus feat improved unarmed strike. Additionally, monks will have either Improved Grapple or Stunning Fist).

[While it is true that most monks may not have the skills, they are very accessible - since a monk gets 4 sp/level you can simply use 2 levels of sp to acquire them - while that may sound like a lot, many prcs require you to use 5 or 6 levels worth of skill ranks to qualify - that is what I meant by "only Improved Initiative is a stretch for monks" because using 1 feat is more precious than 8 sp (which are going towards decent skills!)]

Ok, so back to prereqs. Since this seems like a dragon disciple-geared for a monk we should open it up a little, making it appealing for non-monks as well (although it will be easiest for a straight monk to do).

From the looks of those, it is equally accessible to wizards/sorcerers as it is to monks (the arcansits need to take IUS (but are more likely to have the skills) and the monks need to take Improved Initiative (and spend some sp)). So we will add the hefty base save requirement of +4 to all saves, as well as a +4 BAB.


Prerequisites:
Base Fortitude, Reflex, and Will saving throws of at least +4
Base Attack Bonus +4
Improved Unarmed Strike
Improved Initiative
Concentration 4 ranks
Knowledge (Arcana) 4 ranks
Must be able to speak and write Draconic
Must have survived an encounter with a dragon of at least adult age

Now it requires the arcanists to multiclass (or wait until they are higher level) to qualify and it doesn't really hinder the monk. On to abilities!

Your prc is really cool, but it is way 'too' cool. Each level adds all the monk bennies as well as monk abilities! And the monk HD, sp, and saves are the same! He's a super-monk!

more later...

Technik

To Technik: a brief counter: knowledge (arcana) and concentration aren't absolute choices for monks, that gives up stuff like hide/move silent/listen/etc. Just a minor point though, I like your ideas, and those few skills ranks really aren't much of a deterrant.

It has the middle BAB progression, maxed saves, and special abilities every level. Still with a decent HD and 4+int skill points per level. It needs to be toned down a bit.


But I like the idea.

first off very cool much better than other drogon monks i've seen

ok what do you mean ititerave unarmed strikes, is that just saying the flurry progression continiues? (thats not normally included in the monk abilities text)

i like the idea of splitting the monks into two groups but leave it as two ten level prestige classes so the abilities are spaced out making it more balanced

maybe 2 ranks intimidate and listen should be reqiured as well more to match the abilities than anything else

Version 2.0

OK I bumped up the requirements, got rid of most of the Monk abilities and downplayed a few of the granted abilities. I'm still not sure it's balanced, but it's definately closer. What do you guys think I should do?

Disciple of Io
D&D 3.5 Prestige Class

Much as a Five Animals Fist Fighter looks to the natural world to enhance his martial technique, a Disciple of Io looks to the mighty dragons to improve his art.
A Disciple of Io looks upon both chromatic and metallic dragons with reverence and awe, seeking to improve himself and eventually become as potent as a dragon himself.
The only currently known teachings of the Disciples of Io are located at the “Grace of Io”, a mountain temple in the northern spine mountains of Faerun. There, an ancient sect of monks teaches the ways of dragon kind, secretly led by an ancient silver dragon in human form. Disciples of Io are easily identified by their rank belts; chromatic ranks are signified by a different color of silk belt and the metallic ranks by a different buckle (In a stylized dragon motif). Disciples can progress through the ranks unattended, but to obtain their belts, must travel back to the monastery to demonstrate their progress.

Hit Dice: d8
Requirements:
BAB: +6
Language: Draconic
Abilities: Dex 16, Wis 16
Base Fort, Will, Ref Saves: +4
Feats: Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved initiative, Stunning Attack
Skills: Knowledge(Arcana) 8 ranks, Concentration 4 ranks,
Balance 4 ranks
Special: Must have had an encounter with an adult dragon and
survived.
Continuing Special: The Disciples of Io are acetic monks, and must
take a lesser vow of poverty (not related to Exhalted Deeds) .
However, in dealing with dragons, it is often essential to have
an expensive bauble or bribe. Therefore, Disciples of Io are
restricted to owning 3 items that cost more than 5gp each,
and are restricted to 5gp in coins at all times. In addition,
Disciples are bound to honor dragonkind and choose at first
level to be aligned with either metallic or chromatic dragons
(usually based on their first dragon experience). Disciples must
readily give aid or service to any like aligned adult dragon.

