Homebrew Shadow Half-Dragon Species Details
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 self-sufficiency 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.
Shadow Half-Dragon Traits
Half-DragonShadow
Half Dragon Traits
Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other half dragons.
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.
Breath Weapon.
You can use your action to exhale destructive energy. Your draconic ancestry determines the size, shape, and damage type (if applicable) of the exhalation.
When you use your breath weapon, each creature in the area of exhalation causes blindness to any creature caught in it's 15ft cone path, unless they have blindsight, till your next turn.
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 may 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.
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.
Draconic Ancestry.
While most half dragons are mixed, they are always divided into a number of different colors that reflect their draconic ancestry, which provides them with unique abilities. Just like true dragons, these colors are not all equally powerful, and some colors have more niche abilities than others. However, no color is exceptionally different in power from others.
Your breath weapon deals elemental damage of the type associated with your chosen subrace (if applicable), and you gain resistance against this damage type as well. In addition, your ability scores increase as described, and you gain an additional draconic trait.
Breath Weapon
Your breath weapon deals shadows in a 15ft cone. Your breath weapon causes blindness to any creature caught in it's path, unless they have blindsight, till your next turn.
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 may 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.
Draconic Ancestry Resistance
You have resistance to necrotic damage.
Draconic Trait- Shadowy Figure
You gain proficiency in the Stealth skill.
As a bonus action, you can hide from enemy targets, make a Dexterity (Stealth) check. Until you are discovered or stop hiding, that check's total is contested by the Wisdom (Perception) check of any creature that actively searches for signs of your presence. You can't hide from a creature that can see you clearly.
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.