## Dragonborn *I thought we were dead for certain, when suddenly, a man in full plate armor shows up. My first thought was alright, we're still gonna die, but we're gonna take some more of these undead with us. Next thing I know, he's popped the visor on his helmet, and breathing out fire! I survived that obviously, but the sight of fire poring out of whoever that was and torching those skeletons, has stuck with me to this day.*      - Karst, retelling the tale of the assault on his town <br> Born of dragons, as their name proclaims, the dragonborn walk proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. The result of dragon blood diluted through the generations, dragonborn are still a sight to behold. Dragonborn mostly live in enclaves of their kind, whether that's in the Embrace in Asharia or the city-state of Balcrath, or in a group of other dragonborn in a city. ### Draconic Bloodlines While a half-dragon or draconic sorcerer would have more direct dragon blood, dragonborn are several generations away from true dragons; while a half-dragon might have their father be a dragon, a dragonborn would, at most recent, have a dragon as their great-grandfather. ___ However, the blood of a particular type of dragon runs strong through all dragonborn. A dragonborn’s color imparts many traits upon them, including varying types of breath weapon, as well as scales that closely match those of their dragon ancestor — bright red, green, blue, or white, lustrous black, or gleaming metallic gold, silver, brass, copper, or bronze. Some rarer types of dragons do exist, and some rare dragonborn live with these traits, such as brown, gray, or purple scales, as well as even rarer metals of adamantine, mithral, or steel. These rare dragonborn typically do not mingle with larger societies or groups of dragonborn, and worship different gods. Some say these rare dragonborn do not have their origin in this world, or are unnatural. \columnbreak ### Intermingled Cultures While originally dragonborn very closely resemble their draconic forefathers in appearance, generations of breeding through different types have caused many dragonborn to develop more dulled shades of scales. Some dragonbon however, are intent on preserving the purity of their ancestry, and go to great lengths to only breed with dragonborn of their scale color, while some believe that the opposite is true, and go to great lengths to diversity their bloodline. ### Remnants of Greatness After the fall of the giant kingdoms, dragonborn became masters of the land. Forming great empires, city-states, and towns, their rule was unchallenged. While no one knows what ended this empire, dragonborn to this day hold their head high as if they were still masters of the world, no matter their position in life. Dragonborn are big believers in expressing confidence no matter the situation, and showing no deference to anyone's face, except when absolutely necessary. ### Unnatural or Otherworldly Besides the primary ten dragonborn types, many dragonborn are born of unnatural dragons, or oddly adapted ones. Some have odd, if somewhat commonly known origins like the Faerie and Shadow dragonborn who are known to be descended from dragons touched by the Material Echo planes, which go by many names but are commonly called the Feywild and Shadowfell, or Brightlands and Shadowlands respectively. Some have commonly theorized and easily explained explanations, such as dragon turtles being native to the Elemental Plane of Water, but no one has been able to confirm this. Others think that purple dragons are the result of a blasphemous ritual done by Malisvoc on fang dragons to make them in his image. ### Self Sufficient Most dragonborn firmly believe in supporting the unit (whether a clan, city-state, or adventuring party) over themselves, and for them the best way to do that is to be self-sufficient. Dragonborn like to hunt for themselves, or survive on as little food and water as possible. As a result of this, some dragonborn have evolved to be like their draconic ancestors, and are capable of consuming and surviving on precious metals and jewels. On the other end of the spectrum however, some dragonborn rebel against this mindset, and are gluttonous and extravagent. <img src='https://www.gmbinder.com/images/OVQ7zz7.png' style='position:absolute; top:700px; right:250px; width:600px; transform: scaleX(-1);' /> \pagebreakNum ### Dragonborn Names Dragonborn have personal names given at birth, but they put their clan names first as a mark of honor. A childhood name or nickname is often used among clutchmates as a descriptive term or a term of endearment. The name might recall an event or center on a habit. - **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 ### Dragonborn Traits Your dragonborn character shares many traits in common with all other dragonborn. ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your choice of your Constitution or Charisma score increases by 1, and your Strength score increases by 1. ***Age.*** Young dragonborn grow quickly. They walk hours after hatching, attain the size and development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 3, and reach Adulthood by 15. They live well over 400 years, with some more in tune with their draconic ancestry living even longer. ***Alignment.*** Dragonborn tend to extremes, making a conscious choice for one side or the other in the cosmic war between good and evil. Some dragonborn are merely playful tricksters however, and those tend to be neutral. ***Size.*** Dragonborn are taller and heavier than humans, standing significantly over 7 feet tall and averaging almost 300 pounds. Your size is Medium. ***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 30 feet. ***Tenfold Shields.*** A dragonborn's scales, while not quite as a thick as a true dragon's, can divert most blows. When you are not wearing armor, your AC is 12 + your Constitution modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor. ***Draconic Ancestry.*** You have draconic ancestry. Choose one type of dragon from the Draconic Ancestry table. Your breath weapon, damage resistance, and choice of ASI are determined by the dragon type, as shown in the table. This will also be your subrace. \columnbreak ##### Draconic Ancestry |Dragon | Damage Type | Breath Weapon | ASI |:-----------|:------|:----|:----| |Adamantine|Thunder |5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Cha/ Con |Black |Acid |5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Dex/ Int |Blue |Lightning|5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Wis/ Cha |Brass |Fire |5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Cha/ Con |Bronze |Lightning| 5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Dex/ Cha |Brown |Fire |5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Str/ Int |Copper |Acid |5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Cha/ Int |Gold |Fire |15 ft. cone (Dex. save) | Dex/ Cha |Gray |Acid |5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Wis/ Cha |Green |Poison |15 ft. cone (Con. save) | Int/ Wis |Mithral|Radiant|5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Con/ Wis |Purple |Psychic|15 ft. cone (Int. save) | Int/ Wis |Red |Fire |15 ft. cone (Dex. save) | Str/ Cha |Silver |Cold |15 ft. cone (Con. save) | Str/ Int |Steel |Force |5 by 30 ft. line (Dex. save) | Cha/ Int |White |Cold |15 ft. cone (Con. save) | Str/ Wis <img src='https://www.enworld.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=72660&d=1451315024' style='position:absolute; top:520px; right:70px; width:300px; mix-blend-mode:darken' /> \pagebreakNum ***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 the exhalation must make a saving throw, the type of which is determined by your draconic ancestry. A creature takes 2d6 + your proficiency bonus damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d6 at 5th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can not use it again until you complete a short or long rest. ***Breath Weapon DC*** = 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency Bonus. ***Damage Resistance.*** You have resistance to the damage type associated with your draconic ancestry. ***Languages.*** You can speak, read, and write Minor Anguis and one additional language of your choice. ***Subrace.*** Most dragonborn are descended from either a metallic or chromatic true dragon, and sometimes multiple. Choose a subrace, which represents your scale color and racial traits. The chromatics are black, blue, brown, gray, green, purple, red, and white, while the metallics are adamantine, brass, bronze, copper, gold, mithral, silver, and steel. Brown, gray, purple, adamantine, mithral and steel are significantly rarer, either due to their otherworldly origin, or by how they were created or where they live. Dragonborn descended from dragon turtles, shadow dragons, and faerie dragons also exist, though they're very rare as well. #### Adamantine You are descended from the proud and short-tempered Adamantine dragons of the Underway. ***Booming Scales.*** You can release the thunder stored in your scales. You know the *thunderclap* cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability modifier for it. ***Draconic Strength.*** You have proficiency in the Athletics skill. ***Extra Language.*** You know the Kostebek language. #### Black You are related to the evil-tempered and vile black dragons, who live in the swamps and remains of ancient kingdoms. ***Amphibious.*** You can breath both air and water, and have a swimming speed of 30 feet. ***Vile Nature.*** Black dragons live in disgusting filth, and have adapted accordingly. You have advantage on checks to resist disease. #### Blue You are related to the vain and territorial blue dragons, who live in the deserts and coasts, far from society. ***Desert Dweller.*** You ignore the effects of extreme heat, and have advantage on Constitution checks and saving throws made to resist exhaustion. ***Horn.*** Like blue dragons, you have a very prominent horn on your head. Your horn is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for unarmed strikes. <img src='https://64.media.tumblr.com/48d2992eba2aee65837f2e1244679958/tumblr_inline_ojuf2m4y7K1uudcoe_1280.jpg' style='position:absolute;bottom:-00px;right:-140px;width:700px;'> <img src='https://www.gmbinder.com/images/cPPYV7h.png' style='position:absolute;bottom:-160px;right:205px;width:1090px;transform:rotate(270deg);'> \pagebreakNum #### Brass Your ancestors were the gregarious and fast learning brass dragons, who live in arid regions. ***Sleep Sand.*** You can't unwillingly be put to sleep. ***Fast Learner.*** You have a knack for learning new things, even without proper instruction. You know two additional languages of your choice, and have proficiency in the Persuasion skill. #### Bronze You are descended from the friendly and just bronze dragons, who live by the coast. ***Amphibious.*** You can breath both air and water, and have a swimming speed of 30 feet. ***Insightful.*** You are good at reading people. You have proficiency in the Insight skill. #### Brown You are related to the reserved and content brown dragons, who live beneath the sand in the desert. ***Sandy Life.*** You ignore difficult terrain caused by sand, and you have advantage on saving throws and ability checks against quicksand. ***Ambusher.