Homebrew Cursed Dragon Species Details

Originally dragons, the cursed ones have been confined into the body of a mortal to teach them a lesson about mortality. Many younger cursed are violent and volatile, their tempers as large as their true size while many older cursed ones are more docile, their tempers quelled as they have learned more about mortal life. The only way to break the mortal curse is by coming to an understanding and kinship with mortals. Only when this happens will a cursed dragon return to its true form.

The mortal forms of cursed dragons are generally that of a humanoid with sharper features similar to their true, dragon-esque forms and many sport horns as well. There has been some confusion in the past between Tieflings and cursed dragons, but cursed dragons do not sport the vibrant skin hues that Tieflings have inherited from their demonic ancestors. In contrast, cursed dragons, aside from the horns, look very, very human.

It is quite rare to encounter a cursed dragon as very few dragons end up being stuck in mortal bodies. However, though few in number, a cursed dragon will always recognize one of its kin.

No cursed dragon was voluntarily put into its mortal form. Escape from the prison of mortality is a huge driving force for cursed dragons. Many cursed dragons become great mages to try and forcefully turn themselves back into their true form. Unfortunately, the nature of the curse does not allow the forceful removal of the curse. The only way a cursed dragon may return to its true form is by gaining a true understanding of mortality and gaining respect for mortals. This freedom is reached by few cursed dragons, but those who attain it return to their lairs less greedy and violent than before.

Cursed Dragon Traits

Faded Draconic

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Cursed Dragons age at a slowed rate, often remaining in their mortal forms for centuries. Their physical appearance reflects a rough equivalent to their age in mortal terms.

Alignment

Cursed Dragons generally follow the alignment of their original draconic nature, with most Chromatic Cursed Dragons leaning toward evil and most Metallic Cursed Dragons leaning toward good. However, individual experiences may sway them in different directions.

Size

Cursed Dragons are Medium in size, ranging from just under 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall, with a muscular build.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your draconic heritage, you have darkvision. 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 cannot discern colors in darkness, only shades of gray.

Armor Class Bonus

The remnants of your dragon scales still linger on your skin. You gain a +2 bonus to your Armor Class.

Frightful Presence

You carry an aura of dragon-like power, even in your mortal form. As an action, you can use your Frightful Presence to force each creature of your choice within 30 feet of you to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 10 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failed save, a creature becomes frightened of you for 1 minute. A creature that succeeds on the saving throw is immune to your Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours. Each time you use this feature, you gain one level of exhaustion, which increases for every five creatures affected by this ability.

Dragon Origin

You retain the essence of a dragon within you. Choose a Dragon Type (Black, Blue, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, or White). This choice determines your draconic resistance, breath weapon, and additional abilities based on your subrace.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Draconic, Common, and one additional language of your choice.