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Post by sandcastles on Feb 28, 2011 2:33:57 GMT -5
- Note that this prc, as all do, requires application on this server.
- Characters must be 10th level before taking prcs. (Meaning 11th is first prc level possible.)
- Requirements for dragon disciples are : Bard or Sorcerer class. 8 ranks in lore. The ability to cast 5th level spells.
- You may only make fire type rdds at this time. That means Gold, Brass, or Red. This may change in the future, but there is no time line. There may be arguments for hellfire and obsidian disciples as they are both fire breathing and fire immune but I leave that between individual players and the dms.
This is a collection of both source book material and player opinion. Sources will be noted.This thread will cover both the mechanical information about dragon disciples and various facts and rp interpretations. What is a Dragon Disciple
A dragon disciple is different. He always suspected, but the flying dreams confirmed it. The experience is so vivid and real that other dreams are dusty by the earth, the dreamer exults in his beautifully scaled wings pulling him to smell, hear and see with a terrible clarity no mere human can ever really comprehend. A volatile power burns in his lungs, a potency he knows he could unleash with a mere breath. It's almost draconic.
It is known that certain powerful dragons can take humanoid form and even have humanoid lovers. Sometimes a child is born of this union and every child of that child unto the thousandth generation claims a bit of dragon blood, be it ever so small. Usually, little comes of it, though mighty sorcerers occasionally credit their powers to draconic heritage. For some, however, dragon blood beckons irresistibly. First come the dreams. Many dismiss them as nothing more than wish fulfillment (Or even nightmares) and that's the end of it. But a few embrace the dreams, recognizing their allure as a promise. These become dragon disciples, who use their magical power as a catalyst to ignite their dragon blood, realizing its fullest potential.
Dragon disciples prefer a life of exploration to a cloistered existence. Most are sorcerers, but bards sometimes follow the path. Already adept at magic, many pursue adventure, specially if it furthers their goal of finding out more about their draconic heritage. All dragon disciples are drawn to areas known to harbor dragons.
• Hit die increase: As a dragon disciple gains levels in his PrC, his dragon nature expresses itself more.
• Natural armor: At 1st, 5th and 8th level, a dragon disciple becomes more draconic in appearance. His skin develops tiny iridescent scales, nearly invisible at first, but becoming more noticeable at higher levels. This provides increasing natural armor bonuses to his base armor class. As his skin thickens, the dragon disciple takes on more and more of his progenitor's physical aspect.
At 9th level they grow wings.
(Tome and Blood pg. 55)
__________________________ Red Dragon Disciple
It is rumored that the magical powers of sorcerers and bards are somehow connected to the presence of dragon blood in their family tree. Red Dragon Disciples are sorcerers, and sometimes bards, who use their magical power as a catalyst to ignite their red dragon blood, realizing its fullest potential. They prefer a life of exploration to a cloistered existence. Already adept at magic, many pursue adventure, especially if it furthers their goal of finding out more about their draconic heritage. They often feel drawn to areas known to harbor dragons.
• Hit Die: d6. Special (see below)
• Proficiencies: No additional proficiencies are gained
• Skill Points: 2 + Int Modifier
To qualify as a dragon disciple, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria:
• Class: Sorcerer or Bard
• Skills: 8 Ranks in Lore
added note: this server requires 5th level spell casting ability
Red Dragon Disciple Special Abilities
• Draconic Armor (Level 1): +1 to natural armor class. At levels 5, 8 and 10 this increases by an additional +1
• Draconic Ability Scores (Level 2): Gains +2 to strength. Another +2 to Strength is gained at level 4, Constitution increases by +2 at level 7 and Intelligence increases by +2 at level 9. At level 10 Strength is increased by a further +4 and Charisma by +2.
• Breath Weapon I (Level 3): Can use the breath weapon of a red dragon, doing 2d10 points of damage. At level 7 the damage increases to 4d10 and finally 6d10 at level 10.
• Hit Dice d8 (Level 4): Now gains d8 hit points per level
• Hit Dice d10 (Level 6): Hit-points gained are d10 per level
• Wings (Level 9): The dragon disciple gains wings
• Half-Dragon (Level 10): Becomes a half-dragon. Gains darkvision and immunity to sleep, paralysis and fire
Tip: Becoming a Red Dragon Disciple
Only sorcerers or bards can become a dragon disciple — either class is equally suited.
Epic Dragon Disciple [/u] Embracing his draconic heritage is but one stop on the disciple’s life journey. His quest to understand, command and harness his draconic energies has taken him into the realm of the epic. • Hit Die: d12 • Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int Modifier • Bonus Feats: The epic dragon disciple gains a bonus feat every four levels • Epic Dragon Disciple Bonus Feats: Armor Skin, Automatic Quicken Spell, Automatic Silent Spell, Automatic Still Spell, Damage Reduction, Epic Reputation, Epic Spell Focus, Epic Prowess, Epic Spell Penetration, Epic Toughness, Improved Combat Casting Special• Your breath weapon damage potential increases by 1d10 for every 3 levels after 10th. • The save DC against your breath weapon increases by +1 every 4 levels after 10th. (Neverwinter Nights Manual, pg. 80-81)[/blockquote] _________________________ Half-Dragon Template
A dragon’s magical nature allows it to breed with virtually any creature. Conception usually occurs while the dragon has changed its shape; it then abandons the crossbreed offspring.
Half-dragon creatures are always more formidable than others of their kind that do not have dragon blood, and their appearance betrays their nature—scales, elongated features, reptilian eyes, and exaggerated teeth and claws. Sometimes they have wings.
CREATING A HALF-DRAGON
“Half-dragon” is an inherited template that can be added to any living, corporeal creature (referred to hereafter as the base creature).
A half-dragon uses all the base creature’s statistics and special abilities except as noted here.
• Size and Type: The creature’s type changes to dragon. Size is unchanged. Do not recalculate base attack bonus or saves.
• Hit Dice: Increase base creature’s racial HD by one die size, to a maximum of d12. Do not increase class HD.
• Speed: A half-dragon that is Large or larger has wings and can fly at twice its base land speed (maximum 120 ft.) with average maneuverability. A half-dragon that is Medium or smaller does not have wings.
• Armor Class: Natural armor improves by +4.
• Attack: A half-dragon has two claw attacks and a bite attack, and the claws are the primary natural weapon. If the base creature can use weapons, the half-dragon retains this ability. A halfdragon fighting without weapons uses a claw when making an attack action. When it has a weapon, it usually uses the weapon instead.
• Full Attack: A half-dragon fighting without weapons uses both claws and its bite when making a full attack. If armed with a weapon, it usually uses the weapon as its primary attack and its bite as a natural secondary attack. If it has a hand free, it uses a claw as an additional natural secondary attack.
• Damage: Half-dragons have bite and claw attacks. If the base creature does not have these attack forms, use the damage values in the table below. Otherwise, use the values below or the base creature’s damage values, whichever are greater.
| Size | Bite | Claw | | Fine | 1 | — | | Diminutive | 1d2 | 1 | | Tiny | 1d3 | 1d2 | | Small | 1d4 | 1d3 | | Medium | 1d6 | 1d4 | | Large | 1d8 | 1d6 | | Huge | 2d6 | 1d8 | | Gargantuan | 3d6 | 2d6 | | Colossal | 4d6 | 3d6 |
• Special Attacks: A half-dragon retains all the special attacks of the base creature and gains a breath weapon based on the dragon variety (see the table below), usable once per day. A half-dragon’s breath weapon deals 6d8 points of damage. A successful Reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 half-dragon’s racial HD + half-dragon’s Con modifier) reduces damage by half.
| Dragon Variety | Breath Weapon | | Black | 60-foot line of acid | | Blue | 60-foot ine of lightning | | Green | 30-foot cone of corrosive (acid) gas | | Red | 30-foot cone of fire | | White | 30-foot cone of cold | | Brass | 60-foot line of fire | | Bronze | 60-foot line of lightning | | Copper | 60-foot line of acid | | Gold | 30-foot cone of fire | | Silver | 30-foot cone of cold |
• Special Qualities: A half-dragon has all the special qualities of the base creature, plus darkvision out to 60 feet and low-light vision. A half-dragon has immunity to sleep and paralysis effects, and an additional immunity based on its dragon variety.
| Dragon Variety | Immunity | | Black, Green, Copper | Acid | | Brass, Red, Gold | Fire | | Blue, Bronze | Electricity | | White, Silver | Cold |
• Abilities: Increase from the base creature as follows: Str +8, Con +2, Int +2, Cha +2.
• Skills: A half-dragon gains skill points as a dragon and has skill points equal to (6 + Int modifier) × (HD + 3). Do not include Hit Dice from class levels in this calculation—the halfdragon gains dragon skill points only for its racial Hit Dice, and gains the normal amount of skill points for its class levels. Treat skills from the base creature’s list as class skills, and other skills as cross-class.
• Environment: Same as either the base creature or the dragon variety.
• Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature + 2 (minimum 3).
• Alignment: Same as the dragon variety.
• Level Adjustment: Same as base creature +3.
(Monster Manual 3.5, pg. 146-147)
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Post by sandcastles on Feb 28, 2011 2:41:38 GMT -5
Ramifications of the BloodMetamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure through cell growth and differentiation. - WikipediaChanges a dragon disciple undergoes:- Strength increases. Muscle mass growth.
- Ac gain. Develops and grows scales.
- Breath weapon. Produces flame internally.
- Intelligence increase. Changes to cognitive process.
