Homebrew Shadow Dragonborn Species Details

"They're dying," Said Nocturna, pressing my talon to the glowing crystal. "Can you feel it?"

I nodded somberly, removing my hand. My palm had turned pale, devoid of warmth. "They washed up here," She continued, meeting my eyes. The edges of her form seemed to blur into the shadows around us.  "They were left here by a great tsunami from the Glimmersea. That's why we call this place Yuid'iski—Grave of Stars." Our language rolled fluently off her tongue, yet it sounded foreign, estranged by generations lived in the Underdark.

"Your city is a graveyard?" I asked, surprised. 

"When they die, they grant us life," She said with a grin. Taking my arm, she pulled me further into her city, further away from my party. I could feel the stares of her Clanmates on my back—each made me painfully aware of my gleaming silver scales. Two guards sent us curious looks as she led me to the central tower. It reached all the way to the ceiling, joined to it by five stalactites. As we ran up the stairs, I longed to look closer at each floor. What marvels and wonders had this clan developed away from our world, away from the World Above? I had no time to ask. Before I could catch my breath, we'd reached the top, and I realized that she was showing me the greatest marvel of all. Here was a cauldron carved from stone, hung from six chains over a basin of rolling violet smoke. Inside the cauldron, chips of crystal supported an eerie flame. Faerie Fire, I realized.

They burned the stars to sustain their magic.

 

 

Born in the shroud of the Underdark, shadow dragonborn are a rare sight. Some are directly related to shadow dragons, their ancestors having hatched from their eggs. Others hail from surface dragonborn turned to shadow by the Underdark. They have come together to form a great city on the coast of the Glimmersea, and while some remain in the service of their people, others leave to pursue the favor of a shadow dragon or seek adventure in the World Above.

Kin of Shadow

Shadow dragonborn are very similar to surface dragonborn, though exhibit a few notable differences, such as their finned tails and shadowy aura. They closely resemble their shadow dragon ancestors. Their scales are translucent, ranging in color from blacks and cool grays to violets, blues, and even pale colors, which are less common. They are lean and lithe, standing just under 6 feet tall and usually weighing around 200 pounds. Their hands and feet are nimble, talonlike claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand.

City of Dying Stars

Because of their history of intermingling with Drow, shadow dragonborn have formed a city instead of a clan. Their city, Yuid'iski (derived from Yuidm Di Iski; literally "Grave Of Stars") sits on the coast of the Glimmersea. Legend says that a tsunami caused by an undersea earthquake carried luminescent crystals from the ceiling all the way to a tidepool on its eastern edge. When the water evaporated, it left the crystals behind, and over thousands of years they began to fade. To combat the loss of light, as well as to protect themselves from scryers and intruders, inhabitants of Yuid'iski kindled a bonfire of Faerie Flame. The flame strengthens the Faerzress that permeates their corner of the Underdark and sustains the life—and light—of the other crystals. Tending to this flame is a great honor granted only to individuals of high standing or great accomplishment.

Like other dragonborn, shadow dragonborn strive for self-improvement and self-sufficiency. They value commitment and excellence in all endeavors, and are more likely to pursue a single trade than to take on many. To them, a society of masters will always prevail. When they need help, instead of learning a skill themselves, they turn to each other.

Shadow Dragonborn Names

Shadow dragonborn only have one name, rather than having separate childhood and adult names like their surface-dwelling kin. Similar to drow society, those of noble standing are granted surnames. Surnames usually represent traits that the child exhibits or virtues that their parents would like them to inherit, and are personalized for each child. They may also relate to professions or the family's achievements. 

Male Names: Arfyan, Fillimar, Varahash, Donaar, Gheel, Haksen, Kriv, Medrash, Mennah, Nadya, Pannded, Patrin, Thogar, Shamash, Shedinn, Tarhun, Tyrinn

Female Names: Akrii, Vyri, Qaar, Farideeh, Haranne, Havyla, Jheri, Kava, Korinn, Mishann, Nala, Perra, Raiann, Sora, Surina, Thava, Uadjit

Surnames: Health, Chandler, Brightbreath, Wisdom, Firekeeper, Studious, Horrorslayer, Smallclaws, Gilded, Wayfinder, Thatcher, Elegant, Seeking, Patient, Traitorkiller, Honest, Greeneyes

BORN OF THE WORLD ABOVE

Some shadow dragonborn were not born of shadow dragons. About a third of their population hails from dragonborn of the World Above who, upon entering the Underdark, were fundementally changed by its aura. These dragonborn often share traits with their ancestors from the overworld. They may have streaks of gold in their scales or breathe necrotic acid instead of shadow. These individuals, known as yoweth iri (or "high ones"), are viewed with mixed reactions ranging from loathing to admiration. 

Shadow Dragonborn Traits

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

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 can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Light Sensitivity

You have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you are in direct sunlight or within 15 feet of a bright light source, such as that created by Light, Daylight or Wall of Light. 

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2. Additionally, choose either your Charisma or Intelligence score to increase by 1.

Age

Like other dragonborn, shadow dragonborn grow quickly. They walk hours after hatching, attain the size and development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 3, and reach adulthood by 15. They live to be around 80.

Alignment

Unlike dragonborn on the surface, shadow dragonborn are isolated from the cosmic war between good and evil (represented by Bahamut and Tiamat, respectively). Because of this, most shadow dragonborn tend towards neutrality. 

Size

Shadow dragonborn are smaller and more lithe than their surface-dwelling kin, rarely taller than 61/2 feet. They average roughly 200ibs. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Draconic Ancestry

You are descended from the shadow dragons that inhabit the Underdark.

Draconic Ancestry

Dragon	Damage Type	Breath Weapon
Shadow	Necrotic	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 Constitution saving throw. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 2d6 Necrotic 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 Necrotic damage.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Undercommon 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.