Homebrew Balaur Species Details

Balaur naturally have highly dense, very thick skin. Typical blades will not penetrate skin unless there is a considerable amount of force, combined with a hefty metal. However, this is not to suggest that it's impossible to harm them. Average steel blades wielded by a human, for example, will do little damage. An average blade wielded by a fellow Balaur will bring a wound. The heavier and sturdier the blade, the more likely a major wound will occur. Bullets will injure a Balaur. Magic is the primary work-around for their physical fortitude.

The average weight of a Balaur is double that of any human. Since they are so heavy, grappling one is damn near impossible, unless you are dragonkin. All Balaur have an innate immunity to fire, enabling them to tame a vast array of dragons. If a dragon has any specific element besides fire--say an ice dragon--they will be more of a challenge. However, not impossible.

This species is entirely mortal. They can die of old age. However, the average lifespan is 800 or so years. Balaur "settle" within their adult life. Each Balaur settles at a different age.

History

Much of the history of this species is lost to time. Roughly an eon ago, an elder dragon burned down the hub of their civilization, decimating most of the population. Myth claims that Balaur were not so kind to their dragon companions a thousand years ago and treated them as slaves. The elder dragon thus exacted his vengeance.

Most of their history is folklore. Many people believe they are distant descendants of gods and dragons and humans alike, who mixed together to create the present-day Balaur. There are hundreds of versions of creation mythos told as bedtime stories. It is believed, however, that their species was known for their metallurgy and craftsmanship. In the rubble of their ancient capital, scholars discovered broken obsidian weapons scattered about, implying this was a precious ore to them.

Culture

Balaur are surprisingly still deeply rooted in their culture, despite centuries of living alongside the human norm. Some choose to worship the old gods before the new. Some are even atheist. Even atheists, though, partake in annual festivals that celebrate their heritage.

Year-round, but especially during festivals, familial paint is worn to denote rank to others within their clan, or they simply wear it as a means of identification. Obviously, it is a symbol of beauty and even power, but the markings are intricate and deeply meaningful to the wearer.

Not all Balaur tame dragons. Some still perceive it as a cruel, outdated practice, despite the vast changes over the centuries. In present-day, taming dragons is largely based on companionship and trust. A dragon cannot be forced into submission or slavery; it is now a reprehensible crime.

Since the Balaur have made this ideological shift, a ritual arose as dragons and their Balaur companions forged fiercely loyal and intimate friendships. It starts with a series of trials. These trials are presented to the Balaur without their knowledge, usually in the form of a mundane, banal task. That one task becomes many, and it is up to the Balaur to keep their word as they inevitably venture into the unknown. The specific challenges vary by the individual and are often shrouded in mystery. That way, whenever a Balaur completes all the trials and toils, it shows not only their skill, but their strength of character.

If a Balaur fails their trials, they will never know that they were presented in the first place. A tight-knit organization keeps the ritual secret--not even their identities are known to the public. Only to the Queen, who is also sworn to silence on the matter.

If they succeed, then that person may choose to undergo the Bonding ritual. The dragon's physical body dies, but their magic is inherited by the Balaur. The soul is intact, residing within the dragon's mortal companion, however do not speak with them. Unless the dragon is of considerable power and can retain a sense of self, their individual consciousness is lost. Some who have completed the ritual, however, insist their dragon lives on physically within them, their soul embedded in their bones. Others may claim that they inherited key personality traits of their dragon as a result of the ritual--it wholly depends on the individual. Since the ritual is deeply religious and spiritual in nature, there is no scientific or logical explanation for the phenomenon.

Balaur Traits

With thick skin and the companionship of a dragon, little daunts the courageous Balaur.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 1, and your Constitution score increases by 2.

Settle

Balaur age normally until adulthood, where they settle and no longer physically age. The average lifespan is 800 years.

Size

Balaur are about the size of humans.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Natural Athlete

You have proficiency in the Athletics skill.

Powerful Build

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

Dragon Born

Blessed by thick-dense-inflammable-Daenerys-skin-genetics, Balaur suffer virtually no harm from being doused in flames. Their clothes, however, will probably burn to ash.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconian.