Homebrew Half Dragon Species Details

Half dragons, as the name implies, are normally born between a dragon and a humanoid, combining the best traits of both. Hatching from eggs of the draconic parent, the offspring start out life with only human traits but begin to grow more draconic traits in their teen years. Chromatic half dragons tend to find themselves sowing chaos throughout the world, usually working for criminal organizations or a mercenary band. Meanwhile, Metallic half dragons usually find themselves aligned with causes for good, such as safe guarding the natural world, joining the military to become a royal guard, or rooting out criminal organizations or corrupt officials. It is very rare that a half dragon wanders with no purpose in life as most tend to devote themselves to one side, either good or evil.

Proud Draconic Heritage

Much like Dragonborn, half dragons lack a tail or wings with the only distinguishing factor between the two being that many human traits will remain as part of a half dragon. In addition, half dragons sport vibrant scales, horns, claws or other distinguishing factors of the parent dragon. Usually standing between 6 and 7 feet tall weighing anywhere form 175 to 250 pounds, half dragons are also characterized by a unique drive that is shared by humans despite boasting a long life span of nearly 500 years. Unlike Dragonborn who are able to tap into their draconic bloodline to manifest a breath weapon, half dragons sport a vicious claw (or claws) that harness the power of the parent dragon able to strike with deadly speed, accuracy, and strength. 

A Life of Drive and Devotion

Even though half dragons boast a much longer life span than their Dragonborn counterparts, half dragons usually devote themselves early in their life to a cause whether it is for good or evil. Once a half dragon has devoted themselves to a cause, there is usually nothing that can sway their mind from that course of action. Unlike Dragonborn who innately have a sense of duty to their clan from birth, half dragons tend to be more reserved when interacting with society, only viewing their "clan" as those who share the same ideals and beliefs as them. This reserved nature means that half dragons usually won't go out and search for a clan, but form a more natural bond over years of companionship. In addition, since most half dragons have such a long life span, they rarely find a true mate, and if they somehow do, it is usually one who can match there prowess in battle as well as their ideals. Even if half dragons find a traditional mate, they can never have offspring due to the half dragons physicality being altered to the point they are unable to bear children.

Half Dragon Names

Half dragons are given a first name at birth only taking a surname when they have found a clan. First names can either be draconic in nature similar to those of Dragonborn, or more human allowing half dragons to blend into society easier.

Half Dragon Traits

Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with both humans and your parent dragon.

Ability Score Increase & Skill Proficiency

As a half dragon, your Constitution increases by 1. Other ability score increases, and a skill proficiency are based upon the type of dragon your parent is.

 

Color of Dragon	Ability Score Increase	Skill Proficiency	Claw Damage Type
Black	Stregnth +2	Intimidation	Acid
Blue	Dexterity +1, Intelligence +1	Survival	Lightning
Brass	Constitution +1, Charisma +1	Persuasion	Fire
Bronze	Strength +1, Constitution +1	Investigation	Lightning
Copper	Charisma +2	Performance	Acid
Gold	Intelligence +2	Insight	Fire
Green	Dexterity +1, Charisma +1	Deception	Poison
Red	Strength +1, Wisdom +1	Athletics	Fire
Silver	Wisdom +2	History	Cold
White	Dexterity +2	Stealth	Cold

Age

Young half dragons grow quickly. They can walk hours after hatching, but develop slower after that reaching adulthood by 30. They live to be around 500.

Alignment

Half dragons tend to have alignment in line with that of the parent dragon. However, decisions made during formative adult years can drastically alter that alignment.

Size

Half dragons are much taller than humans standing usually over 6 feet tall. Half dragons can weigh anywhere from 175 to 250 pounds. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your dragon blood, 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 Claws

Being half dragon, you can use your dragon claws to attack and deal 1d4 + your strength or dexterity modifier in slashing damage. You are proficient with them and you can choose to change the damage to your chosen heritage type. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Constitution modifier per short rest. This damage die increases to a d6 at level 5, d8 at level 11 and a d10 at level 17 as your draconic power begins to grow.

Damage Resistance

You have resistance to the damage type associated with your draconic heritage.

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.