Dragon Player Characters

19
8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 1/19  Dragon Player Characters For use with the 5 th  Edition of the world’s greatest roleplaying game

Transcript of Dragon Player Characters

Page 1: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 1/19

 

DragonPlayer Characters

For use with the 5th Edition  

of the world’s greatest roleplaying game

Page 2: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 2/19

 

Dragon Player Characters 

v1.0 

© 2015 William J. Scott III  Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike

3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/  

Image Credits and Licenses 

Cover. http://pixabay.com/en/dragon-fire-evil-strong-shadow-255131/. 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 1, Initial. https://openclipart.org/detail/13304/peter-behrens-alphabet-1908-d 

Public Domain. Alphabet by Peter Behrens, 1908. Page 1. http://pixabay.com/en/black-dragon-animal-mystic-158186/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 3. http://pixabay.com/en/black-dragon-animal-mystic-158185/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 4. http://pixabay.com/en/dragon-black-flying-myth-mythology-42984/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 6. http://pixabay.com/en/dragon-chinese-dinosaur-152205/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 7. http://akxi-crescent.deviantart.com/art/Heart-of-Fire-212661311 by Akxi-Crescent. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ 

Page 8. http://pixabay.com/en/dragon-animal-fantasy-silhouette-162179/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 11. https://openclipart.org/detail/6636/st-george-and-the-dragon 

Public Domain. From St. George and the Dragon by Flora Annie Steel, 1927. Page 12. http://pixabay.com/en/dragon-lizard-monster-chinese-149393/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 13. http://pixabay.com/en/dragons-head-chinese-dragon-310697/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 14. http://khomesclip.deviantart.com/art/dragon-wing-310319196 by khom narayan chaudhary. 

Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

Page 15. http://pixabay.com/en/dragon-ying-yang-circle-black-34167/ 

CC0 Public Domain. http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en 

Page 16. http://valliantcreations.deviantart.com/art/Kat-Dragon-Tattoo-Vector-46142495 by KathrynValliant. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/  

Page 3: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 3/19

RAGONS ARE AMONG THE most powerful, magical, andfrightening creatures in all offantasy. They are soemblematic of the genre thatthe creators of the game put

them right in the name! Andmodern fiction is full of all sorts of dragons —dragons as sidekicks and mounts, friendlydragons as protectors and companions, and theoccasional scheming dragon antihero. So why notallow dragons as player characters? 

Game balance. Dragons are powerful, and itcan cause problems in a gaming group if onemember of the group is SO much stronger thanthe others that they overshadow the rest of theplayers. 

Fortunately, 5th Edition has made greatstrides in making sure that all characters haveclear ways of dealing damage in combat,withstanding enemy attacks, and interacting withthe world. By spreading out the dragon’sawesome powers across 20 levels, it should bepossible to create dragon PCs that are “closeenough” to the other PCs to allow for a mixedgroup of dragons and non-dragons. Thus,these rules present dragons as acombination of a race, a background,and a class. Someone playing a dragon

PC will select all three of these when building their dragon character. 

POWERFUL BENEFITS Let’s look at some of the more

problematic abilities that these dragons get. Dragon Type. This renders the dragon

immune to such spells and effects as charm person ,hold person , and dominate person. Although theseeffects don’t come up especially often in mostcampaigns, when they do, the dragon will be

completely immune to them, while the rest of theparty may be languishing with failed savingthrows. 

Fly Speed. A 60 foot flying speed at 1st levelcan really circumvent many low-level dungeonchallenges, such as anything involving pits orclimbing or jumping. It’s also tremendouslyuseful in battle; the dragon begins the game fasterthan a high-level monk. 

Frightful Presence. This ability may not looklike much, but when used against a large numberof weaker enemies, the ongoing disadvantage andmovement restrictions can quickly turn the tide of battle. 

Spell-Like and Physical Attacks. A dragon’s

 breath weapon resembles an area-effect spell and by itself is no better than what low-level spellcasters have available. Likewise, the dragon’snatural weapons and armor are roughly theequivalent of a great-weapon fighter. (Even athigher levels; the dragon’s high maximumStrength score helps make up for lack of fightingstyle, rage, smite, superiority dice, etc.) However,put the two together, and add Frightful Presence,and you have a PC who can hold the line like afighter and also wipe out crowds of minions like a

spell caster. 

Center of Attention. There’s just somethingawesome about dragons. Even if they weremathematically underpowered, some playerswould still choose to play them, and manyplayers and NPCs would pay closer attention towhat a dragon does than they would an ordinary

PC. 

INCONVENIENT DRAWBACKS Dragons are mighty and

should feel that way in play.However, they also come with a

number of subtle drawbacks. Size. Dragons are Large size, which

may make it difficult for them tosqueeze into small indoor dungeons,

palaces, or shops. They also weigh a lot and needto eat a considerable amount. Destruction followswhere-ever a dragon goes simply because theyare big and need to eat so much. 

 No tools. Dragons have trouble using toolsand weapons, which limits their career options

somewhat. It also makes it much more difficultfor them to find magic items that increase theirattack, damage, or AC. (Their class Strength bonuses and maximum Strength score are meantto compensate for this, in part. If your campaignfeatures few or no magic weapons and armor, youmay wish to limit the dragon’s MaximumStrength to 22, or 24 for those with the ApexPredator archetype.) 

1

Page 4: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 4/19

  Reputation. Although being a fire-breathingmonster has its upside, most ordinary non-dragonfolk are just afraid of you, or at least mistrusting.The ones that aren’t afraid have an annoyingtendency to try to kill you and take your stuff.  

So can you integrate a dragon PC into agaming group without stepping on everybody’stoes? I think so. As long as you keep thesepotential issues in mind, and make sure all thePCs have ample time to shine. 

HOW TO USE THESE R ULES 

These rules allow players to build dragons asplayer characters. Unlike other races, dragons areso powerful that their abilities are spread out over

the course of 20 levels — dragon is both a race anda class. 

To create 1st level dragon character, start bytaking the dragon racial traits, the wyrmling background, and 1 level of the dragon class. 

OPTION: DRAGON MULTICLASSING 

The DM can allow dragons to multiclass, takinglevels in other classes. You could even allow adragon to take the dragon racial traits but NOT

the dragon class, instead taking their first level insome other class. 

This can lead to some surprising synergies;for example, two levels of the dragon class letsyou deal 2d6 damage with your unarmed strikes,which is incredibly powerful for monks. Also, thedragon racial traits are much stronger than otherraces, on the assumption they will be forced totake the dragon class, which is (at low levels) a bitweaker than many other classes. 

If multiclassing is allowed, the DM shouldconsider requiring dragon characters to take at

least 5 levels of the dragon class before they areallowed to multiclass. 

MULTICLASS DRAGONS  Ability Score Prerequisites. Strength 17,

Constitution 13, Charisma 13 

Proficiencies Gained. Unarmed strike 

DRAGON CHARACTERS 

A proud bronze dragon, bristling and ready tofight, leaps into the air. Bearing a paladin rideraloft, the two of them speed towards the invadingdemons, prepared to emerge victorious or die. 

The forest stirs, trees straining, as the greatgreen dragon flies overhead. In its wake, it leavesa trail of dead enemies, choking on the vilecorruption that blossoms around them. 

A mysterious stranger offers to aid a group ofadventurers, joining them for a time on their journeys. Is she a sorcerer? A warlock? Orsomething else entirely? 

Dragons run the gamut of protagonists,villains, and everything in between. Whether theyare 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 triggersome of humankind’s oldest and most primitivefears. Modern tales of dragons depict no savagepredators, however. Massive, armored, andferocious, dragons are also keenly intelligent,long-lived, and magical. They lead lessermonsters, breathe elemental destruction uponthose who displease them, and even demandsacrifices from mere mortals. 

These are the traits of power, in all its forms.Even the dragon’s hoarding of wealth is arepresentation of a form of power. From a humanperspective, dragons are the pinnacle of evolutionand the supreme creatures on the material plane. 

Dragons agree with this assessment. 

CHROMATIC  AND METALLIC 

Myriad dragons inhabit the world, from the lungdragons of the far east to the dragon turtles of thevast oceans. But ten species in particular standout: the so-called “true dragons.” 

The benevolent metallic dragons seethemselves as stewards or shepherds, using theirmight to protect and enlighten lower creatures.

2

Page 5: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 5/19

Page 6: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 6/19

R  ACE 

All dragon characters must belong to the dragonrace. 

DRAGON N AMES Dragons have personal names in the Draconiclanguage, given by their parents at birth orselected by themselves. Dragons don’t put muchemphasis on gender, so the same names are used by both male and female dragons. In addition,most dragons adopt an epithet — a grandiosenickname in the Common tongue, which is easierfor lesser creatures to understand and remember. 

Draconic Names: Vuthavyth, Valeijgix,

Svaergithaustrat, Aussirloex, Haurachmajak,Ixenloreat, Molikethend, Thraethurkear,Ocuirisk, Gixustraterenesj, Dartakepesk,Caexoth. 

Common Epithets: Blacksteel, Bloodtalon,Bravewing, Deathfrost, Fatebringer,Flamingdeath, Gemscale, Nightwind,Starseer, Stoneripper, Stormwrath,Swordtooth. 

DRAGON TRAITS 

Dragons differ by species, but all dragon playercharacters share common traits. 

 Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score

increases by 2 and your Charisma score increases by 1.  Age. You have outgrown the wyrmling phase,

and are around 6-15 years old. Dragons reach fulladulthood at about age 100, and can live to bethousands of years old. 

 Alignment. As powerful creatures who arenot afraid to express themselves and impact theworld around them, dragons tend away fromneutrality and towards the extremes thealignment scale. Although each dragon specieshas a typical alignment, dragon player characters

are exceptional members of their species and mayhave any alignment. 

Size. A dragon of your age is over 20 feetlong, with a 25 foot wing span, and weighs1000-2000 lbs. Your size is Medium, but just barely. 

When you take your 2nd level in the dragonclass, you become Large size. 

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. 

4

Page 7: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 7/19

Page 8: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 8/19

patient and organized. They would prefer to workwith intelligent creatures rather than eat them,which may make them acceptable PCs. 

Damage Resistance Type: Poison. Breath Weapon: You belch a cone of noxious

gas 15 feet long, dealing poison damage. Targets

in the area resist by making a Constitution savingthrow. 

R ED Massive, armored, and bristling with horns andclaws, the red dragon is the most terrible andfeared of all the chromatic breeds. They dwellin mountain caves, considering themselves theundisputed masters of all they survey. 

Typical Alignment: Chaotic evil. Most reddragons are purely selfish and arrogant, caring

only for themselves and acting on whatever whimor impulse catches their fancy. 

Damage Resistance Type: Fire. Breath Weapon: You exhale a

cone of flame 15 feet long, dealingfire damage. Targets in thearea resist by making aDexterity saving throw. 

WHITE Feral arctic predators, white

dragons are stocky andmuscular, with a head adorned bya single fin. Most white dragons areloners, more driven by hunger andinstinct than by lofty ambition. 

Typical Alignment: Chaoticevil. White dragons are brutishthugs who live to hunt, kill, anddevour. 

Damage Resistance Type: Cold. Breath Weapon: You exhale a cone

of freezing air 15 feet long, dealing cold

damage. Targets in the area resist by making a Constitutionsaving throw. 

METALLIC DRAGONS 

BRASS Brass dragons are sociable, talkative, and

inquisitive. The live in deserts and badlands, andhave broad frills across their heads. Typical Alignment: Chaotic good.

Brass dragons are curious and free-spirited, but essentially kind at

heart. Damage Resistance

Type: Fire. Breath Weapon: You

spray a line of flame 5 feetwide and 30 feet long,

dealing fire damage. Targets in

the area resist by making aDexterity saving throw. 

BRONZE These noble and courageous

dragons are fierce opponentsof evil and fascinated by warfare

and battle. They live near the coast,often building lairs underwater, and have webbed

feet for swimming. Typical Alignment: Lawful good.

Bronze dragons are loyal alliesand honorable warriors. Damage Resistance Type: Lightning. Breath Weapon: You exhale a

line of electricity 5 feet wideand 30 feet long, dealing

lightning damage. Targets in thearea resist by making a Dexterity saving throw. 

COPPER  With a reputation for pranks and jokes, copperdragons are the most whimsical and light-heartedof dragonkind. They live in hills and badlands.  

Typical Alignment: Chaotic good. The copperdragon has a propensity for trickery and creativethinking, but is always friendly, never malicious. 

Damage Resistance Type: Acid. Breath Weapon: You spray a line of corrosive

liquid 5 feet wide and 30 feet long, dealing acid

6

Page 9: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 9/19

damage. Targets in the area resist by making aDexterity saving throw. 

GOLD The wisest and noblest of the metallic dragons,

gold dragons can live nearly anywhere, but favor beautiful grasslands, forests, and hills. With theircharacteristic long whiskers and sinuous form,gold dragons are known as magical shape shiftersand powerful foes. 

Typical Alignment: Lawful good. Golddragons are the epitome of metallic dragonkind,embodying the best features of dragons. 

Damage Resistance Type: Fire. Breath Weapon: You exhale a cone of flame 15

feet long, dealing fire damage. Targets in the arearesist by making a Dexterity saving throw. 

SILVER  The dragons most likely to associate withhumanoids are the brave and friendly silverdragons. Living in cold mountainous regions,silver dragons have a flat, shield-like head split by

a shiny frill. Typical Alignment: Lawful good. Silver

dragons are highly moral beings, driven to live avirtuous life. 

Damage Resistance Type: Cold. Breath Weapon: You exhale a cone of freezing

air 15 feet long, dealing cold damage. Targets inthe area resist by making a Constitution savingthrow. 

7

Page 10: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 10/19

B ACKGROUND 

All dragon characters have the wyrmling background. 

W YRMLING Dragons hatch from eggs and begin life aswyrmlings, miniature dragons that are as cute asthey are deadly. Many are raised by their dragonparents, but some are fostered by other creatures,and some are simply left to wander and fend forthemselves. 

In your case, you’ve already spentconsiderable time around humanoids. Maybe youwere raised from a hatchling by a humanoidfoster family, or maybe your dragon parents had

close humanoid allies who you interacted withand learned from. This early exposure left youwith an understanding of humanoid ways and awillingness to adventure that most of yourdragon kin lack. 

Skill Proficiencies: None 

Tool Proficiencies: None 

Languages: One language spoken by thehumanoids you were raised with 

Equipment: A few shiny baubles that aren’tworth much but with which you are loath topart (such as glass beads, pewter figurines,quartz crystals, polished brass buttons, orsimilar small trinkets) and a special wearableharness to which you can attach pockets,pouches, and equipment 

HUMANOID R ELATIONSHIPS You were raised amongst humanoids or alongsidethem. How did this come to pass? Roll on thetable below, and then decide the specific detailsabout the people who raised you, such as their

race, profession, and alignment. How well do youget along with them now? How well do youknow your dragon parents? 

8

Page 11: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 11/19

FEATURE: DRAGON R EPUTATION Most of the civilized world regards dragons asdangerous monsters to be feared and avoided, orkilled and sold for parts. In small or remotetowns, you can generally go where you please

and do what you want — as long as you are nothurting anyone or destroying people’s livelihood,most common folk will be too afraid to interfere.Primitive humanoid tribes and lone creatures inthe wilderness, even unintelligent ones, tend totreat you with much the same respect. In largetowns and cities, you may get the oppositereaction; the town guard will question you uponentry, and may send soldiers or militia membersto escort you around, ready to drive you off at theslightest provocation. 

SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS Dragons are creatures with strong and prominentpersonalities. Even those of the highest good areproud, often to the point of arrogance. The niceones try not to be rude about it; they just knowthat they are better than other creatures. Alldragons crave treasure, which can seem greedy tolesser beings. Other characteristics can varyconsiderably, tending towards what humanoidswould consider extreme or eccentric. 

9

Page 12: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 12/19

THE DRAGON 

CLASS FEATURES 

As a dragon, you gain the following classfeatures. 

HIT POINTS Hit Dice: 1d10 per dragon level Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution

modifier 

Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d10 (or 6) + yourConstitution modifier per level after 1st 

PROFICIENCIES Armor: None 

Weapons: Unarmed strike 

Tools: None 

Saving Throws: Constitution, Charisma 

Skills: Choose two from Arcana, Deception,History, Insight, Intimidation, Nature,Perception, Persuasion, Stealth, Survival 

EQUIPMENT You start with no equipment.  

10

Page 13: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 13/19

BREATH WEAPON 

Beginning at 1st level, you can channel yourelemental power as an action to exhale a deadly barrage of energy. All creatures in the area thatfail on a saving throw take 2d6 damage, and thosethat succeed take half damage. The area, the typeof saving throw, and the type of damage all

depend upon your dragon species. The savingthrow DC equals 8 + your proficiency bonus +your Constitution modifier. 

The damage inflicted increases as shown onthe table. 

You regain your use of this ability when youtake a short or long rest. Starting at 6th level, youcan use this ability twice between rests, and at15th level you can use it 3 times between rests.  

M AXIMUM STRENGTH 

Starting at 2nd level, the Strength score you mayattain through Ability Score Improvement islimited to 22 rather than 20. This limit increasesfurther at higher levels, as shown on the table. 

L ARGE SIZE 

At 2nd level, you are grown enough to be treatedas Large for combat purposes.

• You take up a 10 foot by 10 foot space. 

• Your weight and carrying capacity both double.

• Your unarmed strikes made with dragonnatural weapons now deal 2d6 damage instead

of 1d6. 

• Your Strength score increases by 2, up to themaximum allowed by your Maximum Strengthclass feature. 

DRAGON A RCHETYPE 

All dragons are mighty, destructive, highlymagical creatures, but they vary in how theirpower manifests. At 3rd level, choose anarchetype, representing which aspects of dragon-kind you most embody: the Apex Predator, theForce of Nature, or the Great Serpent. Yourarchetype will give you features at 3rd level andagain at 7th, 10th, 13th, and 17th levels.  

11

Page 14: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 14/19

 A BILITY  SCORE IMPROVEMENT 

When you reach 4th level, you can increase oneability score of your choice by 2 or two abilityscores of your choice by 1 each. You can’t increase

an ability above 20 using this feature, except forStrength, which may exceed 20 but can’t beincreased above the limit imposed by yourMaximum Strength class feature. 

You may increase ability scores in this manneragain at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th levels. 

E XTRA  A TTACK  

Beginning at 5th level, when you take the Attackaction on your turn, you can attack twice insteadof once. 

DRAGON SENSES 

At 9th level, when you take the Search action onyour turn, you gain blindsight within 10 feet untilthe end of your turn, allowing you to sense thelocation of creatures and objects within that rangewithout relying on sight. 

FRIGHTFUL PRESENCE 

At 11th level, as an action, you roar, glare, orposture menacingly, striking fear into the heartsof nearby creatures. All enemy creatures within 30feet of you that can see or hear you must make aWisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). Those that fail become frightened of you for up to 1 minute. Afrightened creature may repeat the save at the endof each of its turns, with disadvantage if you arewithin sight of it. A creature that succeeds on itssaving throw is immune to your Frightful

Presence for 24 hours. 

After you use your Frightful Presence, youcan’t use it again until you take a short or longrest. 

The range of your Frightful Presenceincreases to 60 feet at 14th level and 120 feet at18th level. 

LEGENDARY  R ESISTANCE 

At 20th level, when you fail a saving throw, youcan choose to succeed instead. After you use thisability, you can’t use it again until you take a long

rest. 

L AIR  

At 20th level, you can establish a lair, an area nolarger than a 250 foot cube, containing no lessthan 50,000 gp worth of your treasure. The DMdecides the value of any magic items in yourhorde. You must reside in the area for at 30 daysto establish it as your lair. 

You can cause regional effects to manifestaround your lair. Your DM has more informationon the regional effects available. If any of theseeffects target creatures of a particular alignment,you decide what alignment each effect targets. 

While in your lair, you can take lair actions asa dragon of your type on initiative count 20. YourDM has more information on the lair actionsavailable. 

The area ceases to be your lair if you establisha new one, if the area ever contains less than50,000 gp worth of treasure, or if it has been ayear and a day since the last time you spent 1 full

day residing in the area. When the area ceases to be your lair, regional effects you’ve createdaround this lair end as though you had died.  

12

Page 15: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 15/19

DRAGON A RCHETYPES 

In myths and legends, dragons take on manyroles. The three archetypes presented representdifferent ways in which dragons may develop asthey age. 

THE A PEX  PREDATOR  

Dragons are the undisputed masters of theirterritory, residing at the top of the food chain.And everything about them screams carnivore —huge reptilian killing machines; dinosaurs withwings and breath weapons; primal terrors thathaunt the dreams of we simple primates. Thedragon is truly the king of monsters.  

The Apex Predator archetype accentuates the

dragon’s raw physicality, improving its already-impressive strength, weapons, and armor. 

HEAVILY  A RMORED Starting at 3rd level, your AC granted by yourUnarmored Defense racial feature is now equal to12 + your Strength modifier. 

MIGHTY  BITE Starting at 7th level, you may use the Attack

action on your turn to make one single mightyattack with your bite. Your bite attack deals 2d10damage for this attack, rather than its usual 2d6.On a hit, if the target is of a smaller size than you,you may toss them up to 10 feet in any direction.A creature tossed straight up will likely fall backdown and take 1d6 bludgeoning damage per 10feet fallen. 

R EACH At 10th level, the reach of your bite and tail

attacks increases to 10 feet. 

T AIL SLAP At 13th level, when a creature within your reachhits or misses you with an attack, you can useyour reaction to force it to make a Dexteritysaving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus +your Strength modifier). On a failure, the creature

takes 2d8 + your Strength modifier bludgeoning

damage and you may push it up to 10 feet awayfrom you. On a success, the creature takes halfdamage and is not pushed. 

HUGE SIZE You are impressively built, even for a dragon. At17th level, you become Huge sized, which confersseveral benefits: 

• You take up a 15 foot by 15 foot space incombat. 

• Your weight and carrying capacity doubleagain. 

• Your maximum Strength score increases to 28,and your Strength score increases by 2.

• Your hit dice from this class become 1d12 perdragon level. Don’t reroll your hit pointmaximum — instead, your hit point maximumincreases by 17 when you gain this ability, andat subsequent levels increases by 1d12 (or 7) +your Constitution modifier per level in this classabove 17th. 

THE FORCE OF N ATURE 

The heart of a dragon is a furnace, a roilingmaelstrom of raw elemental fury. A dragon’s breath weapon is only the barest release of thisenergy. The mightiest of wyrms of old coulddestroy cities and decimate armies simply byflying overhead, their mere presence precipitatingcataclysm. 

13

Page 16: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 16/19

  The Force of Nature archetype emphasizesthis elemental energy, improving a dragon’s breath weapon and causing mayhem anddestruction across a wide area. 

DEVASTATION At 3rd level, when you use your breath weapon,lingering aftereffects continue to ravage the battlefield for up to 1 minute. During this time,when a creature within 30 feet of you hits youwith an attack, you can use your reaction to causea burst of elemental energy to erupt around them.The affected creature must make a saving throw,using the same ability and DC as if saving againstyour breath weapon. On a failure, the creature

takes 2d6 damage of the same type as your breathweapon. 

This damage increases to 3d6 at 11th level and4d6 at 17th level. 

PENETRATING BREATH At 7th level, your breath weapon ignoresresistance to the damage type it deals. 

BREATH WEAPON DEFENSE At 10th level, you become proficient withDexterity saving throws. 

BREATH WEAPON (+1/REST)

At 10th level, you may use your Breath Weaponclass feature one additional time between rests.This stacks with the number of uses granted bythe ordinary Breath Weapon class feature. 

 V  AST BREATH At 13th level, the length of your breath weapon’sarea doubles. For example, a 15-foot cone becomes a 30-foot cone. A 30-foot line becomes a60-foot line, but remains 5 feet wide. If you havemultiple breath weapons, this change affects all of

them. 

C ATACLYSM At 17th level, when you use your breath weapon,instead of the breath weapon’s usual area, youcan unleash it in a 30 foot tall cylinder with a 30foot radius centered on yourself. Only breathweapons that cause damage can be used in thisway. 

This area then becomes a cyclonic zone ofelemental destruction for 1 minute. The nature of

the zone reflects the damage type of your breathweapon, such as geysers of flame, clouds of toxicgas, pools of bubbling acid, an electrical storm, ora blizzard. The zone is lightly obscured. 

While you are inside the zone, you can use anaction on your turn to bombard it with elementalenergy. All creatures within the zone must make asaving throw, including yourself. The ability scoreand DC of the saving throw are the same as thatof your breath weapon. On a failure, a creaturetakes 4d6 damage of the same type as your breathweapon and is pushed 10 feet in a random

direction. If you fail the saving throw, yourDamage Immunity does not function against thisdamage, although your Damage Resistance worksas usual. 

D AMAGE IMMUNITY  Also starting at 17th level, you are immune to thetype of damage dealt by your breath weapon.

 14

Page 17: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 17/19

THE GREAT SERPENT 

Humans have always been fascinated by snakes.Their legless, slithering movement defiesexplanation. Their fangs drip with deadly venom.

Their eyes never close. Throughout mythology,the serpent has played the role of tempter, healer,and assassin. They embody hidden wisdom,encircle the world, and eat their own tails. 

The great serpent archetype focuses on thismystical aspect of dragonkind, gaining the abilityto cast spells, change shapes, and foresee thefuture. 

INNATE SPELLCASTING You can draw on your inner power to cast a fewspells. Each spell you cast with this abilityexpends one use of your Breath Weapon classfeature, which you regain when you take a shortor long rest, as usual. 

You select spells from the Sorcerer spell list.Your number of spells known, and the spell levelat which you cast those spells, is shown on thetable. You can’t select a spell of a higher level thanyour spell level. When you gain a level of thisclass, you can exchange a spell known for adifferent spell of a level you are capable ofcasting. 

You cast these spells without any materialcomponents, using Charisma as your spellcasting

ability. Your spell attack bonus is your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier, and your spellsave DC is 8 + your proficiency bonus + yourCharisma modifier. 

THE GREAT SERPENT 

HUMANOID FORM At 7th level, you gain the ability to change into ahumanoid form or back into your dragon form asan action. You assume the same form each timeyou use this ability; the form is unique to you.Select a race for this form when you gain thisability (common forms are human, elf, ordragonborn). When you change forms, your

15

Page 18: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 18/19

equipment does not change, and falls to theground; clothing or armor you are wearing may become torn, at the DM’s discretion. 

While in your humanoid form, you lose yourWings, Unarmored Defense and Natural Weaponsracial features, and you gain the movementspeed, size, and appearance of the humanoid raceyou selected. You can’t use any dragon classabilities, except for the Extra Attack feature andclass abilities that are part of the great serpentarchetype. Your hit points and ability scores don’tchange. Your armor class will likely change due tothe loss of the Unarmored Defense feature. 

HUMANOID PROFICIENCIES Starting at 7th level, you become proficient with

daggers, darts, slings, quarterstaffs, and light

crossbows. You also become proficient in onemusical instrument or gaming set, and one tool orkit. 

M YSTIC DEFENSE At 10th level, you become proficient with Wisdomsaving throws. 

 A NIMAL FORM At 13th level, you can use an action to changeyour shape into that of an animal. The effect is just like the polymorph spell, except that you retainyour mental ability scores while transformed, and

the duration is year and a day. Maintaining theeffect does not require concentration. 

After you use this ability, you can’t use itagain until you take a long rest. 

P YTHIAN ORACLE At 17th level, your mind wanders while yousleep. Each time you take a long rest, if you sleepfor at least 6 hours as part of the rest, you maycreate an effect identical to one of these spells:commune , dream , legend lore , or scrying. You don’t

require any components for the spell. 

16

Page 19: Dragon Player Characters

8/15/2019 Dragon Player Characters

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/dragon-player-characters 19/19

FEATS 

These feats are only available to dragons. Theyrepresent abilities which individual dragons maydevelop at different times. 

CHANGE SHAPE 

Prerequisite: Dragon race 

You can use your action to transform into anyhumanoid or animal. The effect is just like the polymorph spell, except that you may selecthumanoid forms in addition to beast forms, youretain your mental ability scores whiletransformed, and the duration is year and a day.Maintaining the effect does not requireconcentration. If you select a playable race as your

humanoid form, use the commoner statistics andapply the appropriate racial traits. 

After you use this ability, you can’t use itagain until you take a long rest. 

DRAGON MOVEMENT 

Prerequisite: Dragon race 

Your walking speed increases to 40 feet, and yourflying speed increases to 80 feet. You gain anadditional movement mode according to your

dragon species. 

Black, Bronze, Gold, Green. You gain a swimspeed of 40 feet and the Amphibious trait, whichallows you to breathe both air and water. 

Blue, Brass. You gain a burrow speed of 40feet through sand, earth, mud, or ice. You can’t burrow through solid rock. 

Copper, Red, Silver. You gain a climb speed of40 feet. 

White. You gain the Ice Walk trait, whichallows you to move across ice and snow withoutit costing extra movement or requiring an ability

check, and grants you an effective climb speed of40 on icy surfaces an an effective burrow speed of40 feet through ice or snow. You also gain a swimspeed of 40 feet.  

METALLIC BREATH 

Prerequisites: Dragon race; Breath Weapon featurewith at least 2 uses per rest; metallic dragon species 

You have a variant breath weapon typical of your

metallic dragon species. Whenever you use yourBreath Weapon class feature and have at least 2uses remaining, you may expend 2 uses to use the breath weapon granted by this class instead of theone granted by your race and class. 

Brass. You exhale sleeping gas in a 10-footcone. Creatures in the area must succeed on aConstitution saving throw or become drowsy. Adrowsy creature has disadvantage on abilitychecks and attack rolls, and must make anotherConstitution saving throw at the end of its nextturn. Those that succeed end the effect; those that

fail fall asleep for 5 minutes. A sleeping creature isunconscious, and awakens if it takes damage or ifanother creature uses an action to awaken it. 

Bronze. You emit a 30-foot cone of repulsionenergy. Creatures in the area must succeed on aStrength saving throw or be pushed up to 30 feetaway from you. 

Copper. You disgorge temporal energy in a20-foot cone. Creatures in the area must succeedon a Constitution saving throw or become slowedfor 1 minute. A slowed creature’s speed is halved,and it can’t use reactions, can’t make more than

one attack on its turn, and can either take anaction or a bonus action on its turn, but not both.The creature can repeat the saving throw at theend of each of its turns, ending the effect on itselfwith a successful save. 

Gold. You breathe a 20-foot cone ofweakening gas. Creatures in the area mustsucceed on a Strength saving throw or else sufferdisadvantage on all Strength-based attack rolls,Strength checks, and Strength saving throws for 1minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw atthe end of each of its turns, ending the effect earlyon a success.

 

Silver. You exhale a paralytic gas in a 10-footcone. Creatures in the area must succeed on aConstitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw atthe end of each of its turns, ending the effect earlyon a success.

 17