Dragon Mage (Character Kit)

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==Dragon Mage==
Some dragons are not content with the natural innate spell ability they will develop. They become obsessed with magical processes and spellcraft, especially the formal processes used by wizards. This leads them to follow the arcane paths of wizardry as dragon-mages. 
A dragon-mage spends the time between hatching and reaching 1st level learning the theories and techniques of magic. As a hatchling, a dragon-mage receives instruction from either a higher level dragon-mage who is a member of the Custodians of Concordance or from a demihuman vassal wizard attached to the Council of Wyrms. During this time of apprenticeship, it learns its first spells and prepares a spellbook. 
The spellbook of a 1st-level dragon-mage contains the following spells: read magic and detect magic. It also contains three additional 1st-level spells selected by the Dungeon Master, including one attack spell and one defensive spell. By learning scholarly magic, a dragon-mage loses its innate spell ability. It no longer follows the spell progression as listed on TABLE 5: DRAGON INFORMATION BY AGE. Instead, it gains spells as a wizard character does, though it uses TABLE 16: DRAGON-MAGE SPELL PROGRESSION (see below). A 1st-level dragon-mage, for example, has the ability to memorize and cast one 1st-level spell.
Requirements: All dragon types that have Intelligence scores of 13 and Dexterity scores of 13 or better can use this kit. 
Role: The dragon-mage is the true scholar among the dragons of the Io's Blood isles. They work for the clans they belong to, but they also have their own agendas as far as the gathering of arcane knowledge is concerned. While other dragons fill their hoards with gems and precious metals, dragon-mages seek out enchanted items and magical tomes. 
A dragon-mage has less interest in dragon affairs than the average member of dragonkind. Instead, a dragon -mage's attention is focused on mastering the arcane arts. The more flair and flourish a dragon-mage can apply to spellcasting the better. In later years, research becomes a paramount pursuit. Older dragon-mages often spend years on end searching for rare spells, lost magical items, and legendary tomes of magic. 
Dragon-mages believe that magical training is vastly superior to the haphazard progression of other dragons. They like to be mysterious, hinting at the secret knowledge they claim to possess. Still, dragon-mages in particular understand that there is a place for every kind of dragon and every talent in the vast scheme of things. 
Combat Proficiencies: A hatchling dragonmage starts with the Claw Attack as a bonus proficiency. It receives one fewer initial combat proficiciency than what is listed on TABLE 11: DRAGON PROFICIENCY SLOTS. For example, a gold dragon-mage would get its bonus combat proficiency plus three others instead of the usual four listed on TABLE 11 .
Noncombat Proficiencies:
* Bonus: racial language, racial bonus (see Chapter 2), Spellcraft (Wizard, received at 1st level).
* Required-Reading/Writing (at 1st level); Kindredbond (by 4th level). 
* Recommended (at hatching)-Direction Sense, Languages (High Draconic), Survival, Swimming.
* Recommended (after 1st level)-Ancient History, Astrology, Languages (Ancient), Languages (Modern), Local History, Lore, Navigation. 
Equipment: None to start with. Later, a dragon-mage is restricted to items usable by a creature of its size and dexterity. What it places in its hoard, however, is unrestricted. At 1st level, it receives a spellbook containing five spells, as outlined above, as well as a collection of spell components.
Special Benefits: In addition to the bonus Claw Attack combat proficiency and the bonus Wizard Spellcraft noncombat proficiency, a dragon-mage starts with one item in its bonded hoard. 
A dragon-mage gains and casts spells as any other wizard, using the dragon-mage spell progression table. It can research wizard spells and at adult age can make magical items in the same manner as other wizards. 
For example, a 1st-level bronze dragon-mage can cast one 1st-level spell. The spell is cast as though the dragon was a 9th-level mage (base Hit Dice minus age modifier plus combat modifier; 14-6+1). 
 Table 16: Dragon-Mage Spell Progression
MageLevel	Spell Level	Spell Level	Spell Level	Spell Level	Spell Level	Spell Level	Spell Level	Spell Level	Spell Level
MageLevel	1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7* 	8** 	9†
1 	1 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
2 	2 	1 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
3 	2 	2 	1 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
4 	2 	2 	2 	1 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
5 	3 	2 	2 	2 	1 	— 	— 	— 	—
6 	3 	3 	2 	2 	2 	1 	— 	— 	—
7 	3 	3 	3 	2 	2 	2 	— 	— 	—
8 	3 	3 	3 	3 	2 	2 	1 	— 	—
9 	4 	3 	3 	3 	3 	2 	1 	— 	—
10 	4 	4 	3 	3 	3 	3 	2 	1 	—
11 	4 	4 	4 	3 	3 	3 	3 	2 	1
12 	4 	4 	4 	4 	3 	3 	3 	3 	2
: * Minimum Intelligence 14
: ** Minimum Intelligence 16
: † Minimum Intelligence 18
Special Hindrances: Dragon-mages lose the innate spell ability outlined on TABLE 5: DRAGON INFORMATION BY AGE (SPECIFIC). Additionally, dragon-mages have no access to priest spells, regardless of their type. Members of this kit receive one fewer initial combat proficiencies than the number listed on TABLE 11: DRAGON PROFICIENCY SLOTS. To reach each age category, the dragon must add one or more magical items to its hoard, totaling at least 300 XP per current age category. 
Wealth Options: See page 59 for details.
Category:Character Kit
Category:Character Kit Council of Wyrms