Homebrew Vulcan Dragonborn Species Details

Lore:

The Vulcan Dragonborn are a unique and rare race of dragonborns that reside exclusively within active and dormant volcanoes. Their skin has a gold-red colour and is covered in rough, scaly plates that resemble the texture of cooled lava. Their eyes are a bright yellow, with slit pupils that glow in the dark, and they have sharp, pointed teeth that are adapted for a carnivorous diet. They are slightly taller and leaner than other dragonborns, with powerful legs that allow them to navigate the rough terrain of the volcanoes with ease.

 

The Vulcan Dragonborn are known for their stoic and reserved demeanour. They communicate with few words, preferring to use body language and subtle gestures to convey their thoughts and feelings. They value loyalty and strength, and will often test newcomers to their community before accepting them. They have a deep respect for the power of the volcanic environment that they inhabit, and have developed a culture that is centred around this harsh and unforgiving landscape.

 

Their pastimes include hunting and tracking the large, fiery creatures that live within the volcanoes, as well as engaging in ritualistic ceremonies that pay homage to the powerful elemental forces that shape their world. They are also skilled craftsmen, creating intricate jewellery and weapons using obsidian and other volcanic materials.

 

The Vulcan Dragonborn are extremely rare outside of their molten homes. Due to the extreme conditions of their environment, few outsiders are able to survive long enough to make contact with them. Those who do manage to interact with the Vulcan Dragonborn often find them to be mysterious and enigmatic, with a culture and way of life that is vastly different from their own. However, those who are able to earn their trust and respect will find the Vulcan Dragonborn to be fiercely loyal allies and companions.

 

As the gold and red dragonborn thrived in the fiery depths of the volcanoes, they grew more attuned to the intense heat and powerful energies of the earth's core. Over time, their bodies began to change, adapting to their environment and the influence of their patron deity, Hephaestus.

 

As the years passed, the dragonborn evolved into the Vulcan Dragonborn, a new subrace with unique abilities and traits. Their tails grew longer and more flexible, ending in a powerful spiked ball that could be used as a weapon. They developed a natural resistance to heat and fire, and their skin became tougher and more resilient.

 

For centuries, the Vulcan Dragonborn lived in secrecy, hidden away in the heart of the volcanoes. They worshipped Hephaestus and revered the raw power of the earth, using their unique abilities to mine for precious ores and create powerful weapons and tools.

 

But as time went on, Hephaestus grew distant and quiet, leaving his followers feeling abandoned and unsure of their place in the world. Some began to question the wisdom of staying hidden away in the volcanoes, while others clung fiercely to tradition and the old ways.

 

A few brave Vulcan Dragonborn ventured out into the world, disguised as gold and red dragonborn with a "condition" that made them crave heat and struggle in colder environments. They encountered suspicion and mistrust from outsiders, but also discovered new wonders and possibilities beyond the confines of their volcanic homes.

 

As more and more Vulcan Dragonborn ventured out, they developed a unique transportation network using their mastery of the earth's heat and energy. They created underground tunnels and lava-filled channels that allowed them to travel quickly and safely between settlements, even across great distances.

 

Today, the Vulcan Dragonborn are a small but growing subrace, still deeply connected to their volcanic roots and their patron deity Hephaestus. They are known for their skill with fire and metalworking, as well as their fierce independence and resilience in the face of adversity. And while some cling to the old ways, many are eager to explore the wider world and discover their place in it.

 

As a unique and distinct race, the Vulcan Dragonborn possess a number of unorthodox traits that set them apart from other humanoid creatures. Some of these traits include:

 

Love of heat: Vulcan Dragonborn have a natural affinity for heat, and are able to withstand incredibly high temperatures without discomfort. In fact, they find extreme heat to be comforting and enjoyable, and often seek out warm environments to bask in.

 

Fire manipulation: Due to their close association with volcanic environments, Vulcan Dragonborn possess a natural ability to manipulate fire. They can control and shape flames to their will, using them for practical purposes such as cooking, lighting, and forging, as well as for entertainment.