- Charisma increase. Changes to personality and presence.
- Wings. Massive protrusions that sprout from ones backside.
- Half dragon template. Immunities. Vision changes. Lifespan increase.
Roleplay InterpretationsMany believe that dragon disciples are an over powered class due to all the benefits they gain and the lack of cost for it. However if one considers the social ramifications of the class, and apply it to a role play environment there can be a great deal of drawbacks. In addition to this, awakening the blood is not an easy process. On top of social troubles one could easily consider the physical torment of awakening the blood. Vast physical changes are not things that happen overnight! Here is a list of some potential rp for dragon disciple characters. - On Strength:
- A dragon disciple may have severe growing pains and muscle cramps around the times that they will experience strength increases. These aches may last for a time after they gain it as well.
- This increased muscle mass will result in a larger frame. Clothes may need re tailoring, armor refitting.
- If a dragon disciple is particularly long lived before they invoke the changes, the increased strength may result in a period of clumsiness. They may break things by accident, or slap a friend to hard on the back. It may take some time to realize just how strong they have become.
- On Scales:
- At first the scales are hardly noticeable, perhaps a faint rough texture that looks like a rash covering patches of skin. Over time however they become more evident. Typically glossy, scales may begin to catch and reflect light at their edges. Upon full advancement the scales may be entirely visible resulting in a wide range of skin tones based on the dragon disciples lineage.
- Scale growth is likely uncomfortable. It may be itchy, and all over, all the time. One could rp the character constantly scratching, rubbing, grimacing when they are nearing ac gain and for a time after wards.
- There is no clearly defined scope of where scales cover. When first receiving ac bonuses the scales may only cover small areas, or be in spotty patches. Or they may be in all places one wishes to RP them, and simply very thin. As the ac increases the scales can then spread or thicken, or both. One could rp them to coating everything, from head to toe, or just various sections of the body. Back of the neck, Arms, legs, sides, and back are common areas, leaving the mid torso, inner thighs, back of hands, feet and face bare.
- On Breath weapons:
- Breath weapons are produced in the lungs, fueled by a gland called the draconis fundamentum. Only true dragons have this gland and it is likely that disciples develop weaker ones. As such when first acquiring a breath weapon characters may accidentally produce their breath weapon when suddenly exhaling, possibly even when yelling, due to being unused to controlling the gland. Suddenly being hit, or electrocuted may cause muscle spasms that set off the gland.
- The energy required for breath weapons is the primary factor in a dragons metabolism. Upon gaining a breath weapon a character may find that they have dietary changes, increased apatite, a craving for more protein heavy food.
- Having this energy within may result in a body temperature change. Dragons are not 'cold' or 'warm' blooded; they are endothermic. Therefor it is perfectly reasonable to say that while a normal body temperature is 98°F a disciple with a fire breath may be 120°F and a cold breathing disciple may be 70°F.
- Breath weapons may be physically notable. A fire based disciple may often produce smoke, at will, or unconsciously. An acid based disciple may produce extra saliva that is faintly acidic, resulting in cracked lips and frequent spitting or swallowing.
- On gaining intelligence:
- This is very open ended. Anything from simple changes in how one thinks to changes in behavior due to revelations and changes in the length one considers things.
- On increased Charisma:
- Personality wise insofar as presence is concerned, a dragon disciple coming into his or her power may grow in confidence. After all, they are magnificent by right of birth. They may become more commanding of attention, stronger in speech, more assertive.
- A dragon disciples nature may become far more defined. Dragons have fear and awe auras. A disciple does not, yet they may with their changes seem more benevolent, sinister, or playful, etc, as a result of coming more in tune with their heritage. Much like a shady man in dark clothing at the mouth of an alley may seem suspicious, a dragon disciple that has reached this level of his or her path may have an air about them that people can instinctively interpret.
- Vocal changes may leave a dragon disciple to seem more socially intimidating or gracious. Dragons have extremely well developed vocal chords, so a disciple may find they become more expressive in speech and inflection.
- A disciples hair may change over time to reflect their heritage. First a few strands, then more, and more yet, until it matches the scales worn by their forefathers. Body hair from scaled areas is likely to fall out completely, leaving them with bare arms, legs, etc.
- Features like elongated sharp fingernails, elongated teeth, a forked tongue, horns, barbels/whiskers in addition to the scales can add various flares that impact how people view a dragon disciple. These features may make them seem sinister, or inhumanly beautiful.
- On growing wings:
- Wings are not a small development. To support flight wings must have a span that is at least double a creatures height/body length. This means if a character that is 6' tall will need a wingspan of minimum 12'! (it should be noted this server has no fly widget, wings are rp only) Some prefer to RP wings that they can hide under a cloak, flush against their body like a bird, though for wings to be this small they will likely not be able to support flight. One should also consider the shape of draconic wings and how they would sit against the body before making this choice. Another option if one wishes large wings that they can hide is to rp them as very bat like, and somewhat flexible wings that they wrap around themselves. Using their wing thumbs to hold their shoulders they may drape their wings around themselves like a living cape and then hide them under a robe or cloak.
