Dragonborn
TORINN OF KIMBATUUL HELD THE IRON-SCALED Dragonborn by the throat as his his eyes blazed with an immutable scorn.
"I name you monster." he spat to the creatures face.
The iron-scale met Torinn's azure gaze, and spoke with confidence. "I am Roda'Kar, like you."
Torinn roared, clenched his blue-scaled fist tighter on the iron-scaled neck, and slammed his foe to the ground. A cloud of fine red dust rose from the sandy ground at the impact. The haze plumed away from Torinn's snout as he snarled, his bared fangs gleaming in the desert sun.
"You dare call yourself Roda'Kar in the presence of True Blood? I am Roda'Kar." He said, tapping a claw against his rich blue scales. "You are Mokraok; imposter, abomination! A tool built to serve mortal whims. An insult to nature!"
Coils of lightning boiled from Torinn's maw as he spoke, the brilliant light reflected in the gleaming iron scales beneath him. The iron-scale showed no fear, and for all that Torrin loathed the creature, he had to respect that.
"You have no more earned your heritage than I. You are of dragon and man, just as I. What right do you have to call me monster. As I am, so too are you."
At those words Torinn errupted. His every muscle clenched as he reared his head back and opened wide his jaws. The very air tore as a flood of searing lightning poured from his scaly maw, down upon the face of iron beneath. Burning plasma lanced along the sandy ground, leaving trails of smoldered glass.
Torinn rose and stalked away, the scents of ozone and charred flesh rising in his wake.
By Plate and Scale
Dragonborn is a misleading term, oft used as an umbrella to desribe two peoples who are as different as they are the same.
The Chromatic Dragonborn -those possessive of red, blue, green, white, or black scales- are true blooded children of dragons. They bear a direct lineage to the natural god-made dragons of Oondan, a heritage shown in their colored scales and furious elemental breaths.
Contrapuntal to the Chromatic are the Metallic Dragonborn. These Dragonborn are not the work of nature, but of man. Manufactured by the Bio-Priests of the Mortal Consortium, the Metallic Dragons -of gold, cobalt, iron, silver, and copper scales- are the result of an unnatural combination of biology and arcanery. Each made for a specific purpose within their growing empire.
Yet for all that divides these creatures from each other, they are more similar than the Chromatic Dragonborn would ever admit. Both are irrevocably united by their draconic nature, instilled by nature or artifice. Be they Chromatic or Metallic, they are a union of dragon and mortal, and that is a powerful bond.
Art Credit
Ryan Wardlow
Strong and Devoted
Despite their differences in origin, all Dragonborn are, by some means or other, a derivative of the true dragons. As such they have inherited many traits from their ancestors. One such trait is their strength of body and bond. The great might of dragons flows through them, making a hardy and powerful people. In addition to being physically imposing, Dragonborn place high value on loyalty. If a Dragonborn swears an oath, be it to a man, a clan, a kingdom, or a divine; it is a rare thing for them to break it.
Fearsome Dragon Kin
Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, albeit lacking wings. They are tall and strongly built, often standing close to 6½ feet tall and weighing 300 pounds or more. Their hands and feet are strong, talonlike claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand. A Dragonborn's scales are a point of pride amongst both distinctions, taking care to ensure they are clean and vibrant. The scales of a Chromatic Dragonborn match the color of their closest full dragon ancestor. Meanwhile the small and finer scales of the Metallic Dragonborn are colored to represent the duty they were each made to serve.
Art Credit
Mitchell Malloy
Chromatic Dragonborn
Self-Sufficient Clans
While not universally true, most Chromatic Dragonborn -or Roda'Kar, as they call themselves- hail from independent isolated clans. To any of these Chromatic Dragonborn. the clan is more important than life itself. They owe their devotion and respect to their clan above all else, even the divines. Each Chromatic Dragonborn's conduct reflects on the honor of his or her clan, and bringing dishonor to the clan can result in expulsion and exile. Each knows his or her station and duties within the clan, and honor demands maintaining the bounds of that position. Some of the mightiest clans may even have a full dragon acting as leader and protector, though usually as part of a mutually beneficial arrangement.
It is a common assumption that these clans are made exclusively of one coloration, and while that is certainly true of some, it is not the majority. There may be some degree of prejudice between Chromatic Dragonborn of different ancestry, however it is usually expressed more as intrafamilial competition than genuine scorn.
A continual drive for self-improvement reflects the self-sufficiency of the race as a whole. Dragonborn value skill and excellence in all endeavors. They hate to fail, and they push themselves to extreme efforts before they give up on something. A dragonborn holds mastery of a particular skill as a lifetime goal. Members of other races who share the same commitment find it easy to earn the respect of a dragonborn.
