Homebrew Improved Dragonborn Species Details
So, in D&D 5e the dragon born tend to be a little weak when compared to the other races included in the game which is kind of a let down. I went to go look at the home brew here on D&D beyond, but the results didn't strike my fancy many of which were to powerful. Seeing as I couldn't find a decent dragon born home brew I decided to make one myself hence this creation of mine.
One the topic of lore, and such just use the normal lore or the lore of your own setting for the dragon born as this is more focused on creating a mechanically strong dragon born rather than messing with the lore, and role playing aspects. The one lore aspect I did change was their age as dragons live for thousands of years it only makes sense that dragon born should have much longer life spans then most with it now being 750 years which is on par with the elves.
What I ended up doing for the mechanical side of things is first adding dark vision because its 5e so everyone and their mother has dark vision, not to mention dragons have 120ft of dark vision. I followed that by modifying pre-existing abilities; the breath weapon can now be used a number of times equal to your constitution modifier, and damage resistance now grants advantage to saving throws made against the resistance element (poison resistance does grant resistance to the poison condition) meaning you will be able to dodge fire balls a bit better. As for the ability scores I changed the increased charisma to increased constitution meaning a dragon now gets plus 2 strength and plus 1 constitution. Other than these things I have mentioned everything else is the same.
Improved Dragonborn Traits
Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other dragonborn.Dark Vision
As a dragon born you now have 60ft of dark vision like you should of had from the get go.
Ability Score Increase
Your strength score increases by 2, and your constitution score increases by 1.
Age
One thing I disliked about the dragon born is that despite being so dragon like they live shorter lives then humans. I will remedy that issue, and give them the life expectancy of 750 years. As for dragon born young, they reach maturity at around 14 years of age.
Alignment
Dragonborn 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 dragonborn are good, but those who side with Tiamat can be terrible villains.
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.
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 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. You can use your breath weapon a number of times equal to your constitution modifier recharging on a short or long rest.
Note: I couldn't be bothered to change all how all of the breath weapons work in the actions section, so just follow the description for how it works.
Damage Resistance
You have resistance to the damage type associated with your draconic ancestry, and have advantage on saving throws against those elements.
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.
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