Homebrew Burrower Species Details

The appeared from beneath us, razed the grounds, destroyed our homes, looted our vaults, and consumed our livestock

An attack from the Burrowers is not one many survive, and for good reason.

Not only can they burrow far faster than you can run, they also have powerfull vision, sharp teeth and claws, and armor made of an immensly durable unknown material

— Sinato Drakin, Guide to the New Age 

A secluded race, as their name proclaims, the Burrowers use their natural skill of burrowing to hollow out large cavern systems and strike without warning. Shaped by draconic gods these terrors are a sight to behold and fear. Some Burrowers are faithful defenders to their cavernous burrows, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

Proud Cavern carvers

Burrowers look very much like dragonborns- other than their bug-like carapace- standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack any breath weapon. The first burrowers had chitin of vibrant hues matching the colors of their draconic gods, but generations of interbreeding have created a more uniform appearance. Their chitin plates are usually tan or grey in color. They are tall and strongly built, often standing close to 6½ feet tall and weighing 300 pounds or more. Their hands and feet are strong, with talonlike claws and brutally sharp teeth.

The blood of a particular type of dragon runs very strong through some dragonborn clans. These dragonborn often boast scales that more closely match those of their dragon ancestor—bright red, green, blue, or white, lustrous black, or gleaming metallic gold, silver, brass, copper, or bronze.

Self-Sufficient Clans

To any Burrower, the clan is more important than life itself. Burrowers owe their devotion and respect to their clan above all else, save the gods. Each Burrower's conduct reflects on the honor of his or her clan, and bringing dishonor to the clan can result in expulsion and exile. Each Burrower knows his or her station and duties within the clan, and honor demands maintaining the bounds of that position.

A continual drive for self-improvement reflects the self-sufficiency of the race as a whole. Burrowers value skill and excellence in all endeavors. They hate to fail, and they push themselves to extreme efforts before they give up on something. A Burrower holds mastery of a particular skill as a lifetime goal. Members of other races who share the same commitment find it easy to earn the respect of a Burrower.

Though all Burrowers strive to be self-sufficient, they recognize that help is sometimes needed in difficult situations. But the best source for such help is the clan, and when a clan needs help, it turns to another Burrower clan before seeking aid from the gods.

Burrower Names

Burrowers have personal names given at birth, but they put their clan names first as a mark of honor. A childhood name or nickname is often used among egg-mates as a descriptive term or a term of endearment. The name might recall an event or center on a habit.

Male Names: Kikikto, Balako, Sikatko,  Sinato, Geshkak, Heskak, Krik, Medrak, Mehek, Nadark, Pandjek, Patrik, Rhogak, Shamak, Shedik, Tarhuk, Torik

Female Names: Akra, Birk, Daak, Faridek, Harak, Havilak, Jhek, Kavk, Korik, Mishank, Nalak, Perrak, Raiak, Sorak, Surinak, Thavak, Uadjik

Childhood Names: Climber, Earbender, Leaper, Pious, Shieldbiter, Zealous

Clan Names: Clethtinthiallor, Daardendrian, Delmirev, Drachedandion, Fenkenkabradon, Kepeshkmolik, Kerrhylon, Kimbatuul, Linxakasendalor, Myastan, Nemmonis, Norixius, Ophinshtalajiir, Prexijandilin, Shestendeliath, Turnuroth, Verthisathurgiesh, Yarjerit

DRACONIANS

In the Dragonlance setting, the followers of the evil goddess Takhisis learned a dark ritual that let them corrupt the eggs of metallic dragons, producing evil dragonborn called draconians. Five types of draconians, corresponding to the five types of metallic dragons, fought for Takhisis in the War of the Lance: auraks (gold), baaz (brass), bozak (bronze), kapak (copper), and sivak (silver). In place of their draconic breath weapons, they have unique magical abilities.

Burrower Traits

Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other Burrowers.

Thick Chitin

Your thick chitin makes you a literal tank

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Young Burrowers grow quickly. They walk hours after hatching, attain the size and development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 3, and reach adulthood by 15. They live to be around 120.

Size

Burrowers are taller and heavier than humans, standing well over 6 feet tall and averaging almost 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Draconic Ancestry

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Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic. Draconic is thought to be one of the oldest languages and is often used in the study of magic. The language sounds harsh to most other creatures and includes numerous hard consonants and sibilants.