Dragonborn
HER FATHER STOOD ON THE FIRST OF THE THREE stairs that led down from the portal, unmoving. The scales of his face had grown paler around the edges, but Clanless Mehen still looked as if he could wrestle down a dire bear himself. His familiar well-worn armor was gone, replaced by violet-tinted scale armor with bright silvery tracings. There was a blazon on his arm as well, the mark of some foreign house. The sword at his back was the same, though, the one he had carried since even before he had found the twins left in swaddling at the gates of Arush Vayem.
For all her life, Farideh had known that reading her father's face was a skill she'd been fortunate to learn. A human who couldn't spot the shift of her eyes or Havilar's would certainly see only the indifference of a dragon in Clanless Mehen's face. But the shift of scales, the arch of a ridge, the set of his eyes, the gape of his teeth—her father's face spoke volumes.
But every scale of it, this time, seemed completely still—the indifference of a dragon, even to Farideh.
The Adversary
Born of dragons, as their name proclaims, the dragonborn walk proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by the Dracontine as disciples or descended from dragons themselves, dragonborn originally hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race, combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life. 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 prismatic dragons, glistening chromatic dragons, brilliant gem dragons, gleaming metallic dragons, and lustrous ferrous dragons.
Devout and Devoted
Shaped in the image of the Dracontine, few races hew to their teachings as closely as the dragonborn. While certain tribes will pledge themselves to a single god, most follow the pantheon as a whole. A father might seek a blessing from Priya for his children's health, while a warrior would entreat Astur for success in battle. Many dragonborn find themselves drawn to the clergy, and dragonborn priestesses are found throughout the world.
Proud Dragon Kin
Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though most lack wings or a tail. Their small, fine scales match the color of closest ancestor. 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.
Self-Sufficient Clans
To any dragonborn. the clan is more important than life itself. Dragonborn owe their devotion and respect to their clan above all e1se, even the gods. Each 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 dragonborn knows his or her station and duties within the clan, and honor demands maintaining the bounds of that position.
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, 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.
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, Raian, 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 draconic identity manifests in a variety of traits you share with other dragonborn, as well as unique aspects based on your color.
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. 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. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 2d6 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 17th level.
After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest.
Color. In the same manner as true dragons, dragonborn are divided into a number of different colors. These colors fall into five categories:
- Chromatic — black, brown, cyan, gray, magenta, pink, violet, and white
- Ferrous — adamantine, chromium, cobalt, iron, nickel, orium, steel, and tungsten
- Gem — amethyst, crystal, diamond emerald, obsidian, pearl, topaz, and ruby
- Metallic — brass, bronze, copper, gold, mercury, mithral, platinum, and silver
- Prismatic — blue, green, indigo, orange, purple, rainbow, red, and yellow
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. Draconic is thought to be one of the oldest languages and is often used in the study of magic. The language sounds harsh to most other creatures and includes numerous hard consonants and sibilants.
Adamantine
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a blast of magical flame. It deals fire damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Amethyst
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a beam of glimmering energy. It deals force damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to poison damage.
Greater Breath Weapon. Creatures that fail their saving throw on your breath weapon are pushed 30 feet away from you.
Black
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. 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. You have resistance to acid damage.
Greater Breath Weapon. You add your Constitution modifier to the damage of your breath weapon.
Blue
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution scores each increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a bolt of lightning. It deals lightning damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to lightning damage.
Dragon of the Sand. You have a burrow speed of 30 feet.
Brass
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a gust of superheated air. It deals fire damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.
Boldly Talkative. You have proficiency in Persuasion.
Bronze
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Constitution, and Charisma scores each increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a pulse of electricity. It deals lightning damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to lightning damage.
Dragon of the Coast. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet, and you can breathe air and water.
Brown
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a cloud of corrosive sand. It deals bludgeoning damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to acid damage.
Dragon of the Sand. You have a burrow speed of 30 feet.
Chromium
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a bolt of solid ice. It deals cold damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to cold damage.
Greater Breath Weapon. You add your Constitution modifier to the damage of your breath weapon.
Cobalt
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity, Intelligence, and Wisdom scores increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a pulse of magnetic energy. It deals force damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to force damage.
Greater Breath Weapon. Creatures wearing metal armor that fail their saving throw on your breath weapon are pushed 30 feet away from you, and targets holding metal weapons are disarmed.
Copper
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a corrosive fog. It deals acid damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to acid damage.
Good Host. You have proficiency in Performance, and can speak, read, and write one extra language of your choice.
Crystal
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a bombardment of crystalline shards. It deals magical piercing damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to cold damage.
Keen Eye. You have proficiency in Perception.
Cyan
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a cloud of ionized gas. It deals lightning damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to necrotic damage.
Joyous Song. You have proficiency in Performance.
Diamond
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a blast of the sands of time, ravaging anything it touches. It deals necrotic damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Constitution saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Emerald
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a deafening sonic cry. It deals thunder damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to thunder damage.
Ancient Wisdom. You have proficiency in History.