- Growing wings may be a lengthy development under the skin. From the beginning of the 8th level players may consider rping back problems and pains. Some way towards the 9th level a character may develop lumpy, hard masses under their skin that make it hard to sit against things or to lay down. On the other hand one can consider this a sudden magical growth that occurs spontaneously, and when it happens it may be a complete shock.
- Sprouting them could be an incredibly dramatic, traumatic experience, and gory as well. It may leave the character weak and sore for days.
- Wings require an extreme amount of muscle to work. The level after wings grants the largest strength bonus. One could interpret therefor that the wings when sprouted are weak and the character lacks the ability to utilize them for flight. They may also be clumsy, hard to control, until the character has had time to get used to making them work the way they want them to. Characters wishing to RP flight may want to rp the muscle gain on the 10th level being primarily chest/shoulder orientated, and may wish to rp actually working on strengthening those muscles.
- Big protrusions from your backside. No more sitting in backed chairs comfortably. No more laying on your back without taking caution to make sure you don't hurt yourself. They are wide, as well as tall and long. Sitting on a bench may require the character to lift his wings so they don't hit the ground behind him. They may have to make a conscious effort to tuck their wings to avoid hitting door frames.
- Emotive extensions of oneself. Much like some people make hand gestures while they talk, a dragon disciple may begin to unconsciously emote with their wings. From agitated twitches to excited flaps, wings can add a great depth to how animated a character is.
- A character with wings that wishes to hide his heritage may cover them by means of a cloak; this could be rped as one looking like a hunchback, or maybe they use magic to guise them. Perhaps they have small or very flexible wings.
- On changing vision:
- Changes to the eyes may make viewing the world a bit different. Much like a new prescription for glasses, the time when a disciples eyes are undergoing change may result in things such as headaches, difficulty focusing, watery eyes, and the like. These are caused by the muscles of the eyes having to work more or less.
- Physically their eyes may change to have slit pupils much like a cats. Their eyes may become a rich color that matches the eyes of their progenitors.
- The weight of longevity:
- Those that achieve the half dragon template (level 10 rdd, no sooner, though one may be aware before the 10th level that they will gain this span) also gain the years that come with it. For a being that expected to grow old at the age of 70 and die with their friends this can be both a thrill and a terror. For longer lived races it is likely to have less psychological impacts, though may still be worth noting.
- All my friends are going to die before I do. I will outlive my true love. I can learn so much more. I can see so many places in the world. I have more time to achieve power.
- Humans with the half dragon template are known to live as long as elves if they are of gold or red decent, whereas an elf with dragon heritage may "rival the span of ancient wyrms". This may greatly affect ones outlook in life.
- A disciple not wishing to face the consequences of this expanse on years may decide to stop their pursuit before achieving it. Others may be awakening their heritage for the sake of the extra years.
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Post by sandcastles on Feb 28, 2011 4:46:01 GMT -5
When you look like a monster
From scales to wings, horns, sharp fingernails, and cat like eyes dragon disciples are very unlikely to be taken for human once they've passed certain points in their development. To follow the path of the disciple one must have a grasp of lore, which goes to say that those without the lore likely do not know anything about the subject. Therefor you will rarely have someone say "hey, a disciple of the dragons" and more likely have someone scream "ahh demon!" or perhaps "Wow, half dragon!" if you're lucky.
- Adventurers may believe you are a creature to be hunted. Good natured or not, there can be many reasons for this. They may want the treasure they believe you have. They may wish to free the common folk from what they believe is your evil presence. Players of dragon disciples should be ready for pvp from all types for all reasons be they logical, true, or simply the whims of assumptions.
- Common folk may be terrified of you. Many npcs may be unrepresented. Many represented npcs may not have dms to control them at all hours. A dragon disciple may inspire hatred, fear or awe in the people they pass. In a big city, crowds scared of the monster may throw vegetables, garbage, or worse, weapons, at the creature, or form mobs to chase them out. Shopkeepers may refuse to serve them. A dragon disciple may have to resort to intimidation or reasoning coupled with pleading to convince common folk to deal with them. Players of dragon disciples should not expect to be accepted easily where they go. This may be mitigated if they have developed over time while in an area, allowing people to over time witness the changes, but this will likely be small portions of the population of any given place.
