Codex Draconicus
Dragon Player Characters in the World's Greatest Roleplaying Game
Contents
Preface
What the Heck am I doing?
Introduction
Creating a Dragon PC
Playing a Dragon
Dragon
"My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death." - J.R.R. Tolkein, The Hobbit
A proud bronze dragon, bristling and ready to fight, leaps into the air. Bearing a paladin rider aloft, the two speed towards the invading demons, prepared to emerge victorious or die.
The forest stirs, trees straining, as the great green dragon soars overhead. In its wake, it leaves a trail of dead enemies, choking on the vile corruption that blossoms around them.
A mysterious stranger offers aid to a group of adventurers, joining them for a time on their journeys. Is she a sorcerer? A warlock? Or something else entirely?
Dragons run the gamut of heroes, villains, and everything in between. Whether they are subtle schemers, ferocious brutes, lofty idealists, or just in it for the treasure, a dragon can be a tremendous asset to any adventuring party.
Power Personified
Every culture has its own mythology of dragons - terrifying serpentine monsters that trigger mankind's oldest and most primative fears. Modern tales of dragons depict no savage predators, however. Massive, armored, and ferocious, dragons are also keenly intelligent, long-lived, and magical. They lead lesser monsters, breathe elemental destruction upon those who displease them, and even demand sacrifices from mere mortals.
These are the traits of power, in all its forms. Even the dragon's hoarding of wealth is a representation of a form of power. From a human perspective, dragons are the pinnacle of evolution and the supreme dominators of the material plane.
Dragons agree with this assessment.
Chromatic and Metallic
Myriad dragons inhabit the world, from the lung dragons of the far east to the dragon turtles below the waves of the world's oceans. But then species in particular stand out: the so-called "true dragons".
Many are curious about humanoids and fond of traveling, and they are more likely to take a direct interest in the magical arts. Despite their kindhearted nature, they are still dragons, proud, and miserly. Metallic dragons can get along well with others and make good player characters.
Chromatic dragons are almost universally evil; their greed and malice outmatched only by the foulest of fiends. These are the fearsome villains that terrorize the countryside, slaying for sport and seizing whatever treasures they find.
And yet, there are exceptions; occasionally a chromatic dragon may turn towards the path of good. Some may have a bit of metallic blood in their ancestry, others perhaps had a life altering experience in their youth, or even a religious conversion. These chromatic dragons face a constant struggle against both their own dark nature and the rightfully-placed prejudice of humanoids everywehre. Such a dragon would be wise to join a band of adventurers.
Legends and Lairs
Dragons are typically monsters, residing in well-guarded lairs, waiting for the PCs to come and slay them for treasure. Yet, there are plenty of tales of dragons taking an active role in the wider world, becoming adventurers themselves.
A silver dragon might assume the form of a wood elf to aid in a war against evil dragons. A young gold dragon may travel the world in the guise of an old man, meting out justice. A green dragon may be an agent for a local theives' guild - hoping in time to assume control of the whole operation.
Dragon Names
Dragons have personal names in the Draconic language, given by their parents at birth or selected by themselves. Dragons don't put much emphasis on gender, so the same names are used by both male and female dragons. In addition, most dragons adopt an epithet - a grandiose nickname in the Common tongue.
Draconic Names: Aussirloex, Caexoth, Dartakepesk, Gixustraterenesj, Haurachmajak, Ixenloreat, Molikethend, Ocuirisk, Svaergithaustrat, Thraethurkear, Valeijgix, Vuthavyth.
Common Epithets: Blacksteel, Bloodtalon, Bravewing, Deathfrost, Fatebringer, Flamingdeath, Gemscale, Nightwind, Starseer, Stoneripper, Stormwrath, Swordtooth.
Dragon Traits
Your dragon character has an assortment of inborn abilities, part and parcel of its draconic nature.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Age. Although dragons reach an emotional or intellectual maturity at an early age, the life-cycle of a dragon has a magical component. You are a Wyrmling Dragon, and less than 5 years old.
