Rather than summoning the Drake companion, it should be Small most of the time and for a limited duration each day you can grow it to Large size, Digimon style.
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Gonna have to echo the "concept yes, execution no" sentiment permeating the thread.
The Drake companion being a summoned creature rather than an actual companion is a non-starter, particularly when effectively 100% of the subclass features revolve around it. That means when you don't have the Drake summoned, you effectively do not have a subclass.
I see a lot of people saying that this can't signal MtG: Tarkir because Tarkir is not on the MtG set schedule, but... Dragon Ascendant Monk is the Ojutai to a tee. The entire premise of the clan is monks learning the mystical incites of dragonkind through the benevolent wisdom but fierce wrath of their clanlord. The resemblance is uncanny, and if that isn't what we're getting, it is clearly the inspiration for it. And the Drakewarden Ranger would also be compatible with that, thanks to... I can't remember her name... the green/white one that the Bolster mechanic was centered around, her clan lived in the desert. The mechanics of the clan were all about reinforcing each other's attacks and capabilities, which lines up quite nicely with the Drakewarden's not-an-Aura ability.
And if we were getting Tarkir in the future, that would also make the concept of a Dragon as a Patron quite easy, since Silumgar would totally go for that. Dangle a bit of power in front of a mortal and watch them destroy themselves with it. Should they happen to actually accomplish something useful for him, it's just a twofer.
- You pick one colour/element of dragon at the start and then you raise it. No different dragon each time.
- At some point the drake goes to medium between being small and larger. (11th or 7th). Gives a more natural feel of it growing. Yes this means that small species can ride it earlier, but small beastmasters can ride pteranadons at lvl 3.
Apart from that I'm really impressed with it. I like the option to choose either flying or swimming as it can give a unique feel to your choice.
I like the theme of the Drakewarden but I have some issues with the execution as well.
It seems weird that the Drake's capabilities - aside from Saving Throws and Ability Checks apparently - are totally removed from it's stats. It has 16 Str but you don't get to add that to it's Bite damage. It has 15 Con but it's HP depend on the Ranger class and you don't seem to add it to it's HP.
A 20th level Ranger's Drake has 105HP according to this but they also say that it has d10 dice for each Ranger level so technically it should be 20d10+40 for a total of 150 HP.
I do agree that it should grow a bit faster, the ability to ride it when it doesn't have wings is not that OP.
Ascendant Dragon monk sounds more like "better 4 elements with mild dragon flavor" monk, honestly. Drakewarden is awesome, I have nearly no complaints. I just want more Dragon subclasses.
There is thematic overlap, but mechanically, they are distinct.
This is by no means a complaint, but does the Drakewarden seem like a Pokemon subclass to anyone else? Your dragon even goes from charmander to charizard, and you basically keep it in a pokeball most of the time!
I really like the concept of doing a Drakewarden as a STR ranger, maybe with a level of fighter or pally for the heavy armor, really lean into the knight in shining armor motif, but you're a wandering knight fighting alongside a charizard-*ahem*-dragon instead of slaying one.
I also like the idea of the dragon companion being the same one each time, and choosing its type at the beginning for extra emotional investment. They could even lean into the pokemon comparison and have the wings vs water breathing at level 7 decided based off the type of dragon you choose (maybe also including a third or fourth option too).
I just noticed that the Drake Companion has no alignment. It's strange that it has no alignment, but isn't listed as "unaligned," like other creatures without an alignment. It's also strange that it doesn't have an alignment, as even Steel Defenders have an alignment.
I actually liked that, since it means you could have more freedom with your Drake's alignment than if it came with a "Good" or "Evil" label to it. You could put some more flavor in there if you wish without outright contradicting the creature's description.
Rather than summoning the Drake companion, it should be Small most of the time and for a limited duration each day you can grow it to Large size, Digimon style.
That would be fun. I actually had a different idea: You get the small Drake at Level 3, and it grows as you level up. Once it gets Large, that's where the whole summon thing comes out, but until then you are just carrying this small dragon around as you would with a normal animal companion.
This is due to the comments about how being followed around by a large drake would get awkward really fast play-wise. IG and RP-wise, this could be flawored as your Ranger raising this baby drake to adulthood, after which they have to let it go for whatever reason (To keep it safe, perhaps? A sudden Nymeria situation? An Ash's Butterfree reenactment? "I have to go, my people needs me"? Idk, it would be up to you.). Cue the Summon mechanic, as the drake is no longer following you around everywhere 24/7, but you can still call to it for help anytime, your draconic foster child will always come back to you when you call them.
♪ I'll come back when you call me. No need to say goodbye. ♪ (Ok, I'll stop now.)
Just noticed that, similar to the Swarmkeeper and the Primeval Guardian Conclave subclasses the Dragonwarden is missing a 5th level feature (usually an additional attack). Not sure if that's intentional or not.
I believe that 5th level feature only applies to subclasses for the Revised Ranger class. The normal Ranger has Extra Attack as a class feature at level 5, so they don't need to put it in the subclass.
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Please check out my homebrew and give me feedback!
Favored Enemy will give you draconic if you choose dragons as your favored enemy.
Well, actually you can get Sylvan if you choose dragons as your favored enemy. You get one language of your choice as long as your favored enemy speaks it, and Faery dragons can speak Sylvan
My theory about Tarkir is how Tasha's will have sidebars on moving subclasses to other settings, the Draconomicon will have the same thing. So it might say in a little green box next to the Ascendant Dragon Monk: In Tarkir, this could be used to represent the Ojutai monks or something similar.
Reading this list just makes me so exited! Just imagine if wizards actually put all of these things in a new draconomicon! Kobolds and Dragonborn need a buff, and all of these ideas would be amazing if compiled in a single book!
The more I think about it, the more I dislike these subclasses and both of them for the same reason. They seem less like D&D characters and more like Video game characters. This is more for the Ranger than the Monk, but the fact that they just swap out their type when ever they like seems impersonal. Choosing a dragon type and sticking with it just seems right in my opinion, and again this really more for the Ranger than the Monk, but does apply to both.
While I think the Monk should choose a dragon type I am more likely to accept them swapping out than I am the Ranger. The Ranger's Drake companion should be a companion, not a summon that can be swapped around without a second thought, and the Ranger's abilities should be tied to the choice of companion at 3rd level.
This is more for the Ranger than the Monk, but the fact that they just swap out their type when ever they like seems impersonal. Choosing a dragon type and sticking with it just seems right in my opinion, and again this really more for the Ranger than the Monk, but does apply to both.
The Ranger's Drake companion should be a companion, not a summon that can be swapped around without a second thought, and the Ranger's abilities should be tied to the choice of companion at 3rd level.
This. I dislike the Summon mechanic for this very reason, at least as it stands in text right now. If it is a companion, it should play as one, not as a Summon spell.
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Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
The more I think about it, the more I dislike these subclasses and both of them for the same reason. They seem less like D&D characters and more like Video game characters. This is more for the Ranger than the Monk, but the fact that they just swap out their type when ever they like seems impersonal. Choosing a dragon type and sticking with it just seems right in my opinion, and again this really more for the Ranger than the Monk, but does apply to both.
While I think the Monk should choose a dragon type I am more likely to accept them swapping out than I am the Ranger. The Ranger's Drake companion should be a companion, not a summon that can be swapped around without a second thought, and the Ranger's abilities should be tied to the choice of companion at 3rd level.
Yep just changing it every summon seems cheap, like you're playing pokemon. You should pick a dragon type at the start, and stay with that dragon, bonding with it and having it as a real character you grow attached to.
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Rather than summoning the Drake companion, it should be Small most of the time and for a limited duration each day you can grow it to Large size, Digimon style.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Gonna have to echo the "concept yes, execution no" sentiment permeating the thread.
The Drake companion being a summoned creature rather than an actual companion is a non-starter, particularly when effectively 100% of the subclass features revolve around it. That means when you don't have the Drake summoned, you effectively do not have a subclass.
I see a lot of people saying that this can't signal MtG: Tarkir because Tarkir is not on the MtG set schedule, but... Dragon Ascendant Monk is the Ojutai to a tee. The entire premise of the clan is monks learning the mystical incites of dragonkind through the benevolent wisdom but fierce wrath of their clanlord. The resemblance is uncanny, and if that isn't what we're getting, it is clearly the inspiration for it. And the Drakewarden Ranger would also be compatible with that, thanks to... I can't remember her name... the green/white one that the Bolster mechanic was centered around, her clan lived in the desert. The mechanics of the clan were all about reinforcing each other's attacks and capabilities, which lines up quite nicely with the Drakewarden's not-an-Aura ability.
And if we were getting Tarkir in the future, that would also make the concept of a Dragon as a Patron quite easy, since Silumgar would totally go for that. Dangle a bit of power in front of a mortal and watch them destroy themselves with it. Should they happen to actually accomplish something useful for him, it's just a twofer.
Changes I'd make to the Drakenwarden:
- You pick one colour/element of dragon at the start and then you raise it. No different dragon each time.
