Invoking true dragon variant

[redking]

Occult Dragon Template

An Occult Dragon replaces their innate sorcerer-style spellcasting with warlock-style invocations.

Prerequisites: True Dragon

Special Qualities: An Occult Dragon retains all the special qualities of the base creature and gains the following:

1. Occult Invocation (Su): An Occult Dragon replaces its innate sorcerer spellcasting with the ability to use invocations as a Warlock of equivalent level to their innate sorcerer spellcasting. They don't receive the Eldritch Blast ability and therefore cannot select invocations that modify Eldritch Blasts. They have access to all other standard Warlock invocations, as well as all invocations available to Dragonfire Adepts.

The Occult Dragon uses its Charisma modifier for determining the Difficulty Class of any saving throws against its invocations, and its effective caster level is equal to its total Hit Dice. The invocations are spell-like abilities; using an invocation is therefore a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity.

An invocation can be disrupted, just as a spell can be ruined during casting. An Occult Dragon is entitled to a Concentration check to successfully use an invocation if it is hit by an attack while invoking, just as a spellcaster would be. An Occult Dragon can choose to use an invocation defensively, by making a successful Concentration check, to avoid provoking attacks of opportunity.

An Occult Dragon's invocations are subject to spell resistance unless an invocation's description specifically states otherwise. The DC to dispel an Occult Dragon's invocation is 10 + its effective caster level + the dragon's Charisma modifier.

2. Invocation Progression: The invocation progression of an Occult Dragon follows the same progression as the sorcerer spellcasting of a standard True Dragon of the same age category and type, with the dragon's caster level equivalent to an effective Warlock level.

Special: This template replaces the dragon's innate spellcasting ability completely. They do not have access to both this ability and their original spellcasting.

CR: As base creature -1.

Level Adjustment: As base creature -1.

Any thoughts?

[Tzardok]

This is interesting. I've been thinking about doing something similiar, but I would've probably either created a new type of dragon or adjusted the hex dragon instead of making it a template.

The application looks good, but I wonder if anything would break if you'd allow an occult dragon to use eldritch essences or ray-shaping invocations on their breath weapon.

[redking]

This is interesting. I've been thinking about doing something similiar, but I would've probably either created a new type of dragon or adjusted the hex dragon instead of making it a template.

The application looks good, but I wonder if anything would break if you'd allow an occult dragon to use eldritch essences or ray-shaping invocations on their breath weapon.

I was thinking about new types of dragons too, but I stopped short for three reasons.

1. It's a lot of work.
2. New creatures are less "acceptable" to the general audience than simple variations.
3. You can surprise PCs with these different abilities on existing dragons.

As for the eldritch essences applied to the breath weapon, that would require quite extensive research. What I was thinking about is that these dragons are actually little weaker than standard in terms of magic, although flavourful. That's why I gave them a negative level adjustment.

[Analytica]

Remember that some Warlock abilities outside of Invocations per se are still central to their magic, like the supernatural sense and crafting ability - I would give these too to an invoking dragon.

Also, maybe this would work well for Beholders, also?

[redking]

Remember that some Warlock abilities outside of Invocations per se are still central to their magic, like the supernatural sense and crafting ability - I would give these too to an invoking dragon.

Also, maybe this would work well for Beholders, also?

You are right. Invoking dragons should get imbue magical item.

Origins of the Occult Dragons

In the enigmatic corners of draconic lore, whispers tell of dragons whose magical essence threads not through the familiar weave of sorcery but instead plunges into the labyrinthine depths of the occult. Dragons are inherently magical creatures, their lives intertwined with the arcane. Yet, for some, the conventional path of sorcerous magic pales before the allure of a more mysterious, more potent power.

These dragons are the Occult Dragons, distinguished entities who have chosen to reach beyond the arcane's known boundaries, connecting instead with the obscure and arcane entities that inhabit the unexplored reaches of the multiverse. These are not necessarily the originators of the occult arts, as some Occult Dragons boast, but rather, they are enigmatic and ancient draconic entities, known more for their inscrutability than for their might or influence.

The transformation into an Occult Dragon is not a matter of inheritance or natural progression, but of choice. It requires the formation of a pact with these elusive entities, a pact steeped in ritual and significance. In this ceremony, the dragon willingly relinquishes its inherent sorcerous abilities, replacing them with the ability to channel the raw, cryptic energy of the occult through invocations - potent manifestations of this esoteric power.

This transformation is profound and unalterable, fundamentally shifting the dragon's magical essence. Eyes gleam with an otherworldly light, and an aura of deep, profound mystery permeates their presence. Yet, despite this profound connection, these dragons are not beholden to their patrons. The entities they align with are distant, their relationship defined more by mutual respect for power and mystery than by obligation or fealty.

Occasionally, when both parents possess the Occult Dragon template, their offspring may inherit this mysterious pact, born as Occult Dragons in their own right. These occurrences are rare, their birth seen as a sign of significant portent. These inherently Occult Dragons are often viewed with a mixture of awe and trepidation by their kindred.

Regardless of their path to becoming an Occult Dragon, these beings stand as testament to the breadth and depth of draconic power and the uncharted realms it can touch. They challenge the commonly held notions of draconic magic, proving that even within the ancient and revered species of dragons, there exists the potential for unanticipated, astounding variance.

Occult Dragon Template

An Occult Dragon replaces their innate sorcerer-style spellcasting with warlock-style invocations.

Prerequisites: True Dragon

Special Qualities: An Occult Dragon retains all the special qualities of the base creature and gains the following:

1. Occult Invocation (Su): An Occult Dragon replaces its innate sorcerer spellcasting with the ability to use invocations as a Warlock of equivalent level to their innate sorcerer spellcasting. They don't receive the Eldritch Blast ability and therefore cannot select invocations that modify Eldritch Blasts. They have access to all other standard Warlock invocations, as well as all invocations available to Dragonfire Adepts.

The Occult Dragon uses its Charisma modifier for determining the Difficulty Class of any saving throws against its invocations, and its effective caster level is equal to its total Hit Dice. The invocations are spell-like abilities; using an invocation is therefore a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity.

An invocation can be disrupted, just as a spell can be ruined during casting. An Occult Dragon is entitled to a Concentration check to successfully use an invocation if it is hit by an attack while invoking, just as a spellcaster would be. An Occult Dragon can choose to use an invocation defensively, by making a successful Concentration check, to avoid provoking attacks of opportunity.

An Occult Dragon's invocations are subject to spell resistance unless an invocation's description specifically states otherwise. The DC to dispel an Occult Dragon's invocation is 10 + its effective caster level + the dragon's Charisma modifier.

2. Invocation Progression: The invocation progression of an Occult Dragon follows the same progression as the sorcerer spellcasting of a standard True Dragon of the same age category and type, with the dragon's caster level equivalent to an effective Warlock level.

3. Detect Magic (Su): At the wyrmling age category, the Occult Dragon gains the ability to use Detect Magic as a spell-like ability at will.

4. Imbue Item (Su): At 12th caster level or the old age category, whichever comes first, the Occult Dragon gains the ability to use Imbue Item as a spell-like ability. The dragon can use this ability to create any magic item that it qualifies for.

Special: This template replaces the dragon's innate spellcasting ability completely. They do not have access to both this ability and their original spellcasting.

CR: As base creature -1.

Level Adjustment: As base creature -1.