Dragon Rider

Dragon Riders are a type of combatant that utilizes dragons to dash through the battlefield while riding upon their backs. They are formidable foes who are adept at dragon riding, weapon combat, mounted combat, and eventually able to use dragon-related abilities when they sync with their dragons through a strong bond. This allows them to use their dragon's magic, adopt certain traits of their dragons either permanently or temporarily, use their dragon's species-specific abilities, and eventually at a high enough level and an extremely strong bond between the rider and their dragon, being able to merge together temporarily.

Dragon's Bond

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you can bond to one dragon, which takes a single long rest to bond to. You can bond to a new dragon, but it will break your bond with your current dragon if you have one. At 10th level, it takes only a short rest to bond to a new dragon.

You are now also stronger when you are closer to your dragon, and can now access certain abilities relating to your dragon, which depends on what type of dragon you currently ride and share a bond with.

When you are within 30ft. of your dragon, your spirit is bolstered due to your bond, giving you a +1 bonus to your AC and advantage on Athletics and Acrobatics skill checks. At level 7th, 10th, and 15th, the range extends 30ft.

While within 30ft. of your dragon, you also gain their Dragon's Bond ability/abilities, which will be listed on their statblock. At levels 7th, 10th, and 15th, the range extends 30ft.

Rider Expertise

Starting at 7th level, when you are mounted on your dragon, you have advantage to Dexterity saving throws.

In addition, when you are within 60ft. of your dragon, you can dash to them and mount them as a bonus action. This requires there to be no major obstacles between you and your dragon. For all intents and purposes, this dash ability is called Mounting Dash.

Bond of Steel

At 10th level, your bond with your dragon has become as strong as steel, allowing you to gain access to the following spells when within 90ft. of your dragon (At 15th level, the range increases by 30ft.):

- Stoneskin (Twice per long rest, can only cast on self)
- Haste (Once per long rest, can only cast on self)
- Bless (Three times per long rest, can only cast on self or dragon)

You also gain spells that are specific to the dragon you are bonded to, which you can view on their statblock as their Bond of Steel spells/abilities.

Archery

You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged weapons.

Defense

While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.

Dueling

When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls with that weapon.

Great Weapon Fighting

When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two hands, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. The weapon must have the two-handed or versatile property for you to gain this benefit.

Protection

When a creature you can see attacks a target other than you that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. You must be wielding a shield.

Two-Weapon Fighting

When you engage in two-weapon fighting, you can add your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack.

True Love

Starting at 15th level, you gain access to your dragon's True Love spell/ability list that is listed on their statblock.

Synced Spirits

At 18th level, you attain the pinnacle what love truly is with your dragon. You and your dragon's souls are so intertwined together that you can temporarily merge with your dragon and become a draconic humanoid for one minute. During this time, you have a flying speed equal to your dragon's flying speed, gain 50 temporary hit points, gain a +2 bonus to your AC, advantage on all Dexterity, Strength, and Constitution saving throws, and gain specific abilities relating to your dragon which will be labeled as their Synced Spirits spells/abilities on their statblock.