3.5 Dragon Shaman Handbook [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

Jopustopin

2011-09-03, 02:54 AM

3.5 Dragon Shaman Handbook
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/Jopustopin/dragon-wallpaper7.jpg
Lay-out was inspired by AfterCrescent's 3.5 Cleric Handbook (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=420.0).
Table of Contents
Post 1: Introduction and Party Role
Post 2: Attributes and Races
Post 3: Class Features, Alternate Class Features, and Alternate Dragon Totems
Post 4: Feats and Skills/Skill Tricks
Post 5: Equipment
Post 6: Multiclassing, Dips, Prestige Classes, and Sample Builds
Wherever: Arguments about whether DFA can use Metabreath Feats

The following ranking system will be used:

Red: Avoid. Never take unless forced to.
Purple: Bad. Take these if you want but realize that there are always better choices.
Black: Neutral. There are better options, but you could do worse.
Blue: Good. Almost always a solid choice.
Gold: Amazing. This is a cut above the rest of your choices.

Introduction
Dragon Shamans aspire to be like their totem dragons and instead get several unique abilities that none of the dragons in any book possess (except their breath weapon). The web enhancement (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20060822a) describes the Dragon Shaman as an “Elemental Warrior.” This is also not true unless they are talking about the breath weapon the Dragon Shaman gets. In this case pretty much anything with a breath weapon is an “Elemental Warrior.” So the Dragon Shaman in almost every way fails to accomplish their goal of "being like a dragon." What they end up being is a hybrid between dragonfire adept and marshal. They have secondary (that is, not very good) buffs that pale in comparison to the tricks that a bard can pull (and obviously the buffs that a wizard can do). Despite all of these flaws a Dragon Shaman is a wonderful addition to the party that is more than capable of excelling in whatever role they choose. Dragon Shaman can fulfill essential roles and is more than capable of pulling his weight in a group. The consensus is that the Dragon Shaman is Tier 4. Let's check them out shall we?

Role in a Party
Dragon Shaman's cannot fulfill any essential role out of the box (except healing and party support). However with some min/max shenanigans they are easily one of the best party faces in the game, have the HP to take the load off the main tank, and can even make a decent scout. I focus on "Roles" in this guide because when creating a character one should always have in mind what they are going to be doing as a member of a team. If you're playing a dragon shaman then you already are going to increase the effectiveness of your team. Increase it more by specializing.

Party Face:
Don’t count the Dragon Shaman out of this role. The 1st and 3rd level feats are a source of confusion for most Dragon Shamans. They don’t qualify for any of the Breath Feats* and don't have enough feats open for specialization in one area of combat. If you’re maxing out the Party Face Route you’ll need a higher Charisma score and the Brass Totem. Switch Survival for Sense Motive (City Scape) and take the feat Martial Study at 1st level to get Diplomacy as a class skill. The only skill you’re now missing (to get all the synergy bonuses for Diploamcy) is Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) which, you know, if you’re desperate, can be picked up with the feat Educated (but don’t). If you have extra skill points just cross-class it. If you want to be the best party face possible take the invocation “Beguiling Influence” at level 5. At level 6 you can easily grab Imperious Command (Which actually makes sense for a Dragon Shaman); you are beautiful and terrifying. Congratulations you almost are a real dragon.
Scout/Trapfinder:
You’re lacking the skill points to be really good at this role. You’ll want to be a Whisper Gnome who has as his totem Black, Green, or White. With two feats you can grab scent from Tome of Battle. It’ll be much harder to grab trapfinding (Shape Soulmeld (Thieves' Gloves) + Open Least ChakraMagic of Incarnum; requires two feats and at least 6th level) and even if you do you’ll probably end up needing the feat Able Learner and a lot of skill points in order to fulfill this role. Now how do you get disable device as a class skill (without being an elf from Aerenal in Eberron)? Instead of doing that whole mess, it's much easier to just multi-class.
Tank:
Like the Dragonfire Adept, you’re likely to have an ungodly amount of hit points, so being a Tank is not entirely out of the picture for you. You can wear mithral full plate (so don't take heavy armor proficiency) and you have shield proficiency (animated shield). Furthermore if you appear as a big stupid fighter and the dungeon master is role playing monsters appropriately then wizards will likely target (and waste) spells on you that target your will save. Mongrelfolk (who just loves Bahamut) might be the best race for this class role. If you have a high charisma, one of the best things a tank can do is crowd control. Get Imperious Command and the skill trick Never outnumbered. Go Dragonborn and get a quickened entangling breath and use it to really limit the options of those you are fighting. Cowered and entangled is no way to go through life, son.
Party Support/Healing:
If you have a positive charisma modifier, you automatically have this role due to touch of vitality. More on this role later.
Damage:
One way or another you’re going to fulfill this role. You won’t be the best at it but then you get to do other things. They key is to focus on how you want to do damage. The obvious approach is your breath weapon and metabreath feats. You’ll probably want the invocation “Endure Exposure” at 5th level so that you can use your breath weapon as often as possible (and not have to worry about your allies getting in the way). More than likely you'll get one breath weapon per combat; what will you be doing while waiting for your breath weapon to recharge? In melee, damage comes from one source: Power Attack. Yet you don’t have enough feats to be throwing together a feat train and most DM’s laugh when you mention flaws. You'll have to pull your weight some how...

Weaknesses

You'll feel extremely useful at lower levels, but as you gain in power your ability to contribute will become lower and lower unless you are aware of the inherent weaknesses in this class. We can talk all day about what they should have gotten, but they didn't so let's just move on. You have no way to overcome your medium base attack bonus. You must wait excruciatingly long in between uses of your breath weapon. Your aura's become less and less important as you gain levels. Healing is an out of combat role. The largest problem with the dragon shaman is they become pathetic in combat without foresight. Squint really hard at those class features and try to imagine what you'll be doing at level 12 in combat. Fortunately with the amount of books available to use there are many, many ways to avoid becoming the waste of space in combat.

Jopustopin

2011-09-03, 02:55 AM

Attributes
Str: Strength is an important stat for a Dragon Shaman who wants to do something else in combat besides use their breath weapon. Unless I'm missing something this is the second most important stat.
Dex: Mithral Full Plate has a maximum dex modifier of +3 so that is your ceiling. You can boost your own initiative with your aura's, have an ungodly amount of hit points, and even get extra natural armor to boot. I wouldn't go lower than an 8 on Dex. If you're trying to make a scout this becomes more important of a stat.
Con: Your breath weapon uses Constitution as it's save and metabreath feats have constitution pre-requisities. This is your main ability. Put your highest stat here. If you are using 32 point buy, start with an 18 here.
Int: The usefulness of this stat will depend on what type of build you are going for. Try to avoid a penalty. If you're playing a scout build or a party face build you'll need a positive modifier here.
Wis: You have good will saves, no skills that use this stat, and no class abilities that rely on wisdom. Dump this as low as you are willing to role-play.
Cha: You want at least a 12 (for touch of vitality). If you have lower then a 12 buy something that makes you pretty so that you can at least use Touch of Vitality. 14 or higher if you want to play up the party face role. If you have a high Charisma score you also get to play up the healing and party support roles.

Races
LA+0

Human- You get a bonus feat for a class that needs bonus feats. You get more skill points for a class that has 2 + int. Next Question.
NeanderthralFrost- +2 to two important stats; -2 to two dump stats. These guys make terrific dragon shaman. Add the template "draconic" for more win. Watch the movie Encino Man for inspiration.
Dwarf/Deep DwarfMM- Dwarves make fine dragon shamans. They have a bonus to constitution and a penalty to charisma. For those who don't care about the Social Build and want to play a dwarf here you go. If you want to play a social build and play a dwarf look at the Dream Dwarf (which dumps Dexterity instead of Charisma)
Elf- A dump to your most important stat and a bonus to a dump stat. Around these parts we make fun of elves.
Half-Elf- If you're going the party face route and just really want a +2 racial bonus to diplomacy then sure. Otherwise no.
Half-Orc- Play them if you want, they are not that bad as a Dragon Shaman. Mechanically there are better choices so play these guys if you want to play a half-orc.
Halfling-A bonus to dex and a penalty to str; not a good trade in my opinion. If you want a scout play a Whisper Gnome. None of their racial abilities mesh well with a Dragon Shaman
Gnome- They get a bonus to constitution which is great but pretty much every race that gets a bonus to constitution is better than the gnome. Play a whisper gnome if you're desperate to play a small sneaky race.
Wild ElfMM- If you want to play an elf this is the way to go. But the bonus to dex is wasted and you dump all your skills out the window.
OrcMM- Int and Wis are dump stats anyway so you're looking at +4 str for -2 Cha which is a good deal when you consider you're not gunning for party face anyway. In Eberron play an Orc over half-orc every time. Other setting might have role playing issues trucking around with an orc.
WarforgedRoE- These guys are better than dwarves and can make superior tanking dragon shamans. In the FAQ we find that your healing aura only heals you for 1/2 as much so if your DM doesn't know how to use fractions it means you can't heal yourself at low levels.
ShifterRoE- Any option that gives you bonus to constitution is preferred. I could see this working for a damage dealing type.
ChangelingRoE- Mechanically there are better races. Silver Totem Dragon Shamn who goes into the prestige class Chameleon would make for a memorable character.
KoboldRotD/Web (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060420a)- Depending on your level of cheese these guys go from red (MM I) to gold. My advice? Play a variant without a constitution penalty add Dragonwrought and play as old as your DM will let you. This will push it to blue.
AxurinMoI-You get a bonus feat which pretty much makes a race gold. If you are an expert on Incarnuum then you know what to do with the essentia point.
SkarnMoI- A great race that gives you a boost to strength and a penalty to dex. They have natural weapons and are self proclaimed as "the perfect race."
DusklingsMoI-You get a bonus to what you want and dump something you don't care about and it gives you an amazing type (Fey). All good things here.
MongrelfolkRoD- Most Mongrelfolk are saddened by not having any dragonblood. I dare you to find a way of overcoming this handicap.
Whisper GnomeRoS-You really have only a couple of options if you want to play a scout. If you don't care about skills then whisper gnome wins. Otherwise play a race that nets you Able Learner.
Lesser Aasimar: These guys are awesome in conjunction with the template Dragonborn. +2 Con, +2 Cha, +2 Wis, -2 Dex with no level adjustment is superb for a charisma based dragonshaman.

LA+1

Half-GiantXPH- I personally love this race a little too much. They make great Dragon Shamans with boost to two good stats and don't we all love their psi-like ability? They can use large sized weapons and make great Dragonborn.
HobgoblinMM- There are just so many better options for the LA. But if you do end up playing one and you have LA buy-off you'll enjoy a +2 con (that's what a Dragon Shaman gets for the LA).
CatfolkRoW- If you want to play a scout the whisper gnome and even the human are superior; they also don't have a LA.
Poison Dusk LizardfolkMM3- They are all around better than the hobgoblin. That said, their racial abilities don't mesh that well with the Dragon Shaman.
Chaos GnomeRoS- A bonus to two important stats, Constitution and Charisma, make this race a good choice for the party face role.
UldraFrost- Your roles are limited and the main problem with these guys is they don't fit you into a role you're good at. If you're going for a "melee" damage type you'll have to work harder to raise their strength.
GoliathRoS-These guys are slightly better than half-giants. I personally prefer to role play half-giants over Goliaths but mechanically Goliath has the best stats for a brute dragon shaman.
TieflingMM-Bump to two dump stats and a dump on a good stat. Move along.
AasimarMM-Play one if that's what rocks your boat. You make a good party face and fulfill that "hero" role you've been dying to play.

LA +2

Half-OgreRoD- For the level adjustment you get lots of very good things. The only hit on this race is the penalty to charisma. Play a Half-Ogre and have fun!
DrowMM- You're paying for two level adjustments for a penalty to constitution? This is just not a good idea.
GithzeraiXPH- A penalty to intelligence for a skill starved dragon shaman is no way to go through life son. You pay +2 LA for a massive bonus to dexterity (what will you do with all that dexterity?)
GithyankiXPH- Nothing wrong with these guys, just not worth the LA.

Templates

DragonbornRotD- +2 to constitution and -2 to a dump stat. A dragonborn at 1st level gives you access to metabreath feats right away. Many great races only get better with Dragonborn. Also it's thematically appropriate for those "fluff" picky DM's.
Draconic CreatureRotD- Dragon Shamans need three stats: Strength, Constitution, and Charisma. The Draconic Creature template gives you +2 to Strength, Constitution, and Charisma. A Draconic Dragonborn Mongrelfolk has a +1 LA and +8 constitution, +2 Strength, -2 Intelligence, -2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma. Not only is it min/maxed but everything is thematically appropriate for those "fluff" DM hardasses.
PhrenicSRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/monsters/phrenicCreature.htm)/XPH- +2 LA and worth it. The boosts to your stats miss you (unless you're playing a social build) but the goodies that come with the class are outright better than any template in the game.

Point Buy Suggestions
"Tank" Role/Metabreath/Melee
Race|Str|Dex|Con|Int|Wis|Cha|Point Buy
Human|14|12|18|8|8|14|32
Warforged|16|10|18|10|8|12|32
Mongrelfolk|16|10|18|10|8|12|32
Dragonborn Draconic Mongrelfolk|16|12|24|10|8|12|32

Jopustopin

2011-09-03, 02:56 AM

Main Class Features
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/Jopustopin/DragonShaman.jpg

Hit Die: D10s are all that you need. Your constitution modifier should be huge. You should have the most HP in the party unless you are playing with a Con diehard barbarian (and why isn't he pumping strength?).
Skill: You are limited on your skill points per level. Don't panick, you're not a skill monkey but you will always have enough skill points for the job.
Proficiencies: You get hosed here. You want the biggest and best weapon possible... instead you're stuck with the Morning Star. Thankfully you have all the armor and shield proficiencies you could ask for.
Draconic Aura: At low level Vigor aura is pure gold. Senses is always gold. Presence will help out whoever is the party face. Other than that your "in-combat" aura's leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. At very high levels you're likely to be using EnergyDrM aura to boost the save DC of your breath weapon. If you have allies with the ability to make multiple attacks per round then Power aura becomes a good choice.
Energy Shield: Resistances will negate this aura; that said this aura does have it's place at low levels and against creatures with a bunch of natural attacks and no energy resistance to your aura.
Power: This one will always be useful. It's bonus damage and some rogue builds that are constantly looking for bonus damage on each attack will appreciate it. Charging builds won't notice it.
Presence: This one is awesome and you should have this on constantly whenever you're in a social situation and/or using imperious command.
Resistance: This one will almost never come up. Why? Because your dungeon master knows you have it. By the time it's really useful you'll be able to purchase items that duplicate it's effects.
Senses: This one is on whenever you are not in combat and are not in a social situation. This is the best aura for out of combat situations.
Toughness: This one is merely "okay" at low levels. At higher levels it quickly falls to "useless" and "laughably bad."
Vigor: At low levels I have seen this aura save countless battles, a dragon shaman can stall and bring back his comrades into the fight. At higher levels this is mostly an "after the battle" aura in order to bring back the parties hit points to half before using other restorative methods.
InsightDrM: If you have a party member with knowledge devotion this aura could translate into bonus damage in combat.
EnergyDrM: Whenever you use your breath weapon you use this aura to boost the DC. This aura is great in conjunction with your breath weapon. Bonus points if it provides synergy with your party.
PowerDrM: You'll want this at higher levels. You'll need to strategize with your parties spellcaster/manifestor so that they always get the benefits of this aura when it's needed. It becomes a waste if no one is casting spells.
ResolveDrM: Maybe in conjunction with some Diamond Mind maneuversToB. Otherwise, you have better things to do with your time.
StaminaDrM: Fortitude saves are some of the most deadly effects in the game. You'll need to coordinate with someone in the party who can inform you if this aura will be needed in combat against a particular foe because Bahamut knows you won't be able to identify anything.
SwiftnessDrM: This aura gives all party members a climb speed. Other than that it's pretty specific and I can't think of a time that it would be particularly useful over other aura's. If you have a totem that gives you spider climb to all party members this aura becomes a total waste.
Totem dragon: This is the biggest decision in every young Dragon Shaman's career. Which Dragon will I try to be like? I recall reading once that acid > electricity > cold > fire in terms of immunities and resistance you are likely to face. So when reviewing breath I arranged the dragons in that order. I only colored the important ones but it's clear that Copper is the all around best, Brass makes the best party face (by having access to the most skills that provide synergy with Diploamcy), and that Gold is straight up terrible. Remember that at level 13 you can share your Draconic Adaptation with all of your allies:

Totem Dragon
Best Role Given Skills
Breath
Draconic Adaptation

Black
Scout
Best
Worst

Blue
Party Face
Good
Hilarious

Brass
Party Face
Worst
Bad

Bronze
Party Face
Good
Worst

Copper
Party Face
Best
Best

Gold
No Clear Role
Bad
Worst

Green
Party Face/Scout
Best
Worst

Red
Party Face
Worst
Bad

Silver
Party Face
Okay
Great

White
Scout
Okay
Bad

Skill Focus: By level 16 you'll have gotten this three times. Count yourself lucky. No dragon offers Skill Focus (Underwater Basket Weaving) unfortunately.
Breath Weapon: This is the best ability this class has to offer. You waited long enough for it, now reap the benefits of it. Your breath weapon is almost identical to that of a true dragon and qualifies for all the metabreath feats in a way that no Dragonfire Adept can. Hey DFA suck it!
Alignment Restrictions: Restrictions are always red; if you're playing in Eberron I speculate that most Dungeon Masters will lift this restriction since it doesn't thematically make any sense for the setting. I think that most players will be able to find what their looking for. Although being a good aligned scout will be difficult.
Touch of Vitality: All around better than the paladin ability but I gotta ask... what the hell does this have to do with dragons? If you are going the party face/imperious command route guess what? You're also the healer!
Natural Armor: You get it.. and.. and it's good and all but it's really too little too late. It does stack with races that already have natural armor which is a good thing.
Energy Immunity: Guess what types of creatures you'll mysteriously never have to fight? This goes double if you pick up the resistance aura.
Commune with Dragon Spirit: Hi! You've reached the Gold Dragon Totem Commune Hotline and we're unable to respond. If you've used commune within the last seven days please hang up and try again. Honestly this abilities color is up to your Dungeon Master. There are no guidelines on how much knowledge your totem has. We can assume that White Dragon Totems are stupid and animalistic.
Draconic Wings: Wizards can fly at level 5. The Dragonborn template gives you wings at level 1. What level do we get them here? Level 19. Yes my friends someday you will be like a dragon.

Alternate Class Features Shamanic InvocationDragon Magic: Give up an aura, learn a draconic invocation. Most of your aura's suck. If you're reading this handbook then you have learned that this is NOT an alternate class feature. You always trade an aura for an invocation; ALWAYS. There is never a reason not to. With that disclaimer out of the way two draconic invocations are standouts for selection. If you are focusing on your breath weapon grab "endure elements." If you're going the party face/imperious command route grab "Beguiling Influence." There is simply no need for 7 aura's and an urgent need for one of these two invocations. Endure Elements is so good for a Dragon Shaman that you might grab it even if you are a Party Face.

Alternate Dragon Totems Good source found here (http://www.mit.edu/~locutus/DnD/classes/TotemDragons.html) for some alternate dragon totems.
*Note that this is considered homebrew. No official rules support alternate dragon totems.