- A disciple is likely to be the victim of prejudice. People that have heard stories of dragons and understand that the dragon disciple is part dragon may attribute dragon traits to the disciple. While a disciple may indeed by influenced by their blood, the conclusions people come to may be far stretched. While a dragon disciples alignment is not dependent on the type of dragon they are descended from (though it may have an effect certainly) people often believe "the sins of the father pass to the son". Therefor a disciple with red scales may be considered particularly evil, even if they are good, while a gold disciple may be thought of as benevolent, even if they are spiteful. It is a common belief that dragons are arrogant, greedy, and incredibly powerful. A disciples player should be prepared to explain themselves and tolerate negative assumption. Or controversy be ready to gut the fools that dare to flap their pathetic tongues.
- Hiding what you are is highly rp dependent. If for some reason the disciple needs or wants to hide themselves they have a lot to consider. If the character has sharp teeth and a forked tongue, they may have to hide a hiss. Scales will need to be covered, fully developed scales are going to be extremely difficult to hide with simple makeup. Fully developed eyes that are cat like in appearance can be hidden with a shadowed cloak but may still reflectively flash if they catch the light. Sharp elongated fingernails will need to be trimmed. Wings. If the disciple has rped large wings hiding them should be a chore. The alar ocecranon (second wing bone) reaches quite high and may jut over a characters head. These bones are long and as bones go, inflexible. Draping a cloak over them is likely going to result in a hideous hunchback effect at best. Smaller wings may be tucked against or wrapped the body like bat wings. In the end the best disguise will be illusion magic which will leave one victim to true sight and the strong of will.
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Post by sandcastles on Feb 28, 2011 4:48:46 GMT -5
Draconic Urges and Behaviors
Despite having strange looks and a slew of physical benefits, dragon disciples remain people. As most people do, they have quirks. These quirks may be influenced by the prominence of their bloodline. The choice to RP this may add a great deal of flavor to any dragon disciple pc.
- Dragons are hoarders. So much so that they have a deity, Astilabor, who is the goddess of "the natural draconic desire to acquire treasure and power". A disciple pc may develop therefor an urge to collect, and horde things. Maybe a type of gem. Maybe magical trinkets. Maybe something simple that they were always fond of before they enhanced their blood, and now cannot get enough of. Rping an eagerness to collect these things can be fun. Maybe the character will demand the party to give the item over immediately. Maybe they'll constantly ask people if they've found such an object. Perhaps they'll post wanted signs. Maybe they'll pay exorbitant prices just to get their hands on them.
- Dragons are more comfortable in certain climates. As their body temperatures are constant and typically reflective of the element they are tied to being in an opposing environment generally makes them uncomfortable. Disciples that breath fire may dislike the cold, perhaps it makes their scales itch, or irritates their nostrils. A fire type may then of course, relish in hot locations, lava filled caves or scorched deserts seeming like paradise. It should be noted that dragons sweat. Their body temperatures also become more extreme with age.
- Dragons can eat anything, literally. Page 10 of the draconomicon states that "A dragon can literally eat rock or dirt and survive." Metallic dragons are known to live off inorganic material, and dragons are known to be able to consume half their body weight every day. Excess eating doesn't result in fat, it's stored as elemental energy. As such a disciple may have an incredible apatite. They may even develop a taste for things like gems.
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Post by sandcastles on Feb 28, 2011 6:16:05 GMT -5
F.A.Q. - All those little nitpicks.Quick summary:Age. Awakening the blood. Flight. Scent. On Age: How long do dragon disciples live? - A very long time!
- At 10th level dragon disciples gain the half dragon template and are subject then to half dragon life spans.
- "A dragon's life span is truly remarkable - it can live a millenium or longer, and even at the end of its life transform into a permanent part of the land or become ascendaant and immortal. Half-dragons usually share the heritage of a less long-lived race and so might endure no more than a few centuries. Still, they are granted far more time than most, and those born of a dragon-elf union can challenge ancient wyrms for longevity." - Races of the dragon
- Ancient wyrms are generally considered to be 801-1000 years in age. The shortest natural lifespan listed is white dragons at 2,100 years to final days, and the longest gold dragons, at 4,400 years.
On awakening the blood: How does a dragon disciple initially awaken their blood. How is it pursued after the initial development?
- It is said that dragon disciples use magic as a catalyst to awaken their blood to it's full potential. This may be interpreted in various ways. The one thing that is clear : it is no accident, it does not happen spontaneously.
- No ritual or spell is specified in source material. Rp ideas include rituals, meditative inner focus on self and the personal flows of magic, or spells discovered or created for the purpose of igniting the spark. It is a great RP hook regardless of how the player wishes to interpret it.
On Flight: Should dragon disciples be able to fly? Would this flight be magical?
- Yes - Dragon disciples are capable of flight.
- No - The flight of dragons is not magical, nor would a disciples be.
On Scent: Do dragon disciples gain the scent ability? - No. While a dragon disciple gains darkvision there are no changes to their other senses. They smell, hear, and see the same as they did before the changes.
