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.

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 selfsufficiency 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.

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.

Ability Score Increase

You gain an ability score increase associated with your draconic ancestry.

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.

Draconic Ancestry

You have draconic ancestry. Choose one type of dragon from the Draconic Ancestry table. Your breath weapon and damage resistance are determined by the dragon type, as shown in the table. In addition, your ability scores increase as described, and you gain an additional draconic trait.

Draconic Ancestry

Dragon	Damage Type	Breath Weapon
Black	Acid	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Blue	Lightning	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Brass	Fire	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Bronze	Lightning	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Copper	Acid	5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save)
Gold	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)
Green	Poison	15 ft. cone (Con. save)
Red	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)
Silver	Cold	15 ft. cone (Con. save)
White	Cold	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 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 5th level, 8th level, 11th level, and 17th 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 can 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.

Damage Resistance

You have resistance to the damage type associated with your draconic ancestry.

Draconic Trait

You gain a draconic trait associated with your draconic ancestry.

DRAGON	Trait 1	Trait 2
Black - Unreleting	Add CON to your breath weapon DMG modifier.	Darkvision 60 ft.
Blue - Desert Predator	Proficiency in Stealth	Burrow 1 ft. deep, burrow speed 15 ft.
Brass - Boldly Talkative	Proficiency in Persuasion	Cast Tongues spell once per long rest on yourself. Duration 30 min.
Bronze - Dragon of the Coast	Swimming speed 30 ft. Can breathe air and water.	Special breath attack push target 15 ft. instead of DMG.
Copper - Playful Host	Proficiency in Performance	Cast Vicious Mockery cantrip once after using the Dash action
Gold - Reserved Companion	Proficiency in Insight	Replace fire DMG with radiant DMG
Green - Gifted Trickster	Proficiency in Deception	Cast Disguise Self once per short rest on yourself.
Red - Indomitable	Proficiency in Intimidation	Advantage on saving throws against beeing charmed or frightened
Silver - Fascinated by Mortals	Proficiency in History	Special breath attack target gets Stunned instead of DMG
White - Skilled Hunter	Proficiency in Survival	As Bonus action move up to your speed toward an enemy

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.