*** You are good at getting the jump on people. You have proficiency in the Stealth skill. #### Copper Your ancestors were copper dragons, who delight in pranks and tricks. ***Friend of the Beasts.*** Through sound and gestures, you may communicate simple ideas with small or smaller beasts. ***Climber.*** You are skilled at scaling cliffs and walls. You have a climbing speed of 30 feet. #### Gold You are related to the powerful and majestic gold dragons. They dwell underwater or in other hard to reach places, and enjoy the natural beauty of the world. ***Amphibious.*** Gold dragons can live on breath air and water, and so can you. You can breath both air and water. ***Golden Gaze.*** When you lock eyes with a creature, you can flare your eyes with unnaturally bright light. When you make an attack roll, you may choose to do so with advantage. A creature is immune to this effect if it can't see. You regain the ability to do so after finishing a short rest or long rest. #### Gray Your ancestor was a venal and brutish gray dragon, who live in caves and ravines near badlands and dry prairies. ***Basilisk Hunter.*** You are an ancient rival of the basilisks, and have adapted accordingly. You have advantage on saving throws against spells and effects that would petrify you. ***Sharp Eyes.*** You have proficiency in the Perception skill. ***Climber.*** You have a climbing speed of 30 feet. <img src='https://www.gmbinder.com/images/wnuv0n7.jpg' style='position:absolute;bottom:0px;right:-140px;width:700px;'> <img src='https://www.gmbinder.com/images/cPPYV7h.png' style='position:absolute;bottom:-160px;right:205px;width:1090px;transform:rotate(270deg);'> \pagebreakNum #### Green You are related to the cunning and treacherous green dragons, who roam the ancient forests. ***Amphibious.*** Green dragons can live on land and underwater, and so can you. You can breath both air and water, and have a swimming speed of 30 feet. ***Draconic Resilience.*** You have advantage on saving throws to resist being poisoned. #### Mithral Your ancestor was one of the most powerful of all the dragons, a mithral dragon. They live mostly in the Astral Sea, and hide from those powerful enough to kill them. ***Blinding Resilience.*** You have advantage on saving throws against being blinded. ***Divine Authority.*** You know the *word of radiance* cantrip. ***Small Dragon in a Big Sea.*** You've gotten good at hiding from those who would hunt you. You can't unwillingly be detected or perceived by divination magic or magical scrying sensors. \columnbreak #### Purple You're descended from the forgotten and deadly purple dragons, who made their homes deep in the Underway. ***Strong Mind.*** You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep. Additionally, you know the *mage hand* cantrip. Charisma is your spellcasting ability modifier for it. When cast this way, the hand is invisible. ***Darkvision.*** 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. ***Sunlight Sensitivity.*** You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight. ***Extra Language.*** You know the Kostebek language. #### Red You're descended from the strong and greedy red dragons, who live in the mountains. ***Draconic Strength.*** You're large, even for a dragonborn. You count as one size larger for determining carry, push, pull, and drag weight. ***Arrogant.*** You have advantage on saving throws to avoid being frightened. ***Fearsome Nature.*** You've learned to leverage your size against others. You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill. <img src='https://www.gmbinder.com/images/IvGQ5jy.jpg' style='position:absolute;bottom:0px;right:0px;width:830px;'> <img src='https://www.gmbinder.com/images/cPPYV7h.png' style='position:absolute;bottom:295px;left:0px;width:830px;'> \pagebreakNum #### Silver You're related to the friendly and cheerful silver dragons, who live in the freezing mountain peaks. ***Ice Walk.*** You can move across and climb icy surfaces without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn't cost it extra moment. ***Seeker of Knowledge.*** You have proficiency in the Arcana and History skills. #### Steel You are descended from the sociable steel dragons, who enjoy the company of humans more than other dragons. As a result of this, they frequently live in large human cities, masquerading as wealthy human nobles or merchants. ***Steel Resolve.*** You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep. ***City Learning.*** You have proficiency in one of the following skills: Arcana, Deception, History, Perception, and Persuasion. #### White Your ancestors were the animalistic white dragons, who dwell in frigid climates and savagely take down their prey. ***Ice Walk.*** You can move across and climb icy surfaces without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn't cost it extra moment. ***Swimmer.*** You have a swim speed of 30 feet. ***Mask of Snow.*** You can attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured by foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, and other natural phenomena. ### Non-Chromatic or Metallic Dragons These next dragonborn types are not considered true dragonborn, due to their significantly changed nature. They are not able to take certain feats available to dragonborn descended from so called "true dragons," and may have certain traits that are redundant or conflict with base dragonborn traits. Except where stated, treat these dragonborn as you would any other, except where it explicity says to do different. They do not benefit from the Draconic Ancestry trait, due to not being on that table. \columnbreak #### Fey Your ancestor was a rare fey dragon, who are the descendants of dragons who live in the planes of Faerie for extended periods of time. Fey dragons are tiny tricksters, and that has extended to you. ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your choice of your Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma score increases by 1. This trait replaces the dragonborn's ability score increase trait. ***Size.*** Your size is Small. This trait replaces the dragonborn's size trait. ***Draconic Ancestry.*** Your breath weapon manifests a weaker version of a fey dragon's euphoria breath. One target of your choice within 10 feet must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw, or for 1 minute, the target can't take reactions and must roll a d6 at the start of each of its turns to determine its behavior during the turn: ***1-4.*** The target takes no action or bonus action and uses all of its movement to move in a random direction. This effect ends if the creature takes damage. ***5-6.*** The target doesn't move, and the only thing it can do on its turn is make a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw, ending the effect on itself on a success. ***Fey Magic.*** You learn one cantrip of your choice between *dancing lights,* *mage hand,* or *minor illusion.* ***Faerie Resilience.*** You have advantage on saving throws against illusions and against being charmed or paralyzed. Additionally, magic can't put you to sleep. ***Extra Language.*** You can speak, read, and write Sylvan in addition to your other languages. #### Mirage Mirage dragons are a type of dragon that spend a lot of time in the Feywild, and have been permanently touched by its magic. ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your choice of your Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma score increases by 1. ***Draconic Ancestry.*** Your breath weapon is a blast of psychic energy. This manifests your choice of a 15 foot cone or a 5 by 30 foot line, and requires your choice of a Dexterity or Constitution saving throw. Once chosen, your breath weapon saving throw or range cannot be changed. It deals psychic damage. Additionally, you have resistance to psychic damage. ***Mirage Resilience.*** You have advantage on saving throws against illusions and against being charmed, or paralyzed. Additionally, magic can't put you to sleep. ***Extra Language.*** You can speak, read, and write Sylvan in addition to your other languages. <img src='https://i.stack.imgur.com/Yu18h.jpg' style='position:absolute; bottom:-100px; left:10px; width:80%; transform:scale(1,1); mix-blend-mode: multiply;' /> \pagebreakNum #### Shadow Your ancestor was one of the feared shadow dragons, who are dragons touched by the magic of the Shadowfell, and forever changed. ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your choice of your Constitution or Charisma score increases by 1. ***Draconic Ancestry.*** Your breath weapon is a blast of shadowy energy. This manifests your choice of a 15 foot cone or a 5 by 30 foot line, and requires your choice of a Dexterity or Constitution saving throw. Once chosen, your breath weapon saving throw or range cannot be changed. It deals necrotic damage. Additionally, you have resistance to necrotic damage. ***Naturally Stealthy.*** You have proficiency in the Stealth skill. ***Fade Into Shadows.*** While in dim light or darkness, you can take the hide action as a bonus action. ***Darkvision.*** 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. ***Sunlight Sensitivity.*** You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight. #### Turtleborn You are descended from the rare dragon turtles of the sea. Turtleborn have a large, spiked shell on their backs, and a head akin to that of a dragon turtle. ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your choice of your Strength or Constitution score increases by 1. ***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 25 feet. ***Draconic Ancestry.*** Your breath weapon is a thick burst of steam. This manifests a 15 ft. cone requiring a Dexterity saving throw, and being underwater doesn't grant resistance against this damage. Your breath weapon and resistance type is fire. ***Natural Shell.*** Turtleborn have a thick shell that is near-impossible to penetrate. When you are not wearing armor, your AC is 12 + your Constitution modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor. ***Natural Divers.*** Turtleborn are descended from the great dragon turtles, who are only rivaled by the krakens for control of the deeps. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet. Additionally, you can breathe both air and water, and ignore the effects of extreme depths. ***Extra Language.*** You can speak, read, and write Altuzan(Aquan) in addition to your other languages. <img src='https://i.redd.it/m4xe2qkat4e11.jpg' style='position:absolute;bottom:0px;right:-175px;width:700px;'> <img src='https://www.gmbinder.com/images/cPPYV7h.png' style='position:absolute;bottom:-160px;right:205px;width:1090px;transform:rotate(270deg);'> \pagebreakNum ## Art Credits - Dragonborn - Wizards of the Coast - Dragonborn - Wizards of the Coast - Dragonborn [Martin Kirby](https://intelligencecheck.tumblr.com/post/155919071194/dd-5e-npc-ghesh-kerrhylon-dragonborn-paladin) - Dragonborn [Devtexture](https://www.deviantart.com/devtexture/art/Dragonborn-fighter-Commission-675974328) - Dragonborn [Tomasz Christowski](https://www.artstation.com/artwork/dmyg3) - Dragonborn [Tomasz Christowski](https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Q51m3) - Dragonborn [u/arthard](https://www.reddit.com/r/characterdrawing/comments/94lxts/oc_tortle_barbarian_water_color/)