Raging Dragon [ToB Martial Discipline; Draconic Barbarian]

[Lix Lorn]

Raging Dragon
Raging Dragon was created hundreds of years ago by a rogue Draconic Prince, cursed to be locked into the form of a mere humanoid. Furious about the loss of what he considered to be the perfect form, he channeled his rage into the creation of a new fighting style, to recover what he had lost.

Since its creation, Raging Dragon has become a favourite amongst those that idolise Draconic creatures, as well as those that prefer to cut loose in their battles with sheer power. The third group, unlike the other two, are the nobility who identify with the thought of the rogue prince. The associated skill for Raging Dragon is Intimidate, as befits an arrogant prince of Dragons. The associated weapons are those that denote nobility or overwhelming power, and include natural weapons, heavy picks, greatswords, greataxes, and rapiers.

Because the Raging Dragon discipline was never taught widely at the Temple of the Nine Swords or any similar center of training, most martial adepts do not know any maneuvers from it, or even know it exists. Only Warblades and Crusaders can easily learn maneuvers from the Raging Dragon discipline. There are three ways for other classes to master the discipline. The first is to have been trained in it. If you choose to make a martial adept that has already been trained in the Raging Dragon discipline at character creation, you simply replace one discipline that adept could normally learn maneuvers from with the Raging Dragon discipline.

The second way is to seek out a master of the Raging Dragon discipline–a martial adept capable of using at least 5th-level maneuvers from the discipline, and to learn Raging Dragon from them. You must train for a month under the master, or spend a month in research, and spend 1,000 xp at the end of your training. You gain the ability to learn maneuvers from the Raging Dragon discipline. In addition, you may exchange your maneuvers known for maneuvers of the Raging Dragon discipline. You may exchange one maneuver of each level, and the new maneuvers you learn must be of the same level as the exchanged maneuvers, unlike normal.

The third and simplest way, is to take the feat described below, which provides access to the maneuvers of Raging Dragon.

Maneuver List
First Level
Rage of Aeons (Stance)-Mimic a Barbarian’s Rage
Storm’s Fury (Stance)-Mimic a Barbarian’s Whirling Frenzy
Winged Feet (Boost)-Enhance your speed
Terrific Blow (Strike)-Sacrifice accuracy for power

Second Level
Steel Claws (Boost)-Gain natural weapons
Scales of the Conqueror (Counter)-Grants DR against one attack
Penetrating Blow (Strike)-Ignores DR and hardness

Third Level
Drake’s Anger (Strike)-Deals energy damage on attack
Instinct of Ages (Boost)-Grants Uncanny Dodge
Armour of the Ancients (Stance)-Gives Natural Armour

Fourth Level
Horror of the Skies (Boost)-Grants Frightful Presence
Scales of Immunity (Boost) -Grants energy resistance
Monarch’s Flame (Strike) –Attack with a cone or line of energy

Fifth Level
Explosive Rage (Strike)-Bombardment of attacks
Centuries of Experience (Counter)-Perfectly negate a trap or other saving throw
Constant Vigilance (Boost)-Grants Improved Uncanny Dodge

Sixth Level
Ancient Anger (Boost)-Enhances Rage/Fury bonuses
Wings of the Masters (Stance)-Grants flight
Unstoppable Monarch (Strike)-Bull Rush, do bonus damage

Seventh Level
Talon of the Wyrm (Strike)-Attack halves enemies hp
Tireless Sovereign (Boost)-Ends fatigue, similar conditions

Eight Level
Eternal Fury (Boost)-Enhances Rage/Fury bonuses more
Unending Wrath of the Dragons (Strike)-Attack until your enemy falls
Halo of the God-Beasts (Stance)-Aura of elemental power

Ninth Level
Enmity of Dragons (Strike)-Does masses of energy damage

Feats
Student of Dragons
Prerequisites: Ability to initiate at least one maneuver.
Benefit: You may select maneuvers from the Raging Dragon discipline.
Normal: Only Warblades and Crusaders, of the three basic classes, can select maneuvers from the Raging Dragon discipline.

Dragon’s Fury
Prerequisites: At least one Raging Dragon maneuver.
Benefit: You may initiate first level Raging Dragon stances as free actions.
Normal: They are swift actions.

Dragon’s Blood
Prerequisites: At least one Raging Dragon maneuver.
Benefit: You gain the Dragonblooded subtype, if you didn’t have it. In addition, you may add half your initiating level to one arcane caster level you possess, although this cannot raise your caster level above your ECL.

Calculating Fury
Prerequisites: Capable of raging, using a level 1 Raging Dragon stance, or some other similar ability that prevents you from some actions due to overwhelming anger
Benefit: You do not lose access to skills, spells, or abilities while using these abilities.

[Lix Lorn]

Maneuvers

Note On Elemental Maneuvers
On choosing their first maneuver of the Raging Dragon style that specifies they choose an energy type, they choose a type as normal, using the following guidelines, and DM adjuciation if it is unclear which category an energy belongs too. They may choose any of these energy types on their first choice. On subsequent choices, they must choose the same energy type. However, they may take an energy using Raging Dragon maneuver they already know a second time with a different energy type.
Basic Energies: Acid, Cold, Electricity, Fire
Greater Energies: Desiccation, Sonic
Advanced Energies: Force

1st Level Maneuvers
Rage of Aeons
Raging Dragon (Stance)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 1
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
While in this stance, the user gains a +4 bonus to Strength and Constitution, as well as a +2 morale bonus to will saves. However, he suffers a -2 penalty to his AC. While in this stance, he cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except for Balance, Escape Artist, Intimidate, and Ride), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except Combat Expertise, item creation feats, and metamagic feats. However, when the user leaves the stance for any reason, he becomes fatigued. This stance may not be kept up out of combat. (Although it can be activated temporarily to break a door, lock, or some other short term purpose.)
This maneuver counts as Rage for the purposes of prerequisites. (Although Extra Rage and Extend Rage are not applicable)

Storm’s Fury
Raging Dragon (Stance)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 1
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
While in this stance, the user gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +2 dodge bonus to Armor Class and on Reflex saves. While in this stance, he may make one extra attack in a round at his highest base attack bonus, but this attack takes a -2 penalty, as does each other attack made that round. This penalty applies for 1 round, so it also affects attacks of opportunity he might make before his next action. He may use this additional attack even when using a strike, but the additional attack suffers all the penalties of that strike, and none of its bonuses. While in this stance, he cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except for Balance, Escape Artist, Intimidate, and Ride), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except Combat Expertise, item creation feats, and metamagic feats. However, when the user leaves the stance for any reason, he becomes fatigued. This stance may not be kept up out of combat. (Although it can be activated temporarily to break a door, lock, or some other short term purpose.)
This maneuver counts as Rage for the purposes of prerequisites. (Although Extra Rage and Extend Rage are not applicable)

Winged Feet
Raging Dragon (Boost)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 1
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: A number of rounds equal to half your ranks in the Intimidate skill.
While this boost lasts, the user gains a 10ft enhancement bonus to each speed he possesses.

Terrific Blow
Raging Dragon (Strike)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 1
Initiation Action: Standard Action
Range: Melee
Target: One foe or object in range
Duration: Instant
The user makes a single attack with a -4 penalty on its attack roll. If it strikes, it deals an additional 12 damage.

2nd Level Maneuvers
Steel Claws
Raging Dragon (Boost)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 2
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: A number of rounds equal to half your ranks in the Intimidate skill.
While this boost lasts, the users hands become like claws. He has a number of primary natural claw attacks equal to the number of hands or primary limbs he had before, each dealing 1d6 for a medium initiator.
If he already possessed claws, their damage increases as if he had grown one size category.

Scales of the Conqueror
Raging Dragon (Counter)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 2
Initiation Action: Immediate Action
Target: Self
Duration: Instant
Against a single attack, the user gains DR equal to his Initiator level. This stacks with DR he already possesses.

Penetrating Blow
Raging Dragon (Strike)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 2
Initiation Action: Standard Action
Range: Melee
Target: One foe or object in range
Duration: Instant
The user makes a single attack. If it hits, it ignores hardness and DR, and doubles their strength modifier for the purpose of damage.

3rd Level Maneuvers
Drake’s Anger
Raging Dragon (Strike) (Energy)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 3
Prerequisites: Two Raging Dragon maneuvers
Initiation Action: Standard Action
Range: Melee
Target: One foe or object in range
Duration: Duration
The user makes a single attack. If it hits, the attack deals extra energy damage. This is equal 1d6/Initiator level (max 10d6) for Basic energies, 1d4/Initiator level (max 10d4) for Greater energies, and 1d3/initiator level (max 10d3) for advanced energies.

This maneuver is a supernatural ability, and can be chosen more than once for different energy types.

Instinct of Ages
Raging Dragon (Boost)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 3
Prerequisites: One Raging Dragon maneuver
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: A number of rounds equal to half your ranks in the Intimidate skill.
While this boost lasts, the user has the Uncanny Dodge ability, as per a rogue.

Armour of the Ancients
Raging Dragon (Stance)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 3
Prerequisites:One Raging Dragon Maneuver
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
While in this stance, the user has an enhancement bonus to his natural armour equal to half his Initiator level.

4th Level Maneuvers
Horror of the Skies
Raging Dragon (Boost)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 4
Prerequisites: One Raging Dragon Maneuver
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: A number of rounds equal to half your ranks in the Intimidate skill.
While this boost lasts, the user has the Frightful Presence ability, as per a dragon. If they already possess this ability, they use the best values for range and DC for each of them, and furthermore treat their IL and HD as four higher.

The ability takes effect automatically whenever the user attacks, charges, or flies overhead. Creatures within a radius of 5ft/IL are subject to the effect if they have fewer HD than his IL. A potentially affected creature that succeeds on a Will save (DC 10 + ½ user’s HD + user’s Cha modifier) remains immune to their frightful presence for 24 hours. On a failure, creatures with 4 or less HD become panicked for 4d6 rounds and those with 5 or more HD become shaken for 4d6 rounds. This ability does not affect other creatures with the Dragon type.

Scales of Immunity
Raging Dragon (Boost) (Energy)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 4
Prerequisites: One Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: A number of rounds equal to half your ranks in the Intimidate skill.
The user gains energy resistance against the chosen energy type equal to their initiator level for Basic energies, two thirds of their initiator level for Greater energies, or a third of their initiator level for Advanced energies. This stacks with energy resistance they already possess.
If this would grant resistance 20 to any single energy type, it instead grants immunity to that type.

This maneuver can be chosen more than once for different energy types.

Monarch’s Flame
Raging Dragon (Type) (Energy)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 4
Prerequisites: Two Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Full Round Action
Range: Cone of 5ft/IL or line of 10ft/IL
Target: All within area
Duration: Instant
All creatures within the target area suffer 1d6 (for Basic energies), 1d4 (for Greater energies) or 1d3 (for Advanced energies) damage per Initiator level, maximum 10d6, 10d4 or 10d3. They are entitled to a Reflex save, save DC equal to 15+primary ability modifier. (Charisma for Crusaders, Intelligence for Warblades) If the user possesses a breath weapon with the same area and energy type, they may use the greater range and save DC, and add the damage together.

This maneuver is a supernatural ability and can be chosen more than once for different energy types.

5th Level Maneuvers
Explosive Rage
Raging Dragon (Strike)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 5
Prerequisites: Two Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Full Round Action
Range: Melee
Target: Foes in melee range
Duration: Instant
The user makes an attack with every natural or manufactured weapon he wields, or an attack on each foe within his threat range, whichever results in more attacks.

Centuries of Experience
Raging Dragon (Counter)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 5
Prerequisites: Two Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Immediate Action
Target: Self
Duration: Instant
This counter is used in response to an effect that would cause the user to make a will, reflex or fortitude save, and is declared before making the roll. It negates that effect on the user entirely.

Constant Vigilance
Raging Dragon (Type)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 5
Prerequisites: Two Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: A number of rounds equal to half your ranks in the Intimidate skill.
While this boost lasts, the user has the Improved Uncanny Dodge ability, as per a rogue. Their effective rogue level is equal to their Initiator Level.

6th Level Maneuvers
Ancient Anger
Raging Dragon (Boost)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 6
Prerequisites: Two Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Free or Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: Special
This boost may be activated as a free action in the round when the user activates either Rage of Aeons or Storm’s Fury. It adds an additional two to the ability and AC bonuses granted by one of those stances, and lasts as long as they do. It also negates the AC penalty caused by Rage of Aeons, and negates the penalty on attack rolls caused by making an additional attack with Storm’s Fury.
This boost can only enhance one of those stances at a time, even if the user can somehow use them both simultaneously. However, if the user can use this maneuver twice while using both stances, he can enhance both. It has no effect if neither of the two stances is active when it is used.

Wings of the Masters
Raging Dragon (Stance)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 6
Prerequisites: Two Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
The user gains a flight speed based on their Initiator level.
Under Twelve: Equal to their base land speed; Average Manoeuvrability.
13-18: Equal to 1.5 times their base land speed; Good Manoeuvrability.
Nineteen Plus: Double their base land speed; Perfect Manoeuvrability.
If they already possess a flight speed, they instead increase it to 1.2/1.6/2 times its original value, and increase their maneuverability by 1/2/3 steps, using the same initiator levels.
This maneuver is a supernatural ability.

Unstoppable Monarch
Raging Dragon (Strike)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 6
Prerequisites:Two Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Full Round Action
Range: Charge range
Target: One foe
Duration: Instant
The user makes a charge attack, dealing normal damage. In addition, he makes a Bull Rush attempt with a +2 bonus. If the bull rush succeeds in moving his target, he may add one to his critical threat range and modifier for the charge attack.

7th Level Maneuvers
Talon of the Wyrm
Raging Dragon (Strike)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 7
Prerequisites:Three Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Full Round Action
Range: Melee
Target: One foe or object in melee range
Duration: Instant
The user makes a single attack at a -4 penalty. If it hits, before applying DR, it deals damage equal to half the target’s HP.

Tireless Sovereign
Raging Dragon (Boost)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 7
Prerequisites:Three Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: Instant
This boost removes any adverse Condition, such as Dazed, fatigued, exhausted, or even petrified or such. It may be used even if you are otherwise incapable of acting.
If you try to abuse it in a manner such as Iron Heart Surge, your DM is entitled to hit you with a book and your character with a ‘save and die anyway’.

8th Level Maneuvers
Eternal Fury
Raging Dragon (Boost)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 8
Prerequisites: Three Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Free or Swift Action
Target: Self
Duration: Special
This boost may be activated as a free action in the round when the user activates either Rage of Aeons or Storm’s Fury. It doubles the ability and AC bonuses granted by one of those stances, and lasts as long as they do. In addition, it adds a further +4 bonus to all saving throws for Rage of Aeons, or adds a second additional attack for Storm’s Fury.
This boost can only enhance one of those stances at a time, even if the user can somehow use them both simultaneously. Using this maneuver twice, by somehow recovering it in between uses, can enhance both. It has no effect if neither of the two stances is active when it is used.

Unending Wrath of the Dragon
Raging Dragon (Strike)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 8
Prerequisites: Three Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Full Round Action
Range: Melee
Target: One or more enemies in range
Duration: Instant
The user makes a single attack. If it hits, he makes a second attack at a -1 penalty. If it hits, he makes a third attack at a -2 penalty. This continues until he either misses or slays every opponent he can reach.

Halo of the Beast-Gods
Raging Dragon (Stance) (Energy)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 8
Prerequisites: Three Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Swift Action
Target: Self
While in this stance, the user is surrounded by a halo of elemental power. He gains a deflection bonus to AC equal to his IL divided by five. In addition, anyone who attempts to strike him in combat takes damage. This is 1d4/2 IL for Basic energies, 1d3/2 IL for Greater energies, and 1d2/2 IL for Advanced energies. In each case, they cap at fifteen dice of damage, a reflex save negates the damage.
(A 20th level character who chose fire would therefore do 10d4 damage whenever someone tries to strike him, while a 16th level character who chose Force would do 8d2)

This maneuver is a supernatural ability and can be chosen more than once for different energy types.