Jopustopin

2011-09-03, 02:57 AM

FeatsNote that the colors indicated are for that role and may not be the best choice if you are focusing on something else.
Metabreath FeatsDraconomicon: The power is not in picking one or two of them and deciding on which to use. The true power is stacking them all on top of each other to quickly move the battle into your favor.
Clinging Breath: Does 50% damage on round 2. Yes.
Lingering Breath: With the invocation "Endure Elements" this metabreath is awesome good. If there is no where for the bad guys to run apply this feat multiple times and let the good times roll.
Maximize Breath: You do max damage this round and with clinging breath half of max damage on round 2. Make sure to do it to every bad guy on the field.
Enlarge Breath: Usually you can find a way to hit everyone but in those times when you can't this feat helps.
Heighten Breath: You'll want this.
Quicken Breath: Not essential but it gives you an extra action for the round you use your breath weapon (since you'll probably be using your breath once per combat).
Recover Breath: -1 rounds when you have to wait 1d4+20 rounds is a big waste.
Shape Breath: Generally a cone is better than a line. If you have a line breath weapon then this might be a way of blasting everyone.
Spreading Breath: Just teleport to a better position using any number of magical items and effects.
Extend Spreading Breath: As cool as that sounds, pass.
Tempest Breath: Not for you my friend.
Entangling ExhalationRotD: By the time you qualify for this feat it's glory days are in it's past. Dragonborn's should grab this at level 1 where it is gold. That said, entangle is always a great condition; all the way to 20. You must have the dragonblood subtype to use this feat. A great way to go about this is to start a battle by entangling as many foe's as possible, wait for your breath to come back, and then stack every breath effect you can to end the battle.
Ability FocusSRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsterFeats.htm): Heighten Breath is almost always a better choice. Also you have an aura that boosts the DC on your breath weapon.

Party Face/Intimidation feats:
Martial Study (Douse the Flames/Leading the Attack)ToB: This gives you Diplomacy as a class skill. Essential.
Apprentice (Entertainer)DMG II: If Tome of Battle is not allowed this is your only other option to get Diplomacy as a class skill.
Imperious CommandDotU: Thematically appropriate and Min/Max approved. Get the skill trick "Never Outnumbered."
Dreadful WrathPgtF: You have to take this at level 1 which will cramp your Diplomacy style at low levels. It's worth it. Find the book and read the ability.
EducationECS: This will get you the final skill you are missing in order to get all the synergy bonuses to diplomacy. Not worth it in my book.
Nymph's KissBoED: This is a great feat for any Charisma based Dragon Shaman. It would be great even if it didn't provide extra skill points. Some DM's might make you jump through hoops for it though.
Frightful PresenceDraconomicon: The only place for this feat is at level 9 (after Imperious Command). You have to have more HD than they do which could lead to you not getting to use this feat that often (Especially if you have a LA).

Tank/Melee Feats:
Endurance/Steadfast DeterminationPHB II: Look like a big stupid fighter, pass every Will saving thrown your way.
Power Attack: I've heard that this is a good feat from some friends. Hold weapon in two hands and swing as hard as you can.
Leap AttackCAdv: You probably already have skill focus (jump). Now that worthless skill focus translates into double damage on charges.
Exotic Weapon Proficiency: You know what? There is something satisfying about beating things with a JovarP|H. Your weapon selection sucks, find one that suits you.

Scout/Trapfinder Feats: You can't scout in pitch blackness holding a torch. You will want to get darkvision, so if playing a human add the Draconic Creature template. Note: This is not really that optimal of a role for a Dragon Shaman. Only do it if your party needs this role covered. Able LearnerRoD: Essential if you're going to have disable device maxed. If you're going the trapfinder route then Red Dragon Totem's Draconic Adaptation becomes much more attractive. Also essential if you're playing a Silver Dragon Totem who wants to get into ChameleonRoD prestige class at level 6 with Touch of Vitality (look I'm a real paladin!).
DarkstalkerLoM: You cannot scout effectively at high levels without this feat.
Martial Stance (Hunter's Sense)ToB: This gives you Scent but the feat investment is steep for a feat starved Dragon Shaman. Having move silently, hide, and any trapfinding abilities maxed out will limit your spot and listen. Scent allows you to pretty much auto-detect creatures that are hiding. Not to mention has combat applications.
Obtain FamiliarCA: A Dragon Shaman who takes the alternate class feature at level 5 qualifies for Obtain Familiar. Bat's have blindsense and can scout ahead of you without drawing attention.
Shape Soulmeld (Thieves Gloves)MoI: Gold if you actually want to be a trapfinder and you take Open Least Chakra and you don't want to lose class levels; otherwise red
Open Least ChakraMoI: Gold if you actually want to be a trapfinder (and not lose any class levels); otherwise red
Other Feats:
Double Draconic AuraDrM: You can project twice as many draconic aura's as before. Many will tell you that this is a staple feat. I disagree. Most of your aura's are too situational. If you want two aura's going at the same time take the feat leadership.
Wild CohortWeb (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20031118a): This feat is nice if you're going the chameleon route (to act like a druid) and it's good regardless. If you're struggling to select a feat you won't regret having a riding dog at level 1.
Animal DevotionCC: I would talk to your DM about re-flavoring this feat to "Dragon Devotion" with appropriate fluff changes. This is a very good feat if you have a cleric dip. Even without it, it's still pretty good.

Skills
Your skill list is not huge. Specialize and move on. On a side note: Real Dragons are the master of senses; usually they have maxed out spot and listen, they have darkvision, super low-light vision, and blindsense. Dragon Shaman's (remember they are aspiring to be like real dragons) don't even have listen and spot as class skills, let alone any of the other "sense" like abilities of a dragon. [/rant].
Climb: Not that useful.
Craft: Not that useful.
Intimidate: Max if you are going the Imperious Command route. Otherwise leave it be.
Knowledge (Nature): This has absolutely nothing to do with the Dragon Shaman to the point of being the butt of all jokes. It's a no wonder that Dragon Shamans are nothing like real dragons, they don't know anything about them.
Knowledge (Local): You could trade Nature for Local. But don't you have better things to do with your time?
Knowledge (Arcana): According to the Errata you do have Knowledge (Arcana). Don't put in ranks in it or you might find out that dragons do not have healing aura's.
Search: Not your job.
Dragon Totem Skills
Hide: No, unless you're a scout.
Move Silently: No, unless you're a scout.
Swim: No, unless you're playing FFX.
Bluff: Max or at least 5 ranks for synergy with diplomacy.
Gather Information: If you have the skill points and a high charisma, put a couple in here to auto-succeed on tasks. You have commune though so why not just ask your dragon totem buddy?
Survival: Always trade this for "Sense Motive" using Cityscape.
Sense Motive: At least 5 ranks for synergy bonus with Diplomacy.
Disguise: Not that useful.
Jump: If you're building a leap attack build then put enough in to auto-succeed on the check.
Heal: I hate you Gold Totem Dragon. Use Touch of Vitality instead.
Appraise: No.

Skill Tricks

Never Outnumbered: In conjunction with Imperious Command you win (not the battle of course, you still have to kill everything).
Healing Hands: For all you Gold Dragon lovers out there.
Extreme Leap: If you have ranks in Jump, then I would grab this.

Jopustopin

2011-09-03, 02:58 AM

This post is reserved for me. :smallsmile:

Jopustopin

2011-09-03, 02:59 AM

Forgotten Realms Charisma Focused Dragon Shaman
Dragonborn lesser aasimar
(32 point buy, no flaws/traits)
Build Progression

Str: 14
Dex: 10
Con: 18
Int: 14
Wis: 10
Cha: 16

1: Dreadful Wrath
3: Martial Study (Leading the Attack)
6: Imperious Command
9: Power Attack
12: Leap Attack
15: Double Draconic Aura
18: Maximize Breath

Level by Level Progression

Level 1 - 5

Level 1:

Class: Dragon Shaman
Feat: Dreadful WrathPgtF
HP: 14 (1d10+4)
Skill Points: Intimidate 4 ranks, Bluff 4 ranks, Sense Motive 4 rankscross class, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 4 rankscross class
Class Features: Draconic Aura +1, Totem Dragon (Copper), Draconic Aura (Vigor, Energy Shield, Senses)

Level 2:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~23.5 (2d10+8)
Feats: Skill Focus (Bluff)
Skill Points Intimidate 1 ranks, Bluff 1 ranks, Sense Motive 1 rankscross class, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 1 rankscross class
Class Features: Skill Focus

Level 3:

Class: Dragon Shaman
Feat: Martial Study (Leading the Attack)
HP: ~33 (3d10+12)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 3
Class Features: Draconic Adaptation (Spider Climb), Presence

Level 4:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~42.5 (4d10+16)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 3
Ability Boost: +1 Charisma
Class Features: Breath Weapon (2d6), Draconic Resolve

Level 5:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~52 (5d10+20)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 2, Sense Motive 1cross class
Class Features: Draconic Aura +2, Shamanic InvocationDrM (Beguiling Influence)

Level 6 - 10

Level 6:

Class: Dragon Shaman
Feat: Imperious Command
HP: ~61.5 (6d10+24)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Skill Trick (Never Outnumbered)Complete Scoundrel
Class Features: Breath Weapon (3d6), Touch of Vitality (heal wounds)

Level 7:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~71 (7d10+28)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Sense Motive 2cross class
Class Features: Natural Armor +1, Draconic Aura (Power)

Level 8:

Class: Dragon Shaman
Feat: Skill focus (Jump)
HP: ~80.5 (8d10+32)
Ability Boost: +1 Charisma
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Sense Motive 2cross class
Class Features: Breath Weapon (4d6), Skill Focus

Level 9:

Class: Dragon Shaman
Feat: Power Attack
HP: ~90 (9d10+36)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Jump 2
Class Features: Energy Immunity, Draconic Aura (PowerDrM)

Level 10:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~99.5 (10d10+40)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Jump 2
Class Features: Breath Weapon (5d6), Draconic Aura +3

Level 11 - 15

Level 11:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~109 (11d10+44)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Jump 2
Class Features: Touch of Vitality (Remove Condition)

Level 12:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~118.5 (12d10+48)
Feats: Leap Attack
Ability: +1 Charisma
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Jump 2
Class Features: Breath Weapon (6d6), Natural Armor +2

Level 13:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~128 (13d10+52)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Jump 2
Class Features: Draconic Adaptation (Share with allies)

Level 14:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~137.5 (14d10+56)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Jump 2
Class Features: Breath Weapon (7d6), Commune with Dragon Spirit

