Homebrew Dark Dragonborn Species Details
Born of dragons, as their name proclaims, the dragonborn walk proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. But, Dark Dragonborn love the fear. Created through dark magic, they enjoy their intimidating presence that strikes fear into the heart of anyone foolish enough to face one.
Proud Dragon Kin
Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, with large leathery wings and a strong tail. They are tall and strongly built, often standing close to 7½ feet tall and weighing 400 pounds or more. Their hands and feet are strong, talonlike claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand
Rejects
Dark Dragonborn are rejected by pretty much everyone. A group of criminals trying to find some muscle might hire one, but that's usually the only companionship they'll find.
Dragonborn Names
Dragonborn 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 clutchmates as a descriptive term or a term of endearment. The name might recall an event or center on a habit.
Male Names: Arjhan, Balasar, Bharash, Donaar, Ghesh, Heskan, Kriv, Medrash, Mehen, Nadarr, Pandjed, Patrin, Rhogar, Shamash, Shedinn, Tarhun, Torinn
Female Names: Akra, Biri, Daar, Farideh, Harann, Havilar, Jheri, Kava, Korinn, Mishann, Nala, Perra, Raiann, Sora, Surina, Thava, Uadjit
Childhood Names: Climber, Earbender, Leaper, Pious, Shieldbiter, Zealous
Dark Dragonborn Traits
Dark Dragonborn are almost identical to standard Dragonborn but they're larger, faster, and stronger. They also have wings and a tail.Dark Appearance
Your presence terrifies foes, giving you proficiency in Intimidation.
Dark Magic
Exposure to dark magic has given you the ability to use certain spells.
Battle Strength
Because of your superior strength, you are proficient with most heavy weapons.
Dark Eyes
Another side effect of the ritual that transformed you, is darkvision up to 40 feet. You can see in dim light like it's bright, and darkness like dim light.
Talon Slash
Your large talons can be used as slashing weapons.
Dark Scales
Your tough scales add 2 to your armor class, and at night, you add 2 to your stealth.
Ability Score Increase
Your Strength and Constitution scores both score increase by 3, and your Charisma score decreases by 1.
Age
Dark Dragonborn age at the same rate as standard Dragonborn, but they live about 20 years longer. 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 100.
Alignment
Dark Dragonborn are naturally evil and very hostile, but some still haven't accepted what happened to them, and struggle with their villainous urges. But, the ones that have embraced it are monsters, who kill men, women, and children without remorse.
Size
Dark Dragonborn are larger than standard Dragonborn, and stand anywhere between 6.5 and 7.5 feet tall. An average sized one is about 400 pounds. Dark Dragonborn are larger than most creatures, and have proficiency in heavy armor.
Speed
Your base walking and flying speed is 40 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Previous Versions
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6/1/2019 10:37:54 PM
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Comments
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Posted Jun 1, 2019This is my first homebrew, so any constructive criticism will be gladly accepted.
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Posted Jan 18, 2020Hi! A neat idea! One bit of criticism, you didn't mention which spells it would get from such ancestry? Might help.
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Posted Aug 22, 2020Upvoted because it's a good concept, maybe dial it back a little. I'd recommend +2 to str and con, -2 cha for balancing. Because of this +4 to ability scores, maybe keep 2-3 of the other perks.
Specify with spells and heavy weapons. Specify damage die for talons.
Dark scales has potential. Maybe make it a choice between +1 ac or advantage on stealth checks as long as it's not in bright light.
Again, this does seem like it is getting a lot so maybe only give 2 or 3 of the extra traits. Otherwise this is really a good concept, just needs refining and play testing to see what works. Compare to other races for reference.
I also ask if you may review my own overhaul to the dragonborn here https://www.dndbeyond.com/races/475012-improved-dragonborn-homebrew any constructive criticism is welcome!! Have a good day fellow dragonborn homebrewer!!