Homebrew Drakari Species Details

Background

The story goes that the Drakari came to be when an old dragon met his mate. Drawn to her, the dragon took a human form so that he might spend a life with her and thus their children became the first Drakari. The race of half-human, half-dragon warbands residing in the Caldwell Mountains are thought to have died long ago from hunters eager to get their hands on the priceless leather of their wings. But the Drakari do not leave this world so easily. They have lived the last few centuries in seclusion, away from society, in the safety of the snowy peaks of the north. They are separated into clans, based on which dragon line they hail from—the passionate Ignis, blessed with the power of fire; the Isotz, blessed with the power of ice; the Strele, blessed with the power of lightning; and finally, the Veri, the most feared and brutal of the Drakari, blessed with the power of the blood.  

 

The Drakari are known for their prowess in battle and begin training their young how to use a dagger before they know their alphabet. Every generation, each clan is blessed with one Arcane Blademaster*, each possessing the magic from their dragon ancestor. 

 

Appearance

The Drakari are large in stature. They often make the 6 foot mark once having reached full maturity, but can range anywhere from 5’5 to 7’ tall. Their canines are naturally sharp, length ranging from person to person. They have tanned skin and dark features, but can have any eye color. Sometimes, various other Draconic features will make an appearance. Some have naturally sharper nails, akin to the claws of the dragons. Finally, some have patches of scales dotting their body in small patches, often found on temples and necks.

 

The eyes of any Drakari are often a sight to behold. While ranging from any eye color, many have inherited the soulful eyes of their dragon ancestors. Some inherit the slitted pupils, but it is well known that the healers, mages, and clerics have the most intense gaze. Many Drakari are excellent at non-verbal communication and speaking their mind through their gazes. 

 

Easily the most definable trait of any Drakari is their leathery wings sprouting from their backs, often spanning ten feet. They can be black, dark green, or a deep red. There are scales placed here and there and an iridescent sheen is seen when hit just right. 

 

Drakari Culture

 

Life Within the Caldwell Mountains While separated into clans, it is not uncommon for the Drakari to mingle and have mates within the other clans. The Drakari, while serious about battle and training, are often found drinking and dancing in large gatherings around a bonfire, enjoying each other’s company. They value their bards and storytellers, as their culture and traditions are passed down orally. Many trades are found within society, each clan specializing in at least one, though not limited to that one. Each clan has its own importance and contribution to Drakarian society.

 

Mates The Drakari mate for life—and for them, that is a long one. Each Drakarian has an assigned mate from birth; a type of soulmate if you will. Mates are not found until a Drakarian reaches maturity, and it is mated at first sight. It is not restricted to couples of the opposite sex—any combination of partners can be mates. When found, it is an instant connection, and it feels like a string between the two of you. When one half of a pair of mates dies, even if they are not mated yet, the other will never find another mate, though they may find love in another. Though it is rare, some Drakari may find mates in those who are not fully Drakarian. Only a single drop of dragon’s blood is required for a match to be made. 

 

Age Drakari live to exceptionally long ages, often reaching 1000 years old, and reaching maturity around 50 years old. 

 

Speed Your base walking speed is 30 feet and base flying speed is 60 feet. 

  

Languages You can speak, read, and write Common, Draconic, and one other language of your choice.

 

Subrace The Drakari hail from four different bloodlines from four different ancestral dragons—Ignis, Isotz, Strele, and Veri . Each clan has its own vein of magic and specialties.

 

Drakari Traits

The story goes that the Drakari came to be when an old dragon met his mate. Drawn to her, the dragon took a human form so that he might spend a life with her and thus their children became the first Drakari.

Darkvision

Having inherited a dragon’s keen eyesight, you have superior vision in dark and dim settings. You can see dim within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Dragon Ancestry

You have advantage on Strength saving throws and resistance to the magic listed in whichever clan you choose.

Ability Score Increase

Your strength score increases by 2

Drakari Combat Training

You have proficiency with handaxes, longswords, shortswords, longbows, and shortbows. 

Start Them Young

Due to early training, you have proficiency in the Athletics skill.

 

Clan

The Drakari are separated into four clans, from four dragon lineages -- the Ignis, the Isotz, the Strele, and the Veri.