Though all Dragonborn strive to be self-sufficient, Chromatic or otherwise, they recognize that help is sometimes needed in difficult situations. But the best source for such help is the clan, and when a clan needs help. it turns to another Dragonborn clan before seeking aid from other races.
Proud Heritage
The Chromatic Dragonborn are immensely proud of their true dragon heritage. The name Roda'Kar by which they refer to their species roughly translates to "Second Below Divine". The only creatures they place above themselves are full dragons, which they name Avet'Kar or "First Below Divine".
From most, this belief of superiority is a subtle and harmless thing. They do not belittle the races they perceive as beneath them, or act with hostile entitlement. The Chromatic Dragonborn are content to quietly accept all others as lesser, but still creatures worth merit.
Although there is one exception to this, the blatant hatred they have for Metallic Dragons and Dragonborn. They dub the Metallic Dragons as Mok'Rar "Thieves of Divines" and the subsequent Dragonborn as Mokraok "Thieves of Thieves."
Chromatic Dragonborn Names
Dragonborn have personal names given at birth,but they put their clan names first as a mark of honor.
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, Raian, Sora, Surina, Thava, Uadjit
Clan Names: Clethtinthiallor, Daardendrian, Delmirev, Drachedandion, Fenkenkabradon, Kepeshkmolik, Kerrhylon, Kimbatuul, Linxakasendalor, Myastan, Shestendeliath, Turnuroth, Verthisathurgiesh, Yarjerit
Chromatic Dragonborn Traits
Your draconic identity manifests in a variety of traits you share with other dragonborn, as well as unique aspects based on your color.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
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 to be around 80.
Alignment. Dragonborn tend to the extremes of the spectrum. Whether lawful, chaotic, good, or evil, a dragonborn is a paragon of their beliefs.
Size. Dragonborn are taller and heavier than humans, standing well over 6 feet tall and averaging almost 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Breath Weapon. When you take the Attack action, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation of elemental energy, dealing damage in an area according to your ancestry. When using your breath weapon, all creatures in the area must make a saving throw determined by your ancestry. The DC of this saving throw is 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 3d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increase to 4d6 at 5th level, 5d6 at 11th, and 6d6 at 17th level.
You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and regain all uses after a long rest
Lesser Breath You are able to expel a minuscule portion of your dragon breath. At will you can create a harmless elemental effect from your mouth. Something like a small plume of fiery smoke, a bit of caustic spittle, a froth of icy mist, or some other such effect related to your draconic heritage.
Dragon's Claws Your fingers are tipped draconic claws. The claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the normal bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.
Natural Armor. You have tough, scaly skin. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity 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.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic. You were never taught Draconic, it simply exists in your mind as a gift from your ancestors.
Color. As with their progenitor dragons, Chromatic Dragonborn are divided into one of five different scale colors, with correlating strengths to match. These colors are Red, Blue, Green, White, and Black
Art Credit
Ryan Wardlow
Red
Red dragons, or the Dragon Kings as they are known by some, represent devastation and cunning in equal measure. Such is true of their descendants.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to fire damage.
Breath Weapon. Your breath weapon is an intense blast of flame. It deals fire damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. Creatures that fail the saving throw take an additional 1d6 fire damage on the start of their turn for the next minute or until damage equaling three times your proficiency bonus is dealt. a creature can use its action to put out the flames on itself or another creature.
Blue
To be the ancestor of the blue dragons usually means a penchant for freedom of thought and precision. Much like the Blue dragons themselves, there may also be a slight proclivity for perfectionism.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to Lightning damage
Breath Weapon. Your breath weapon is a radiant bolt of lightning. It deals lightning damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. Creatures hit by your Breath Weapon have disadvantage against the save if wearing armor made of metal. Targets that fail the saving throw have disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of your next turn.
Green
The Green-Scaled dragons, and their progeny, are lithe and small bodied when compared to their cousins, yet they are vicious all the same. Above all other dragons, the Green do love for a good hunt.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to poison damage.
Breath Weapon. Your breath weapon is an eruption of noxious fumes. It deals poison damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Consitution saving throw. Creatures that fail the saving throw against your Breath Weapon become poisoned for the next minute. They may repeat the saving throw at the end of their turn, ending the effect on a success.
Art Credit
Sarah Lindstrom
White
White dragons are a bit of an oddity amongst their kin, reveling in the company of mortals far more than most, often shifting forms to speak and walk amongst them. White Dragonborn share their progenitors' social proclivities. Of all the Dragonborn, the White-Scaled are the most likely to venture off from their clan and live amongst others.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to cold damage.
