How does RDD class "work" in the game?

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?

On Dec 27, 6:08 am, "EMK" <noneofyourbusin....RemoveThis@columbus.rr.com> wrote:

> 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.


First- Presitige classes are limited to TEN levels, until level 21+.

RDD is basically a bruiser class.




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?]



Dragon breath is 1/day. It isn't a useful ability.




> 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.



Sorry, but best you can do is Sorc 10, RDD 15+.



>  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.)



It IS meh. Melee bruisers don't stack well with spellcasters in one
character.

> 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).



Much better. The Sorc level is just the cost of playing.