How does RDD class "work" in the game?

[Tartan]

I'm not quite sure what to make of the Red Dragon Disciple prestige class in NWN:HotU. I'm thinking of taking 5 levels of *something* and then adding 20+ levels of RDD to play through the SoU & HotU story arc (ending at the 25-28 level range), but I can't quite make out how this class should be played. You get fire breath and get buffs to AC and STR as well as hit dice (eventually), suggesting a close-quarters if not outright melee bent. [By the way, is there any limitation on how often you can use the dragon breath ability? Is it X times per day or once every X rounds? And is the breath weapon always fire damage or does it vary as per various dragon types?]

If I went Sorc 5/RDD 20+ it would give me a level 25 guy that could cast level 2 spells, use simple weapons, and only where robes. Oh, you do get a familiar. Even with a fire breath, that seems pretty "meh". (Assuming that most of the level 1 and 2 spells you'd want to use at level 15+ can be adequately simulated by buying potions.)

Bard 5/RDD 20+ also gives level 2 spells (even if only 1 per day) and simple weapons, but allows up to medium armor and shields as well as a few bard songs. That's a bit better, but not terribly exciting.

Bard/Sorc 1 / Barbarian 4 / RDD 20+ is a bit better, allowing martial weapons, rage 2x per day, and Uncanny Dodge I (II if you take a 5th Barbarian level).

Anyhow, you can see where this is going. I'm looking for some opinions of what classes can best help make the most out of the RDD class...and some tips on what kind of playstyle a RDD 20+ would lend itself to. Am I going to be herding up a bunch of baddies, trapping them in a small area, and then scorching them to death with my fire breath from a safe range? Will I be a melee powerhouse or maybe a "spell-sword" type of character? Are there other options I haven't thought of?

Oh, and is there a RDD character guide out there?

[AvatarOfLight]

Don't recall specifics stats, but there's basically 2 things you can do with RDD.

One thing is to give your bard/sorcerer some resistances and increased stats, becoming better at physical combat, but returning to your original class after 10 RDD. Basically just gimping your spellcasting a bit for toughness. Wear robes obviously.

The other is to have a physical character like a fighter or barbarian and just get (1?) level of sorcerer to be allowed to max RDD. Since most RDD abilities are just powerful physical buffs, this works really well. Barbarian/RDD is the toughest high hp character you can make iirc. You just wear armor and forget about spells.

In any case, I wouldn't get more than 10 levels in RDD. It's really not worth it.

[mistered]

For wizard/sorcerer there is an "epic spell" named (epic mage armor) which gives a +20 AC and last probably a whole day. This makes your wizard/sorcerer 's armor stronger than even your warrior.

Epic Mage Armor requires base spellcraft of 26, so plan ahead to get it early.

RDD may be a good thing for wizard/sorcerer since it give you +10 strength which will help you to fight Mephistophiles (HotU) ( who can't be defeated by spells ). However, you need to have 40 levels in order to use it profitably.

[Tricky]

Thankfully you don't need 3 caster levels like with the Pale Master. I hate bards and that sorcerer BAB is just awful. The RDD's hit die does increase from d6 to d10 before you get past class level 10 and to d12 after the 11th, which makes it one of the better melee-oriented prestige classes for a sorcerer.

I made a charisma based RDD once. Two paladin levels gives you Divine Grace, which ensures your RDD will still get all the reflex and will saves it would ever need. You can cut fighter levels to do that. Unfortunately contrary to NWN2, the breath cone doesn't improve with better Charisma, so that was the only reason for me not to continue the build.

Also interesting is the small Intelligence increase (+2 base, meaning a +1 modifier) you get at ninth class level. So long as you don't invest in it too heavily at character creation, it can later open up some combat feats that might be useful to you.

[CrazyViking]

Please remember, that when playing a sorceror/ rdd build. You need to have at least 10 levels of sorceror to (and 10 level of rdd) to reach 21st level.

I played through HotU one with a sorceror/rdd build. I first got 10 level of sorc, then 5 levels of rdd.
While playing I took another 5 levels of rdd and used the rest of my levels to get sorc.
I found it a really strong build. The spells like, chain lightning, fireball, acid fog etc, stay strong during the whole game, when used properly.
I also was able to handle melee combat myself, when properly buffed.

The only tip I can give you, is to stick with 10 levels of rdd, and continue in what you were doing before the rdd.

[Xandax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistered <snip> RDD may be a good thing for wizard/sorcerer since it give you +10 strength which will help you to fight Mephistophiles (HotU) ( who can't be defeated by spells ).<snip>

1) Please don't provide false information.
2) Careful with the spoiler mentions.


As for the RDD, I find the class a novelty class ("Uhh, wings") - but for practical usage I find it very limited because the bonuses are best for a melee class.
I don't find it useful for a Sorcerer, but a Bard-based class would be better - IMO.

[Fiberfar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xandax As for the RDD, I find the class a novelty class ("Uhh, wings") - but for practical usage I find it very limited because the bonuses are best for a melee class. I don't find it useful for a Sorcerer, but a Bard-based class would be better - IMO.

Agreed, it might give you some extra hp, ac and strength, but you're still a poor melee soldier compared to a barbarian or a fighter. You're also a weaker spellcaster than any pure class (unless he only got fire spells).