Homebrew Half Dragon Species Details

Half Dragons? Yeah, total freaks those guys. Imagine Dragonborn but then more human. I guess some people will sleep around with just about anyone these days, even dragons. Still, I had a few in my party, and I can't argue with their results. Once had a Silver one freeze a Orc solid before he could cleave my head. Now, his look was hilarious!

— Thorzag, green dyed beardless Dwarf

Many Dragons are not only fearsome beasts, but renowned masters of magic as well. As such, it is not uncommon for one to change shape and walk among the masses, or even take a mortal lover. The children of such unions are known as Half Dragons. Not quite as monstrous looking as the Dragonborn, but still very much recognizable due to it's draconic traits.  

Proud Dragon Heritage

Half Dragons look very similar to their mortal parent, except for the horns and partial scales that cover their bodies, as well as their draconic legs and and long tails. However, Half Dragons are more known for their dangerous elemental breaths, as well as the gift of transformation. While only a few Half Dragons can eventually ascend to True Dragonhood, some have been gifted with a "lesser" form that allows them a burst of power as well as the gift of flight for a short period of time. 

Half Dragons their colour patterns are similar to their draconic parent, and in the case of two Half-Dragons gaining children the child will often be born in a color scheme of either parent. Though occasionally they instead look like one of the other draconic ancestors of the parents, as Half Dragons are strongly drawn to one another and known to quickly make families and communities. They are tall and strongly build, with males often standing close to 6½ feet tall and being taller and heavier then females. They also gain an advantage based on which draconic heritage is more dominant for them.

Challenging upbringing

Half Dragons share much of their draconic parent's strength, but they are also vulnerable in the early stages of their long lives. The lucky ones are raised by two Half Dragon parents, as the different Half Dragon sexes are strongly drawn to one another. Others are abandoned by the draconic parent or both parents, forced to survive or hope they will get adopted by other Half Dragons or by Dragonborn. Though those with a Metallic dragon parents are more often then not properly raised and cared for.

Those adopted by Dragonborn are brought in as part of the clan, and are raised to show strong loyalty to their clan. A continual drive for self-improvement reflects the self-sufficiency of the Dragonborn race as a whole, which is then reflected upon the Half Dragon. These Half Dragons value skill and excellence in all endeavors. They hate to fail, and they push themselves to extreme efforts before they give up on something. These Dragonborn raised Half Dragons holds mastery of a particular skill as a lifetime goal, alongside the desire to ascend to Dragonhood. Members of other races who share the same commitment find it easy to earn their respect.

Eventually, all Half Dragons have a universal drive to become stronger. By gaining strength in a multitude of ways, they find that they become more in touch with their draconic heritage, which comes forward in the forms of mastering their elemental breath, or even transforming into a Dragon outright. This form is often not as strong as that of true dragons, except for those that are truly devoted and powerful. Such Half Dragons have "Ascended to Dragonhood", and become true dragons with all their terrifying might. This true dragon form however, is not easy to attain, and requires great devotion and resolve. Those who succeed however, are viewed in very high regards by Half Dragon society. 

A growing people

In the most recent years, Half Dragons have been been forming communities as they are universally drawn together. This has created many Half Dragon families, and in turn many adventurers as well due to their drive to ascent to Dragonhood. Usually however, many Half Dragons will start a family and have children, with the mother being persuaded to take care of the children, while the father goes out and provides for his family. Should the mother choose to become an adventurer, then the grandparents or one of the extended family will often take care of them. While they are few in number, they are rapidly increasing their numbers due to a high fertility rate and big families (contraception is taboo for them, as they have a instinctive desire for survival and feel that every number counts). These communities are protected by their elders, some of whom have already ascended to Dragonhood, and make for formidable opponents.

Dragon form (Feat)

While all Half Dragons aspire to assuming their rightful True Dragon form, those with enough experience can become blessed with a lesser Dragon form. This form varies in appearance, but it always looks similar to the Half Dragon's draconic Ancestry, except that it usually has wings like a Wyvern, giving it 4 limbs instead of the true Dragon's 6 (wings included). though sometimes Half Dragons their Dragon form looks like that of a smaller scale Dragon of their ancestor's type. Regardless, the form drains those who use it, and as such they are only able to stay in it for a short period of time. Should they be allowed to focus on their form, and not be distracted by battle, then they are able to extend it's duration up to 10 minutes. Afterwards these Half Dragons require rest in order to regain access to this form. Despite it's power and majesty, the Dragon form pales in comparison to the ascension to Dragonhood. And this gift only makes them strive harder to achieve their true and ultimate form. 

Half Dragon players may choose the Dragon Form feat at level 4 and above:

Dragon Form (Half Dragon only)

You are blessed by either Bahamut or Tiamat, granting you a lesser Dragon form of your draconic Ancestry's chosen dragon.

• Increase one of your Ability scores by 1, to a maximum of 20.
• When you use your action for your breath weapon instead of your bonus action, you may deal 1d6 additional damage, increase the DC by 1, and double it's range. 
• you can use your action to change into a medium sized form of your ancestral dragon. Your transformation lasts for 1 minute or until you end it as a bonus action. During this form you gain a flying speed of 30 ft, and you gain a bite attack as a unarmed strike which deals 1d10 piercing damage. If you already used your breath weapon, then at the start of your turn you may roll a d6, and regain your breath weapon on a 5 or 6 instead. In addition, once per turn you may deal bonus damage of your chosen damage type to a single target you've damaged, for an amount equal to your level. You may regain this form when you finish a long rest. During this transformation your equipment merges with you (You keep your AC, unless 13+ your Dexterity modifier is higher), including your weapons, but magical bonuses are transferred to your bite attack. In addition, for each minute that you haven't entered combat while in this form, you may extend it's duration by 1 minute, up to 10 minutes total. 

Ascending to Dragonhood (Epic Boon)

All Half Dragons seek to ascend to their Dragonhood, gaining the form and power of a true Dragon of their chosen draconic Ancestry type. The following boon is only granted with the permission of the DM, and as such the following rules are directed at him: 

If you (the DM) are using the Epic Boons optional rule from the DMG, then once the half-dragon player reaches level 20, you (the DM) may wish to allow them to begin research, training or tribulations which, if completed, would grant them the following Epic Boon:

True Dragon form: You may now cast True Polymorph once without expending a spell slot, but it only targets yourself and you must change into your chosen Dragon type. You may exit this form as a bonus action, and after losing this form you regain the ability to cast the spell in this way when you finish a long rest. This replaces your Dragon Form transformation if you have taken the Dragon Form feat. 

Half Dragon Names

Half Dragon names are usually based on the language of it's mortal parent, as draconic names are often much harder to pronounce. Some Half Dragons who are adopted within Dragonborn clans will instead be given a Dragonborn name:

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

Half Dragon Traits

Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other half dragons

Age

Half Dragons mature at the same rate as their mortal parent's race, but they can live for hundreds of years, up to 1000 years old. A few of those who have transcended into Dragonhood however, have been granted the gift of immortality. Making Dragonhood even more sought out after, but no less difficult to achieve.

Alignment

Half dragons tend to extremes, making a conscious choice for one side or the other in the cosmic war between good and evil (represented by Bahamut and Tiamat, respectively). Most half dragons are good, but those who side with Tiamat can be terrible villains.

Size

Half Dragons are often taller and heavier than humans, standing well over 6 feet tall, with males being noticeably bigger then females. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Draconic Ancestry

While most Half Dragons are mixed, they are always divided into a number of different colors that reflect their dragonic ancestry, and provides them with unique abilities. Just like True Dragons these colors are not all equally powerful, and some colors have more niche abilities than others. However, no color is exceptionally different in power from others.

These colors fall into two categories, the chromatics - Black, Blue, Green, Red, and white - and the metallics - Brass, Bronze, Copper, Gold and Silver. Choose one of these subraces. Your breath weapon deals elemental damage of the type associated with your chosen subrace, and you gain Resistance against this damage type as well. In addition your Ability Score increases as described, and you gain an additional Draconic Trait.

Draconic Ancestry

Dragon	Ability Score Bonus	Draconic Trait	Damage Type	Breath Weapon
Black	+2 Constitution score +1 Strength score	You add your Constitution modifier to the damage of your breath weapon.	Acid	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Blue	+1 Strength/Dexterity/Constitution score	As an action, you can burrow yourself into sand or other loose soil. Creatures that attempt to detect you while you are burrowed take a -5 penalty to their Wisdom (Perception) checks. While burrowed you have total cover, vision, may breathe freely, and you may emerge as a bonus action. You may not engage with targets on the surface while burrowed.	Lightning	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Brass	+2 Strength score +1 Charisma score	You have proficiency in Persuasion, and magic can’t put you to sleep.	Fire	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Bronze	+1 Strength/Constitution/Charisma score	You have a swim speed of 30 feet. You can hold your breath for up to 15 minutes, even while using your breath weapon.	Lightning	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Copper	+2 Charisma score +1 Strength score	You have proficiency in Performance, and you know the Vicious Mockery cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.	Acid	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Gold	+2 Wisdom score +1 Strength score	You have proficiency in Insight. Your breath weapon and (true) dragon form fire damage becomes radiant damage against Fiends and Undead instead.	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)
Green	+2 Charisma score +1 Strength score	You have proficiency in Deception. You can cast the disguise self spell once with this trait, and regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this trait.	Poison	15 ft. cone (Con. save)
Red	+2 Strength score +1 Constitution score	You have advantage on saving throws to avoid being charmed or frightened.	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)
Silver	+2 Intelligence score +1 Strength score	When using your breath weapon, you may instead choose to target a single creature within 15 feet with Paralyzing gas. It doesn't suffer damage, but must succeed at the DC save or be paralyzed until the start of your next turn. Afterwards you may regain this trait after finishing a long rest.	Cold	15 ft. cone (Con. save)
White	+2 Constitution score +1 Strength score	You have proficiency in Survival. As a bonus action, you can move up to your speed toward an enemy of your choice that you can see or hear. You must end this move closer to the enemy than you started.	Cold	15 ft. cone (Con. save)

Breath Weapon

You can use your bonus 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 it's recharged. At the start of your turn, roll a d6. On a 6, you regain the use of your breath weapon. Otherwise, your breath weapon recharges after 1 minute.

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.