Breath Weapon. Your breath weapon is an vicious icy blast. It deals cold damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Consitution saving throw. Creatures that fail the saving throw against your Breath Weapon have their speed reduced to 0 until the end of your next turn.
Black
These dragons, and their Dragonborn descendants, are by far the sturdiest and most reclusive of their kind. They keep to themselves, often living in small clans, or by themselves.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to acid damage
Breath Weapon. Your breath weapon is a stream of caustic acid. It deals acid damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. Creatures that fail the saving throw against your Breath Weapon have their armor class reduced by 2 until they take a short or long rest. This effect does not stack.
Metallic Dragonborn
Made With Purpose
The Metallic Dragonborn exist solely through the designs of the Mortal Consortium. Seeking to create a force of soldiers that could rival the power of their immortal foes, the Consortium's Bio-Priests made the Metallic Dragons. Though they soon realized that full Metallic dragons were too costly, and bred too slowly to act as the entire strength of the Consortium. So, taking another page from nature's work, they began production on their own Dragonborn.
Each variety of Metallic Dragon, or Dragonborn, is drawn from the biology of a specific Chromatic Dragon. As such, each has certain inborn affinities and traits. The Bio-Priests capitalized on these traits, and created each color of dragon served a purpose that best aligned with their natural strengths.
Gold Dragonborn come from the great Red dragons, and are made to be elite guards for the Consortium's important personnel. The most intelligent and free minded of the Metallic Dragonborn, they think and act quickly to ensure the safety of their wards.
The Cobalt come from Blue dragons, and their natural discerning wisdom made them well suited to serve as unbiased inquisitors of the Consortium's own people. Innocent or guilty, all citizens of the Consortium; from lords to peasants, live in fear of the watchful eyes of the Cobalt-Scale.
Iron Dragonborn were the first to be created, derived from the serpentine Green dragons, and are the most violent of their kind. The design of these is intended for nothing but combat, conditioned in mind and body to strike down the enemies of the Mortal Consortium. Yet somewhat ironically, the Iron-scale are far and above the most frequent deserters among the Dragonborn ranks.
Art Credit
Daniel Alekow
Most people think of the Silver Dragonborn as the ambassadors of the Consortium, often seen traveling to other nations in small groups accompanied by a Consortium sorceress. Their relation to the personable White dragons makes them a near ideal candidate for the role after all. Not to say that the Silver-scale don't serve this purpose, but it is not their specialty. Their true strength and training is in acting as a means of keeping the Consortium's magically inclined in check.
Last, and oft considered least, are the Copper Dragonborn. Pulled from Black dragon biology, they have a hardiness unrivaled by any other Dragonborn. Highlighting their endurance, the Bio-Priests engineered them to be the perfect workforce. Able to exert themselves for hours upon hours without tiring, they are an invaluable resource.
More Than Tools
Despite being grown in hidden chambers beneath the soil, despite being biologically designed to serve one purpose, despite being seen as little more than subservient drones for their mortal creators, the Metallic Dragonborn are each distinct individuals. They are "born" with one goal in mind, but are not single minded golems. Each Metallic Dragonborn has their own personality.
Most serve their intended duty willingly and with little complaint, but some want more. Some abandon thier post to lead their own lives, and fill their own wishes. Granted such individuals are considered treasonous dissenters who are often captured and dragged away never to be seen again. What's more, without the aid of a Bio-Priest most live tragically short lives. These obstacles discourages most from seeking their own goals, but not all.
Metallic Dragonborn Names
Metallic Dragonborn are not given names, but rather are assigned designation numbers upon their creation. Usually these names will be representative of the Bio-Priest that oversaw their gestation, followed by a sequence of letters and numbers that correlate to what they are and when they were made. For an example Vallice GDB 3-47 would be the 47th Gold Dragonborn, from the third batch made by Bio-Priest Vallice.
Outside of that, many will assume claimed names as a form of individuality. These names can range in origin, some derived from their designation, others from a particular personality trait, an achievement, a physical attribute, a goal, or a host of other things. A claimed name can be just about anything, but it represents an important aspect of a given Dragonborn's identity and will be respected by other Metallic Dragonborn.