 

Mineral consumption: Unlike most other humanoid creatures, Vulcan Dragonborn have a diet that includes minerals such as obsidian, sulphur, and ash. They are able to digest and absorb these materials, which provide them with essential nutrients and minerals that are not available in a meat or plant-based diet.

 

Meticulousness: Vulcan Dragonborn are known for their meticulousness and attention to detail. They take great care in their craft, whether it be metalworking, carving, or any other form of artistry. This trait is also evident in their society as a whole, where everything from their architecture to their clothing is carefully crafted and designed.

 

Rare outside of their homes: Due to their unique lifestyle and environment, Vulcan Dragonborn are a rare sight outside of their molten homes. They have adapted to the extreme temperatures and rugged terrain of their volcanic habitat, making it difficult for them to survive in other environments. As a result, they are often viewed as mysterious and exotic by other humanoid races.

 

Life in Magma Falls, the biggest Vulcan city, is quite different from the outside world. As the largest settlement of Vulcan Dragonborn, it serves as a hub for their culture and society. The city is built around a central volcano, with streets and buildings constructed from obsidian and other volcanic rock. Despite the harsh environment, the Dragonborn have made the best of their surroundings, building an impressive city that is both beautiful and functional.

 

Cultural events are an important part of life in Magma Falls, with festivals held throughout the year to celebrate their culture and history. The most significant event is the Festival of Fire, held every ten years to commemorate the eruption of their sacred volcano. During the festival, the Dragonborn engage in ritual dances and offer sacrifices to the volcano god, hoping to appease his wrath.

 

Sports are also an important pastime for the Dragonborn, with many unique games that are not played anywhere else in the world. The most popular is a game called "Magma Ball," which is played on a large field of cooled lava. The objective of the game is to score points by throwing a ball made of obsidian into a fiery hoop at the opposite end of the field. The game is physically demanding and requires both strength and agility, making it a popular spectator sport as well.

 

The Dragonborn are also known for their exceptional forging skills, which they have honed over centuries of living in the volcanic environment. They use the heat from the volcano to create some of the strongest and most durable weapons and tools in the world. They are particularly skilled at crafting weapons made of obsidian, which is known for its sharpness and hardness. The Dragonborn are also skilled at creating intricate jewellery and other decorative objects using precious metals and gems found in the surrounding mountains.

 

Due to their unique nature and harsh environment, the Dragonborn are quite rare outside of their molten homes. They are not a particularly aggressive or expansionist people, preferring to keep to themselves and maintain their traditions and way of life. However, they are always welcoming to outsiders who show respect for their culture and way of life, and are known for their hospitality and generosity to those who venture into their territory.

 

The Vulcan Dragonborn are often mislabeled as gold or red Dragonborn by those who have encountered them outside of their volcanic territory. This is due to the Vulcans' natural shimmering scales, which can appear similar to those of gold or red Dragonborn. However, this mislabeling is also a testament to the Vulcans' secrecy and their desire to remain hidden from the outside world.

 

For the few Vulcans who have ventured out of their molten homes, this mislabeling can be a useful tool. By blending in with other Dragonborn, they can avoid drawing attention to themselves and maintain their secrecy. However, this also means that they are often overlooked and underestimated, as many outside of their territory do not realise the unique traits and abilities of the Vulcan Dragonborn.

 

Overall, the mislabeling of Vulcan Dragonborn is a reflection of their elusive and secretive nature, as well as their ability to blend in with other Dragonborn while maintaining their distinct cultural identity.

 

As creatures that have adapted to the extreme environment of volcanoes, the Vulcan Dragonborn have developed a unique relationship with the local wildlife. They have learned to coexist with the creatures that live in and around the volcanoes, such as Volcowns, magma crabs, fire skinks, and ash wolves.