Level 15:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~147 (15d10+60)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 2Cross Class
Class Features: Draconic Aura +4
Feat: Double Draconic Aura

Level 16 - 20

Level 16:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~156.5 (16d10+64)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 2Cross Class
Class Features: Breath Weapon (8d6), Skill Focus
Feat: Skill Focus (Hide)
Ability: +1 Cha

Level 17:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~166 (17d10+68)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 1Cross Class, Bluff 1
Class Features: Natural Armor +3
Feat: Maximize Breath

Level 18:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~175.5 (18d10+72)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Bluff 2
Class Features: Breath Weapon (9d6)

Level 19:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~185 (19d10+76)
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Bluff 2
Class Features: Draconic Wings

Level 20:

Class: Dragon Shaman
HP: ~194.5 (20d10+80)
Ability: +1 Cha
Skill Points: Intimidate 1, Diplomacy 1, Bluff 2
Class Features: Breath Weapon (10d6), Draconic Aura +5

General Dragon Shaman
Dragonborn Draconic Neaderthral
(32 point buy, no flaws/traits)
Build Progression

Copper Totem Dragon Shaman
Str: 18
Dex: 10
Con: 20
Int: 12
Wis: 10
Cha: 16

1: Entangling Exhalation
3: Power Attack
6: Imperious Command
9: Leap Attack
12: Improved Bull Rush
15: Shock Trooper
18: Quicken Breath

Invocation: Endure Elements

Auras: Vigor, Energy Shield, Senses, EnergyDrM, PowerDrM, StaminaDrM (Alternate: Presence)

Skills: Jump, Bluff, Intimidate (+Never Outnumbered)

Level by Level Progression

Zombimode

2011-09-03, 04:19 AM

ReluctantDragon

2011-09-03, 07:05 AM

Love it! Always loved the DS, glad to finally see a handbook. Thank you!

Jopustopin

2011-09-04, 02:55 AM

Looking good :)

Some nitpicks:

PLEASE state the sources of feats etc.
It omits the need for the reader to search for it (if you dont know where to look, finding feats can be a chore. Try finding craven without any help :smallwink: ), he can immediately see if its available for his group, and so on.
Plus stating your sources is just that more professional.

Your last paragraph talks about clerics. Thats confusing and should be corrected.

Thanks! I got cut off last night (around this time) when the site went down and didn't have a chance to fix it.

Of course if anyone has any disagreement and/or suggestions please feel free to help! If you have seen Dragon Shamans in high level play (I have not) feel free to chime in with some advice. If you guys have builds let me see them; I'll add them to the handbook.

ShneekeyTheLost

2011-09-04, 10:47 AM

Imperious Command + Never Outnumbered works once. Skill tricks may only be used once per combat. Thus while it is good at getting the first-round advantage, it's not a clear-cut win.

The party role you seem to have missed, which the Dragon Shaman actually does well, is Party Support. They buff with auras, they heal, they remove status effects... they work well as a force multiplier, particularly if you go Dragon Shama/Bard.

Jopustopin

2011-12-08, 11:43 PM

Any Dragon Shaman Guru's out there that can point the error in my ways?

Thurbane

2011-12-09, 05:35 AM

Very nice...DS are one of my sentimental favorite base classes. I played one in our EttRoG campaign, and loved it. The mightn't be high on the tier list, but I find them a flavor rich and enjoyable class (my group is mid to low-op).

I got a lot of mileage out of metabreath feats, and with a decent CHA and an Amulet of Retributive Healing, was able to pull of some decent in combat healing, on occasion (we played from 6th up to about 12th level).

JadePhoenix

2011-12-09, 11:28 AM

Very good handbook. I'm impressed!

Just for fun, maybe you could add all the Dragon prcs to a post and how to qualify for it or not, if it's good, if it's cool...

Essence_of_War

2011-12-09, 01:56 PM

Nice Job! Very thorough!

One thing I might suggest adding, is sample arrays for different point buy values. I know many games range between like 25 and 40 point buy, so having sample arrays for like:
20
25
30
32
35
40
Might be very helpful for people who want to get a feel for the stat ratings at a glance :smallsmile:

Jopustopin

2011-12-10, 01:51 PM

Point Buy Suggestions
"Tank" Role/Metabreath/Melee
Race|Str|Dex|Con|Int|Wis|Cha|Point Buy
Human|14|12|18|8|8|14|32
Warforged|16|10|18|10|8|12|32
Mongrelfolk|16|10|18|10|8|12|32
Dragonborn Draconic Mongrelfolk|16|12|24|10|8|12|32

I'll try to make some more for each role. Hopefully this shows how awesome a dragonborn Draconic Mongrelfolk is compared to the rest with only a +1 LA.

Just for fun, maybe you could add all the Dragon prcs to a post and how to qualify for it or not, if it's good, if it's cool...

I checked all the dragon prcs (from draconomicon) and the only way to qualify for them is if you are a dragon. I think that prestige classes for dragons is outside the scope of this handbook. As far as I know very few prestige classes work with dragon shamans.

JadePhoenix

2011-12-10, 02:32 PM

I checked all the dragon prcs (from draconomicon) and the only way to qualify for them is if you are a dragon. I think that prestige classes for dragons is outside the scope of this handbook. As far as I know very few prestige classes work with dragon shamans.
Oh, sorry, you misundertand me. I meant those draconic prcs, like say, Dragon Devotee from Races of the Dragon. I know most of them are not optimal, but I imagine some of them might work. It's just a suggestion, I know it falls on the weak side of optimizing.

Novawurmson

2011-12-10, 02:58 PM

Very cool. I always like seeing optimization guides for the rarer classes :D

Jopustopin

2012-02-20, 12:29 AM

Oh, sorry, you misundertand me. I meant those draconic prcs, like say, Dragon Devotee from Races of the Dragon. I know most of them are not optimal, but I imagine some of them might work. It's just a suggestion, I know it falls on the weak side of optimizing.

Sorry that it's taken a while. I'm not done with the handbook yet but I've been busy and it's been a while since I've thought about it. I do plan on adding a dipping guide and/or multi-class guide in a bit.

I can pretty much guarantee that there are no viable "dragon shaman" prestige classes out there (The only one I can even begin to recommend is "Legacy Champion" from Weapons of Legacy). There are very few dips that make sense for a dragon shaman. All of them seem to be base classes IMO and you really shouldn't dip more than 2 levels if you want to call yourself a Dragon Shaman.

Fighter 2
Marshal 1/Something Else Below 1
Barbarian 1, Fighter 1
Crusader 2 (Taken at Appropriate IL)
Warblade 2 (Taken at Appropriate IL)
Swordsage 2 (Taken at appropriate IL)

Dragon Shaman as a dip for another class works out really nicely as well. A Bard 19/Dragon Shaman 1 would be pretty pimp.

Thurbane

2012-02-20, 03:36 AM

Paladin 2 probably isn't a bad dip for a CHA based DS.

If you want to add some versatility, a dip into Binder might be OK - especially since the Binder has similar stat priorities as the DS anyway.

sonofzeal

2012-02-20, 06:19 AM

I have some grammar nitpicks.

"At level 6 you can easily grab Imperious Command (Which actually makes sense for a Dragon Shaman); beautiful and terrifying congratulations you almost are a real dragon." <- Everything after the semicolon needs to be reworked. Congrats on using the semicolon correctly, though; not many people can do that.

"Now how do you get disable device as a class skill (without being an elf from Aerenal in Eberron). Instead of doing that whole mess it's much easier to just multi-class." <- Even a rhetorical question generally needs a question mark. Also, you need a comma between "mess" and "it's".

"Like the Dragonfire Adept you’re likely to have an ungodly amount of hit points so being a Tank is not entirely out of the picture for you." <- You definitely need a comma after "Adept", and another after "points" might be advisable too.

"Furthermore if you appear as a big stupid fighter (and the dungeon master is role playing monsters appropriately) then wizards will likely target (and waste) spells on you that target your will save. Which is a good saving throw for you." <- I'd recommend avoiding too many parentheses in a single sentence, especially since the preceding sentence already had two pairs. Also, the last segment is a sentence fragment, and should be appended to the first with a comma.

"If you have a high charisma one of the best things a tank can do is crowd control." <- I'd recommend a comma after "charisma".

"Go Dragonborn, quickened entangling breath and use it to really limit the options of those you are fighting. Cowered and entangled is no way to go through life son." <- Unless I'm mistaken you need a verb before "quickened", and a comma after "breath". The second sentence feels a little awkward to me, but I'm not sure why; all I know is I had to read it a couple times to really parse it, which is usually a symptom of some structural issue. Also, a comma before "son" would be called for.

"If you have a positive charisma modifier you automatically have this role due to touch of vitality." <- Again, I'd recommend a comma after "modifier".

"In Melee damage comes from one source: Power Attack. Yet you don’t have enough feats to be throwing together a feat train and most DM’s laugh when you mention flaws. You'll have to pull your weight some how..." <- A comma after "melee" would definitely be appreciated. Also, the word is "somehow".

etc.....

I don't mean to nitpick, but I honestly find grammar makes a big difference in my ability to read and understand text. Without it, my eyes start jumping around, I have to read sentences several times, and I often get headaches. Properly-structured text is much easier to read. It also presents a more competent and professional image; there's a sad tendency in our culture to associate poor spelling/grammar with poor intelligence. You seem to have good things to say, so you could do your own handbook a favour by cleaning it up a little.

Gnaeus

2012-02-20, 02:41 PM

Jopustopin

2012-02-25, 11:18 PM

Generally excellent handbook.

My only nitpick is that consensus is that they live in tier 4. I mostly see them ranked in tier 5. Without optimization, they fall in the same "can't do anything well" category as an unoptimized fighter. Optimized, they are likely to have one or maybe 2 useful tricks, but will pretty much suck if their trick doesn't apply, again, much like a well built fighter.

I think it's that a party would almost always rather have a Dragon Shaman in the party than a Fighter. A Fighter doesn't have the flexibility to fulfill as many roles as the Dragon Shaman has available to him. A Dragon Shaman can be almost as good of a tank as a Fighter, while at the same time offer party support and act as a terrific group face. The tier system is based around flexibility & Power and, while the Dragon Shaman is more flexible than a barbarian, he's not as powerful (hence why they are in the same Tier). A Dragon Shaman is way more flexible than a Fighter and almost as good as him at the role the Fighter is supposed to fulfill.

Jopustopin

2012-02-25, 11:22 PM

I have some grammar nitpicks.

Roger Roger. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5WCh1BcJrM)

Amphetryon

2012-02-26, 09:24 AM

Daftendirekt

2012-02-26, 02:06 PM

I love it. To add to the grammar nitpicks, please remember that "dragon shaman's" and "guru's" indicates a possessive, rather than a plural.

Could you clarify what hilarious means in your dragon adaptation chart, please? I seem to have missed it.

Ventriloquism at will. For the most part, completely and utterly useless... but could have comedic applications?

Jopustopin

2012-02-26, 03:35 PM

Ventriloquism at will. For the most part, completely and utterly useless... but could have comedic applications?

It only gets more hilarious when the entire party can do it. It could be useful if you can convince your DM that you can make a wide variety of sounds à la Motor Mouth from Police Academy. I don't think mechanically it's that good of an ability but it does have a very strong utility in increasing the enjoyment of the game in the form of comedy.

Gnaeus

2012-02-26, 03:50 PM

I think it's that a party would almost always rather have a Dragon Shaman in the party than a Fighter. A Fighter doesn't have the flexibility to fulfill as many roles as the Dragon Shaman has available to him. A Dragon Shaman can be almost as good of a tank as a Fighter, while at the same time offer party support and act as a terrific group face. The tier system is based around flexibility & Power and, while the Dragon Shaman is more flexible than a barbarian, he's not as powerful (hence why they are in the same Tier). A Dragon Shaman is way more flexible than a Fighter and almost as good as him at the role the Fighter is supposed to fulfill.

False. Knight is a better tank than Fighter or Dragon Shaman, and Knight is in tier 5. To be a good tank, you have to be a threat. Dragon Shaman, with its medium bab and less feats, is less good at holding aggro than a fighter. A Dragon Shaman is a terrible tank. A fighter who is a good tank is...still tier 5.

The role a fighter is supposed to fulfill is damage dealer or maybe battlefield control. Dragon shaman is much worse as a damage dealer. A Dragon Shaman with entangling breath is... about equal at best to a trip fighter, and much worse at it than a good battlefield control build with thicket of Blades, stand still, mage slayer, etc.

"Tier 5: Capable of doing only one thing, and not necessarily all that well, or so unfocused that they have trouble mastering anything, and in many types of encounters the character cannot contribute."

Dragon Shaman is so unfocused that they have trouble mastering anything, and in many types of encounters they cannot contribute. Or, as the guide put it:
Dragon Shamans cannot fulfill any essential role out of the box (except healing and party support)." .....
Squint really hard at those class features and try to imagine what you'll be doing at level 12 in combat.Yes, they have some use of charisma, so they could be a party face, but by that logic, so can a paladin (Which was tier 5 until Complete Champion gave them love), and neither one is actually very good at the role without optimizing in that direction. Heck, a Zhentarim Soldier can use a good charisma, he could be a good party face with the same tricks, Gets bluff and diplomacy as class skills, and fighters are still tier 5. Heck, I could make a commoner into a party face or a charger by giving them the right feats and stat allocations. That doesn't put commoner in tier 4.

Unoptimized they are a 5th wheel, useless at almost anything. Optimized, they have a niche, and can fulfill a role. That is exactly where most of tier 5 live.

Jopustopin

2012-02-26, 04:48 PM

In D&D holding aggro can be accomplished in several ways. A Dragon Shaman can entangle his foe's by taking one feat. You're right Knight is better than Fighter at that role but it's irrelevant. A Knight can only tank. A Dragon Shaman can heal, remove afflictions, improved the group's initiative, and walk along the ceilings. I was just making one point as to why, I think, that other people have put the Dragon Shaman in tier 4.

Here is a different argument. Marshal is tier 4 according to JaronK's tier system for classes. I'd rather both play a Dragon Shaman over a Marshal and have a Dragon Shaman in my group over a Marshal. If the Marshal was tier 5 then I would agree that a Dragon Shaman should also be tier 5.

http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?PHPSESSID=7137tfs2cg88gn3ebtuc9nhr21&topic=4874.0

Although Speaking of Marshal....

Dragon Shaman 18/Marshal 1/(Crusader/Fighter/Barbarian) 1

Simply put a Dragon Shaman is Tier 4 because of the classes flexibility. I hope my guide highlights this fact.

Gnaeus

2012-02-26, 06:20 PM

Here is a different argument. Marshal is tier 4 according to JaronK's tier system for classes. I'd rather both play a Dragon Shaman over a Marshal and have a Dragon Shaman in my group over a Marshal. If the Marshal was tier 5 then I would agree that a Dragon Shaman should also be tier 5.

That is a much better argument, I'll admit. Gonna think about that one.

hex0

2012-02-26, 06:26 PM

Where is Dragon Lord? :smallamused:

BerronBrightaxe

2012-04-17, 04:48 AM

Thnx Jopustopin, this is awesome!!

Currently I'm working on a DS6/Sorc2/Barb2 (lvl 2 atm) and then take the prestige class Dragon Disciple (from DMG). It is foremost flavor-build, but I'm trying to squish every bit of power-build out of it. Focussing on melee fighting and diplomacy out of combat (spells to support this)

Are there any viable builds for the Dragon Disciple, or does someone have good advice for this?

Settings: Forgotten Realms (3.5)
Race: Human
Current feats: Track, Power attack
Current totem: Brass

Other stuff:
Retraining probably won't be a problem.
So reading this page, I intend to become Lesser Aasimar (flavor/storywise) and maybe go copper.
I want to drop Track for (probably) Dreadfull Wrath (other feats are welcome)
I want to take a sorc lvls (variant: battle sorcerer, ComMage) for the spells and take the feats: 'practiced spellcaster' and 'battle caster' (for mithral fullplate)

Any help would be highly appriciated :smallbiggrin:

Person_Man

2012-04-17, 08:28 AM

I think it would be helpful if you briefly described each class ability/aura/etc. Just saying why you think something is strong or weak without any context is not very helpful.

For example, the Vitality Aura provides a small amount of Fast Healing to all allies within range, but only functions when for those below 50% of their hit point total. That might be a life saver at low levels, but it scales terribly. It's far less useful/powerful then other low tier signature abilities, such Rage, Divine Grace, Test of Mettle, etc, and far less efficient then most other forms of healing. I love trying to salvage low Tier classes like the Knight or Paladin. But the Dragon Shaman is a hard sell.

MeeposFire

2012-04-17, 09:45 AM

especially since you can get that aura for a feat.

Jopustopin

2012-04-17, 05:54 PM

gorfnab

2012-04-17, 09:58 PM

Just a question about other potential races. Would races with the Dragonblood subtype (like Spellscales and Silverbrow Humans) be able to take Metabreath feats?

Kuulvheysoon

2012-04-17, 10:14 PM

Just a question about other potential races. Would races with the Dragonblood subtype (like Spellscales and Silverbrow Humans) be able to take Metabreath feats?

If they qualify, yeah - the main thing that you need for a metabreath feat is a breath weapon who's recharge rate is measured in rounds

BerronBrightaxe

2012-04-20, 11:35 AM

I thought about this for a while and whenever I got a thought about what to do my brain collided with itself. I'll let my gut talk first. Don't take dragon disciple. The whole point of min/maxing and optimization and "flavor" and balancing is to know roughly where the optimal power level is for a class and how far you deviate from it when building a concept. As a wizard you have tons of room to "not-optimize" and still contribute to a group. As a dragon shaman you do not have this luxury. Fortunately for the class, a lot of very good options make a lot of sense. Dragon Disciple is not one of these options.

My first thought is to point out that a half-dragon and a dragonborn look remarkably similar. I would suggest that you talk with your DM about allowing you to become a dragonborn and using the fluff of dragon disciple without the terrible waste of levels.

If you go this route you can focus your attention on things that will help contribute to the group. You won't have to worry about spell casting, and the feats associated with it. You can focus on what you actually want to do: Melee in combat and diplomacy. Plus you can focus on fear affects as well.

What are the other characters in the group playing?

A little background about my char, to explain what I'm looking for (I’ll try to keep it short ;) ).
The camp is set in Faerun, but with a twist. Several prophecies have been fulfilled and the humans/Dwarves/Elves/etc. have lost about lots of civilizations and lands to several monstrous humanoinds/monster races. The whole world is in war, and only about 25% of the former humans/Dwarves/Elves/etc. lands are save.
Illus Ibn Battu is from Calimshan and part of a nomad tribe in the dessert. In this tribe it is custom to send their young boys (at the age of 16) on a 'spirit walk'. During this 'spirit walk' doesn't eat or drink anything besides certain roots. The goal of this 'spirit walk' of the young is to get visions which should guide him in his life. During Illus his spiritwalk he had visions of a dragon and of resurrection. From the visions Illus believes there runs dragonblood in his family and that his ancestors would guide him. The resurrection part of his vision involves to try to revive the long lost god of the deity of the 'good' dragonkind.
Why he is chosen or why he is send on this quest, Illus doesn't know. The only thing he has come up with this far, is that this deity should bring more balance in the dragonrace, as a nemesis of Tiamat. He doesn’t know where he needs to go first or what really is going on in the world (besides being in turmoil). He doesn’t know what or who this deity is supposed to be or how to bring it back. All this questions have send him into a dangerous world, first to figure things out and when he has learned what he needs, to tell the people and get what is needed. Now travelling north, he has heard rumors of a blue dragon being active and he has decided to check it out.
[end of background]

So I’m trying to put the 3 side of dragons: strength (for melee fighting and its breath), spells and diplomacy (to get people converted) into my character. If there’s another build with these 3 things in a build (with the dragontheme) I’m very interested. The background/story (flavor) of my char. comes first, but within these lines I prefer to make it good as possible. The suggestion you made about a dragonborn makes sense. I also looked for spellcasting ability, so I ended up at Dragon Disciple.

