Hello!

I just wanted to post about an awesome DM tool:  The Half-Dragon template.  I am running a campaign where the law-enforcement of the starting realm are draconic.  This begins with kobalds and pseudo-dragons, but progresses quickly to lizardfolk mercenaries and wyverns.

I want to keep dragon wyrmlings as a special enemy, so there is a big gap between lizardfolk and wyvern.  I found that half-dragon berzerkers are a great way to provide deadly encounters to the PCs.  The breath weapon is nothing to mess with!

Almost all my treasure hoards involve mimic play.  I can't wait to run my first half-dragon mimic. (One would need the MM for mimic stats!)

I like that the added buff does not change the Challenge Rating, so I can get the most out of my encounter build budget.  Half dragon driders and centaurs blow my mind, can't wait!  Love it.

V/R

EJF

I had a lot of fun with half dragons at the end of my last campaign. It is nice to have a template you can throw onto any other existing monster. Though I do believe half dragons have some restrictions, I think it can only be applied to beast, humanoid, giant, or monstrosity. Still a huge variety, have fun!

You should adjust CR according to the guidelines in DMG if the monster is notably stronger. Probably not all, but some of these monsters might be a higher challenge after adding the template.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/mm/monsters-h#HalfDragon

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dmg/dungeon-masters-workshop#CreatingaMonster

Quote from DxJxC >>

You should adjust CR according to the guidelines in DMG. . . 

 

 Specific trumps general, my sibling.

Directly from the OGL:  "To avoid recalculating the [Half-Dragon's] challenge rating, apply the template only to a creature that meets the optional prerequisite in the Breath Weapon table below.  OTHERWISE, recalculate the rating after you apply the template."  [emphasis mine]

Large or smaller?  CR2 or higher?  Free wyrmling breath weapon.

Think twice about opening that chest.

V/R

EJF

I am currently playing a blue half-dragon dragonborn hexblade warlock. Does anyone know how the template affects the base creature's height and weight? 

If you want to give a reward to a Druid who loves to wildshape, put a half-dragon beast into your game. Even though they can use breath weapons, the half-dragon tag doesn't change the fact that it's still a beast, so it can be used for wildshape!

Quote from Dragoneir1985 >>

I am currently playing a blue half-dragon dragonborn hexblade warlock. Does anyone know how the template affects the base creature's height and weight? 

 It doesn't.