9th Level Maneuvers
Enmity of Dragons
Raging Dragon (Type) (Energy)
Level: Crusader/Warblade 9
Prerequisites: Four Raging Dragon Maneuvers
Initiation Action: Standard Action
Range: Melee
Target:One foe.
Duration: Instant.
The user makes a single attack. If it hits, the target makes a fortitude save. If he fails, he is slain immediately. Regardless of whether he succeeds, all foes within 5ft/2 initiator levels take a number of dice of energy damage equal to your Initiator level. This damage is in d6s for a Basic energy, d4s for a Greater energy, and d3s for an Advanced energy. The original target is subject to this damage, and also takes the damage from your normal melee attack. If he somehow survives all of this, he is disliked by dragons, a remnant of your power lingering in his scent and eyes. All Dragon and Dragonblooded creatures begin one level of friendliness further away from him. This is a harmless mind-affecting effect on the dragons, and the effect can be removed only by magic on the level of a limited wish or above.
This maneuver is a supernatural ability.

[JoshuaZ]

Will look at this in detail when I have time. For now, one quick issue. In the 9th level strike you mention "choose one when you gain this feat." I think you mean maneuver not feat there.

Edit: Fluff question: A lot of the abilities let you act sort of like a dragon. But that's clearly weaker than actually being a dragon. So why would this discipline have been developed by an actual dragon?

[elliott20]

if you ask me, I think if we want this discipline be really dragon worthy, they should be built on top of the notion that character in question is already capable of doing what most dragons can do.

i.e. Monarch's Flame could just as easily be a boost that gives the dragon's breath weapon a plus to damage.

You could probably make stuff that all assumes the character can do the following:

- fly
- breath weapon
- claw and bite
- tail swipe

Steel Claw, for example, can be another boost or stance that gives your claws ability to penetrate damage reduction, with higher level ones able to outright cut through magical barriers.

Drake's anger can still be a strike, but you can change the language so that the base damage is based on your own breath weapon, with some additional modifications like the bonus damage and the changed energy subtype.

wings of the master can make it go from granting flight to giving the character better maneuverability or faster flight speed.

[DracoDei]

if you ask me, I think if we want this discipline be really dragon worthy, they should be built on top of the notion that character in question is already capable of doing what most dragons can do.Quite frankly, given the amount of work put into this, it sounds like she needs to change the fluff and keep the crunch the same.
i.e. Monarch's Flame could just as easily be a boost that gives the dragon's breath weapon a plus to damage.
Maybe, but there is an entire discipline (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/printthread.php?t=143684) for that sort of thing. Then again ToB itself has pairs of maneuvers from different disciplines that do the same thing, or almost the same thing.

[Lix Lorn]

Will look at this in detail when I have time. For now, one quick issue. In the 9th level strike you mention "choose one when you gain this feat." I think you mean maneuver not feat there.
Ah, good point. Will change.


Edit: Fluff question: A lot of the abilities let you act sort of like a dragon. But that's clearly weaker than actually being a dragon. So why would this discipline have been developed by an actual dragon?


Quite frankly, given the amount of work put into this, it sounds like he needs to change the fluff and keep the crunch the same.
Maybe, but there is an entire discipline (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/printthread.php?t=143684) for that sort of thing. Then again ToB itself has pairs of maneuvers from different disciplines that do the same thing, or almost the same thing.
She. But yeah, I'm more likely to modify the fluff a little. Perhaps have it made by a dragon descended, or someone who WAS a dragon...

[DracoDei]

Sorry about the gender forgetfulness.

[Lix Lorn]

No worries, it happens.

[elliott20]

Well, if the goal was to keep the mechanics the same, then just switch the fluff to someone (a humanoid creature, perhaps) who observed dragons from afar creating a style that mimics them.

[Lix Lorn]

I'm intending on having the creator being a draconic prince who was cursed with a human form. He developed this to reawaken his power and regain the kingdom he believed dragons deserved.

[Thrice Dead Cat]

I'm intending on having the creator being a draconic prince who was cursed with a human form. He developed this to reawaken his power and regain the kingdom he believed dragons deserved.

This is a solid idea, so you should probably throw that into the base ability flow giving that small blurp.

As for PEACHing mechanics, I'll get around to that either next post or as an EDIT to this light thing.

[Lix Lorn]

Thanks, will be adding proper fluffystuff when I have muse.