 

The Vulcan Dragonborn have a deep respect for the animals that live in their habitat and have learned to hunt and live off them without causing harm to the ecosystem. They also have a special bond with a species of aquatic dragons known as Igniscales, who live in the magma seas below the volcanoes. The Igniscales are revered by the Vulcan Dragonborn and are often considered sacred creatures.

 

The Vulcan Dragonborn believe that the Igniscales are guardians of the underworld and that they have the power to control the flow of lava and keep the volcanoes from erupting. They have a tradition of performing rituals and ceremonies to honour and appease the Igniscales, and it's said that they can communicate with them through a form of telepathy.

 

Overall, the Vulcan Dragonborn have a deep connection to the natural world around them and see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem. They have learned to coexist with the creatures that share their home and have a reverence for the powerful forces of nature that surround them.

 

Igniscales are a unique species of dragon-like creatures that inhabit the magma seas surrounding the volcanic territories of the Vulcan Dragonborn. They are much larger and more formidable than their land-based cousins, with scales that are resistant to the intense heat of their environment.

 

Igniscales are known to be fiercely territorial, but they have a close relationship with the Vulcan Dragonborn. The Dragonborn often work together with Igniscales to hunt for prey and defend their territory from outsiders.

 

In appearance, Igniscales resemble traditional dragons, with large wings, sharp talons, and a powerful tail. However, their scales are a deep crimson colour, which allows them to blend in with the surrounding magma. They have large, glowing eyes that can see through the darkness of the magma seas, and powerful jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth.

 

Despite their fearsome appearance, Igniscales are not known to attack the Vulcan Dragonborn without provocation. In fact, they are often seen as guardians of the volcanic territories, keeping other dangerous creatures at bay.

 

The relationship between the Vulcan Dragonborn and the Igniscales is an important aspect of their culture and history. It is said that the first Dragonborn settlers were welcomed to the volcanic territories by the Igniscales, who saw them as kindred spirits in the harsh environment of the magma seas. Over time, the two species have formed a strong bond based on mutual respect and shared survival.

 

Vulcan Dragonborns, being carnivorous, would eat a lot of meat. They would likely hunt and eat large game such as lava boars, obsidian deer, and sulfuric goats. They may also eat smaller prey such as lava rabbits or obsidian snakes.

 

In addition to meat, they would consume a variety of rocky materials such as obsidian chips or sulfuric crystals. These materials provide essential minerals and nutrients that are not found in meat alone.

 

Vulcan Dragonborns may also consume certain plants in small amounts, but these would likely be ground into powders and mixed with other ingredients to create medicinal potions.

 

Overall, the Vulcan Dragonborn diet would be high in protein and mineral-rich foods, with a limited intake of plants. Their diet would reflect their harsh, volcanic environment and the need to consume foods that can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions.

 

Some examples of popular foods and drinks among the Vulcan Dragonborns include:

 

Roasted Magma Crab: A large crab-like creature that lives in the lava pools of the volcano. The Vulcan Dragonborns capture them and roast them over the open flame for a delicious, smoky flavour.

 

Obsidian Steak: A thick cut of steak made from the flesh of a volcanic creature known as an Obsidian Behemoth. The meat is tough but flavorful, and is often eaten raw or seared quickly over the flame.

 

Sulphur Soup: A hearty soup made from a mixture of volcanic gases, minerals, and bits of meat. It has a distinct sulfuric aroma and flavour that is an acquired taste, but is very nutritious and filling.

 

Popular Drinks:

 

Lava Java: A strong coffee made by brewing volcanic ash with water and then adding in crushed lava rock for extra texture. It has a rich, earthy flavour and a gritty texture that is popular among Vulcan Dragonborns.

 

Volcanic Chai: A spicy tea made with a mixture of volcanic herbs and spices, including cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. It is often served with Volcown milk for a creamy, soothing taste.

 

Mudslide: A popular drink made by mixing Volcown milk with volcanic mud. It has a thick, creamy texture and a sweet, earthy taste that is popular among Vulcan Dragonborns.

