Half-Dragon Template Class vs. Dragon Disciple

[Ashrem Bayle]

See here: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20030912a

Now, why on earth would I ever take the Dragon Disciple prestige class?

For that matter, am I the only one who hated the spell progression that Dragon Disciples gets? I've seriously considered changing them to "+1 Caster Level" at every even level.

 

[Darklone]

Why you would take the class? Perhaps your DM does not allow anyone to start as halfdragon?

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

The template class is usable at any level, you don't have to start with it.

 

[Corwin]

I'm not sure I follow your gripe. How is this any different than the previous application of the +3 ECL half-dragon template?

The only difference between the original all-at-once template and this new incarnation of taking them as racial levels is just that, level progression. Once you hit the final (3rd) level in the racial class, you get everything (and nothing more) that the template gave you. This just lets you make a lower level PC and grow into the full +3 ECL concept.

 

[Ashrem Bayle]

Its isn't really a gripe, its just that it defeats the purpose of the Dragon Disciple prestige class.

Previously, if a player wanted a half-dragon character, and his DM was starting them at 1st level, his only choice was the Dragon Disciple.

Now, with the Template Class as an option, I don't see why you would take the Prestige Class. It basicly replaces the need for it.

Surely a Half-Dragon 3 / Sorcerer 12 is a much more powerful character than than a Sorcerer 5 / Dragon Disciple 10.

In my opinion, it is also a better class as I always thought the Dragon Disciple was too weak.

 

[Corwin]

Its isn't really a gripe, its just that it defeats the purpose of the Dragon Disciple prestige class.

I disagree.

Previously, if a player wanted a half-dragon character, and his DM was starting them at 1st level, his only choice was the Dragon Disciple.

You can't be a Dragon Disciple at 1st level. Heck, you can't be one until 6th.

But that's still not the point. If you want to start out as a spellcaster and evolve into it, you go DD. If you were born one and want to go from there you take the racial levels (or just the tempate if you can afford the +3 ECL).

Now, with the Template Class as an option, I don't see why you would take the Prestige Class. It basicly replaces the need for it.

As I just said, this sin't the case. They are two different things with two different sets of abilities/powers/features/etc.

The HD gets more ability score bumps and a better breath weapon and elemental immunity (until DD reaches full 10th level), for example. But the DD eventually gets wings (even when smaller than Large) and Blindsense. Plus the DD is picking up a few bonus spell slots that you don't get with the template.

Surely a Half-Dragon 3 / Sorcerer 12 is a much more powerful character than than a Sorcerer 5 / Dragon Disciple 10.

Show me. And what do you mean by "powerful"?

Sure, if you start off at 15th level, this may (or may not) be the case. But what if you had to start at 5th? Would you go Sorcerer 5 or Half-Dragon 3 / Sorcerer 2? I think that's a much more difficult choice. Possibly even a reversal?

Or worse, what if <gasp> you had to start at 1st level? Then what?

In my opinion, it is also a better class as I always thought the Dragon Disciple was too weak.

Yet, oddly, that is not my opinion. I believe they both have an equal place in the scheme of things. Both have advantages and disadvantages, as I've illustrated.

 

[Shayuri]

Other considerations.

The 3.5 Dragon Disciple is changed in several ways, and those changes make the end result somewhat different (and superior to) the half dragon template alone.

Specifically, at 5th level you gain Blindsense at 60'...which the half dragon template does not grant. Then, at 9th level, you gain wings no matter what your size is...half dragon template only grants wings if you are Large or larger.

And of course, a warrior with a single level of Sorceror can use all those bonus spell slots to cast a TON of Shield, True Strike...etc... The low level buff spells.

I've been playing a "dragon themed" sorceror for a long time now in an ongoing campaign, and my GM and I went through several different iterations. Dragon Disciple is, in the end NOT a spellcasting class, despite its requirements. It is a class for warriors, who take a "burn level" in sorceror. A character build like that can become stupidly powerful.

For casters...well, it's harder. My GM and I came to a special dispensation and invented a +1 ECL "dragonblooded" character race that's patterned after Planetouched.

+1 ECL isn't too much for a little flavor.