Looking for a Dragonborn 5e guide? this is it. This guide explains dnd Dragonborn in details. Lets start with the level table because that is the most important (and probs what you're lookin' for eh?).
Embrace the Power of Dragons
In this quick build guide, we'll show you how to create a Dragonborn character and provide valuable insights into playing this stout and steadfast race.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Traits
4. Names
3. Story
4. Expectations
5. Quickbuild
6. Example
7. Resources
Dragonborn Traits
Your draconic heritage manifests in a variety of traits you share with other dragonborn.
Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma 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 to be around 80.
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.
Draconic Ancestry
You have draconic ancestry. Choose one type of dragon from the Draconic Ancestry table. Your breath weapon and damage resistance are determined by the dragon type, as shown in the table.
Draconic Ancestry
| Dragon | Damage 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 (Con. save) |
| White | Cold | 15 ft. cone (Con. save) |
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 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest.
Damage Resistance
You have resistance to the damage type associated with your draconic ancestry.
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.
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
DRACONIANS
In the Dragonlance setting, the followers of the evil goddess Takhisis learned a vile ritual that let them corrupt the eggs of metallic dragons, producing evil dragonborn called draconians. Five types of draconians, corresponding to the five types of metallic dragons, fought for Takhisis in the War of the Lance: auraks (gold), baaz (brass), bozak (bronze), kapak (copper), and sivak (silver). In place of their draconic breath weapons, they have unique magical abilities.
Back story and about
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.
— Erin M. Evans, The Adversary
Born of dragons, as their name proclaims, the dragonborn walk proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by draconic gods or the 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.
Proud Dragon Kin
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.
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 else, 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—or even from the gods.
What to Expect as a Dragonborn
Dragonborn are proud and noble beings with a dragon's lineage coursing through their veins. They possess natural resilience, a breath weapon that can deal significant damage, and a strong sense of honor. As a Dragonborn, you can expect:
Breath Weapon
Dragonborn can exhale a breath weapon that deals damage, with the type of damage depending on their draconic ancestry.
Draconic Ancestry
Dragonborn choose their ancestry from one of the chromatic or metallic dragon types, which influences their breath weapon and other abilities.
Strength and Resilience
Dragonborn have a natural inclination towards physical prowess and are often found as mighty warriors and valiant paladins.
Quick Build Steps for a Dragonborn
Creating a Dragonborn character involves selecting a character class, distributing your ability scores to match your desired role, and choosing equipment. Follow these steps:
Choose a Character Class: Decide on a character class that aligns with your preferred playstyle, whether it's a powerful sorcerer like Sorcerer, a noble paladin like Paladin, or a fearsome barbarian like Barbarian.
Distribute Ability Scores: Dragonborn gain bonuses to Strength and Charisma, making them physically powerful and charismatic. Prioritize other ability scores based on your class, such as Constitution for Barbarians or Intelligence for Sorcerers.
Select Skills and Background: Consider skills that complement your character's personality, backstory, and class. Dragonborn's natural charisma can make them skilled in Persuasion or Intimidation.
Choose Equipment: Select starting equipment based on your character class. Dragonborn often make excellent melee combatants, so consider weapons and armor that suit your role.
Plan Your Backstory: Develop a backstory that delves into your Dragonborn's heritage, their relationship with their draconic ancestry, and their motivations as an adventurer.
Organize D&D Campaigns via a Calendar
To ensure your Dragonborn character can attend sessions and coordinate with your party, use a shared calendar. This can help schedule game nights and ensure everyone's availability. Here's a guide on creating events in Discord.
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Example
Meet Drakarion, the Red Dragonborn Paladin
Character Class: Paladin - Drakarion is a noble and honorable Paladin, sworn to protect the innocent and uphold justice.
Ability Scores: Drakarion's high Strength and Charisma make him a charismatic and physically formidable leader, while his Constitution ensures he can withstand damage in battle.
Skills and Background: Drakarion is proficient in Persuasion and Intimidation, reflecting his natural charisma and presence as a Paladin. His background as a Knight grants him proficiency in heavy armor.
Equipment: Drakarion wields a longsword, a shield, and wears heavy plate armor, making him a resilient frontline warrior.
Backstory: Drakarion's ancestors hailed from the lineage of red dragons, known for their fire-breathing abilities. He was chosen by a divine order to become a Paladin and dedicate his life to defending the weak and bringing justice to the land.
External Resources
For more in-depth information on playing a Dragonborn in D&D, check out these external resources:
D&D Beyond - Dragonborn Race Guide: A comprehensive guide to the Dragonborn race, including ancestry options and role-playing tips. Read the Guide
Roleplaying Tips - How to Play Dragonborn: An article offering insights into the mindset and role-playing possibilities of Dragonborn characters. Read the Article
Paladin Class Guide: If you've chosen the Paladin class, this guide provides insights into Paladin abilities and gameplay. Read the Guide
Now, embrace your dragon's heritage and the power it brings as you embark on your epic adventures in Dungeons & Dragons!