The rest of my group (@ lvl 1 or 2): half elf cleric, human ranger, human wizard, human something* and Aquatic half-elf something* (* = being ‘mysterious’ about their class). I’m the only melee focused of the group.

Jopustopin

2012-04-20, 06:28 PM

So I’m trying to put the 3 side of dragons: strength (for melee fighting and its breath), spells and diplomacy (to get people converted) into my character. If there’s another build with these 3 things in a build (with the dragontheme) I’m very interested. The background/story (flavor) of my char. comes first, but within these lines I prefer to make it good as possible. The suggestion you made about a dragonborn makes sense. I also looked for spellcasting ability, so I ended up at Dragon Disciple.

Dragonborn Lesser Aasimar

Racial Adjustments: +2 Wis, +2 Cha, +2 Con, -2 Dex

Pick the "Wings" draconic aspect.

Build:

1) Dragon Shaman: Copper Totem (Senses, Vigor, PowerDragon Magic)
2) Dragon Shaman
3) Dragon Shaman
4) Dragon Shaman4 levels grant you a breath weapon
5) Swordsage (Burning Brand, Fire Riposte, Cloak of Deception, Shadow Jaunt, Claw at the Moon, Mountain Hammer) Stance: Hunter's Sense
6) Fighter
7) Fighter
8) Swordsage (Death Mark or Soaring Raptor Strike) Stance: Assassin's Stance
9) Swordsage (Death mark or Soaring Raptor Strike)
10) Swordsage (Hand of Death, Death from Above)
11) Swordsage (Searing Blade) Stance: Crushing Weight of the MountainStance at this level should be picked to meet prerequisites for maneuvers in other disciplines
12) Swordsage (Leaping Flame, Pouncing Charge)

Feats

1) Dreadful Wrath
2) Skill Focus (Bluff)
3) Martial Study (Leading the Attack)For Diplomacy
6) Entangling Exhalation
6) Power Attack
7) Improved Bull Rush
9) Leap Attack
12) Quickened Breath
15) Shock Trooper
18) Adaptive Style

Concept

Swordsage is a very adaptable class. Just re flavor all the abilities to reflect sorcery, dragon blood, and natural melee prowess. I went heavy on abilities that would require magic to accomplish in the real world. So you're not a normal sorcerer. Who cares? You can use your dragon breath and magic to cause your weapon to arc fire out at everyone around you.

BerronBrightaxe

2012-04-21, 04:59 AM

thank you for your help and advice Jopustopin. I appreciate it alot :smallsmile:

I'll take the route you've suggested. I've never played a Swordsage, so it should be fun enough to explore :smallbiggrin:

Lonely Tylenol

2012-04-21, 04:53 PM

So, I'm DMing an E6 game, and I've decided that I'm going to retire the DM mantle (another DM has offered to take it up) and play a PC for awhile, and when I do, it's going to be a Dragon Shaman. I was thinking something along the lines of a spear-wielding heavily-armored badass as my primary attack mode, with intimidate as secondary and breath weapon as tertiary (meaning quicken is in play, and other metabreaths are certainly welcome), and my non-combat roles are going to be healing and face, in that order (I've already optimized for face, basically, and no social skill is below +20 without Presence).

Going with 4d6 drop lowest (in grid form), I rolled the following stats (glee!):

14 STR (+2)
17 DEX
16 CON (+2)
16 INT
15 WIS
16 CHA (+2)

With my fourth-level point into DEX.

I've decided to start as a Human with the Draconic template (+1 LA; since characters with LA were allowed and the rolling method created before we settled on E6, which has LA-mitigating rules for point buy, the LA works as LA does, and simply delays level progression to 6), and will be taking Dragonborn of Bahamut (with heart) as an in-game quest of sorts. If I wanted to be really mean I'd stack this template on top of Lesser Aasimar and just drop Daunting Presence, but I think I'll keep this for now.

The auras I've selected are Presence (social situations), Senses (pre-combat), Energy (combat), and Vigor (post-combat). I'm a Silver Dragon Shaman with Skill Focus (bluff) and Draconic Invocation (lots of bonuses to social). My feats are Martial Study (Leading the Attack), Dreadful Wrath, Quicken Breath, and Imperious Command, with the Never Outnumbered skill trick thrown in.

In my game, gestalt features and proficiencies (but not chassis) can be bought as a series of epic feats, so I've decided to buy gestalt Paladin with the Dragonsense, Oath of Loyalty (PF) and Drakkensteed ACFs. The big three that I want from this are the Drakkensteed, Divine Grace (+4 to all saves) and Turn Undead, which I intend to use to fuel Sacred Healing (meaning that I heal to 50% with Sacred Vigor and then add 3+3*CHA mod to that with Sacred Healing whenever I want).

So, my questions:
1) When you take the Dragonborn template, can you give up the Skill Focus granted from Dragon Shaman levels? (The text says you can give up "any feat" as long as doing so doesn't remove prereqs for something else.)
2) What kind of equipment is useful for a Dragon Shaman//Paladin? I've gathered that a +1 Fearsome Mithril Full Plate is my top priority (and at 16,650gp will consume more than WBL, even though they will be several feats into E6 when I begin at level 5), but right now it's my only priority; I haven't decided beyond a masterwork longspear and masterwork buckler where to go from there. This thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235754) lists all the items that are allowed in-game.
3) Actually, come to think of it, should I take Lesser Aasimar over Human? (I am the highest-op player in the group, but most of the players are in high T3, and I helped them optimize as well, so I'm purposefully building from a position where I'll be starting from behind anyway.)
4) Right now, I have opted to take heart as my Dragonborn rite so that I have two breaths that I can Quicken (basically making it a 2/encounter ordeal), and can choose between line and cone. It makes no sense to grab eyes (I'm already Draconic and have Darkvision 60 ft.), but do Wings have their merit in spite of this? I would never reach a perfect fly speed and I'm melee-oriented, but my CON modifier is +5 after Dragonborn and I can fly for quite awhile with that in mind, and flight is something that really very few people will ever have (Wizards get Fly but not Overland Flight in E6, so basically the only classes with long-term flight are Druids via Wildshape, and Warlocks and Dragonfire Adepts via invocations).
5) If I chose wings, would there be any way to grant myself the ability to attack with my wings as a secondary natural attack (in addition to the claws and manufactured weapons I already have)?

If I have any more questions, can I ask them here?

Many mahalos! :smallsmile:

Laharal

2012-04-22, 02:24 PM

Any info for alternate dragon totems? I-E Topaz dragon and the like? (I've found the associated breath weapons in Races of Dragon but no talk about bonus skills)

Lonely Tylenol

2012-04-22, 10:11 PM

Any info for alternate dragon totems? I-E Topaz dragon and the like? (I've found the associated breath weapons in Races of Dragon but no talk about bonus skills)

My understanding is that the three skills you get as class skills are the three skills that the corresponding dragon adds to *their* class skill list. For instance, the Black Dragon entry on the SRD (or in MMI) says the following:

Skills

Hide, Move Silently, and Swim are considered class skills for black dragons.

And, lo and behold, the Black Dragon totem grants those three skills as class skills.

The problem seems to be finding skills appropriate for each dragon. I don't have the 3.5 MMII (just 3.0), but it says that the Topaz Dragon adds Swim (and only Swim) to its class skill list, as the Sapphire Dragon adds Climb (and only Climb), and the other gem dragons add... Well, nothing, really! Similarly, of the Planar Dragons found in Draconomicon, the Battle Dragon has Perform as a class skill, and none of the other Planar Dragons get anything. Since there are few RAW skill list additions for these dragons, it's kind of hard to pair a skill set up with them--unless it's been done before by someone else, perhaps?

Kuulvheysoon

2012-04-23, 12:21 AM

Since there are few RAW skill list additions for these dragons, it's kind of hard to pair a skill set up with them--unless it's been done before by someone else, perhaps?

I'm pretty sure that they were covered in a Dragon Magazine somewhere...

Regardless, this guy also tossed some together. they seem to be fairly balanced except for the Shadow Dragon Totem; You may want to tune it down some.

http://www.physics.mcgill.ca/~frey/dnd/dragonshaman.html

Igneel

2012-04-23, 12:17 PM

So, my questions:
1) When you take the Dragonborn template, can you give up the Skill Focus granted from Dragon Shaman levels? (The text says you can give up "any feat" as long as doing so doesn't remove prereqs for something else.)
2) What kind of equipment is useful for a Dragon Shaman//Paladin? I've gathered that a +1 Fearsome Mithril Full Plate is my top priority (and at 16,650gp will consume more than WBL, even though they will be several feats into E6 when I begin at level 5), but right now it's my only priority; I haven't decided beyond a masterwork longspear and masterwork buckler where to go from there. This thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235754) lists all the items that are allowed in-game.
3) Actually, come to think of it, should I take Lesser Aasimar over Human? (I am the highest-op player in the group, but most of the players are in high T3, and I helped them optimize as well, so I'm purposefully building from a position where I'll be starting from behind anyway.)
4) Right now, I have opted to take heart as my Dragonborn rite so that I have two breaths that I can Quicken (basically making it a 2/encounter ordeal), and can choose between line and cone. It makes no sense to grab eyes (I'm already Draconic and have Darkvision 60 ft.), but do Wings have their merit in spite of this? I would never reach a perfect fly speed and I'm melee-oriented, but my CON modifier is +5 after Dragonborn and I can fly for quite awhile with that in mind, and flight is something that really very few people will ever have (Wizards get Fly but not Overland Flight in E6, so basically the only classes with long-term flight are Druids via Wildshape, and Warlocks and Dragonfire Adepts via invocations).
5) If I chose wings, would there be any way to grant myself the ability to attack with my wings as a secondary natural attack (in addition to the claws and manufactured weapons I already have)?

If I have any more questions, can I ask them here?

Many mahalos! :smallsmile:

Never played E6, so I'm mostly just going to give general advice.

