Homebrew Dracaenae Species Details
Many centuries ago, a red dragon fancied herself to a god--not only a god, but the only god to rule over. Despite this, Yntis, as she called herself, could not find herself amused with her slowly growing human worshipping base, and decided to attempt to morph her human followers into a new form, leading to the creation of a new species, like but yet not related to the Dragonborn. She called them her Dracaenae, leaving her followers with a patchwork of human skin and dragon scales, horns, some with dragon tails, and reptilian eyes; not only were their appearances changed, but they were given the ability to shapeshift into the image of a dragon, although no larger than an owlbear once they crested adulthood.
Dracaenae were given a lengthened lifespan, their measily human lifespan expanding to allow for her followers to live for 350-400 years. Dracaenae are always born in their dragon forms, no bigger than a full-grown cat. They grow steadily and quickly until they are the size of a wolf or a large dog, at which point they would be considered a teenager once they first transform into the human form. Each Dracaenae is vastly different--there are some who become teenagers, first transforming into their human form within 10 years of their birth, others taking up to 40. Past this point, they are considered an adult once both their human and dragon forms have matured, the latter finally reaching its full growth size, similar to that of an owlbear. Once they reach 325 years old, they are officially considered elders.
Despite all this, Yntis did not warn, nor ask, her human followers of their opinions on her desire to change their form, and all who worshipped her at the time woke up in their new forms, blindsided to the change. While many began to worship her more fervently due to her extreme display of power, another great portion split away, casting away their devotion and beginning to search out a way to shirk the physical change and bring back their true human form. Those who remained became more vexed by the sight of the non-believers, and the worship of Yntis become closer to that of a cult, those followers quick to ostracize anyone who opposed their righteous path.
Dracaenae Traits
Aside from their appearances, Yntis also gifted her new people;Dragon Shape.
Taken as a Dracaecae's initial form in childhood, one can choose to switch between their forms at will, according to their level. You can use your Dragon Shape twice per long rest while at level 1. While in dragon form, you have a natural AC of 17, keep your modifiers from your human form, cannot cast spells, although you are able to rage if a barbarian. There is no time limit while being in your dragon form. You cannot use weapons, shields, or any armour, as the magical heat of Yntis' flame within your dragon body will melt any metal you come into contact with. In the case that the said weapon is magical, roll a D20 with DC15-[Level of rarity] to see if the weapon survives being held by your claws--if you succeed, it is still useless to fight with until it is repaired.
While in this form, you can make a multi-attack with your claws, dealing 2D6 + your proficiency bonus damage with each hit. You gain an additional shapeshift per day at level 5, a forth at level 12, the fifth at level 17.
Impenetrable Hide.
When shifting into human form, the hide of your dragon form folds together and creates a small path of scales that rests above the heart, but can be moved to protect against damage. This trait must be used before damage is rolled, but it can be implemented after the attack roll has been made. Once used, damage taken from the hit is halved, and this trait cannot be used until the scales have healed from the damage, over the next short rest. A natural 20 will destroy the scales, and you must roll a D4 to determine how many long rests are needed before your scales are functional again. You will be unable to shapeshift into your dragon form until the patch is at least halfway through its healing process.
You are able to take an additional hit with your scales at level 3, a third at level 6, the fourth at level 11, and the fifth and final one at level 17.
Dragon's Heat
While in human form, metal still can not be used. No metal armour can be worn, and any metal weapons must have a hilt and guard made of natural materials to prevent the weapon from being melted by the magic flame gifted to the Dracaecae by Yntis. Magic items, although, are immune to this effect while you remain in your human form.
Yntis' Flame.
Starting at level 2, you can shoot an arrow of firey breath at an opponent while in both human and dragon form, making a D20 roll, with your dexterity modifier and proficiency bonus. On a successful hit, you do 2D6 fire damage to your target. Once you use this trait, you must recharge the fire in your belly a D4 of turns while a dragon and D8 while in human form.
As a bonus action after level 8, before you make the initial attack, you can let the flame build, rolling a D4/D8 to determine how long it needs to build, and release two fiery arrows as a multi-attack. To recharge after a multi-attack, you must wait for D6/D10 turns to use this trait again. Holding Yntis' Flame past the second charge will not produce a third fire arrow or additional damage. You can do an additional 1D6 fire damage at level 6, at level 12, and at level 19.
Ability Score Increases.
Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Comments