Here are some drinks that have been modified for non-Vulcans:

 

Obsidian Roast - A rich and bold coffee made from obsidian stones that have been ground into a fine powder and brewed with hot lava. The obsidian and lava would be replaced with a very light sprinkling of obsidian powder for flavour and Volcown milk.

Sulfur Spice - A spicy coffee made with sulfur powder and other spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom. The sulfur would be removed or reduced to a much lower amount to keep the taste.

Magma Mocha - A creamy coffee made with Volcown milk and infused with a touch of molten lava for a unique flavour and slight heat. The lava would be replaced with spices sprinkled over the top.

Volcown Milk Latte - A latte made with Volcown milk instead of regular milk, and flavoured with vanilla or caramel syrup.

Fireweed Tea - A soothing herbal tea made from the leaves of the fireweed plant, which grows in the cooler regions around the Vulcan Dragonborn settlements.

Ash-Free Dirty Lemonade - A refreshing lemonade made with volcanic rock-filtered mud and sweetened with sugar. The mud may be replaced or the size of the drink reduced to manageable levels.

 

Of course, all non-superheated cuisine options will be available to visitors if more orthodox options are requested, so any adventurer looking to try an obsidian, sulphur and mud infused coffee will have a Vulcan settlement at the top of their destination list, of course if they even know the Vulcans exist. For lava-based beverages, the Dragonborn have a no drinking policy only lifted if the person proves taking no harm from it, as no other race should be able to ingest it the lifting clause has yet to be invoked.

 

Vulcan Dragonborn Traits

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

Prehensile Tail

Vulcan Dragonborn gain a prehensile tail which can carry (! + CON mod) * Player level lbs of weight before becoming uncomfortable to hold.

Racial Milestones

A new milestone is unlocked every 2 levels, making the Vulcan Dragonborn more powerful over time.

Enhanced Tail Technique

The Vulcan gains the ability to use their tail to make a reaction attack against a creature that enters their melee range, dealing their tail's normal damage.

Searing Strike

Whenever the Vulcan hits a creature with a melee weapon attack, they can add an additional 1d6 fire damage to the attack's damage.

Scaled Resistance

The Vulcan gains resistance to acid damage.

Intense Heat Aura

Creatures that end their turn within 5 feet of the Vulcan must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 8 + the Vulcan’s proficiency bonus + their Constitution modifier) or take 1d8 fire damage.

Improved Breath Weapon

The range of the Vulcan's breath weapon is doubled but with a more difficult Constitution save, and they gain the ability to use their breath weapon as a bonus action on their turn.

Blazing Resilience

The Vulcan now can hold 2 charges of Inner Flame if the Vulcan spends an entire short rest in necessary temperature.

The Vulcan gains an ability, Flame Cloak, where they ignite their entire body in regular flame for 1 + CON mod turns (min 1) before needing to make a save each round to keep it up. The fire causes all attackers to make a DEX save before attacking, if failed they take 1d6+CON mod fire damage.

While Flame Cloak is active, the Vulcan has advantage on all Intimidation rolls.

Swimming Mastery

The Vulcan gains immunity to the negative effects of heated liquids, such as being paralysed or diseased, and can breathe and move freely in suitable liquids without impeding their movement.

Draconic Fury

The Vulcan's breath weapon damage dice now critical hits on a natural 2 DEX save as well, and their attacks deal an additional 1d6 fire damage.

Wings of Flame

The Vulcan gains a flying speed equal to their walking speed, and they can hover in place without needing to land. They can also use their wings of flame to create bursts of fire that deal damage to creatures within range, using double their breath weapon damage but at the cost of a harder CON save

Heat Dependence

For every hour spent in an extremely hot substance, the Vulcan Dragonborn gains a cumulative +1 bonus to their Strength and Constitution scores, up to a maximum of +5 for each. Additionally, at the end of a rest in such conditions, the Vulcan Dragonborn gains a bonus to their Dexterity score equal to their Constitution modifier (minimum 1, maximum 5).

Resting in lava grants double the bonuses, and the Vulcan Dragonborn is immune to any fire damage taken during this time.