1) Don't quote me on this, but I believe that you can if you take the Dragonborn template after gaining the Skill Focus feat.
2) Not a complete list, but these are general guide lines I like to go by for a Dragon character...
-Dragon Spirit Cincture [MIC, 2k] is useful for any breath weapon toting character, just make sure you have a weapon that deals the same damage as your breath weapon. If you have multiple energy breaths, maybe you can homebrew something like a Claw Gauntlet to have one blade being a Dragonfang weapon (Draconomicon, +300gp) which deals 1 point of energy damage each.
-Crown of the North Wind [Dragons of Faerun, 70k] gets really nice at the higher levels as it allows you to turn any energy damage breath weapon into a metallic secondary breath weapon. You can deal fire? Now its a Weakening or Sleep breath. Got Acid? Now its a Slow breath. Etc.
-Pectoral of Maneuverability (Draconomicon) ups your flight maneuverability by 1 step for 12k, or you can grab the Greater version for 90k and up it by 2 steps. Saves you from taking a feat that grants you the same effect!
-Feathered Wings Graft (Fiend Folio, 10k) if your not against stitching some demon wings on your back for a non-magical 2x base land speed (Average) fly speed. Also has a nice Bluff use. WARNING! Will DC 15 1/day to keep you from doing evil deeds to eventually turn evil.
-Glaring Eye Graft (Races of the Dragon, 10k) gives you a +2 to Spot/Search, along with Blindsense 30ft. For those that don't want to take the Mind aspect typically.
-Metabolic Fire (Races of the Dragon, 56k) gives you an additional 6d8 breath weapon that reaches either a 60ft line or 30ft cone. Only take this if you don't mind having black teeth, because your dental insurance will not cover it.
3) As many optimizers point out, Human is good for its bonus feat/skill points along with getting a freebie multiclass pass. But then it also doesn't get all the nice bonuses of some races.
4) Flight can be key in combat, assuming you have room. There are several ways to upping the maneuverability, but generally its speed thats harder to get. Just keep in mind that sometimes flight can get you places that plain old walking can't get you, and when you run into aerial enemies you generally have either a ranged weapon (crossbows, yay!) or your breath weapons.
5) Only way I can think of, off the top of my head is the Buffeting Wings Graft (Races of the Dragon, 100k) that allows you to make Slam attacks with them, along with having kind of a flying squirrel look with flaps of skin going from your sides to your wrists.

Lonely Tylenol

2012-04-23, 07:07 PM

Never played E6, so I'm mostly just going to give general advice.

I thank you for your response regardless. :smallsmile:

1) Don't quote me on this, but I believe that you can if you take the Dragonborn template after gaining the Skill Focus feat.

This I know; the Dragonborn of Bahamut is an acquired template just like Lich is. I think you can even give up feats that you gain after level 1, as per the wording on the sub-bar for Dragonborn:

If your original race granted you a nonspecific bonus feat (such as the one gained by a human at 1st level), any feat can be lost, so long as it is not a prerequisite for another feat you have.

I just don't know if this applies to feats gained as class features.

2) Not a complete list, but these are general guide lines I like to go by for a Dragon character...
-Dragon Spirit Cincture [MIC, 2k] is useful for any breath weapon toting character, just make sure you have a weapon that deals the same damage as your breath weapon. If you have multiple energy breaths, maybe you can homebrew something like a Claw Gauntlet to have one blade being a Dragonfang weapon (Draconomicon, +300gp) which deals 1 point of energy damage each.
-Crown of the North Wind [Dragons of Faerun, 70k] gets really nice at the higher levels as it allows you to turn any energy damage breath weapon into a metallic secondary breath weapon. You can deal fire? Now its a Weakening or Sleep breath. Got Acid? Now its a Slow breath. Etc.
-Pectoral of Maneuverability (Draconomicon) ups your flight maneuverability by 1 step for 12k, or you can grab the Greater version for 90k and up it by 2 steps. Saves you from taking a feat that grants you the same effect!

Cool! The Crown of the North Wind is too expensive (E6 is basically a 6th-level cap, and while wealth continues on, the growth stops being exponential a lot quicker), but the Dragon Spirit Cincture seems like a must-have.

-Feathered Wings Graft (Fiend Folio, 10k) if your not against stitching some demon wings on your back for a non-magical 2x base land speed (Average) fly speed. Also has a nice Bluff use. WARNING! Will DC 15 1/day to keep you from doing evil deeds to eventually turn evil.
-Glaring Eye Graft (Races of the Dragon, 10k) gives you a +2 to Spot/Search, along with Blindsense 30ft. For those that don't want to take the Mind aspect typically.
-Metabolic Fire (Races of the Dragon, 56k) gives you an additional 6d8 breath weapon that reaches either a 60ft line or 30ft cone. Only take this if you don't mind having black teeth, because your dental insurance will not cover it.

I haven't decided if grafts will be a thing NPCs have the capability to do (since it requires 10 ranks in Heal, which something with a 6-level cap can't ordinarily have), so these would likely be something I have to do myself. The Glaring Eye Graft looks nice, though.

3) As many optimizers point out, Human is good for its bonus feat/skill points along with getting a freebie multiclass pass. But then it also doesn't get all the nice bonuses of some races.

Dragonborn of Bahamut tosses all racial traits of the original race except for attribute bonuses, type, base speed, and such. The Human that turns into a Dragonborn of Bahamut loses a feat and 3+HD skill points, as if it had just stopped being Human in the first place (which is kind of what happens). The Lesser Aasimar, similarly, would lose its elemental resistances (but keep its ability score bonuses of +2 WIS and +2 CHA). Ultimately, I have to decide if +2 WIS, +2 CHA, and Skill Focus (bluff) are worth trading Dreadful Wrath away for (as these are the only parts of Lesser Aasimar and Human, respectively, that are distinct when one becomes a Dragonborn of Bahamut).

4) Flight can be key in combat, assuming you have room. There are several ways to upping the maneuverability, but generally its speed thats harder to get. Just keep in mind that sometimes flight can get you places that plain old walking can't get you, and when you run into aerial enemies you generally have either a ranged weapon (crossbows, yay!) or your breath weapons.
5) Only way I can think of, off the top of my head is the Buffeting Wings Graft (Races of the Dragon, 100k) that allows you to make Slam attacks with them, along with having kind of a flying squirrel look with flaps of skin going from your sides to your wrists.

Yeesh! Pricey.

OK, then - looks like I'll have to consider Wings over Heart, or find another means of flight (which I guess I can expect to be something magical and expensive... Oh well).

Thank you so much! :smallbiggrin:

Zombulian

2012-08-23, 08:36 AM

I have a single nitpick that no one else seems to have brought up, wouldn't Dragonborn on a Goliath or Half-Giant be the suck? You would lose one of the main reasons you take the LA (powerful build) and would only keep their racial ability stats, which can be beaten out by an orc/water orc.
Am I wrong?

Jopustopin

2012-08-23, 11:01 AM

Dragonborn keep powerful build. In fact they actually grow 1 to 2 inches.

dextercorvia

2012-08-23, 11:08 AM

Dragonborn keep powerful build. In fact they actually grow 1 to 2 inches.

But they lose most racial abilities, including Powerful Build.

Jopustopin

2012-08-23, 06:20 PM

Dragonborn keep powerful build.

But they lose most racial abilities, including Powerful Build.

Can you please indicate what rule overrules what's written in "The Mechanics of Rebirth" where it states that dragonborn keep powerful build.

For a +1 LA that you can buy off, powerful build isn't that bad of a deal.

dextercorvia

2012-08-23, 10:02 PM

Can you please indicate what rule overrules what's written in "The Mechanics of Rebirth" where it states that dragonborn keep powerful build.

For a +1 LA that you can buy off, powerful build isn't that bad of a deal.

My mistake, I had missed that before.

willpell

2012-08-23, 10:13 PM

I love the flavor of the Dragon Shaman, but have found the mechanics deeply disappointing (DS level 2 is currently my benchmark for the worst class level in the game, since ALL you gain beside the basics is a Skill Focus; if I wanted levels that dead I'd play Fighter, and at least they'd wait until 3 to show up). I'm not an optimiser at all, but I'm definitely thinking I'll find this guide useful for making the class shine as it should.

GenghisDon

2012-08-24, 01:26 AM

good on you, doing a handbook for this class

I don't mind the grammer at all BTW

willpell

2012-08-25, 02:04 AM

My understanding is that the three skills you get as class skills are the three skills that the corresponding dragon adds to *their* class skill list.

Correct. Note that the reason the skills are repeated a lot is simply that dragons already have most of the skills you'd expect as class skills, which is inconvenient when the dragon shaman doesn't have them (Diplomacy being an obvious example)

Dragon class skills that are also DS class skills:
o Intimidate
o Knowledge (Nature only)
o Search

Dragon class skills that are not DS class skills:
o Concentration
o Diplomacy
o Escape Artist
o Knowledge
o Listen
o Sense Motive
o Spot
o Use Magic Device

Dragon Shaman class skills that are not Dragon class skills:
o Climb
o Craft

Skills neither Dragons nor Dragon Shamans get:
o Appraise
o Balance
o Bluff
o Decipher Script
o Disable Device
o Disguise
o Forgery
o Gather Information
o Handle Animal
o Heal
o Hide
o Jump
o Move Silently
o Open Lock
o Perform
o Profession
o Ride
o Sleight Of Hand
o Speak Language
o Spellcraft
o Survival
o Swim
o Tumble
o Use Rope

You can further narrow the list down with a bit of logic, of course; dragons probably don't have must need for ranks in Ride, Balance or Use Rope. Although I do find it hilarious that none of the chromatic dragons are capable of Surviving.

I don't have the 3.5 MMII (just 3.0)

There isn't one; it was never updated.

Amphetryon

2012-08-25, 06:49 AM

There isn't one; it [Monster Manual II] was never updated.
It was; WotC released a free 3.5 accessory update for MMII.

zlefin

2012-08-25, 12:09 PM

point of confusion - the cooldown time you list for dragon breath is different from what i'm seeing looking at phb2.
All i can see is the 1d4 round cooldown time.

willpell

2012-08-25, 01:22 PM

It was; WotC released a free 3.5 accessory update for MMII.

