Homebrew Dragonborn of Bahamut Species Details
Her father stood on the first of the three stairs that led down from the portal, unmoving. The scales of his face had grown paler around the edges, but Clanless Mehen still looked as if he could wrestle down a dire bear himself. His familiar well-worn armor was gone, replaced by violet-tinted scale armor with bright silvery tracings. There was a blazon on his arm as well, the mark of some foreign house. The sword at his back was the same, though, the one he had carried since even before he had found the twins left in swaddling at the gates of Arush Vayem.
For all her life, Farideh had known that reading her father’s face was a skill she’d been fortunate to learn. A human who couldn’t spot the shift of her eyes or Havilar’s would certainly see only the indifference of a dragon in Clanless Mehen’s face. But the shift of scales, the arch of a ridge, the set of his eyes, the gape of his teeth—her father’s face spoke volumes.
But every scale of it, this time, seemed completely still—the indifference of a dragon, even to Farideh.
Dragonborn of Bahamut were powerful creatures who resembled their adoptive father. They had strong determination and were natural leaders, who took on the responsibility to lead the battle against their aberrant antithesis, the spawn of Tiamat. After they underwent the Rite of Rebirth, the new dragonborn experienced such transformation that only the framework of their former appearance was all that remained, their new appearance giving an impression of virtuous purpose to all those who looked upon them. They were reborn into new draconic bodies, inheriting the best traits of metallic dragons, although a few developed traits of song dragons instead. A rare few sorcerers could develop traits of platinum dragons after their transformation. Any blemishes, scars, or tattoos that previously marked their bodies disappeared. Dragonborn were always slightly bigger and more muscular than members of their original race. For all the blessings they received, however, those who chose to become dragonborn paid a high price: they became sterile, though Bahamut had a reason for this. He wanted to impart his blessings only to those who accepted his calling of their own free will, without dooming someone who didn't want to be one of his champions because of the conditions of their birth.
Proud Dragon Kin
Dragonborn of Bahamut were honorable beings, and carried themselves with good deportment acting as the majestic emissaries of their adoptive father. Due to the sacrifice they had made, dragonborn had a strong sense of identity with a clear purpose of one with stringent principles. Dragonborn viewed other dragonborn as kin, because they believed only other dragonborn could understand what they had sacrificed and shared the same duty as them.
Dragonborn didn't have to worry about whether a god would answer their prayers or cared about them, because they knew they had the unconditional love and support of Bahamut, who regarded them as his true children. Likewise, dragonborn viewed Bahamut not only as their deity, but also as their father, and as such they honored and respected him above all. Bahamut gave his children freedom to worship (and receive spells from) any other deity they wanted, as long as that deity was not of an evil-alignment and had no affiliation with Tiamat.
Despite, or perhaps because of, all this depth of identity and self-assurance, the psychology of the dragonborn was pretty simple. The war against Tiamat encompassed all in the lives of the dragonborn. Everything they did only furthered this commitment, even if didn't have immediate effects. Every resource at hand was used to combat evil dragons and those who aided them. Allies who helped them to further their goals were enjoyed and valued, but those who didn't share their point of view were considered uncommitted or ignorant. Dragonborn strove to please Bahamut with all their actions, feeling realized only through fulfilling their divine quest.
Self-Sufficient Clans
Dragonborn struggled to keep their bodies and belongings clean and neat, even when they were out in the wilds in pursuit of an evil dragon. Dragonborn approached their grooming with pragmatism, acting as agents of Bahamut in the eyes of many onlookers. As such, they conducted themselves with dignity, taking the necessary time with their appearance. They didn't care for ornamental fripperies or tattoos, however, as they esteemed their draconic forms as they were, without any additional adornments.
Dragonborn wore clothing and armor that was simple, elegant and practical. They were always ready to take up arms, and as such their garments were designed to suit their dragon-fighting skills. Dragonborn didn't have time to create their own items, so they purchased them from other races, usually hiring tailors and smiths renowned for the quality of their work to create custom made items. Dragonborn preferred elven work because of the reputation for its excellence. Likewise, they performed any necessary chores of washing, polishing, and mending when they had to, but many dragonborn simply paid others for such services.
Dragonborn never used dragonhide for clothing or armor. To them, to wear the skin of a dragon was an insult to Bahamut himself. While some adventurers might prize souvenirs of dragon teeth, claws, and so forth, dragonborn eschewed these grisly trophies. Because of that, some speculated that the Rite of Rebirth predisposed those who underwent it to adopt a particular mindset, instilling values and norms as innate instincts. Others believed the long ritual included specific training, indoctrinating the new dragonborn. Dragonborn only smiled at those ruminations and shook their heads.
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
Clan Names: Clethtinthiallor, Daardendrian, Delmirev, Drachedandion, Fenkenkabradon, Kepeshkmolik, Kerrhylon, Kimbatuul, Linxakasendalor, Myastan, Nemmonis, Norixius, Ophinshtalajiir, Prexijandilin, Shestendeliath, Turnuroth, Verthisathurgiesh, Yarjerit
DRACONIANS
In the Dragonlance setting, the followers of the evil goddess Takhisis learned a vile ritual that let them corrupt the eggs of metallic dragons, producing evil dragonborn called draconians. Five types of draconians, corresponding to the five types of metallic dragons, fought for Takhisis in the War of the Lance: auraks (gold), baaz (brass), bozak (bronze), kapak (copper), and sivak (silver). In place of their draconic breath weapons, they have unique magical abilities.
Dragonborn of Bahamut Traits
Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other dragonborn.Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age
Like other draconic creatures, dragonborn of Bahamut were long-lived. The oldest of them lived up to six hundred years. Due to their crusade against the forces of Tiamat, however, most of them died young
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.
Bahamut's Gift
Some were born with the aspect of Heart, and developed the ability to use dragon breath more effectively; others were born with the aspect of Wings, which gave them draconic wings and the ability to fly. Yet others were blessed with the aspect of Mind, which sharpened their senses and gave them immunity to sleep and paralysis effects. All dragonborn were also immune to the frightful presence of dragons and had an innate sense of how to defend themselves from their attacks.
Metalic Draconic Ancestry
You have draconic ancestry. Choose one type of dragon from the Draconic Ancestry table. The dragon type determines your breath weapon and damage resistance, as shown in the table.
Draconic Ancestry
| Dragon | Damage Type | Breath Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Con 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) |
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.Although dragonborn could speak any other languages they knew when necessary, they preferred to speak in Draconic whenever possible. For them, to use the tongue of dragons was to honor Bahamut.