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Post by sandcastles on Feb 17, 2012 15:35:15 GMT -5
Some additional notes: I find these of particular interest as dragon disciples do not start as draconic creatures. It goes to say that a dragon disciple is not as closely related to their dragon ancestors as they might wish to be, yet with dedication and magical manipulation of their own essence they become so much more. Some of the differences are quite extreme, such a a level 10 disciple gaining a total of +8 str whereas a Draconic Creature has only +2. So here's what a dragon disciple is not : Draconic CreatureA draconic creature is descended from a dragon ancestor, though that ancestor may be many generations removed. Draconic creatures often bear hints of their heritage, such as slitted pupils or talonlike nails. They are sometimes mistaken for half-dragons. It isn't necessary to determine the source of a draconic creature's heritage (unlike with half-dragons), since the creature doesn't gain any abilities related to it's dragon ancestor (such as resistance to a certain energy type). Creating a Draconic Creature"Draconic" is an inherited template that can be added to any living corporeal creature (referred to hereafter as the base creature) except a dragon. A draconic creature uses all the base creature's statistics and special abilities except as noted here. Size and type: Animals with this template become magical beasts, but otherwise the creature type is unchanged. Size is unchanged. Armor class: Natural armor improves by 1. Damage: Draconic creatures have two claw attacks. If the base creature does not have this attack form, use the damage values in the table below. Otherwise, use the values below or the base cretaure's damage, whichever is greater | Size | Claw Damage | | up to tiny | 1 | | Small | 2 | | Medium | 1d3 | | Large | 1d4 | | Huge | 1d6 | | Gargantuan | 1d8 | | Colossal | 1d10 |
A draconic creature has all the special qualities of the base creature, plus drarkvision out to 60 feet and low-light vision. Saves: A draconic creatures has a +4 racial bonus on saves against magic sleep effects and paralysis, thanks to its heritage. Abilities: Increase from base creature as follows: Str: +2, Dex +0, Con +2, Int + 0, Wis +0, Cha +2 Skills: Draconic creatures have a +2 racial bonus on intimidate and spot checks. Organization : Solitary or as base creature. Challenge Rating: Same as base creature +1 Level Adjustment: Same as base creature +1. Draconomicon - The book of Dragons: pages 149-150 |
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Post by sandcastles on Feb 17, 2012 15:36:07 GMT -5
Here is some source about "Dragon-Descended" characters. Note that a disciple is not quite a Dragon-Descended, given that they do not begin with draconic traits, but as they progress their bloodline they become, and then later surpass these individuals. As such there are a number of interesting notes within that you may consider applying to your disciple as it gains levels, and even may influence your character before they fully awaken their blood.
Dragon-Descended Psychology
The dragon-descended - those with some draconic traits but not true dragons - stand apart from society. For many, this status (or lack thereof) leads to isolation and unhappiness, though some have learned to make the most of their natural advantages.
Draconic Characters
The ancestry of a draconic character is diluted compared to that of a half-dragon. Such beings might retain superficial details of the ancestral dragon variety, but such is not necessarily the case. They more often inherit some of their ancestor's personality traits.
A touch of dragon in one's bloodline can come from a number of situations. Sometimes it's the result of arcane meddling, mixing elements of draconic blood with that of other creatures. More often, a draconic creature is descended from the union of a half-dragon and some other being. Two half-dragons usually produce half-dragon children, but about one in four are draconic creatures instead.
The descendants of dragons retain some of the characteristics of their forebears, probably due in part to dragons' tendency to mate with creatures of similar bents. Ogres, orcs, drow, and members of other brutal or harsh cultures reinforce their existing tenancies with the blood of evil dragons. The playful nature of copper dragons is most commonly manifested in gnome and halfling descendants. Draconic elves display the patience and wisdom of gold and silver dragons. Draconic kobolds can reflect the personalities of any sort of dragon, but they are most likely to resemble the evil or neutral dragons of earth and deep places.
A draconic humanoid can sometimes pass as a typical member of her race, with her draconic features complementing her existing talents. Such individuals usually enjoy normal lives unless their society is intolerant of even minor variation. Even so, a draconic character's sharp claws can be difficult to explain. Some hide this obviously alien features, while others exploit it - claws are handy in a fight.
Other draconic beings are visibly different, to the extend that they are sometimes mistaken for half-dragons. They are liable to experience loneliness and misunderstanding similar to that of half-dragons, so they are drawn to others like them. In fact, teams of half-dragons and draconic creatures make for excellent adventuring parties.
Draconic characters might not understand why they are different from their kinfolk. The influence of a dragon bloodline could be so far buried in the past that the appearance of such a being is a random fluke. A draconic character knows she is different somehow and might feel a unaccountable longing to see real dragons, but she might never know the truth of her lineage.