Can I has link plz?

silverwolfer

2012-09-01, 12:26 AM

Have you thought of maybe adding dips with CHA based casters,and/or possible legit homebrew fixes to bring it out of the tier 4 category?

Cpt Lozan

2012-09-05, 09:06 PM

I haven't started playing with the DS i'm designing right now but I have a quick question, is it REALLY optimal to pile on so many meta breath feats? You can get more uses and therefore more (potential) damage. Yes I understand how good maximizing the breath weapons can be, but assuming you role at least HALF of your maximum potential, it almost seems more efficient to just use the normal breath weapon and get the recover breath feat.

willpell

2012-09-05, 10:16 PM

Have you done anything about the fact that, per RAW, nothing stops you from applying Extend Breath several thousand times for a cone that covers half the planet?

eggs

2012-09-05, 10:31 PM

The default breath weapon is very low damage and a pretty bad use of an action overall. You kind of have to start tacking some metabreath on to justify using the it tactically.

But I could see Recover Breath + Entangling Exhalation as a useful alternate, using some form of multiattack build for damage.

Dayaz

2012-09-06, 01:11 AM

point of confusion - the cooldown time you list for dragon breath is different from what i'm seeing looking at phb2.
All i can see is the 1d4 round cooldown time.

far as I know it is only 1d4 rounds... Unless he's talking about after you apply a bunch of metabreath to it, cuz each metabreath raises the number of rounds you must wait (isn't there a potion of metabreath you could buy/create, and play with in the waiting rounds?)

Also, I had made a level 5 Dwarf Dragon Shaman (Silver Totem- flavor reasoning)

http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=424045

He was a tank and an admirable face... not the best, no, but admirable considering his usual job was going to be meatshield heh >.>

Jopustopin

2012-09-09, 08:22 PM

Have you thought of maybe adding dips with CHA based casters,and/or possible legit homebrew fixes to bring it out of the tier 4 category?

I've been wanting to make this handbook for a while and I did so when I had a large amount of free time. Right now, I work about 65 hours a week, can't find the time to even update my own pbp. There is still a lot I could do to improve this handbook; and if anyone wants to help by sending me PM, I'll make appropriate changes and give credit where credit is due.

For the most part my goal with this handbook was to combine min/max with things DM would actually allow. I was also trying to imagine this handbook was for pure level 20 dragon shaman's. Which, I know, is unrealistic.

I think that Anything 19/Dragon Shaman 1 would be, I guess... decent... for infinite half healing, +1 group initiative, +1 group bluff etc. But without really diving into the books I don't see Dragon Shaman multi-classing well with any class (Except with the slight possibility of Chameleon multi-class; but I have not looked into it as well as I would like. I would love to make a silver dragon shaman/chameleon build).

~Corvus~

2013-04-20, 06:51 AM

Hey! I hope this is not Thread Necromancy, so if I am, maybe I should gain a level of Dread Necromancer? XD Anyways, I found this supplement someone wrote up: http://www.mit.edu/~locutus/DnD/classes/TotemDragons.html
It even cites the sourcebooks, (and they seem to check out), but I'm not sure if the alternative Totems exist. Still, worth looking into!

Jopustopin

2013-04-20, 06:58 AM

My take on alternate totems is that it's homebrew. That's really why I didn't include it in my handbook. Not every DM allows homebrew and I tried to make the guide as versatile as possible.

If your DM approves an alternate totem then by all means find a better one. I'll include your link in one of the main posts case someone wishes to present it to their DM.

magwaaf

2013-04-20, 09:47 PM

we revamped dragon shaman to make it a little less underpowered for what the DS gets for himself. i found a thread on here one time and we've adapted it a bit

i'll post it here (bear with me i cant figure out how to post a template)

Dragon Shaman
HD:D10
Level Base Attack Bonus Fort Save Ref Save Will Save Special Auras
1st +0 +2 +0 +2 Draconic Aura +1, Breath Weapon 1d6 (15ft cone, 30 ft line), touch of vitality 3
2nd +1 +3 +0 +3 Skill Focus, Breath Weapon 2d6 3
3rd +2 +3 +1 +3 Draconic Adaptation, Draconic Aura +2 4
4th +3 +4 +1 +4 Draconic Resolve, Breath Weapon 3d6, Natural Armor +1 4
5th +3 +4 +1 +4 Breath Weapon 4d6 5
6th +4 +5 +2 +5 Draconic Aura +3 5
7th +5 +5 +2 +5 Breath Weapon 5d6 6
8th +6/+1 +6 +2 +6 Skill Focus, Breath Weapon 6d6, Natural Armor +2 6
9th +6/+1 +6 +3 +6 Energy Immunity, Draconic Aura +4 7
10th +7/+2 +7 +3 +7 Breath Weapon 7d6, HD become D12 7
11th +8/+3 +7 +3 +7 Improved Touch of Vitality, Breath Weapon 8d6 8
12th +9/+4 +8 +4 +8 Draconic Aura +5, Breath Weapon (30 ft cone, 60 ft line), Natural Armor +3 8
13th +9/+4 +8 +4 +8 Draconic Adaptation (share with allies), Breath Weapon 9d6 9
14th +10/+5 +9 +4 +9 Breath Weapon 10d6, Commune with Dragon Spirit 9
15th +11/+6/+1 +9 +5 +9 Draconic Aura +6, Skill Focus, Dragon Wings 10
16th +12/+7/+2 +10 +5 +10 Breath Weapon 11d6, Natural Armor +4 10
17th +12/+7/+2 +10 +5 +10 Breath Weapon 13d6 11
18th +13/+8/+3 +11 +6 +11 Draconic Aura +7 11
19th +14/+9/+4 +11 +6 +11 Breath Weapon 13d6, Draconic Ascension 12
20th +15/+10/+5 +12 +6 +12 Breath Weapon 14d6 (60 foot cone, 120 foot line) 12
Skills, 2+Int mod - Climb, Craft, Intimidate, Knowledge nature, Perception (plus others based on dragon totem)

Totem Dragon - Choose a metallic or chromatic dragon, you must choose an alignment that is within one step of your alignment. You gain additional skills and breath weapon based on your totem. Table is in the PHB2

Touch of Vitality - As a standard action a Dragon Shaman can heal by touch. Healing pool is equal to 2x class level multiplied by your con mod. At level 11 you may spend more points to get rid of different negative effects.
5 points - cure 1 point of ability damage, dazed, fatigued, or sickened
10 points - cure exhausted, nauseated, poisoned, or stunned
20 points – cure a negative level, blind, deaf, or diseased

Breath Weapon - Gain a breath weapon the same as your totem dragon. Reflex DC 10 + half class level + con mod.

Draconic resolve – At 4th level become immune to sleep and paralyisis

Dragon Wings – Gain dragon wings

Natural armor – Gain natural armor

Energy Immunity – Gain energy immunity of your totem dragon’s type

Skill focus – Gain skill focus as the feat to one of your totem dragons skills
Draconic Ascension – Gain dragonblooded subtype unless you already have it then gain the dragon type. Gain SR equal to 10 + class level. Gain an inherent +4 bonus to Str, con, cha. If totem is chromatic gain DR 20/evil, if totem is chromatic chromatic gain DR 20/good

Draconic adaptation – gain extraordinary or spell like ability from your totem dragon. At level 13 share with allies. DC for spell like abilities is 10 + spell level + cha mod.
Extraordinary abilities:
Black, Bronze, Gold, Green – Water breathing indefinitely and can freely use spells and other abilities under water
Red – Treasure Seeker - +5 comp bonus to Appraise and Perception
White – Icewalker – can walk across icy surfaces without reducing speed or making acrobatics checks
Spell like abilities:
Blue – Ventriloquism as the spell at will
Brass – Endure Elements as the spell at will
Copper – Spider Cimb as the spell at will
Silver – Featherfall – as the spell

Auras – Effect allies within 30 feet. Auras have 2 effects, one that effects the whole party and one that effects the dragon shaman only.
Level 1: 1 aura active at a time
Level 7: 2 auras active at any time
Level 14: 3 auras active at any time

Party Effects:
Energy - Aura bonus to DC’s of totem’s energy type spells and abilities
Energy Shield – Any creature striking you with a nonreach melee or natural attack takes damage equal to 2x aura bonus damage of your energy type
Insight – Aura bonus to Linguistics, Knowledge, spellcraft checks
Power – Aura bonus to melee damage rolls
Presence – Aura bonus to bluff, intimidate, diplomacy checks
Resistance – resistance to totem’s energy type equal to 5x aura bonus
Resolve – Aura bonus to saves vs fear, paralysis, sleep, bonus to con checks
Senses – Aura bonus to perception, initiative
Spell Power – Aura bonus to overcome SR
Stamina – Aura bonus to con checks (not con skill checks) Fort saves
Swiftness – Aura bonus to climb, jump, swim checks. Fly/swim speed increases by 5x aura bonus
Toughness – DR 1/magic per point of aura bonus
Vigor – Fast Healing 1 per point of aura bonus, only affects characters below half HP
-----
Dragon Shaman self effects
Energy – Your breath weapon ignores 3 points of energy resistance for each point of aura bonus you have
Energy Shield – Deal energy damage of your chosen type on all melee attacks equal to 2x aura bonus
Insight – Gain read and detect magic
Power – Aura bonus to attack rolls
Presence – Gain frightful presence ability, DC is 10+1/2 class level+aura bonus
Resistance – Deal extra damage with breath weapon equal to 2x aura bonus
Resolve - Aura bonus to all saves
Senses – Gain blindsense equal to 10x aura bonus
Spell Power - Reduce the SR or PR of any creature that’s taken damage from your breath weapon or melee attack by 1 point per aura bonus
Stamina – Immune to fatigue and exhaustion
Swiftness – Gain bonus landspeed equal to 5x aura bonus
Toughness – Dragon shamans DR becomes DR/adamantine
Vigor – Dragon Shaman can spend a swift action to gain temp HP up to their aura bonus that lasts for one round per aura bonus. The max amount that can be granted at once is equal to 2x aura bonus.