When eating or drinking something as hot as the 'bath' while resting in extreme heat, such as eating a searing hot steak while resting on a bonfire or drinking lava while submerged in it, the Vulcan Dragonborn gains a temporary boost to their Wisdom score equal to their Constitution modifier (minimum 1, maximum 5) and temporary hit points equal to their level + their Constitution modifier.

If the Vulcan Dragonborn goes for more than 24 + (2 x CON mod) hours without spending at least 10 minutes in an extremely hot substance, they lose all bonuses to their stats from the rest. They must then make a DC 10 + number of previous failures Constitution saving throw every 24 hours that they continue without rectifying the situation.

If the Vulcan Dragonborn fails this save, they suffer a -1 penalty to all three physical stats (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution) until one of their stats reaches a score of 3. At this point, the Vulcan Dragonborn's Inner Flame ceases to function and they must spend 8 hours in an extremely hot environment to regain the benefits of their Inner Flame and remove the penalties.

Ability Score Increase

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

Heat and Cold Endurance

Your ideal temperature threshold is determined by your Constitution score. If your Constitution score is 10 or higher, your ideal threshold starts at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and decreases by 10 degrees for every point of Constitution above 10. If your Constitution score is below 10, your ideal threshold starts at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and increases by 10 degrees for every point of Constitution below 10.

Whenever you take cold damage, the amount of damage taken is increased by a percentage based on the difference between the temperature and your ideal temperature threshold. Conversely, whenever you receive healing from warmth, the amount of healing received is increased by a percentage based on the difference between the temperature and your ideal temperature threshold.

For every 20 degrees Fahrenheit above your ideal threshold, you receive an additional 5% healing, deal an additional 5% damage and deal an additional 5% healing. Conversely, for every 20 degrees Fahrenheit below your ideal threshold, you take an additional 5% damage, deal 5% less damage, deal 5% less healing, and receive 5% less healing. Vulcan Dragonborn do not take 5% less damage from non-fire sources in hotter temperatures. These effects are multiplied by the difference between the current temperature and the ideal threshold divided by 20, rounded down to the nearest whole number, up to 50% for the damage dealt and taken, and limitless for healing dealt and taken.

If the current temperature exceeds your ideal temperature threshold by 200 + (CON modifier x 10) degrees, you begin to experience a calming effect. You gain a bonus to damage dealt equal to your proficiency bonus and gain temporary hit points equal to your Constitution score at the start of each turn as your inner flame burns hotter.

If the current temperature drops below your ideal temperature threshold by the same amount divided by 2, you begin to suffer an extreme detrimental effect. For every 15 minutes you spend in a cold temperature after (15 x your CON mod minimum 15) minutes, you start taking 2d6 points of cold damage per turn and must succeed on a Constitution saving throw with a DC equal to the difference between the current temperature and your ideal temperature threshold divided by 10, or fall unconscious in addition to your inner flame being snuffed out by the cold. You must take a long rest in temperatures above your threshold to stop taking this damage. This damage is nonlethal, and if you drop to 0 hit points you only will start dying after (10 + 5 x CON mod) hours, at a minimum of 5.

Age

Young dragonborn 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 80.

Size

Dragonborn 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

You have draconic ancestry. Choose one type of dragon from the Draconic Ancestry table. Your breath weapon and damage resistance are determined by the dragon type, as shown in the table.

Draconic Ancestry

Dragon	Damage Type	Breath Weapon
Gold	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save) OR 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Red	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save) OR 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)

Breath Weapon

You can use your action to exhale destructive energy. Your draconic ancestry determines the size, shape, and damage type of the exhalation. When you use your breath weapon, each creature in the area of the exhalation must make a saving throw, the type of which is determined by your draconic ancestry. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 2d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d6 at 4th level, 4d6 at 8th level, 5d6 at 12th level, 6d6 at 16th level, and 7d6 at 20th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest.

Fire Affinity

You have immunity to fire and weakness to cold and water-based attacks.

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.