So I’m a new D&D player; I’ve only played 5 sessions starting this past July, and I absolutely love playing my half-elf bard. But now I’ve gotten a chance to start a new, second campaign with other actors in a play I’m in right now and want to play a draconic bloodline sorcerer. So my question may be obvious to more seasoned D&D players. 😅
Regarding physical traits, the PHB says the following:
As magic flows through your body, it causes physical traits of your ancestors to emerge. [...] Additionally, parts of your skin are covered by a thin sheet of dragon-like scales.
That’s all it says in regards to physical traits until you get to 14th level and gain the ability to spout dragon wings.
My human sorcerer is the 7th son of a 7th son in a noble family, making him only the third “Dragon Lord” in the family in a thousand years. His ancestor got his political power from a black (acid) dragon a thousand years ago and, in exchange, every 7th of a 7th son in this family is blessed/cursed with draconic bloodline sorcerous power.
My character’s father and mother, the Duke and Duchess of Mythgrave, have basically kept my character locked up until he grows into his power so they can use his power to their political advantage. They’ve been using the cover that he’s “sickly.”
My question is this: outside of the scales, are other physical traits possible, too? I’m leaning hard into the black dragon & acidic green color scheme for him and thought it’d be interesting for him to have some black scales, black hair (in a family of blondes), and instead of red blood have it acidic green. It’d be a clear indicator of his bloodline and also make the cover of him being “sickly” look legit.
What do you guys think about having green blood? Too much? Doable, not doable? I genuinely have no idea what is down for draconic bloodline physical traits and what’s not. 🤷🏻♂️
These are completely optional characteristics that you need to go over with your DM. My sorcerer does not have any of these traits despite being of a red dragon bloodline. Calianna (sorceress with black dragon bloodline) played by Matt Humes in Critical role show had a whole scaled hand with claws, scales on half of the face, reptilian eye and reptilian tail.
What you need to consider is how people would act in your world if you had the Calianna's traits? Would they be ok with it? Would you be looked upon as abomination or as a higher being with tremendous power? Work with your DM how would the world react to your character.
Personally I wouldn't want to play some kind of reptilian mutant but I definitely think that green blood is doable. It all depends on your, your DM and the world you are playing in.
I agree with Jonaleth that you should absolutely chat with your DM! They should be happy to work with you on your characters looks and backstory to help create something both of you can have fun playing with in the game. I'd also suggest chatting with your fellow players, especially if your character is going to look very different then what people in your game world are used to. This way you can work on role playing ties that will help...do they know only your obvious physical changes, or have you let them know about the green blood so they aren't surprised if you get cut? Maybe just letting the cleric know?
Beware the paladins! If they are lawful good, they will be obligated to attack and purge those of draconic bloodlines outside the chromatic dragons. Though some can detect dragons, like a ranger, if you have another player who is playing a Paladin… I wouldn’t advertise your ancestry.
Beware the paladins! If they are lawful good, they will be obligated to attack and purge those of draconic bloodlines outside the chromatic dragons. Though some can detect dragons, like a ranger, if you have another player who is playing a Paladin… I wouldn’t advertise your ancestry.
Why? Nothing in any official 5e Paladin oath requires attacking dragons, Dragonborn, draconic bloodlines, etc on sight or learning of them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
So I’m a new D&D player; I’ve only played 5 sessions starting this past July, and I absolutely love playing my half-elf bard. But now I’ve gotten a chance to start a new, second campaign with other actors in a play I’m in right now and want to play a draconic bloodline sorcerer. So my question may be obvious to more seasoned D&D players. 😅
Regarding physical traits, the PHB says the following:
That’s all it says in regards to physical traits until you get to 14th level and gain the ability to spout dragon wings.
My human sorcerer is the 7th son of a 7th son in a noble family, making him only the third “Dragon Lord” in the family in a thousand years. His ancestor got his political power from a black (acid) dragon a thousand years ago and, in exchange, every 7th of a 7th son in this family is blessed/cursed with draconic bloodline sorcerous power.
My character’s father and mother, the Duke and Duchess of Mythgrave, have basically kept my character locked up until he grows into his power so they can use his power to their political advantage. They’ve been using the cover that he’s “sickly.”
My question is this: outside of the scales, are other physical traits possible, too? I’m leaning hard into the black dragon & acidic green color scheme for him and thought it’d be interesting for him to have some black scales, black hair (in a family of blondes), and instead of red blood have it acidic green. It’d be a clear indicator of his bloodline and also make the cover of him being “sickly” look legit.
What do you guys think about having green blood? Too much? Doable, not doable? I genuinely have no idea what is down for draconic bloodline physical traits and what’s not. 🤷🏻♂️
These are completely optional characteristics that you need to go over with your DM. My sorcerer does not have any of these traits despite being of a red dragon bloodline. Calianna (sorceress with black dragon bloodline) played by Matt Humes in Critical role show had a whole scaled hand with claws, scales on half of the face, reptilian eye and reptilian tail.
What you need to consider is how people would act in your world if you had the Calianna's traits? Would they be ok with it? Would you be looked upon as abomination or as a higher being with tremendous power? Work with your DM how would the world react to your character.
Personally I wouldn't want to play some kind of reptilian mutant but I definitely think that green blood is doable. It all depends on your, your DM and the world you are playing in.
-
View User Profile
-
View Posts
-
Send Message
InsiderI agree with Jonaleth that you should absolutely chat with your DM! They should be happy to work with you on your characters looks and backstory to help create something both of you can have fun playing with in the game. I'd also suggest chatting with your fellow players, especially if your character is going to look very different then what people in your game world are used to. This way you can work on role playing ties that will help...do they know only your obvious physical changes, or have you let them know about the green blood so they aren't surprised if you get cut? Maybe just letting the cleric know?
Find me on Twitter: @OboeLauren
Your character can look like anything you and your DM agree he can look like.
Beware the paladins! If they are lawful good, they will be obligated to attack and purge those of draconic bloodlines outside the chromatic dragons. Though some can detect dragons, like a ranger, if you have another player who is playing a Paladin… I wouldn’t advertise your ancestry.
Why? Nothing in any official 5e Paladin oath requires attacking dragons, Dragonborn, draconic bloodlines, etc on sight or learning of them.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.