Alignment. As powerful creatures who are not afraid to express themselves and impact the world around them, dragons tend to shy away from neutrality and towards the extremes of the alignment scale. Although each dragon subrace has a typical alignment, dragon player characters are exceptional members of their species and may have any alignment.
Size. Though your body is about the size of a halfling, you have a 10-foot wingspan, and a tail of similar length, making you considerably larger. You weigh up to about 300 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Your wings grant you a fly speed of 30 feet.
Darkvision. Accustomed to hunting at night and life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Dragonhide. You have a natural armor bonus of +2. When unarmored, your AC is equal to 12 + your dexterity modifier.
Hatchling. Unlike other characters, you may not select a background. Instead, all dragons take the Hatchling Background.
Teeth. You can use your bite attack as a natural weapon. You are proficient with unarmed strikes, which deal 1d6 piercing damage plus your Strength modifier on a successful hit.
Wings. Your wingspan is roughly three times your height (about 10 feet), and you must have enough space to accommodate this in order to fly. You cannot fly if you are wearing medium or heavy armor, or any armor you are not proficient in, or armor that has not been tailored to accommodate your wings, or while wearing a backpack not specially tailored to your wings.
Langauges. You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic.
Subrace. The elemental nature of True Dragons divides them into a number of different subraces. Choose one of these subraces:
Black Dragon
The stealthy black dragons live in swamps and breathe acid and often lair underwater. Their skull-like heads bear great curved horns, adding to their wicked appearance.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. Black dragons have a reputation as the most sadistic and cruel of dragons, and tend to be Chaotic Evil.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water and you have a swim speed of 30 feet.
Blue Dragon
The stocky, muscular blue dragon has a single great horn protruding from its head. They dwell in deserts, burrowing through the sand and soaring overhead.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. Blue dragons are masterminds, often employing agents and organizations to do their bidding for them. They tend to be Lawful Evil, though many have an honorable streak, making them the chromatic dragons most suitable as PCs.
Burrow. You have a burrow speed of 15 feet.
Brass Dragon
Brass dragons are sociable, talkative, and inquisitive. They live in deserts and badlands, and have broad frills across their heads.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. Brass dragons tend to be Chaotic Good - curious and free-spirited, but essentially kind at heart.
Burrow. You have a burrow speed of 15 feet.
Bronze Dragon
These noble and courageous dragons are fierce opponents of evil and fascinated by warfare and battle. They live near the coast, often building lairs underwater, and have webbed feet for swimming.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. Bronze dragons are loyal allies and honorable warriors, and tend to be Lawful Good.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water and you have a swim speed of 30 feet.
Copper Dragon
With a reputation for pranks and jokes, copper dragons are the most whimsical and light-hearted of dragonkind. They live in hills and badlands.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. The copper dragon has a propensity for trickery and creative thinking, but is always friendly and never malicious, tending to be Chaotic Good in alignment.
Climb. You have a climb speed of 30 feet.
Gold Dragon
The wisest and noblest of the metallic dragons, gold dragons can live nearly anywhere, but favor beautiful grasslands, forests, and hills. With their characteristic long whiskers and sinuous form, gold dragons are known as magical shape shifters and powerful foes.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. Gold dragons are the epitome of metallic dragonkind, embodying the best features of dragons. They tend to be Lawful Good.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water and you have a swim speed of 30 feet.
Green Dragon
Cunning, serpentine forest-dwellers, green dragons are masters of subterfuge and manipulation, often tricking or tempting others into doing their bidding.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. Green dragons are deceitful and treacherous, but also patient and organized. They would prefer to work with intelligent creatures rather than eat them, which may make them acceptable PCs.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water and you have a swim speed of 30 feet.
Red Dragon
Massive, armored, and bristling with horns and claws, the red dragon is the most terrible and feared of all the chromatic breeds. They dwell in mountain caves, considering themselves the undisputed masters of all they survey.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. Most red dragons are purely selfish and arrogant, caring only for themselves and acting on whatever whim or impulse catches their fancy. They are almost always Chaotic Evil.
Climb. You have a climb speed of 30 feet.
Silver Dragon
The dragons most likely to associate with humanoids are the brave and friendly silver dragons. Living in cold mountainous regions, silver dragons have a flat, shield-like head split by a shiny frill.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2.
Typical Alignment. Silver dragons are highly moral beings, driven to a virtuous, Lawful Good life.
White Dragon
Feral arctic predators, white dragons are stocky and muscular, with a head adorned by a single fin. Most white dragons are loners, more driven by hunger and instinct than by lofty ambition.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Typical Alignment. White dragons are brutish thugs who live to hunt, kill, and devour. They tend to be Chaotic Evil.
Burrow. You have a burrow speed of 30 feet.
Swim. You have a swim speed of 30 feet.
Dragon Classes
Wyrmling
The biggest question when creang a dragon character is: why is a dragon accompanying a bunch of humanoids on their adventures? Are you seeking to build up your treasure hoard, trying to follow your ideals, or just curious about the world?
Starting dragon PCs are young dragons, 5 years old or younger, possibly even fresh out of the egg. Luckily, dragons are magical creatures with a hereditary memory - even a newborn wyrmling knows how to run and hunt and fly. Almost every dragon is born with knowledge of the Draconic langauge. The hatchling background supposes that your dragon was raised by humanoids, or has - at the very least - spent a substantial amount of time around them, so you're familiar with their language and customs.
Your choice of dragon subrace also determines many things about your character's personality - or at least, determines what other people will think. A metallic dragon may find themselves beseeched by the weak and helpless wherever they go, with expectations of aid and heroism. Chromatic dragons are mostly evil in nature. Evil characters usually don't make good PCs because their selfishness can cause conflict between party members. A good or neutral chromatic dragon will still face fear, mistrust, or even outright hostility from otherwise civilized people, until they have proven themselves virtuous.
Quick Build
You can make a Wyrmling quickly by following these suggestions. First, Strength should be your highest ability score, followed by Constitution and Chrisma (in either order). Second, choose the gold dragon species. Third, take the hatchling background. Finally, take your first level in the Wyrmling class, selecting the Insight and Perception skills.
Class Features
As a wyrmling, you gain the following class features.
Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d8 per wyrmling level.
Hit Points at 1st level: 8 + your Constitution modifier.
Hit Points at higher level: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per level after 1st.
Proficiencies
Armor: None
Weapons: None
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Constitution, Charisma
Skills: Choose two from Acrobatics, Arcana, Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Perception, Stealth.
Equipment
You start with no equipment except for the equipment granted by your backgound.
Wyrmling
| Level | Proficiency Bonus | Bite Damage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | 1d6 | Dragonscale, Dragontype, Innate Magic |
| 2nd | +2 | 1d6 | Dragontype Feature |
| 3rd | +2 | 1d8 | Dragon Senses, Dragontype Feature |
| 4th | +2 | 1d8 | Ability Score Improvement, Draconic Might |
| 5th | +3 | 1d10 | Dragontype Feature |
Dragonscale
While not wearing armor, your Armor Class equals 12 + your Strength Modifier + your Constitution Modifier. This class feature replaces the Dragonhide racial feature.
Dragontype
Your subrace determines your dragontype and the element and strength of your breath weapon, as well as your resilience against certain damage types.
Innate Magic
When multiclassing, your Wyrmling class levels count as either Sorcerer, Warlock, or Wizard levels (chosen once, and cannot change) for the purposes of class level benefits and determining Spells Known and Prepared or Spell Slots.
Dragon Senses
You gain blindsight to a range of 10 feet.
Ability Score Improvement
When you reach 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature (but see below).
Starting at 4th level, the Strength or Constitution score you may attain through Ability Score Improvement or other means is limited to 22 rather than 20.Draconic Might
Dragontype
Born of Fire or Ice or in the thick pools of poisonous acid, a dragon is a creature of the primordial elements of magic. The dragon is shaped, body and soul, by the element of its birth.
Black Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale acid in a 15-foot line that is 5-feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d8 acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d8 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you can't use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Acid Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves against acid damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to acid damage, and at 5th level, your acid resistance becomes immunity to acid damage.
Acid Bite
Starting at 3rd level, you inflict an additional 1d4 acid damage whenever you hit with your bite attack.
