Dragonborn
Dragonborn Upbringing
Dragonborn children are typically raised by both parents until their third year, after which they are generally raised primarily by their same-sex parent. However, all adults of a dragonborn community are expected to act as caretakers and teachers to the young of their clan. A child who showed particular promise in one area of expertise might instead be raised by an adult who shared that ability or affinity.
A dragonborn raised among their own kin will speak Common and Draconic. Draconic is thought to be one of the oldest languages and is almost-always the language used in magic. The Draconic language sounds harsh to most other creatures and includes numerous hard consonants and sibilants. Draconic uses the Iokharic alphabet.
Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack wings or a tail. The first dragonborn had scales of vibrant hues matching the colors of their dragon kin, but generations of interbreeding have created a more uniform appearance. Their small, fine scales are usually brass or bronze in color, sometimes ranging to scarlet, rust, gold, or copper-green. 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.
The blood of a particular type of dragon runs very strong through some dragonborn clans. These dragonborn often boast scales that more closely match those of their dragon ancestor—bright red, green, blue, or white, lustrous black, or gleaming metallic gold, silver, brass, copper, or bronze.
Dragonborn of the Sword Coast
Dragonborn were native to Abeir, the primordial twin of Toril. When the two worlds were magically enmeshed during the Spellplague, one of the nations of free dragonborn was shifted to Toril, replacing portions of the land of Unther. In the aftermath of the Sundering, much of their land was returned to its original world, though a few enclaves were spared due to divine intervention. In the century between those two events, the cosmopolitan Sword Coast was a natural place for dragonborn to settle.
Dragonborn Names
Dragonborn have personal names given at birth, but among their own people they give 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
A dragonborn’s draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits shared with other dragonborn. Due to their strong clan ties, dragonborn tend to have neutral or lawful alignments.
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.
Size
Dragonborn are taller and heavier than humans, standing well over 6 feet tall and averaging almost 250 pounds. Their size is Medium.
Speed
A dragonborn’s base walking speed is 30 feet.
Draconic Ancestry
A dragonborn has draconic ancestry from one type of dragon. A dragonborn’s breath weapon and damage resistance are determined by the ancestral dragon type, as shown in the table.
| Dragon | Energy Type | Breath Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Acid | 5 by 30 ft line (DEX save) |
| Blue | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft line (DEX save) |
| Brass | Fire | 5 by 30 ft line (DEX save) |
| Bronze | Lightning | 5 by 30 ft line (DEX save) |
| Copper | Acid | 5 by 30 ft line (DEX save) |
| Gold | Fire | 15 ft cone (DEX save) |
| Green | Poison | 15 ft cone (CON save) |
| Red | Fire | 15 ft cone (DEX save) |
| Silver | Cold | 15 ft cone (DEX save) |
| White | Cold | 15 ft cone (DEX save) |
Breath Weapon
A dragonborn can use their action to exhale destructive energy. Their draconic ancestry determines the size, shape, and damage type of the exhalation. When a dragonborn uses their breath weapon, each creature in the area of the exhalation must make a saving throw, the type of which is determined by their draconic ancestry. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + Constitution modifier + 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 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. After using one’s breath weapon, it can’t be used again until a short or long rest has been completed.
Damage Resistance
Dragonborn have resistance to the damage type associated with their draconic ancestry.