Gold
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is purifying flames. It deals fire damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.
Reserved Companion. You have proficiency in Insight.
Gray
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a caustic ooze that dissolves flesh on contact. It deals acid damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Green
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a cloud of poisonous gas. It deals poison damage in a 15-foot cone. Your breath weapon imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to poison damage.
Manipulative Schemer. You have proficiency in Deception.
Indigo
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a blast of scouring dust. It deals slashing damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Constitution saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Iron
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a shower of superheated sparks. It deals lightning damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.
Enduring Fortitude. You can reroll a saving throw that you fail. If you do so, you must use the new roll, and you can’t use Enduring Fortitude again until you finish a long rest.
Magenta
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a maddening wail. It deals thunder damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to thunder damage.
Opportune Scavenger. You have proficiency in Survival.
Mercury
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution scores increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is an intense beam of destructive light. It deals fire damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.
Graceful Motion. You have proficiency in Acrobatics.
Mithral
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a stream of metallic shards. It deals magical piercing damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw.
Great Wyrmblood. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Nickel
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a cloud of acidic vapors. It deals thunder damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to acid damage.
Dragon of the Coast. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet, and you can breathe air and water.
Obsidian
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a blast of intense flame. It deals fire damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.
Ambush Predator. You have proficiency in Stealth.
Orange
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is an explosive blast. It deals fire damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to poison damage.
Dragon of the Coast. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet, and you can breathe air and water.
Orium
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a cloud of caustic vapor. It deals acid damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Pink
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a beam of concentrated ethereal energy. It deals force damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to radiant damage.
Visions of the Heart. You have proficiency in Insight.
Platinum
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a blast of holy energy. It deals radiant damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Purple
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a billowing cloud of psychotropic vapor. It deals psychic damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to psychic damage.
Ruler's Acumen. You have proficiency in Insight.
Rainbow
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a scintillating beam of multicolor rays. Each ray is a different color and deals a different type of damage. Each creature in a 60-foot cone must make a Dexterity saving throw. For each target, roll a d20 and refer to the Iridescent Breath table to determine which color ray affects it.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Iridescent Breath
| d20 | Color | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black | Acid |
| 2 | Brown | Bludgeoning |
| 3 | White | Cold |
| 4 | Red | Fire |
| 5 | Pink | Force |
| 6 | Blue | Lightning |
| 7 | Yellow | Necrotic |
| d20 | Color | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Opalescent | Piercing |
| 9 | Green | Poison |
| 10 | Purple | Psychic |
| 11 | Lustrous | Radiant |
| 12 | Indigo | Slashing |
| 13 | Magenta | Thunder |
| 14-20 | Reroll |
Red
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is an intense blast of flame. It deals fire damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.
Arrogant Tyrant. You have advantage on saving throws to avoid being charmed or frightened.
Ruby
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a beam of concussive force. It deals force damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
Sapphire
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a bone-rattling sonic pulse. It deals thunder damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to lightning damage.
Menacing Stare. You have proficiency in Intimidate.
Silver
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a gust of freezing snow. It deals cold damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to cold damage.
Hoarding History. You have proficiency in History.
Steel
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Constitution, and Charisma scores increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a blast of pure kinetic force. It deals force damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to force damage.
Unbound Curiosity. You have proficiency in Investigation.
Topaz
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Constitution, and Wisdom scores increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a beam of intense heat. It deals fire damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and weapon imposes a Constitution saving throw. You have resistance to cold damage.
Greater Breath Weapon. Creatures that fail their saving throw on your breath weapon gain one level of exhaustion.
Tungsten
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Constitution, and Wisdom scores increase by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a cone of blasting sand. It deals bludgeoning damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to fire damage.
Disapproving Glare. You have proficiency in Intimidate.
Violet
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a pulse of magical force. It deals force damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Dexterity saving throw.
Wyrmblooded. You are descended from one of the largest breeds of dragons. Your size is Large.
White
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is an icy blast. It deals cold damage in a 15-foot cone, and imposes a Consitution saving throw. You have resistance to cold damage.
Primal and Vengeful. You have proficiency in Survival.
Yellow
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and Strength score increases by 1.
Draconic Ancestry. Your breath weapon is a beam of desiccating salt. It deals necrotic damage in a line 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, and weapon imposes a Dexterity saving throw. You have resistance to lightning damage.
Dragon of the Coast. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet, and you can breathe air and water.
Dragonborn Sorcerers
Multiple features overlap between dragonborn and the Draconic Bloodline Sorcerous Origin, namely Natural Armor and their color-based damage resistance. A dragonborn draconic sorcerer can gain the following additional feature, if their color of dragonborn matches the color of their draconic ancestry granted by their sorcerous origin:
Greater Breath Weapon. Your heightened attunement to your inner draconic power grants you a more powerful breath weapon. Your breath weapon damage increases to 3d6. The damage further increases to 4d6 at 5th level, 5d6 at 11th level, and 6d6 at 17th level.