Homebrew Eastern Dragonborn Species Details

The "western" dragonborn, or just commonly known as "dragonborn", take the appearance of traditional dragons, be it chromatic or metallic. However, the eastern dragonborn are an entirely different sort of folk. Their ancient ancestors may have been these dragons, yet this variant may have evolved into bearing a different complexion. Perhaps, they are descendants of wyrms or serpents. Maybe they’re even descendants of another species of dragon entirely. Though it is difficult to tell about their past from first glance, these beautiful and proud folk carry their heads high, despite their strange appearance in comparison to their relatives.

Elegant and Regal

Eastern dragonborn have a significantly more varied appearance in comparison to the western dragonborn, and are found with various features and colors, and often are distinct from one another. The chances of finding two eastern dragonborn that look the same are extremely slim. Their scales are typically smooth and soft, but some have more rigid textures in their scales and are rough, and can be colored in all sorts of patterns and shades. They have varied details; be it curious fins that flow in the wind, whiskers that trail behind them and twitch every so often, curious horns that range from bearing a resemblance to antlers to looking more like rigid fins, and even having fur in patches on their necks, undersides, tail, cheeks, brows, heads, and backs. While they do not bear wings, it is not uncommon to see eastern dragonborn with tails, usually bearing fur or fins, like the rest of their body. Their complexion is slimmer in comparison to their cousins, and their hands bear two to five claws.

Despite their typically thinner and lighter build, these dragonborn still stand tall and imposing, their height usually averaging around 6½ feet tall, not including their horns and fins. They usually weigh anywhere from 120-180 pounds, though sometimes less or more, and usually have a sort of grace to their movements. Their faces almost always have a long snout with some variance, some looking more foxlike while others more crocodilian.

Eastern dragonborn are usually viewed as a subrace of dragonborn, but make no mistake - the eastern dragonborn is an entirely different species which has evolved in a completely different evolutionary path, and are not the same as western dragonborn. Though they may share similar appearances and, potentially, ancestry, they are not the same.

Reclusive yet Caring

Eastern dragonborn are not as clan-based as their relatives, yet have a very deep-rooted bond in where they grow up. Their home villages or towns, usually consisting exclusively of eastern dragonborn, are very important to them, and they tend to care greatly for their home and it’s people. These communities are extremely tight-knit, and it’s individuals are usually very protective of their community and will defend one another with haste. In these powerfully-bonded communities, outsiders are usually very strange and are often treated with distrust and caution. It takes a very, very long time for these dragonborn to become comfortable with strangers, but once they do, they’re forever welcome in the community and are treated as well as any other member of it. Becoming true friends with an eastern dragonborn usually means they will be a friend for life.

Warriors and mages alike in these communities often live by a code of honor, which usually are adopted by others of the same community. This warrior’s oath defines their entire life, and they only stray from this oath in the most dire of circumstances. Even so, some may choose to never betray the code, and would rather die than ever risk bringing dishonor upon themselves. These warriors often respect others who live by an oath or morals, yet will have issues if they conflict greatly with their own.

Eastern dragonborn history is long and winding, yet communities do not bother to record the histories of other settlements, and keep the histories of their own. Their history is often very detailed and heroic, preferring to detail the stories of important figures and warriors in history as well as their deeds and accomplishments. Ancestors of eastern dragonborn communities who have done great deeds, such as slain a legendary beast, helped the community through famine or drought, or otherwise benefited the community to a huge degree, are never forgotten, and are always remembered in rich, written history.

A Rare Sight

Eastern dragonborn are almost never seen outside of their communities, partially why it is so unusual to ever see one. Though wanderlust may coax them to leave their home, sometimes eastern dragonborn leave it because they no longer have an attachment to the community, or perhaps their warrior’s oath beckons them to go elsewhere in the world as to not betray their code. Perhaps, even, they're intruiged by the strange magic that defines them and seeks to learn more about themselves. Travellers of this species are rare and keep to themselves, yet are often proud of their appearance and ancestry, and rarely take insults about their appearance lightly.

As a Dragonborn, you have these special traits.

Draconic Ancestry

The eastern dragonborn share similarities to the regular dragon in certain respects, though take after Chinese and Japanese dragons rather than western depictions.

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 the type determined by your Draconic Ancestry trait. 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.

Damage Resistance

You have Resistance to the damage type determined by your Draconic Ancestry trait.

Darkvision

You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Draconic Flight

When you reach character level 5, you can channel draconic magic to give yourself temporary flight. As a Bonus Action, you sprout spectral wings on your back that last for 10 minutes or until you retract the wings (no action required) or have the Incapacitated condition. During that time, you have a Fly Speed equal to your Speed. Your wings appear to be made of the same energy as your Breath Weapon. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a Long Rest.