- At some point the drake goes to medium between being small and larger. (11th or 7th). Gives a more natural feel of it growing. Yes this means that small species can ride it earlier, but small beastmasters can ride pteranadons at lvl 3.
Apart from that I'm really impressed with it. I like the option to choose either flying or swimming as it can give a unique feel to your choice.
I like the theme of the Drakewarden but I have some issues with the execution as well.
It seems weird that the Drake's capabilities - aside from Saving Throws and Ability Checks apparently - are totally removed from it's stats. It has 16 Str but you don't get to add that to it's Bite damage. It has 15 Con but it's HP depend on the Ranger class and you don't seem to add it to it's HP.
A 20th level Ranger's Drake has 105HP according to this but they also say that it has d10 dice for each Ranger level so technically it should be 20d10+40 for a total of 150 HP.
I do agree that it should grow a bit faster, the ability to ride it when it doesn't have wings is not that OP.
And it should be around for longer.
There is thematic overlap, but mechanically, they are distinct.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
This is by no means a complaint, but does the Drakewarden seem like a Pokemon subclass to anyone else? Your dragon even goes from charmander to charizard, and you basically keep it in a pokeball most of the time!
I really like the concept of doing a Drakewarden as a STR ranger, maybe with a level of fighter or pally for the heavy armor, really lean into the knight in shining armor motif, but you're a wandering knight fighting alongside a charizard-*ahem*-dragon instead of slaying one.
I also like the idea of the dragon companion being the same one each time, and choosing its type at the beginning for extra emotional investment. They could even lean into the pokemon comparison and have the wings vs water breathing at level 7 decided based off the type of dragon you choose (maybe also including a third or fourth option too).
I actually liked that, since it means you could have more freedom with your Drake's alignment than if it came with a "Good" or "Evil" label to it. You could put some more flavor in there if you wish without outright contradicting the creature's description.
That would be fun. I actually had a different idea: You get the small Drake at Level 3, and it grows as you level up. Once it gets Large, that's where the whole summon thing comes out, but until then you are just carrying this small dragon around as you would with a normal animal companion.
This is due to the comments about how being followed around by a large drake would get awkward really fast play-wise. IG and RP-wise, this could be flawored as your Ranger raising this baby drake to adulthood, after which they have to let it go for whatever reason (To keep it safe, perhaps? A sudden Nymeria situation? An Ash's Butterfree reenactment? "I have to go, my people needs me"? Idk, it would be up to you.). Cue the Summon mechanic, as the drake is no longer following you around everywhere 24/7, but you can still call to it for help anytime, your draconic foster child will always come back to you when you call them.
♪ I'll come back when you call me. No need to say goodbye. ♪ (Ok, I'll stop now.)
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
I believe that 5th level feature only applies to subclasses for the Revised Ranger class. The normal Ranger has Extra Attack as a class feature at level 5, so they don't need to put it in the subclass.
Please check out my homebrew and give me feedback!
Subclasses | Races | Spells | Magic Items | Monsters | Feats | Backgrounds
Well, actually you can get Sylvan if you choose dragons as your favored enemy. You get one language of your choice as long as your favored enemy speaks it, and Faery dragons can speak Sylvan
My theory about Tarkir is how Tasha's will have sidebars on moving subclasses to other settings, the Draconomicon will have the same thing. So it might say in a little green box next to the Ascendant Dragon Monk: In Tarkir, this could be used to represent the Ojutai monks or something similar.
Reading this list just makes me so exited! Just imagine if wizards actually put all of these things in a new draconomicon! Kobolds and Dragonborn need a buff, and all of these ideas would be amazing if compiled in a single book!
By the way, will these two subclasses be added to this site's character builder any time soon?
i hope it's soon
Probably on Monday, they often release everything then.
The more I think about it, the more I dislike these subclasses and both of them for the same reason. They seem less like D&D characters and more like Video game characters. This is more for the Ranger than the Monk, but the fact that they just swap out their type when ever they like seems impersonal. Choosing a dragon type and sticking with it just seems right in my opinion, and again this really more for the Ranger than the Monk, but does apply to both.
While I think the Monk should choose a dragon type I am more likely to accept them swapping out than I am the Ranger. The Ranger's Drake companion should be a companion, not a summon that can be swapped around without a second thought, and the Ranger's abilities should be tied to the choice of companion at 3rd level.
She/Her Player and Dungeon Master
This. I dislike the Summon mechanic for this very reason, at least as it stands in text right now. If it is a companion, it should play as one, not as a Summon spell.
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
Yep just changing it every summon seems cheap, like you're playing pokemon. You should pick a dragon type at the start, and stay with that dragon, bonding with it and having it as a real character you grow attached to.