Homebrew Dragonscale Parasite Species Details
Dragonscale parasites are believed to be the result of divine intervention, which turned these once powerful, horrid dragons into little more than leeches.
Parasitism
Dragonscale parasites latch onto a host, completely taking over their bodies, while keeping their minds intact. The hosts see and feel everything, but are unable to control their bodies. Dragonscale parasites have been found bonded to everything from giants to dwarves, with some eyewitnesses claiming they have seen far greater bonds than even these. It is rare to see a parasite disconnected from their host.
Unusual Feeding
Dragonscale parasites lack mouths, feeding only through siphons located on their backs. These are believed to be derived from the wings they once proudly flew upon. These siphons connect to the circulatory systems of their hosts, sucking blood (or the closest analogue of blood found in their host) directly from the heart. If a parasite is disconnected from their host, they will require a constant supply of blood.
Draconic History
A dragonscale parasite is capable of several abilities seen in other draconic species. The most notable of these would be their breath attack. The breath attack of a parasite is much different than those of other dragon like creatures, as, given that they lack mouths, they send a cocktail of reactive materials through the veins of their host, splitting open their fingers in an explosive display.
Dragonscale Parasite Traits
Your draconic abilities may be hindered but your choice of host grants you these traits.Never Alone
When healed by a spell, potion, or other magical means, you can choose to separate from your host, with both of you having the same stats, for 1d10 minutes. Unlike other times you separate, you do not need to consume blood during this time. Like all other times you separate, however, your host now has control of their own body. If the host trusts you, it may fight your enemies, but if it is resentful over the whole “bodysnatching” ordeal, it may attack you or your allies.
Ability Score Increase
You take the ability score bonuses of your host’s race.
Age
Dragonscale parasites are typically created from fully grown dragons. They can seemingly survive for millennia if given the opportunity to choose a younger host as soon as their old host dies.
Size
You once stood as tall as a building, but now are reduced to a satchel size mound of scaly flesh. Your size is small.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 15 feet without a host. If you have a host, your walking speed is equal to their race’s speed.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Acid | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Blue | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Brass | Fire | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Bronze | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Copper | Acid | 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) |
| Gold | Fire | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
| Green | Poison | 15 ft. cone (Con. save) |
| Red | Fire | 15 ft. cone (Dex. save) |
| Silver | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Con. save) |
| White | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Con. 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 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.
Damage Resistance
You have resistance to the damage type associated with your draconic ancestry.
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.
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