Homebrew Half Dragon 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 its draconic traits.

Credit to Nielspeterdejong of Reddit for Half Dragon, this was posted on here with their permission!

Proud Dragon Heritage

Half dragons look very similar to their mortal parent, except for the horns and partial scales 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 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 is often born in the 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 built, with males often standing close to six and a half feet 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 and forced to survive alone or hope they 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. Eventually, 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 who 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. But those who succeed are held in very high regard 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 as well due to their drive to ascend to dragonhood. Usually, however, many half-dragons start a family and have children, with the mother being encouraged 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 they are few in number, half-dragons are rapidly increasing their numbers due to a high fertility rate and big families. These communities are protected by their elders, some of whom have already ascended to dragonhood and make for formidable opponents.

Dragonsong

Silver half dragons have developed their own variation of the Bladesinger arcane tradition, called Dragonsinger, which utilizes the power of the Dragon Voice. Only those who speak Draconic can choose this arcane tradition. It is identical to the Bladesinger tradition, except that Bladesong is renamed to Dragonsong, and it allows you to use two hands to make an attack with a versatile weapon without ending the Dragonsong. 

Half Dragon Names

Half dragon names are usually based on the language of its mortal parent, as Draconic names are often much harder to pronounce. Some half-dragons who are adopted within Dragonborn clans will instead be 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 up to 1000 years. A few of those who have transcended into dragonhood, however, have been granted the gift of immortality. Making dragonhood even more sought 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 bigger 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 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 by an additional 1d6 at 6th level, 11th level, and 16th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can't use it again until it's recharged. At the start of each of your turns, provided you already used your breath weapon, you may roll a d6. On a 6, you regain the use of your breath weapon. Otherwise, your breath weapon recharges 1 minute after you used it

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, which 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. However, no color is exceptionally different in power from 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 scores increase as described, and you gain an additional draconic trait.

Black

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

Unrelenting. You add your Constitution modifier to the damage of your breath weapon. 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, but only shades of gray.

Blue

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution scores each increase 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. As part of the Hide action, you may burrow yourself into non-rock earth, just below the surface. While below the surface, you have a burrow speed of 15 feet (but you may not burrow deeper), you have vision, may breathe freely, count as having three-quarters cover, and you must spend a bonus action to emerge. While you are burrowed, creatures suffer a -5 penalty to their ability checks to find you, provided you are out of combat and not moving.

Brass

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 fire resistance.

Boldly Talkative. You gain proficiency in the Persuasion skill. You can cast the tongues spell once, but only on yourself, and with a duration of 30 minutes. You regain the ability to cast the spell this way after finishing a long rest.

Bronze

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

Dragon of the Coast. You have a swim speed of 30 feet, and can breathe air and water. When using your breath weapon, you may instead choose to use repulsion gas with the same range and DC. This gas doesn't deal damage but instead imposes a Strength saving throw. Those who fail it are pushed back 15 feet from you. This special DC increases by 1 for each additional 1d6 damage on your breath weapon.

Copper

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases 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 gain proficiency in the Performance skill, and you know the vicious mockery cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Gold

Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases 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 gain proficiency in the Insight skill. Your racial fire damage, including that in your (true) dragon form, becomes radiant damage against fiends and undead creatures instead.

Green

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Intelligence, and Charisma scores each increase 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 advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.

Gifted Trickster. You gain proficiency in the Deception skill. You can cast the disguise self spell once with this trait, appearing up to 2 feet shorter than normal with it, and regain the ability to cast it this way when you finish a short or long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Red

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

Indomitable. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Silver

Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your 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.

Fascinated by Mortals. You gain proficiency in the History skill. When using your breath weapon, you may instead choose to target a single creature within 15 feet with numbing gas. The creature doesn't suffer damage, but must succeed at the saving throw or be stunned until the end of your next turn. This special DC increases by 1 for each additional 1d6 damage on your breath weapon. You may regain this trait after finishing a long rest.

White

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

Skilled Hunter. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill. As a bonus action, 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.

 

Previous Versions

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Half Dragon
3/12/2020 2:40:42 AM
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Half Dragon
3/12/2020 2:44:54 AM
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TheGrimlock

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