Dragon Disciple (Pathfinder Second Edition Archetype)
(art by BarelynormalActivity on DeviantArt)
In keeping with the theme that the 2nd Edition Advanced Player’s Guide has a bunch of archetypes based on the old prestige classes of first edition and 3.5 of yore, today we’re looking at this edition’s version of the Dragon Disciple.
For those who aren’t aware, a dragon disciple is a character that seeks to emulate dragons, undergoing rituals and the like to infuse and awaken draconic power within them, often directly related to a specific dragon type.
A lot of dragon disciples are draconic sorcerers, tapping even further into the potential that already exists. Others may manifest draconic blood in some other way, or may even have no prior connection to dragonkind aside from a deep fascination with them.
Either way, these disciples complement and enhance their pre-existing sorcerer powers quite well, or alternatively, gain access to those abilities.
These disciples may experience even stronger changes in personality and appearance than other draconic sorcerers, and even those connected to metallic dragons or goodly dragons of other clades may find themselves swelling with draconic pride, especially when they make use of their abilities.
The powers granted by this archetype are actually almost nearly identical to their First Edition counterparts as well, so that’s a nice touch for those who prefer that the two different editions feel like part of the same reality.
Starting with the dedication, which kobolds with sufficiently draconic heritages, barbarians with the draconic instinct, and draconic (or wyrmblessed) sorcerers have access to, grants some master of magic, elemental resistance to a damage type based on a type of dragon you pick when taking the archetype, as well as resistance to paralysis and sleep. Initially, the list of choices was limited to chromatic and metallic, but has been updated to include primal and imperial dragons as well.
These disciples are also able to grow powerful claws, an ability which stacks with the sorcerous ability to do the same by making those magical claws stronger.
Many also develop a strong sense of smell, which aids them in locating foes.
Those that can cast spells but are not already draconic sorcerers can still learn the spells associated with the bloodline, even if they would normally be outside their discipline, though they must still actively seek out and learn them.
Hard scales are also a common manifestation, granting them some protection while unarmored.
Naturally, a draconic breath weapon is also a common ability these disciples share, and those that already possess this ability find they have more focus to utilize for that and other abilities as well.
Continuing, many also learn to manifest wings, which work similarly to the breath in relation to sorcerous power.
Where things get extremely impressive is how some are able to transform fully into a dragon for a brief span of time, unleashing their full draconic fury.
More powerful disciples can gain a true organic breath weapon, one that replenishes naturally every few second and is more potent.
The mightiest among them can transform into a dragon for much longer periods.
There was, however, an addition to this archetype that added three new feats specifically tied to cloud dragons, namely one that grants a modified version of dragon-polymorphing that grants appropriate abilities, one that let’s the user walk on clouds, and one that improves flight speed.
Interested in going hard into the dragon theme as a sorcerer or any other sort of dragon-themed character? This archetype is full of useful abilities, all of which find ways to augment any overlap you might see with the main archetype. That being said, you will want to look up the wyrmblessed bloodline too to get an idea of how the breath weapons of the primal and imperial dragon types are meant to work.
I mentioned it briefly, but becoming a dragon disciple means that your mind as well as your body become more dragon-like. Even metallic dragons have great pride, and it is up to the person to find ways to temper that emotion into confidence rather than becoming insecure and quick to lash out at the slightest perceived insult.
The underworld dragon Yamahana is in a bind, as a group of vault giants have begun raiding his territory recently, and he has quickly come to realize that he and his disciples are not powerful enough to repel the massive reptilian titans. He would pay a daring group of explorers a king’s ransom for their aid.
Born already with the mark of reptilian power, the beastkin Naket soon discovered that not only did she embody the power of the mighty crocodile, but also a blue dragon, a fact she is eager to explore, ordering all sorts of texts on draconic mysticism.
In order to cement his legitimacy to the throne, the upstart Kalidos enacted all sorts of rituals to unlock draconic power within himself… and he succeeded. However, his newfound red dragon blood has only made him more arrogant and a little unhinged as well.