Homebrew Half-Dragon [Concept by u/nielspeterdejong] 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 an 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 their draconic traits.

Proud Dragon Heritage

Half Dragons look very similar to their mortal parents, except for the horns and partial scares that cover their bodies, as well as their draconic legs 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 color patterns are similar to their draconic parent, and in the case of two Half-Dragons having 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 6 and a half tall and being taller and heavier than 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, who raise them into protected communities. 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 parent are more often than 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 hold 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. 

Ultimately, 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. However those who succeed are viewed in very high regards by Half dragon society.

A Growing People

In the most recent years, Half Dragons have been forming communities at an increasing rate. This has created many Half Dragon families, and in turn many adventurers, due to their drive to ascend 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 the children. While previously few in numbers, now the Half Dragon population has rapidly increased due to a high fertility rate and big families (contraception is taboo for their culture, as they have an 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.  

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 by 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
Most Half Dragons are similar to Dragonborn and 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 larger than females. Your size is Medium.

Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

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

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.

Draconic Ancestry
While most Half Dragons are mixed, they are always divided into a number of different colors that reflect their draconic 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.

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

Black

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

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals acid damage in a life 30 feet long and 5 feet wide. Your breath weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to acid damage.

Unrelenting Force
You add your Constitution modifier to the damage of your breath weapon. This value doubles while your are within your Dragon Form.


Blue

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Ability Score Increase
Your Constitution modifier increases by 2, and your Strength modifier increases by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals lightning damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide. Your breath weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to lightning damage.

Desert Predator
You have a burrow speed of 15 feet. When you use the Hide action you may immediately burrow yourself just below the surface into sand or loose soil. Creatures that attempt to detect you while you are burrowed take a -5 penalty to their ability checks to find you, as long as you remain there without moving or taking actions. While burrowed near the surface you have vision, may breathe freely, and may emerge as a bonus action.

Brass

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Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals fire damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide. Your breath weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.

Boldy Talkative
You have proficiency in Persuasion, and magic can't put you to sleep.

Bronze

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Ability Score Increase
Your Strength, Constitution, and Charisma scores each increase by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals acid damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide. Your breath weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to acid damage.

Playful Host
You have proficiency in Performance, and you know the vicious mockery cantrip. Charisma is your spell casting ability for this spell.

Gold 

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Ability Score Increase
Your Wisdom score increase by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals fire damage in a 15-foot cone. Your breath weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.

Reserved Companion
You have proficiency in Insight. Your racial fire damage (including that in your (true) Dragon Form) becomes radiant damage against Fiends and Undead instead. 

Green

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Ability Score Increase
Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals poison damage in a 15-foot cone. Your breath weapon imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to poison damage and are immune to the poisoned condition.

Gifted Trickster
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 short or long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this trait.

Red

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Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2, and you Constitution score increases by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
You breath weapon deals fire damage in a 15-cone. Your breath weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.

Indomitable
You have advantage on saving throws to avoid being charmed or frightened.

Silver 

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Ability Score Increase
Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and you Strength score increases by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals cold damage in a 15-foot cone. Your breath weapon imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to cold damage.

Paralyzing Breath
When using your breath weapon, you may instead choose to target a single creature within 15 feet with paralyzing ice. It doesn't suffer damage, but must succeed at the DC save or be paralyzed until the end of your next turn. Afterwards you may regain this trait after finishing a long rest.

White

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Ability Score Increase
You Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.

Draconic Ancestry
Your breath weapon deals cold damage in a 15 cone. Your breath weapon imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance against cold damage.

Skilled Hunter
You have proficiency in Survival. As a bonus actions, 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.

 

Customization Options

The following customization options are available to Half Dragons.

Feat: Improved Breath Weapon

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Prerequisite: Half Dragon, 4th Level

Extensive training has granted you greater control over your breath weapon, allowing you to use it more quickly and more frequently.

• You may use your breath weapon as a bonus action.
• If you choose to use your action for your breath weapon instead of your bonus action, then its damage is increased by 1d6 and its range is doubled. 
• You regain the use of your breath weapon on a 5 or a 6 on the d6 dice roll.

You may not benefit from this feat during your True Dragon Form epic boon.

Dragon Form

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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. Sometimes it has wings like a Wyvern, giving it 4 limbs instead of the True Dragon's 6 (wings included). Though other times the 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 limited period of time. Afterwards these Half Dragons require rest in order to regain access to this form. Despite its 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. 

Feat: Dragon Form

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Prerequisite: Half Dragon, 4th level

You are blessed by either Bahamut or Tiamet, granting you a lesser dragon form of your ancestral dragon.

• You gain 10 feet of blindsense.
• You can use your bonus action to change into a 8 foot tall 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 feet, your breath weapon deals an addition 1d6 damage, and you gain a bite attack as an unarmed strike which deals 1d10 piercing damage. Your bite as counts as a finesse weapon. Additionally, once per turn you may deal bonus damage of you 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 AC and other defensive boons remain the same (your scaled body parts can be used as your shield) however you AC cannot be lower than 15 + your Dexterity modifier. Your weapons merge with you, and the magical bonuses of your equipped melee weapon(s) are transferred to your bite attack. In addition, for each minute that you haven't entered combat while in this form, you may extend its duration by 1 minute, up to 10 minutes total. 

If you ascend to Dragonhood then your True Dragon form will replace this dragon form. In which case you may choose a new feat immediately instead of this one. 

Epic Boon: Ascending to Dragonhood

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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 option rule from the DMG, the 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. 



Credits

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• Concept: u/nielspeterdejong
• Art (on original post): Whitemantis 
• GM Binder formatting (on original post): u/tobzors

This work is based on 'Greater Dragonborn' by u/IrishBandit

I claim no ownership of this Race and its Subraces

 

Half-Dragon [Concept by u/nielspeterdejong] Traits

Above.