Roleplaying Application: Is your character aware of her draconic heritage? Did her people once live in a closer relationship with true dragons? What is their attitude towards a child with dragon blood? Do they recognize her for what she is?
Dragon-Descended Heritage
Both draconic and half-dragon characters sometimes discover their heritage. In fact, knowing that heritage can be vital to unlocking a particular power. Many who discover their heritage are proud of it, and they shout their ancestry to the heavens. However, not all dragon-descended see draconic ancestry as a boon.
Draconic Characters in Life
Draconic characters are tougher, stronger, and more self-confident than those who do not have dragon blood. Many exploit these advantages to the fullest.
Leisure
Draconic characters don't live much longer than their ordinary kin, even though their draconic stamina gives them a better chance of surviving to old age. Thus, they do not focus on long-term activities much as half-dragons.
A draconic creature's interest are often colored by the nature of her dragon ancestor. Thus, a descendant of a lung dragon has a philosophical bent and might be scholarly or interested in art. Someone with green dragon blood tends to be aggressive, interested in boxing or other contact sports. The scion of a brass dragon can happily spend hours in conversation.
Sharp claws make it difficult to pursue activities that require fine manipulation. Draconic pastimes therefor tend to those focusing on physical strength and endurance. A draconic creature might be a champion long-distance runner, for example.
Arts and Crafts
Because delicate craftwork does not come easily to clawed hands, draconic creatures rarely focus on crafts requiring intricate detail. Other than that, their interests span the range of those favored by their mundane kinfolk.
Dragon heritage still tilts a draconic creature's preferences. Descendants of greedy, selfish dragons show little interested in artistic pursuits, especially if they are members of boorish societies. Those with the blood of aesthetically inclined dragons are more attracted to the arts.
In particular, draconic characters prefer the performing arts. Singing in particular is a strength. Performers, already viewed as odd, having no trouble assimilating a not-quite-human member into the troupe. Talent is the only criterion. Draconic characters tend naturally toward the bard class.
Roleplaying Application: Is your character artistically talented? Does she perform professionally or just sing to herself? Maybe she is someone who always entertains her companions. Does her performing bring pleasure to those around her, or is it an irritant?
Technology and Magic
Where half-dragons truly are of the dragon clan and are strongly inclined to all things arcane, draconic characters are far enough distant from their ancestors to feel less tied to magic. Certainly, they carry the potential for arcane power and can awaken it more readily than those without a draconic heritage - it just doesn't infuse their beings in the same way. As a result, draconic characters are just as likely to engage in technological invention as in arcane study.
If a draconic character is interested in magic, she looks to amplify her existing talents. She's not usually interested in pure power but sees magic as a useful tool, and she has a better aptitude for understanding and operating magic items than others of her race.
Love
Unlike half-dragons, who are so often lonely, draconic characters are less likely to be rejected by the society they live in. Ultimately how they are treated depends largely on their appearance.
If her dragon blood complements features seen as attractive within her society, a draconic character might be a rare beauty to her people. (Claws can always be trimmed and painted, after all.) An elf with silver dragon ancestry might have shimmering eyes, a slight gleam to the skin, and a graceful carriage that all enhances her beauty.
On the other hand, if the dragon ancestor is incompatible with a society's standards of beauty, its descendant might never find a mate. A dwarf descended from a black dragon, with a gaunt face, sunken eyes, and a hint of horns would be seen as aberrant. Clan responsibilities might give her a home and a role but not a husband.
Draconic characters who display strong draconic features can be mistaken for half-dragons. Their obvious monstrousness keeps them apart from society, sometimes condemning such unfortunates to despair or even self-hatred. As with half-dragons, they react intensely should they find someone who truly cares for them.
Half-dragons and draconic characters can make devoted couples, and most of their offspring are draconic. Such children, raised in environment of intense caring, usually grow up to be confident and well-adjusted individuals.
War
A draconic character who is integrated into her society is as likely as any other to enter a military profession or serve in a community militia. Indeed, her physical superiority makes her well suited to a martial career. Gifted with a strong personality, a draconic character has the potential to rise to a position of command.
A draconic character who is isolated from her community is more likely to leave early, making her own way in the world and relying on her physical abilities to survive.
Death
A draconic character eventually learns that she isn't as easy to kill as those around her. She's less likely to succumb to a disease or a poisonous bite, and she can endure greater wounds than her kin. This usually leads to one of two results.
The first is a sense of invulnerability. Even more than is typical for youths, the draconic character begins to believe she can take on any challenge and survive any peril. She becomes reckless with her life, seeking out ever-greater thrills. Such creatures end up either dying young, perhaps as an unsuccessful adventurer, or becoming distinguished for the ability to accomplish unlikely tasks.