Blue Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale lightning in a 30-foot line that is 5-feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d10 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d10 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Lightning Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs lightning damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to lightning damage, and at 5th level, your lightning resistance becomes immunity to lightning damage.
Lightning Bite
Starting at 3rd level, you inflict an additional 1d6 lightning damage whenever you hit with your bite attack.
Brass Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale fire in a 20-foot line that is 5-feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d6 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Also at 4th level, you may expend 2 uses of your breath weapon to exhale sleep gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or fall unconscious for 1 minute. This effect ends for a creature if the creature takes damage or if another character uses an action to wake it.
Fire Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you advantage on all saves vs fire damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to fire damage, and at 5th level, your fire resistance becomes immunity to fire damage.
Bronze Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale lightning in a 40-foot line that is 5-feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d10 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d10 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Also at 4th level, you may expend 2 uses of your breath weapon to exhale repulsion energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be pushed 30 feet away from you..
Lightning Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs lightning damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to lightning damage, and at 5th level, your lightning resistance becomes immunity to lightning damage.
Copper Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale acid in a 20-foot line that is 5-feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d8 acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d8 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Also at 4th level, you may expend 2 uses of your breath weapon to exhale slowing gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature can't use reactions, its speed is halved, and it can't make more than one attack on its turn. In addition, the creature can use either an action or a bonus action on its turn, but not both. These effects last for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a successful save.
Acid Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs acid damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to acid damage, and at 5th level, your acid resistance becomes immunity to acid damage.
Gold Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d10 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d10 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Also at 4th level, you may expend 2 uses of your breath weapon to exhale weakening gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a Strength saving throw or suffer disadvantage on Strength based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a successful save.
Fire Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs fire damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to fire damage, and at 5th level, your fire resistance becomes immunity to fire damage.
Green Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale poisonous gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw, taking 1d6 poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d6 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Poison Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs poison or poison damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to poison damage, and at 5th level, your poison resistance becomes immunity to poison damage. In addition, at 5th level, you can no longer be poisoned. You gain immunity to the poisoned condition.
Poison Bite
Starting at 3rd level, you inflict an additional 1d6 poison damage whenever you hit with your bite attack.
Red Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d6 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Fire Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs fire damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to fire damage, and at 5th level, your fire resistance becomes immunity to fire damage.
Fire Bite
Starting at 3rd level, you inflict an additional 1d6 fire damage whenever you hit with your bite attack.
Silver Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale an icy blast in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw, taking 1d8 cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d8 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Also at 4th level, you may expend 2 uses of your breath weapon to exhale paralyzing gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a successful save.
Cold Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs cold damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to cold damage, and at 5th level, your cold resistance becomes immunity to cold damage.
White Dragon
Breath Weapon
Starting at 1st level, you develop a breath weapon. You may exhale an icy blast of hail in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw, taking 1d8 cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. You use your Constitution modifier when setting the saving throw DC for your breath weapon.
Breath Weapon save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
The damage of your breath weapons increases by 1d8 at each wyrmling level.
At 1st level, after you use your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Starting at 4th level, you gain an additional use of your breath weapon.
Cold Adaptation
Starting at 2nd level, you have advantage on all saves vs cold damage. At 3rd level, you gain resistance to cold damage, and at 5th level, your cold resistance becomes immunity to cold damage.
Cold Bite
Starting at 3rd level, you inflict an additional 1d4 cold damage whenever you hit with your bite attack.
Young Dragon
As a young dragon gains more experience, it can turn its will toward growth and the advancement of its power. Sacrificing some portion of its potential strength and durability for the more immediate power.
Young Dragon is an advanced class that allows a wyrmling dragon to advance to its next age category. The only way to take a level in this class is to multi-class from Wyrmling or some other class.
Prerequisite
In order to multiclass into the Young Dragon class, a character must be a dragon with immunity to one damage type.
Class Features
As a young dragon, you gain the following class features.
Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d8 per young dragon level.
Hit Points at higher level: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier.
Proficiencies
Armor: None
Weapons: None
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Strength
Skills: Choose one from Acrobatics, Arcana, Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Perception, Stealth.
Dragon Senses
Starting at 1st level, your blindsight range increases by 10 feet. At 5th level, the range of your Darkvision is doubled, and at 9th level your blindsight increase by an additional 10 feet.
Dragontype
Your subrace determines your dragon type and the element and strength of your breath weapon, as well as certain bonuses gained at higher levels.
Innate Magic
When multiclassing, your Young Dragon class levels count as either Sorcerer, Warlock, or Wizard levels (chosen once, and cannot change) for the purpose of class level benefits and determining Spells Prepared or Spell Slots.
Change Shape
Beginning at 2nd level, you can use your action to magically polymorph yourself into a humanoid or beast that you have seen before. You can use this feature twice. You regain expended uses when you finish a short or long rest. You may polymorph into any creature whose CR is no more than 1/4 your character level. You may not take the form of a specific creature, but using change shape to attempt a disguise grants advantage on the check.
You can stay in the new form for a number hours equal to half your character level (rounded down). You then revert to your draconic form unless you expend another use of this feature. You can revert to your dragon form earlier by using a bonus action on your turn. You automatically revert if you fall unconscious, drop to 0 hit points, or die.
When you are transformed, your game statistics are replaced by the statistics of the creature (except for any class features or legendary actions), but you retain your alignment, personality, and Intelligent, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. You also retain all of your skill and saving throw proficiencies, as well as the ability to take this action. Any equipment you are wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by your new form (your choice).
At 6th level, you may polymorph into any creature whose CR is no more than 1/2 your character level. At 9th level, you may polymorph into any creature whose CR is no more than your character level.
Growth
Starting at 2nd level, your growth as young dragon means that, although your size is still Medium, you are treated as one size larger for the purpose of determining carry weight. Additionally, your expanding wingspan increases to 40 feet.
Young Dragon
| Level | Proficiency Bonus | Bite Damage | Claw Damage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | 1d10 | — | Dragon Senses, Dragon Type, Innate Magic |
| 2nd | +2 | 1d10 | 1d4 | Change Shape, Growth |
| 3rd | +2 | 1d12 | 1d4 | Multiattack |
| 4th | +2 | 1d12 | 1d6 | Ability Score Improvement, Draconic Might |
| 5th | +3 | 2d6 | 1d6 | Dragontype, Dragon Senses |
| 6th | +3 | 2d6 | 1d8 | Change Shape, Growth |
| 7th | +3 | 2d8 | 1d8 | Multiattack |
| 8th | +3 | 2d8 | 1d10 | Ability Score Improvement, Draconic Might |
| 9th | +4 | 2d10 | 1d10 | Change Shape, Dragon Senses |
| 10th | +4 | 2d10 | 2d6 | Dragontype, Growth |
At 6th level, your expanding form extends the reach of your bite attack to 10 feet. Also, your walking speed increases to 40 feet, and your fly speed increases to 60 feet.
At 10th level, you've reached your full size as a young dragon. Your size is Large, and your Fly speed is 80 feet.
Multiattack
Beginning at 3rd level, when you take the attack action to use your bite attack, you may make a claw attack as a bonus action.
At 7th level, you may make two claw attacks as a bonus action whenever you take the attack action to make a bite attack.
Ability Score Improvement
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature (but see below).
At 4th level, and again at 8th level, the Strength or Constitution score you may attain through Ability Score Improvement or other means is increased by 2. As the dragon grows in experience and in size, its connection to the element of its birth. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d8 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the length of your line of acid increases to 30 feet. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. Accomplished Swimmer: Starting at 5th level, your swim speed increases to 40 feet. Acid Bite: Also at 5th level, the damage of your acid bite increases to 1d6, then to 1d8 at 10th level. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d10 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the length of your line of acid increases to 60 feet. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. Digger: Starting at 5th level, your burrow speed increases to 20 feet. Lightning Bite: Also at 5th level, the damage of your lightning bite increases to 1d8, then to 1d10 at 10th level. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d6 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the length of your line of fire increases to 40 feet. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. At 10th level, the area of your Sleep Breath increases to a 30 foot cone, and each creature in the area that fails its save, falls unconscious for 5 minutes. Digger: Starting at 5th level, your burrow speed increases to 20 feet. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d10 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the length of your line of fire increases to 60 feet. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. At 10th level, the area of your Repulsion Breath increases to a 30 foot cone, and each creature in the area that fails its save is pushed 40 feet away. Accomplished Swimmer: Starting at 5th level, your swim speed increases to 40 feet. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d8 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the length of your line of acid increases to 40 feet. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. At 10th level, the area of your Slowing Breath increases to a 30 foot cone. Adept Climber: Starting at 5th level, your climb speed increases to 40 feet. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d10 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the area of your breath weapon increases to a 30 foot cone. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. At 10th level, the area of your Weakening Breath increases to a 30 foot cone. Accomplished Swimmer: Starting at 5th level, your swim speed increases to 40 feet. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d6 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the area of your breath weapon increases to a 30 foot cone. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. Accomplished Swimmer: Starting at 5th level, your swim speed increases to 40 feet. Poison Bite: Also at 5th level, the damage of your poison bite increases to 1d10, then to 2d6 at 10th level. Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d6 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the area of your breath weapon increases to a 30 foot cone. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level. Adept Climber: Starting at 5th level, your climb speed increases to 40 feet.Draconic Might
Dragontype
Black Dragon
Blue Dragon
Brass Dragon
Bronze Dragon
Copper Dragon
Gold Dragon
Green Dragon
Red Dragon
Fire Bite: Also at 5th level, the damage of your fire bite increases to 1d8, then to 1d10 at 10th level.
Silver Dragon
Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d8 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the area of your breath weapon increases to a 30 foot cone. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level.
At 10th level, the area of your Paralyzing Breath increases to a 30 foot cone.
White Dragon
Breath Weapon: Starting at 1st level, the damage of your breath weapon increases by 1d8 at each young dragon level. At 5th level, the area of your breath weapon increases to a 30 foot cone. You also gain an additional use of your breath weapon at 1st, 5th, and 10th level.
Ice Walk: Starting at 5th level, your burrow speed increases to 20 feet, your swim speed increases to 40 feet, and you may move across and climb icy surfaces, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn't cost extra movement.
Cold Bite: Also at 5th level, the damage of your cold bite increases to 1d6, then to 1d8 at 10th level.
Background
All dragon characters raised among humanoids have the Hatchling background.
Hatchling
Dragons hatch from eggs and begin life as wyrmlings, miniature dragons that are as cute as they are deadly. Many are raised by their dragon priests, but some are fostered by other creatures, and some are simply left to wander and fend for themselves.
In your case, you've already spent a considerable amount of time around humanoids. Maybe you were raised from a hatchling by a humanoid foster family, or maybe your dragon parents had close humanoid allies who you interacted with and learned from. This early exposure left you with an understanding of humanoid ways and a willingness to adventure that most of your dragon kin lack.
Skill Proficiencies. Perception, Stealth.
Languages. Any one language spoken by the humanoids with which you were fostered.
Equipment. A few shiny baubles that aren't worth much, but with which you are loathe to part (such as glass beads, pewter figurines, quartz crystals, polished brass buttons, or similar small trinkets), a special wearable harness to which you can attach pockets, pouches, and equipment. You have a small coin pouch with 5 gp worth of various coins.
Feature: Dragon Reputation
Most of the civilized world regards dragons as dangerous monsters to be feared and avoided, or killed and sold for parts. In small or remote towns, you can generally go where you please and do what you want - as long as you aren't hurting anyone or destroying people's livelihood, most common folk will be too afraid to interfere. Primitive humanoid tribes and lone creatures in the wilderness, even unintelligent ones, tend to treat you with much the same respect. In large towns and cities, you may get the opposite reaction: the town guard will question you upon entry, and may send soldiers or militia members to escort you around, ready to drive you off at the slightest provocation.
Humanoid Relationships
You were raised among humanoids or alongside them. How did this come to pass? Roll on the table below, and then decide the specific details about the people who raised you, such as their race, profession, and alignment. How well do you get along with them now? How well do you know your dragon parents?
Suggested Characteristics
Dragons are creatures with strong and prominent personalities. Even those of the highest good are proud, often to the point of arrogance. The nice ones try not to be rude about it; they just know that they are better than other creatures. All dragons crave treasure, which can seem greedy to lesser beings. Other characteristics can vary considerably, tending towards what humanoids would consider extreme or eccentric.
| d10 | Humanoid Relationships |
|---|---|
| 1 | You hatched, and there was no-one around, so you just wandered into the nearest village. |
| 2 | You were the runt of the clutch - your siblings forced you to leave your dragon parent's lair. |
| 3 | An adventurer came upon your clutch just as you were hatching, and adopted you. |
| 4 | Your egg was stolen by a cruel master who wanted a dragon servant. |
| 5 | You and your dragon parents just don't see eye-to-eye. You left home to live with the humanoids as an act of rebellion. |
| 6 | You were a disappointment to your dragon parents, who kicked you out of the lair in the hopes that you would change your ways. |
| 7 | As part of an ancient pact, you were to be raised by the great-great-grandchild of a humanoid your dragon parents helped to raise. |
| 8 | You observed the humanoids, and became fascinated with them, desiring to learn their ways. |
| 9 | You believe it is your destiny to protect those weaker than you, so you sought them out. |
| 10 | Your dragon parents have a scheme to infiltrate human civilization, and you are their willing agent. |
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'll talk your ear off, if you'll let me. |
| 2 | I love the arts - music, poetry, theater. |
| 3 | I eat constantly, and love to try new foods. |
| 4 | I am incredibly lazy. When you live for 1,000 years, what's the big hurry? |
| 5 | I like to admire and show off my treasure. |
| 6 | I always talk down to people, and I don't understand why this bothers them, since I am clearly superior. |
| 7 | Jokes, puns, and riddles are my primary language. |
| 8 | Anger, joy, sorrow, passion - I express my emotions freely and have wild mood swings. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Greed. My only concern is to grow my hoard. (Evil) |
| 2 | Curiosity. I want to experience all that life has to offer. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Independence. Everyone should do what they want, and not be beholden to anyone else. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Knowledge. Information is the most valuable treasure. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Noble Obligation. Imust protect and care for those weaker than me. (Good) |
| 6 | Honor. I must act as befitting one of my high station. (Lawful) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | One of my humanoid friends is guarding my treasure hoard while I travel. |
| 2 | I find humanoids most fascinating. |
| 3 | I seek revenge against a more powerful creature. |
| 4 | I have learned a secret clue to the location of a great treasure hoard. |
| 5 | Humanoids are weak and need my protection. |
| 6 | I will prove to everyone that I am the wisest and most powerful. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | All treasure is rightfully mine. All of it. |
| 2 | I find humanoids most delicious. |
| 3 | Those who insult me must submit or die. |
| 4 | Why tell the truth when a lie will suffice? |
| 5 | I put myself in harm's way to protect weaker creatures, which is just about everyone. |
| 6 | Everyone is beneath me. They should defer to my wishes. |
Ancient
Creatures
of Legend
Everyone wants to play a dragon, or... if everyone doesn't, then a lot of us do. Only there's so many problems that come up when you try to play a legendary killing machine in a party of "normal" heroes.
Well, what is normal, anyway? And why shouldn't you be able to play a dragon in a balanced party? Well, now you can: take on the roll of a wyrmling raised by the morsal - I mean mortal - races. Or a young dragon coming into its power and eager to explore the world (and the Treasures within). So go ahead, with claw and tooth and wing, go forth and find your adventure! Or something.
Cover Art: Luffie (Used without permission)
So go ahead. With Tooth and Claw and Wing, go forth and find your adventure as a True Dragon!
More Credits
Quite a lot of the flavor text and some of the mechanics were blatantly stolen from the "Player Character Dragons" PDF by William J. Scott III.
http://www.enworld.org/forum/rpgdownloads.php?do=download&downloadid=1253
Also, I still don't know who created any of the art herein. It's all temporary place holders, while I learn how to draw dragons. If you or someone you know wants to art someehing up for me, I'd gladly credit you, and I might be conned into paying for it, if I can use it in other things too.