D&D 3E/3.5 [3.5] Draconomicon and Dragon Shaman

[DumbPaladin]

Would you allow a Dragon Shaman to learn the Metabreath feats from Draconomicon, provided he had the prerequisite Constitution score?

 

[Runestar]

I don't see the harm. His breath weapon doesn't really do that much damage. While metabreath feats can increase this, it pretty much guarantees he won't be breathing again for the duration of the fight.

 

[Empirate]

In fact, the Breath Weapon, which is supposed to be the Shaman's schtick in combat, is quite weak. His medium BAB and lack of martial weapon proficiency make melee mediocre, too. So I would not only allow metabreath feats, but encourage them. That way, the Shaman can at least contribute by doing something, instead of just standing around providing his aura's bonuses to his more active party colleagues.

 

[Ahnehnois]

The feats absolutely can and should be allowed for anyone with a breath weapon. Will it make the character stronger? Dragon Shamans have weak breath weapons and no feats to spend so I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Veven1290]

I am away from books right now but you could also check out the Dragonfire adept from Dragon Magic. I'm pretty sure their breath is an at will ability. You don't get auras but you do get invocations (specific to the DfA). Since their breath weapon does not have a recharge time it's hazy allowing metabreath feats though (without some shenageling). All in all it's a pretty awesome class.

 

[Andras]

Would you allow a Dragon Shaman to learn the Metabreath feats from Draconomicon, provided he had the prerequisite Constitution score?

Dragon Shaman's have a BW with a recharge time measured in rounds, so they absolutely qualify for taking Meta-breathe feats, with the requisite Con score..

 

[DumbPaladin]

The feats absolutely can and should be allowed for anyone with a breath weapon. Will it make the character stronger? Dragon Shamans have weak breath weapons and no feats to spend so I wouldn't count on it.

I picked up a free feat as a reward for a quest, so I figure I can spare it. Just wondering if it'll work. Being able to generate his breath weapon faster, or change it from a cone to a line at will, both sound appealing.

Thanks for the input, everyone.

 

[Summer-Knight925]

I would agree, my Human Dragon shaman got really lucky when rolling and came up with a 16 constitution, taking martial weapon proficency with the greatsword and weapon focus made me just as good as a fighter at first level, as he progressed and his breathweapon proved to be used for crowd control, with the right feats he could have been great, but see...fire giants dont like humans that much, and their swords hurt...

 

[DumbPaladin]

I would agree, my Human Dragon shaman got really lucky when rolling and came up with a 16 constitution, taking martial weapon proficency with the greatsword and weapon focus made me just as good as a fighter at first level, as he progressed and his breathweapon proved to be used for crowd control, with the right feats he could have been great, but see...fire giants dont like humans that much, and their swords hurt...

Ouch! :| My cohort's been on the verge of death as well ... he risked himself to save my paladin (his 'leader', so to speak) and heal him, leaving himself vulnerable at low hit points. Fortunately, the monster missed and he was able to withdraw to the cleric.

I got lucky with the shaman's 16 Con and 20 (modified) Str, picked up Spiked Chain proficiency and Improved Trip & Disarm ... having lots of attacks at range has proven handy, and being able to trip and disarm foes has really saved our butts in the past.

 

[krupintupple]

fully agree.

most people (DMs) fear that "entangling breath" is overpowered in the hands of a DS, but really, it's more like "hey, I can actually contribute to the battle now!"