Homebrew Demi-Dragon Species Details

Imitation of Form

To most, dragons are a thing to be feared and hated. But to a few, dragons are envied as paragons of power. Among these, there are some who would sacrifice anything if it would let them have that power for their own.

Whether driven by fanatical beliefs, a hunger for personal power, or a genuine wish to help others by whatever means are available, some choose to undergo a ritual transformation that changes their body into an imitation of a true dragon, while other individuals concoct detailed magical experiments on unwilling subjects. Regardless of origin, the resulting creature is known as a demi-dragon—a being that was created rather than born.

Ritual Transformation

The exact nature of the demi-dragon transformation is unclear, but some say that there are multiple paths to the same result. Whether accomplished through magical prowess, alchemy, zealous devotion, or by bathing in dragon's blood, the transformation draws upon the essence of a true dragon to instill a spark of magic within the subject, forcing them to take on the characteristics of a dragon. Though adopting the shape of a dragon during the transformation, the subject is often brought only halfway there, left scaleless or wingless.

Such deficiencies tend to correct themselves over time. Once transformed, it is commonly believed that there is no conventional way to revert the transformation—only the most powerful of magic could accomplish such a thing.

Spark of Magic

As part of their transformation, a spark of magic forms in the heart of a demi-dragon—supposedly, this is what allows them to mimic a dragon's power and imitate their famous elemental breath weapons.

As a result of their unusual nature, demi-dragons develop the ability to siphon magic out of their surroundings, requiring an external source of magical energy to feed this spark as a way to bring themselves closer to the inherent nature of true dragons. The relative power of this spark is a measure of the magical essence a demi-dragon has accumulated. While demi-dragons need not devour magic for sustenance, they are seized by a growing hunger to do so the longer they go without.

Where true dragons are born into their natural splendor, demi-dragons must toil, steal, and sacrifice for but a fraction of that power.

Demi-Dragon Traits

The transformation of a Demi-Dragon provides the following traits at the expense of the original person's species.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

You can live for 300 years.

Type

Your creature type is dragon.

Size

You are a draconic quadruped. Your size is Medium.

Aided Jump

Your wings provide you with lift. Your maximum jump distance for high and long jumps is doubled, and you do not incur any penalties if you make a standing jump.

Darkvision

You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Dragon Scales

Your protective scales grant you natural armor. While you are not wearing armor, your Armor Class equals 9 + your Dexterity modifier (maximum of 2) + your Constitution modifier + your Charisma modifier.

Incompatible Build

You have disadvantage on attack rolls made with weapons, and receive no benefit from wielding shields. In order to wear armor, you must have it specially constructed for you, costing three times the normal rate. Please note that I could not find a way to implement the uselessness of shields or the armor, so you will just have to ignore shields!

Natural Weapons

You have access to an arsenal of natural weapons. You can use these natural weapons, with which you are proficient, to make melee weapon attacks. Your fanged maw deals piercing damage equal to 1d12 + your Strength modifier. Your lashing tail has a reach of 10 ft. and deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1d10 + your Strength modifier. Your rending claws deal slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier. When you take the Attack action and attack with your claw, you can use your bonus action to make an additional claw attack.

Powerful Build

You count as one size category larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Product of Design

You have advantage on saving throws made to resist effects that attempt to change your form.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, as well as one other language of your choice from among those available to your previous race. Due to the unpredictable nature of the previous race's languages, feel free to add races, provided it follows these rules!