Homebrew Dragon Tortle Species Details

Proud Dragon Turtle Kin

Dragon Tortles look very much like dragon turtles standing erect in humanoid form. Dragon Tortles have scales and shells of matte hues matching the colors of their dragonborn progenitors. They are taller than Tortles, but shorter than Dragonborn, usually standing around to 6 feet tall and weighing 225 pounds or more. Their hands and feet are strong, talonlike claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand.

Rugged Individualism

Tortles have a saying: “We wear our homes on our backs.”  Dragonborn are proud creatures that search for glory and to make names for themselves.  And while Dragonborn form clans, and Tortles tend to keep to themselves, Dragon Tortles spend their time journeying up and down coasts, along waterways, and across the sea to make a name for themselves. Dragon Tortles don’t have a unified story of how they were created, and often are left to fend for themselves from birth.  But they all have a deep sense of pride, and one of being mystically connected to the natural world. Carrying their armor on their backs gives tortles a special feeling of security wherever they go, though, unlike their Tortle ancestors they are unable to fully retract into their shells.

A continual drive for self-improvement reflects the self-sufficiency of the race as a whole. Dragon Tortles value skill and capability in all endeavors. They hate to fail, and they push themselves to extreme efforts before they give up on something. A Dragon Tortle holds mastery of the skills needed to fight and survive in the highest regard. Members of other races who demonstrate similar capability are likely to become fast friends with a Dragon Tortle.

All Dragon Tortles strive to be self-sufficient, but they do recognize that help is sometimes needed in difficult situations. And sometimes companions are necessary to accomplish great deeds.

Nameless

Because they frequently hatch alone, Dragon Tortles rarely have personal names given at birth, and thusly will go without a name for a long time until one is decided on or given from those around them.  A childhood name or nickname is often used as a descriptive term or a term of endearment. The name might recall an event or center on a habit.

Dragon Tortle Traits

An Unexpected Union

Ability Score Increase

Due to the unique journey each Dragon Tortle takes, what parts of themselves have developed is difficult to determine.  When determining your character's ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. You can't raise any of your scores above 20.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

Dragon Tortles are medium creatures.

Amphibious

Your walking speed is 30 feet.  Your swimming speed is 15 feet.

Languages

Due to their general lack of upbringing, your character can speak, but not read or write Common unless otherwise specified by the DM.  They can also speak one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character. The Player's Handbook offers a list of languages to choose from. Your DM is free to modify that list for a campaign.

Claws

Like your Tortle progenitor, you have claws that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Lung Capacity

Like your Tortle ancestors and your Dragon Turtle relatives, you can hold your breath for up to 1 hour.

Natural Armor

Your shell provides you a base AC of 17 (your Dexterity modifier doesn't affect this number). You can't wear light, medium, or heavy armor, but if you are using a shield, you can apply the shield's bonus as normal.

Sink or Swim

Due to the solitary nature of their early lives all Dragon Tortles are proficient in survival.

Aquatic Steam Breath 

 

While underwater you can use your action to exhale destructive energy. When you use your steam breath, each creature in a 15ft cone must make a Constitution saving throw. 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 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest.