Homebrew Drakorith Species Details

Lore & Origins:

The Drakorith are an uncommon and often misunderstood race, the result of draconic kobolds mingling with the infernal blood of tieflings. Some are born from direct unions of the two lineages, while others emerge from ancient bloodlines, where the touch of both dragon and devil lingers for generations. Their origins are often traced to regions where powerful dragons have made pacts with the forces of the Nine Hells, leading to the existence of cults, warbands, or even civilizations that interweave both heritages.

Drakorith are often seen as cursed by some and blessed by others. Among kobolds, their infernal traits can make them feared or revered, depending on the tribe’s beliefs. Tieflings, on the other hand, may see them as strange and alien, their draconic nature setting them apart from their more humanoid infernal kin. This often results in Drakorith being wanderers, seeking purpose beyond the places they were born into.

Some find homes among dragon-worshiping cults, either serving true dragons or leading their own factions. Others integrate into infernal societies, wielding both their fire and cunning to their advantage. Still, many forge their own paths, rejecting the expectations of their heritage to become adventurers, mercenaries, or scholars of both their draconic and infernal origins.

Common Alignments:

Drakorith alignments are shaped by their varied upbringings and personal philosophies:

Chaotic and Neutral Alignments: Many Drakorith lean toward chaotic or neutral alignments, valuing personal freedom, ambition, and cunning.
Lawful Evil or Lawful Neutral: Some Drakorith raised within infernal or draconic hierarchies follow strict codes of conduct, whether in service to a dragon, a devil, or a tyrannical warlord.
Good-Aligned Drakorith: Those who reject the darker aspects of their heritage often become protectors, scholars, or champions of balance, using their gifts to defend the weak.

Common Faiths:

Drakorith worship varies depending on whether they lean into their draconic, infernal, or independent nature. Common deities and patrons include:

Tiamat – The Queen of Dragons, particularly among more warlike Drakorith.
Asmodeus – The Lord of the Nine Hells, worshipped by those who embrace their fiendish side.
Bahamut – The Platinum Dragon, followed by those who seek nobility and redemption.
Mask – The god of shadows and trickery, appealing to the more cunning and roguish Drakorith.
The Raven Queen – Some Drakorith, drawn to fate and power, revere the Raven Queen for her dominion over death and destiny.
Archdevils & Demon Lords – Some form pacts with fiends such as Mephistopheles, Dispater, or Glasya for power.

Many Drakorith are pragmatic, seeing gods as powerful beings to be respected but not blindly followed, while others dedicate themselves fully to their chosen deity or patron.

Common Classes:

Drakorith's dual heritage makes them naturally inclined toward a variety of classes:

Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline, Infernal Bloodline, or Shadow Magic) – Many Drakorith manifest innate magical abilities from their ancestry.
Warlock (Fiend or Great Old One Patron) – Some forge pacts with devils, demons, or other powerful entities.
Rogue (Arcane Trickster or Assassin) – Their cunning and stealth make them excellent infiltrators.
Ranger (Gloom Stalker or Drakewarden) – Many Drakorith develop survival skills in dangerous environments.
Barbarian (Path of the Zealot or Path of the Dragon) – Some embrace their primal fury, channeling the power of their bloodline.
Fighter (Eldritch Knight or Rune Knight) – Their natural durability and magic affinity make them formidable warriors.
Cleric (Trickery, Forge, or Death Domain) – Those who follow gods or powerful fiends may become devoted acolytes.

Though these are common choices, Drakorith can thrive in nearly any class, as their mixed bloodline grants them adaptability.

Drakorith in Society:

Due to their mixed heritage, Drakorith often struggle to find acceptance in traditional societies. Kobold tribes may either revere or shun them, while tiefling communities may see them as too draconic to fully belong. Because of this, many Drakorith learn self-reliance at an early age, becoming cunning survivors who rely on their wits, charm, or strength to carve out a place in the world.

In places where dragons or devils hold power, Drakorith may rise to positions of influence, acting as intermediaries, enforcers, or even rulers. Some are sought after for their unique abilities, while others are feared for the unpredictable nature of their mixed blood.

Despite their struggles, Drakorith are known for their unwavering determination. Whether they embrace their heritage or forge their own path, they refuse to be defined by the expectations of others.

Drakorith Traits

Drakorith are a rare fusion of infernal and draconic ancestry, blending the resilience of kobolds with the fiendish heritage of tieflings. Their scaled bodies radiate a faint warmth, their horns curl in chaotic patterns, and their ember-like eyes smolder with an inner fire. Though often small, some grow to the size of their tiefling ancestors, standing taller than most kobolds. Their tenacity and cunning make them formidable survivors in both the darkest caverns and the infernal planes.

Infernal Resilience

Ability Score Increases: Choose +2 in one ability and +1 in another.
Size: Medium or Small (Your choice)
Speed: 30 ft.

Drakorith Traits

Emberhide Scales

Your draconic scales, infused with infernal energy, provide natural protection.
You have resistance to fire damage. Additionally, when you are not wearing armor, your AC equals 13 + your Dexterity modifier. When you take fire damage, you can use your reaction to absorb a portion of the flames, granting you temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

Infernal Maw

Your sharp teeth carry both the hunger of dragons and the malice of fiends.
You have a bite attack that deals 1d6 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice) in piercing damage. When you hit with this attack, you can cause the target to take additional fire damage equal to your proficiency bonus. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

Shadow Skitter

Your mixed blood allows you to move unseen when needed.
You gain proficiency in Stealth. Additionally, when you take the Hide action in dim light or darkness, you can roll a d4 and add it to your Dexterity (Stealth) check.

Hellborn Legacy

The infernal magic in your veins manifests in innate spellcasting.
You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast Hellish Rebuke as a 2nd-level spell once per long rest. At 5th level, you can cast Darkness once per long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Darkvision

Accustomed to the deep tunnels of kobold warrens and the shadowed domains of fiendish influence, you have darkvision out to 60 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read and write in Common, Infernal and Elven.

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