Homebrew Dracolichborn Species Details

Some argue that the dracolichborn are a mistake. They are wrong. A mistake is careless. This was intent refined into consequence. Forged from legacy and loss, they carry the weight of power stolen from the grave and wear it not as a curse, but as a calling.

The true origins of the dracolichborn remain a topic of legend and whispered speculation. Tales passed down through generations speak of two possible genesis stories, each as enigmatic as the dracolichborn themselves. Some believe they are the progeny of dragons cursed to become dracoliches, their eggs inheriting the blight of their transformed parents. Others argue that these beings are the result of ambitious necromancers seeking to birth dragonborn infused with the durability of the undying. Regardless of their true origin, the dracolichborn stand as a testament to a union of draconic power and the curse of the Undead.

ECHOES OF THE DRACONIC PAST

While dracolichborn share the dragonborn's stature and strength, their appearance is a somber reflection of their Undead lineage. The necrotic energies that have woven into their being manifest in a range of macabre features— ashen scales, bony protrusions, and other Undead-esque traits—that set them distinctly apart from both chromatic and metallic dragonborn. This corruption has imbued them with an affinity for the shadows and the quiet, granting them a somber authority that resonates with the solemnity of the grave. This understanding forms the basis for their approach to both combat and diplomacy, where they are as likely to use their fearsome reputation to deter conflict as they are to engage in it.

CLANS OF THE CRYPT

For dracolichborn, the clan holds a profound significance, serving as a sanctuary for their kind in a world that often regards them with suspicion and fear. Within these clans, knowledge of necromancy, draconic lore, and the secrets of life and death are zealously guarded. Like dragonborn, they deeply respect their clan structure, with each member's actions reflecting upon the honor and legacy of their lineage. However, dracolichborn clans tend to be more insular, often hidden away in forgotten tombs or secluded lairs, away from prying eyes.

PURSUIT OF THE FORBIDDEN

Dracolichborn hold a deep-seated reverence for martial prowess, honed alongside a mastery of the arcane. These formidable warriors blend their intrinsic draconic strength with necromancy, creating martial orders of powerful death knights. Their relentless pursuit of martial excellence is intricately woven into their culture and spiritual beliefs, particularly in the areas that dance on the edges of life and death. This unique combination of physical might and dark magic makes them fearsome on the battlefield, often leading the vanguard to shatter through defenses or as an indomitable wall to protect their leaders.

These orders offer strict training and distinctly unique combat styles that reflect a solemn understanding of their heritage. This path of a warrior-mage is not only a choice but a calling for many dracolichborn, as they continually seek to find meaning and purpose in their Undead nature. Their journey is a constant evolution, where the art of war meets the mysteries of the arcane, forging them into living embodiments of deathly might.

Physical Appearance

Dracolichborn stand tall and imposing, their posture commanding yet tinged with an air of solemnity. Their skin is cloaked in scales that seem to absorb light rather than reflect it, casting them in shades of ashen gray and deep, inky black. In some places, the scales give way to a mottled pattern, subtly hinting at the bones beneath their pallid exterior.

Their faces are marked by a blend of both harsh and ethereal features. Eyes deep-set and dark, like pools of shadow, hold an unspoken depth of knowledge and mystery. Physically, they are robust, their limbs ending in sharp talons that reveal a predatory grace as they dance across battlefields.

Some exhibit ridges or spines across their heads and necks, each unique in its formation and seen as a mark of beauty among their orders. Their teeth, razor sharp and sometimes faintly translucent, add to their ferocious demeanor—a single fanged smile speaking silently of a nature both intimidating and otherworldly.

When envisioning your dracolichborn character, consider the following aspects that highlight their distinct nature:

Scale Hue and Texture. The unique coloration and texture of your scales, which may range from ghostly pale to a dark, deathly hue.

Undead Features. The presence of skeletal and other Undead aspects in your physical appearance, indicating your blend of life and undeath.

Eyes. The color and intensity of your gaze, embodying the depth of your necromantic heritage.

Physique. The balance of your dragonborn strength with the ethereal quality of your undead lineage, influencing your physical capabilities and presence.

Dracolichborn Names

Dracolichborn names blend the ancient draconic language with a touch of the macabre, reflecting their unique heritage. Their names are often given at birth, carrying the weight and legacy of their clan's history. In dracolichborn society, the clan name is always placed first as a symbol of respect and pride. Among family and close friends, dracolichborn might use childhood names or nicknames, which usually derive from significant events, characteristics, or habits observed in early life.

Male Names: Dravoss, Drazhir, Ghaurn, Mortix, Necrion, Skathar, Thyrak, Vhul, Vormul, Zathros

Female Names: Duskrin, Hecara, Krylora, Morthissa, Nyrith, Ossara, Shyndra, Thraele, Vrexia, Zephara

Childhood Names: Bonechill, Cryptdiver, Darkwhisper, Frostbreath, Ghostwalker, Gravebound, Shadowgaze, Silentscale

Clan Names: Deathscale, Ebonfang, Frostcrypt, Gloomrend, Gravewyrm, Nighthowl, Shadowscale, Tombdrake, Voidclaw

 

Dracolichborn Traits

Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other dragonborn.

Gravetouched

You know the chill touch cantrip. Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell when you cast it with this trait (choose when you select this race).

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 discern colors in that darkness only as shades of gray.

Ability Score Increase

When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one of those scores by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy.

The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You’re free to follow those suggestions or to ignore them. Whichever scores you decide to increase, none of the scores can be raised above 20.

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.

Deathless Nature

You have escaped death, a fact represented by the following benefits:

• You have advantage on saving throws against disease and being poisoned, and you have resistance to poison damage.
• You have advantage on death saving throws.
• You don’t need to eat, drink, or breathe.
• You don’t need to sleep, and magic can’t put you to sleep. You can finish a long rest in 4 hours if you spend those hours in an inactive, motionless state, during which you retain consciousness.

Draconic Ancestry

You have draconic ancestry. Choose one type of dragon from the Draconic Ancestry table. Your breath weapon and damage resistance are determined by the dragon type, as shown in the table.

Draconic Ancestry

Dragon	Damage Type	Breath Weapon
Black	Acid	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Blue	Lightning	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. 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)
Green	Poison	15 ft. cone (Con. save)
Red	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)
Silver	Cold	15 ft. cone (Con. save)
White	Cold	15 ft. cone (Con. 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.