Designations: Rikter CbD 2-2, Loman ID 433-567, Regis CpD 201-76
Claimed Names: See-the-Ocean, Sixhorn, Oldheart, Axesnap, Ri-Fi, Twenty-one-one
Metallic Dragonborn Traits
Many of your traits are consistent with those of Chromatic Dragonborn, yet you do not possess the breath weapon of the true descendants. In exchange for that lost power, each Metallic Dragonborn has a unique ability designed to benefit the purpose for which each type was made.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Art Credit
Alex Scrivener (Top Left)
Kim Van Deun (Bottom Right)
Age. Metallic Dragonborn are often short lived creatures. They start their lives at a biological age of roughly 20, then age at half the normal rate. Under most circumstances they live for about 30 years, dying at a biological age of about 35. However, if deemed particularly valuable -or to encourage loyalty- a Bio-Priest may be able to extend their creation's lifespan by up to 100 years.
Alignment. Metallic Dragonborn are built to serve, and as such tend to have accommodating dispositions. Most tend towards Lawful Neutral, however, work of the Bio-Priests is not exact and any range of personalities may surface.
Size. Metallic Dragonborn are taller and heavier than humans, standing well over 6 feet tall and averaging almost 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Lesser Breath Though unable to unleash a full draconic breath you are still able to express a minuscule portion of your dragon ancestry. At will you can create a harmless elemental effect from your mouth. Something like a small plume of fiery smoke, a bit of caustic spittle, a froth of icy mist, or some other such effect related to your draconic heritage.
Dragon's Claws Retractable claws grow from the tips of your fingers. Extending or retracting the claws requires no action. The claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the normal bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.
Natural Armor. You have tough, scaly skin. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity 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.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write
Common and Draconic. Even without a true
dragon's bloodline, the tongue of their ancient
language still rests within you.
Color. Each variety of Metallic
Dragonborn is created to fulfill a
specific purpose within the
Mortal Consortium. The duty
they were made to perform is
openly displayed by the coloration
of their scales, either Gold, Cobalt,
Iron, Silver, or Copper.
Gold
Designed to function as the elite guard of the Consortium's aristocracy, the Gold Dragonborn are protectors by instinct. Built from repurposed Red dragon biology, traces of their fiery power still remains.
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to fire damage.
Burning Guard When a creature you can see attacks a target other than you that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction to give your ally +2 AC against that attack. You may do so after the attacker rolls, but before any affects occur. If this successfully blocks the attack the attacker takes 1d6 fire damage. You may use this feature a number of times equal to half your proficiency bonus rounded down.
Cobalt
The most feared Metallic Dragonborn, but only by
those within the Consortium. The Cobalt-Scale
are made to act as a clandestine internal police
force, ever watchful for sedition or even the thought
of treason.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom scores
increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to
lightning damage.
Inquisitor's Ire Once per long rest you
may cast detect thoughts without using
verbal, somatic, or material components.
The DC for the spell equals 8 + your
Wisdom modifier + your proficiency bonus.
If you try to probe deeper against a
target and they fail their saving
throw, you may choose to deal
1d6 lightning damage to them
at the end of the spell.
You may only
damage one target
per casting.
Iron
The first, and most plentiful, of the Metallic Dragonborn the Iron-Scale are bred for war. Strong and agile, with claws tipped in poison, they are indeed mighty soldiers. However, it aught be said that of any Metallic Dragonborn, none abandon the Consortium as often as these.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to poison damage.
Soldier's Tools Your claw attacks deal added poison damage equal to half your proficiency bonus, rounded down. Additionally, when making a claw attack, you may use Strength or Dexterity for the attack and damage rolls.
Claw Rush As an action once per long rest you may make a claw attack against a creature within 5ft of you. Regardless if it hits, you may move up to 5ft and make another claw attack against a different creature. You may then move 10ft and make two claw attacks against a third creature. This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks.
Silver
Ostensibly, the Silver Dragonborn are ambassadors and consorts to the Consortium's sorceresses. While they do serve this function, in reality their primary purpose is to encourage the magic wielders they accompany to remain loyal. Or, to remove those that don't.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to cold damage.
Mage-Keeper When a creature within 5ft of you casts a spell, you may use your reaction to make one melee weapon attack against that creature. If this hits a target that is concentrating on a spell, that creature has disadvantage on the saving throw it makes to maintain concentration.
Copper
The Copper Dragonborn constitute the backbone of the Mortal Consortium. The Coppper-Scale were built for the purpose of labor. Many Metallic Dragonborn look down on them, but their relentless diligence forms an essential piece of the Consotrium's growth and stability.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry You have resistance to acid damage.
Powerful Build You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Tireless Worker As an action once per long rest you can enter an unconscious state for up to 10 minutes. You are awoken early if you take damage or someone uses an action to wake you. If you remain unconscious for the full duration, you gain the benefit of a short rest. Additionally, this rest removes one level of exhaustion.
