Homebrew Dragon Turtleborn Species Details

Dragon turtles are humanoid descendants of the colossal sea dragons that rule the deepest oceans. Their broad, ridged shells shimmer with patterns reminiscent of molten metal or churning waves, each unique as a fingerprint, and their eyes glow with a faint, fiery or watery light when they channel elemental energy. Thick, scaled tails often sweep behind them, hinting at the power lurking beneath their calm exterior.

They move with a deliberate grace, every gesture measured as if the ocean itself guides them, and their voices rumble like distant thunder. Though their presence can be imposing, dragon turtles possess a patient wisdom, valuing the long view over immediate action. Their elemental breath is a legacy of their ancestors, a reminder that even in humanoid form, the fury of the deep sea can awaken at a moment’s notice. Many are wanderers, seeking the farthest coasts, sunken ruins, and storms where they can test both themselves and the world around them.

Ability Score Increases

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

Languages

Your character can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic

Type 

Your character is considered both humanoid and Draconic

Life Span

Dragon Turtleborn mature quickly but age slowly, taking decades to reach full adulthood, and can live for several centuries. Their long lifespans reflect the enduring strength and patience of their ancient dragon turtle ancestors, carrying the wisdom of the deep seas through the generations.

Height and Weight

Dragon Turtleborn adults are broad and powerful, with thick draconic protective shells. They typically stand 5 to 6 feet tall and weigh an average between 300 - 500 pounds. However individual builds can slightly vary with age and lifestyle. Their shells account for roughly one-third of their weight. Your size is Medium.

Dragon Turtleborn Traits

As a Dragon Turtleborn you have the following racial traits.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid and Draconic.

Size

You are Medium.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 ft. You have a swim speed of the same.

Amphibious

You can breathe air and water.

Natural Armor

Your shell provides you a base AC of 17 (your Dexterity modifier doesn’t affect this number). You can’t wear light, medium, or heavy armor, but if you are using a shield, you can apply the shield’s bonus as normal.

Ocean’s Intuition

Thanks to your mystical connection to the ocean, you gain proficiency with two of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Stealth, or Survival.

Shell Defense

You can withdraw into your shell as an action. Until you emerge, you gain a +4 bonus to your AC, and you have advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws. While in your shell, you are prone, your speed is 0 and can’t increase, you have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws, you can’t take reactions, and the only action you can take is a bonus action to emerge from your shell.

Breath Weapon

When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation of magical energy in either a 15-foot Cone or a 30-foot Line that is 5 feet wide (choose the shape each time). Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 8 plus your Constitution modifier and Proficiency Bonus). On a failed save, a creature takes 1d10 damage of fire steam breath. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage. This damage increases by 1d10 when you reach character levels 5 (2d10), 11 (3d10), and 17 (4d10).

You can use this Breath Weapon a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.