Homebrew Demi-Dragon Species Details

A single crimson-scaled runt of a dragon stands defiant amidst an orcish warband, waving their axes in anticipation of an easy kill. With a roar, fire lights up the forest clearing as she charges fearlessly, driving the startled orcs back with a ferocity that belies her modest size.

The azure dragon studies the wizard's arcane runes, his companions waiting close by. Jotting a note down in his beloved journal, he inhales deeply, leeching the magical energy right out of the protective ward. With a satisfied smirk, he leads his companions deeper into the wizard's sanctum.

Within a stone temple upon an icy mountaintop, a dragon sage sits in meditation. He was content to weather the blizzard that would soon leave him stranded and isolated, warmed only by the soft glow of the smoldering sphere of fire which he held aloft in supplication. He relished the chance to reflect upon the events of his journey.

Though each of these demi-dragons tell a different story, they share a similar background—they were once humanoids who underwent a metamorphic transformation that changed their body. Those that are so afflicted are rare, but each must learn to live with the consequences in their own way.

Each demi-dragon is different, with some drawing heavily upon the essence of true dragons, while others defy such comparisons. Many demi-dragons are ostracized by those around them. Some relish their new form, while others loathe what has been done to them, but all are linked by the transformation they have undergone.

Imitation of FormTo most, dragons are monsters to be feared and hated. But to a few, they are symbols of power and potential—and those few would sacrifice anything if it would let them have the strength of dragons to use for their own ends.

Whether driven by fanatical beliefs, a hunger for personal power, or a genuine wish to help others by whatever means are available, some choose to undergo a ritual transformation that changes their body into an imitation of a true dragon. Other individuals concoct detailed magical experiments on unwilling subjects, exploring the limitations of the blood of dragons. Regardless of origin, the resulting creature is known as a demi-dragon—a being that was created rather than born.
Ritual Transformation

The exact details of the demi-dragon transformation are unclear, but the nature of innate dragon magic hints at multiple paths to the same result. Whether accomplished through magical prowess, alchemy, zealous devotion, or by bathing in dragon's blood, the transformation draws upon the essence of a true dragon to instill a spark of magic within the subject, forcing them to take on the physical characteristics of a dragon. Though adopting the shape of a dragon during the transformation, the subject is often brought only halfway there, and can be left temporarily scaleless or wingless. Such deficiencies tend to correct themselves over time—but once transformed, there is no known way to reverse the metamorphosis.
Spark of Magic

As part of their transformation, a spark of magic forms in the heart of a demi-dragon—this is what allows them to mimic a dragon's power and imitate their elemental breath weapons.

As a result of their unusual nature, demi-dragons develop the ability to siphon magic out of their surroundings, requiring an external source of magical energy to feed this spark as a way to bring themselves closer to the inherent nature of true dragons. The relative power of this spark is a measure of the magical essence a demi-dragon has accumulated.

Where true dragons are born into their natural splendor, demi-dragons must toil, steal, and sacrifice for but a fraction of that power.

Demi-Dragon Traits

Strength +2, Any Other Stat +1, Aided Jump, Darkvision, Dragon Scales, Mythic Build, Natural Weapons, Inheritance

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Creature Type

You are a Dragon.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Size

Demi-dragons have a body mass that is identical to that of their previous form. At most, a demi-dragon stands 4 feet tall from shoulder to the ground, and measures no longer than 16 feet from snout to tail tip, of which their body accounts for a maximum of 5 feet. Your size is Medium.

Aided Jump

Your wings provide you with lift. Your maximum jump distance for high and long jumps is doubled, and you do not need to take a running start. This extra distance costs movement as normal.

Darkvision

You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Dragon Scales

Your magical essence enhances your protective scales. While you aren't wearing armor, your Armor Class equals 10 + your Constitution modifier + your Charisma modifier.

Mythic Build

You count as one size category larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Your claws have enough manual dexterity to manipulate objects as normal, but you have disadvantage on attack rolls made with weapons that have the ammunition or two-handed properties, and receive no benefit from wielding shields. In order to wear armor, you must have it specially constructed, costing two times the normal rate.

Natural Weapons

You have access to an arsenal of natural weapons. These natural weapons count as martial melee weapons for you, and you are proficient with them. You can use them to make melee weapon attacks, and you add your Strength modifier to the attack and damage rolls when you attack with them. Your fanged maw deals 1d12 piercing damage on a hit. Your lashing tail has a reach of 10 feet and deals 1d10 bludgeoning damage. Your rending claws deal 1d6 slashing damage. When you take the Attack action and attack with your claw, you can use your bonus action to make an additional claw attack.

Inheritance

Your connection to a particular type of true dragon manifests as a related skill. You gain proficiency with one of the following skills of your choice: Arcana, Acrobatics, Deception, History, and Persuasion.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic.