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Sønderjye
2014-06-07, 05:59 PM
Summon Dragon line
Conjuration (Summoning) [see text]
Level: Blg, Brd, Clr, Sor/Wiz
Components: V, S, F/DF
Casting time: 1 round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: One summoned creature
Duration: 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

This spell works like a summon monster of the same level except as noted below.
This spell summon a creature with the dragon type.
The creature summoned is based on it's challenge rating as per the table below.



Spell Level
CR


I
1/2


II
1


III
2


IV
3


V
4


VI
5-6


VII
7-8


VIII
9-10


IX
11-13



Note that this isn't a single spell but has to be taken as normal for the Summon Monster line.
I was able to find the following suitable creatures for Summon Dragon I
None.



I was able to find the following suitable creatures for Summon Dragon II
Peudodragon (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=89)
White Dragon, Wyrmling (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=570)
Spiretop Dragon (Sharn city of towers, pg185)
Felldrake, Crested (MMII, pg97)
So dragons are cool (and very underused) right? But how balanced are they for the level of spell?

The Hippogriff from summon nature’s ally II would be my go to summon combat-wise. Hippogriff has 25 hp, 15 ac, 2 +6 claw attacks (1d4+4) and a +1 bite attack(1d8+2).
Pseudodragon has a +4 sting (1d3) which also has a DC 12 fort save and a -1 bite (1), 15 hp and 18 ac.
White Dragon, wyrmling has a +5 bite(1) in addition to a +0 claw (1d3+0) 22 hp and ac 14.
small crested Felldrake(MMII, p97) has a +3 bite (1d8), 17 hp and 15 ac
Spiretop Dragon (Sharn, city of towers, pg 185) has a +8 bite (1d3-2), 15 hp and 18 ac.
So combat-wise they are inferior compared to the Hippogrif(albeit the White Dragon, Wyrmling has more hp but HD tends to be less important for sumlings) however pseudodragon and white dragon, wyrmling has special abilities that gives them some utility purpose.

Utility-wise the Kaorti(summon monster II) can cast Alter self(2), color spray(1), feather fall(1), ray of enfeeblement(1), reduce(Assuming reduce person)(1) and spder climb(2) for a total of 2 2nd level spells and 4 1st level spells.
Pesuedodragon has continuously see invisibility(2) and telepathy
White dragon, wyrmling has icewalking(which is spider climb but only on ice),blindsight(3) and a 1d6 breath weapon reflex DC 12.
So they are indeed usefull for their level but I don't feel they are overpowered.


I was able to find the following creatures that was would fit for Summon Dragon III

Black Dragon, Wyrmling (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=462)
Blue Dragon, Wyrmling (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=474)
Brass Dragon, Wyrmling (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=486)
Bronze Dragon, Wyrmling (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=498)
Copper Dragon, Wyrmling (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=510)
Green Dragon, Wyrmling (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=534)
White Dragon, Very Young (http://www.flores-morones.net/srd/monsters.php?reptype=fullentry&searchstring=571)
Felldrake, Spitting (MMII, pg98
Sand Dragon, Wyrmling (Sandstorm, pg 152)
Spiked Sea Serpent, Wyrmling (Dragon Magazine, pg61)
Spinewyrm, Wyrmling (Dungeon Magazine, pg 95)
Steel Dragon, Tiny (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mm/20040328a)

At level 3 the dragons combat wise haven’t improved much. They are inferior to the lion in every way(except hp).
Most noticable they can provide Create/destroy water, speak with animals and real spider climb. Breath is still way beyond what would have any chances against an encounter appropriate for party level.
One could argue that the Steel Dragon is out of proportions since it has polymorph 1/day but the caster level 1 one so the ability is basicly useless.



I searched around for alternative summoning spells but couldn't find any so I decided to play around myself. I have only looked at the first three levels of this as they were relevant for the game I requested this for.

Credits to Gnorman for his the table in Practical Demonkeeping (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=6320)