dragon-magic-oef

Table 2–7: The Pact-Bound Adept
Hit Die: d4
Base
Attack Fort Ref Will
Level Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Improved pact +1 —
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Dragoncast +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
3rd +1 +1 +3 +3 Eschew Materials +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
4th +2 +1 +4 +4 Improved pact +2 —
5th +2 +1 +4 +4 Bonus dragonpact +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
Class Skills (2 + Int modifier per level): Concentration, Craft, Diplomacy, Knowledge (arcana), Profession, Spellcraft.
Improved Pact (Su): You learn to alter the magic that flows
through you so that you can gain greater benefits by way of
your dragonpact. At 1st level, your caster level with spell-like
abilities from your dragonpact improves by one. In addition,
at 1st level choose a single dragonpact that you currently have;
you gain spell-like abilities as if you had sacrificed a spell one
level higher than the actual spell sacrificed.
For example, a pact-bound adept who has sacrificed a 3rdlevel
spell as part of the flames of crimson wrath dragonpact
would gain three daily uses of burning hands and two daily
uses of protection from energy (fire), as if she had sacrificed a
4th-level spell.
At 4th level, your caster level with dragonpact spell-like
abilities improves by another one, and the spell-like abilities
from your chosen dragonpact improve as if you had sacrificed
a spell two levels higher than the actual spell sacrificed.
Each time you enter into a new dragonpact, you can choose
to apply this benefit to the new dragonpact in place of the
previous dragonpact.
Dragoncast (Su): Starting at 2nd level, you become able to
channel magical energy in much the same way that dragons
do. Three times per day, you can cast any arcane spell (of a
level equal to or less than your class level) as though it were
affected by both the Silent Spell and Still Spell metamagic
feats, removing the need for any verbal and somatic components.
Neither the casting time of the spell nor the spell’s
level changes for this casting.
Eschew Materials: At 3rd level, you gain Eschew Materials
as a bonus feat. If you already have this feat, you can choose
any other feat for which you meet the prerequisite.
Bonus Dragonpact: At 5th level, you gain the ability to
enter into a second dragonpact. The second dragonpact can
be with the same dragon or another dragon, even of another
kind. You can’t enter into the same dragonpact twice.
PLAYING A PACT-BOUND ADEPT
Though other spellcasters rely on hand gestures, powerful
words, and complex formulas derived from years of research,
you know that the purest and most powerful form of spellcasting
is that used by true dragons. Tower-bound wizards
might spend years researching a single spell, while you could
spend mere days in the presence of a dragon and achieve the
same result. You can conjure up spells of incredible power
before anyone else knows you have even started. Other casters,
both divine and arcane, seem clumsy and slow to you,
because they have handicapped themselves with humanoid
concepts, rules, and sciences. You cultivate instinct and
intuition, learning to listen to your inner connection to
magic. You have felt the purity of draconic spellcasting and
hope that, some day, everyone can share in this knowledge.
If other spellcasters would just stop long enough to heed
the wisdom of dragons, they too would see an easier way,
one unencumbered by physical form. You know that you are
truly in the minority—most spellcasters are too frightened
or stubborn to change. In a way, you feel pity for them, while
at the same time hoping they will learn to reach within
themselves for answers.
Not everyone thinks that dragons are as benevolent as you
believe them to be. Certainly, evil dragons exist, as do evil
humans, evil elves, evil dwarves, and evil members of any
other race. Unfortunately, in your viewpoint, many people
see all dragons as a threat, which keeps them from opening
their eyes enough to learn from the great creatures. Despite
any display of power you manifest, some will always choose to
remain blind. For now, you seek to prove that your way—the
way of the dragons—is better by going out into the world and
doing things that no other spellcaster can. If others will not
hear the truth, you must let them see it with their own eyes, all
the while gaining knowledge for yourself. With each passing
day, your power grows because you are willing to embrace
your draconic heritage. You spend hours deep in meditation,
looking inward to find a stronger connection to the arcane
and to better understand how dragons instinctively tap into
this source.
Combat
Unafraid to wade into battle, you rely on your natural
abilities for defense. Since you can cast some spells without
having to speak or move, you have little fear of being
grappled, especially when a well-placed spell can free you
from entrapment. Unlike your more timid fellow spellcasters,
you enter combat boldly, knowing that the blessings of
dragonkind give you an advantage over those who rely on
traditional spellcasting.
Offensive spells, your greatest strength, come to you as
naturally as breathing. Since you can use your abilities to
penetrate the staunchest magical defenses, allies look to you
for help. When spells cast by others might be rebuffed, your
spells can punch through, putting the responsibility on you
to bring down a dangerous foe.
CHAPTER 2
DRAGON
ASPIRANTS
47