Class Skills:
The Disciple of Io’s class skills and the relevant abilities are: Appraise(Int), Balance(Dex), Climb(Str), Concentration(Con), Hide(Dex), Intimidation(Cha), Jump(Str), Knowledge(Arcana), Listen(Wis), Spot(Wis), and Tumble(Dex)

Skill Points Per Level: 4+ Int Bonus
Class Features: All the following are class features of the Disciple of Io
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: the Disciple of Io gains no new weapon or
armor proficiencies.
Monk Abilities: A Disciple of Io continues to gain the monk’s unarmored speed
bonuses, but NOT his flurry attack progression, AC bonuses, or
unarmed damage increases. He gains Stunning Attack uses per day
as a monk of his monk and Disciple levels combined.


Spirit of the Dragon: At 1st level the Disciple may choose between the
Dragon Friend and the Dragon Foe Feats even if he does not meet the
prerequisites. At 5th Level, he will receive either the Dragon Cohort or
the Dragon Bane Feat based on his previous choice.

White Dragon’s Tail: Disciples are taught to use the spiked chain much as a
dragon uses its tail attack, and “Spiked Chain” is added to the list of
monk special weapons for the Disciple.

Grace of the Brass Dragon: The Disciple learns to channel his inner energy
into his body to perform incredible feats of balance. For each
stunning attack for the day given up as a free action, the Disciple
gains a +20 bonus to Balance checks for one round. This allows the
Disciple to balance on surfaces that would normally be impossible (see
Table below)

Surface Balance DC
7-12 inches wide 10
2-6 inches wide 15
1-2 Inches wide 20
Less than an inch wide 25
Moving Friendly creature 30
Unfriendly Creature 40
Moving Unfriendly Creature 50
Nearly Vertical surface 60
Unfriendly Flying Creature 70
Any "impossible" surface, 90
including water, a tiny branch,
a vertical surface etc.


Strength of the Black Dragon: Starting at 3rd level, a Disciple gains the ability
to make a DC 15 concentration check as a move action to focus his
energy and spirit. If he succeeds he gains +8 to his strength for a
number of rounds equal to ½ his class level. Each time after the
first that the kensai successfully uses this ability in a day, the
check DC increases by 5.

Senses of the Dragon: The Disciple learns to sense his environment much as a
dragon would, losing his dependence on his natural vision and
gaining the supernatural ability Blindsense 10’.

Blue Dragons Scales: The Disciple learns to harden his body against impact,
and gains a +2 natural armor bonus to his AC. This bonus applies
when he is denied his Dexterity bonus or held. But not when
flatfooted or unconcious.

Focus of the Bronze Dragon: The Disciple learns to channel his inner energy
inwards, giving him superior powers of concentration. For each
stunning attack for the day given up as a free action, the Disciple
gains a +10 bonus to Concentration checks for one round.

Shadow of the Green Dragon: The Disciple gains a +10 inherent bonus to
intimidate and gains the Frightful Presence feat even if he does not
meet the prerequisites.

Mind of the Silver Dragon: The Disciple gains spell resistance equal to 10 + his
current monk level + his current Disciple of Io level. In order to
affect the Disciple with a spell, the caster must succeed on a
caster check (1d20+caster level) that equals or exceeds the
Disciples spell resistance. If the Disciple gains spell resistance from
some other source (such as a Monk’s Diamond Soul ability) only the
greatest spell resistance has any effect.

Breath of the Red Dragon: The Disciple gains the ability to make a breath
attack that assumes the form of a 30’ cone of fire and does damage
equal to his (Disciple of Io level)d6. This ability is usable 3 times a
day, no more often than once every 10 rounds, and does not
provoke an attack of opportunity.

Soul of the Dragon: The Disciple gains the ability to polymorph themselves
into a Dragon of their alignment as a standard action, with hit dice
that match their current character level as per the spell (no 15HD
limit). This change lasts for 1 hour and can be activated once a
day.


EX – Disciples of Io: Any character who voluntarily gives up his vow of
poverty or refuses to render service to a like aligned dragon can
never again proceed as a Disciple of Io (unless atonement is
received from the temple master). However, all class abilities
gained to that point are retained except for the Spirit, Mind, Breath
and Soul.

ok..it doesn't like my charts I guess?

Ok,I chose to keep most of the chart the same and just mess with the special. So in level order these become

Spirit of the Dragon, White Dragon's tail
Grace of the Brass Dragon
Strength of the Black Dragon
Senses of the Dragon
Improved Spirit of the Dragon, Blue Dragon's Scales
Focus of the Bronze Dragon
Shadow of the Green Dragon
Mind of the Silver Dragon
Breath of the Red Dragon
Soul of the Dragon