The second reaction is crushing guilt. Facing the same enemies in battle or assaulted by the same natural forces, the draconic character survives while her family and companions do not. She already knew she was different somehow, and now she seems unjustly favored by fate. She might withdraw completely from society, leaving the community for a hermit's existence. Alternatively, she might decide to throw away her life in some grand gesture, such as killing a terrible monster, which can also lead to an adventurer's life - if she ends up surviving.
Dragon deities and draconic ideas of the afterlife are not important to draconic characters, who are too far removed from their dragon ancestors to feel much connection. They see life and death, and whatever follows, much as their community does.
Dragon-Descended and Other Races
Draconic Characters
Usually, draconic characters approach other races in much the same way their humanoid kin do, having been raised in the same culture and absorbing the same values and prejudices. However, the draconic essence within such a character can lead to stronger links with the other races of the dragon.
Dragonborn
Because this race is made, not born, a draconic character might actually be related to a dragonborn, or at least come from the same community as one. Indeed, the existence of a draconic character within that society might spur an ordinary humanoid to undergo the Rite of Rebirth. As a result, the two often form a lasting relationship, involving long discussions of dragon nature and questions about the other's way of life. In a small group, a draconic character might feel an inexplicable sense of kinship even to a complete stranger who is dragonborn.
Dwarves
Nondwarf draconic characters usually see dwarves as killjoys, too hardworking and taciturn to enjoy life. The artistic inclination that comes with dragon blood lets them appreciate dwarven craftwork on an aesthetic level, but their more outgoing and individualistic nature puts them at odds with the dwarves' regimented society.
Elves
Given that draconic characters are more self-sufficient, artistic, and individualistic than their kin, they have a lot in common with elves. What they don't share, unless they have elf blood, is long life and a somewhat distant approach to others. Draconic characters can become fascinated by elves, and in such cases, they try to spend as much time around them as possible. If a character's dragon blood isn't from a variety of dragon that elves see as an enemy, or if a character's draconic nature isn't obvious, elves respond kindly if distantly.
Ghomes
Draconic characters share an artistic bent with gnomes, and the two races get along better than many. Draconic characters are less likely to have their ordinary kin's impatience with this lively race, though the nature of a character's dragon heritage can color this.
Half-Dragons
Draconic characters who are aware of their heritage feel a natural kinship with half-dragons. They might envy the great strength and physical ability of such beings. If the draconic being doesn't know the source of her difference, she might find herself strangely drawn to a half-dragon.Strong, lifelong relationships can arise between draconic characters and half-dragons.
Half-Elves
Draconic characters treat half-elves much as exotic humans, with all that entails. Individuals are judged on a case-by-case basis, though half-elves are arguably given more leeway due to their unusual racial heritage.
Half-Orcs
Brutes: That's typically how a draconic character without orc blood sees these crossbreeds. She feels no kinship with their mixed race, and their crudeness is offensive. Besides, half-orcs think all the wrong jokes are funny. An unusual half-orc, such as a monk, might be acceptable to a draconic character, especially if they are forced to work together in an adventuring party. In general, though, the two races avoid each other.
Halflings
Draconic characters who have chaotic tendencies get along very well with halflings. The two races also share an inborn love of fun and pleasure that manifests in the form of drinking contests, hearty meals, and friendly competitions. Draconic characters often enjoy gambling, and in this they find kinship with halflings.
Humans
As is true of half-dragons, the attitude of draconic characters towards humans depends on the sort of humans they meet. But sine their dragon nature isn't generally as obvious as thta of half-dragons, draconic characters have less trouble in bigoted societies than individuals hwho are clearly monstrous. Draconic characters usually get along with humans and are sometimes inclined to hook up with troupes of performers. The two races share the inquisitive, wondering traits that draw them to a life of adventure, and both work well within a party of glory seekers.
Kobolds
Her dragon heritage might make a draconic character distantly akin to a kobold, but that doesn't mean she feels anything in common. Even if she is aware of her own dragon blood, she doesn't understand the kobolds' belief that they are descended from dragons. To suggest that the two are related is to insult the draconic creature.
Spellscales
A draconic character's nature makes her a kindred spirit to a spellscale, and the two usually get along well. Still, the unpredictable nature of a spellscale is a bit much to endure in a long-term relationship. While a draconic character might enjoy comparing fashions or sharing a favored song, she's not so interested in examining every aspect of existence. Thus, most draconic characters have relationships with spellscales on the level of acquaintances rather than as true friends.
True Dragons
Tue dragons are so remote both physically and mentally that draconic characters don't usually have a special opinion about them beyond what is typical for their society. Actually encountering a dragon for the first time can cause a stirring in the breast of a draconic character, one that she might not understand if she is unaware of her heritage. Such an awakening can lead to an obsession with learning more about dragons or traveling to places where they dwell.
Dungeons and Dragons - Races of the Dragon; Pages 56 - 66
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Post by sandcastles on Feb 17, 2012 15:36:41 GMT -5
Here is some source about "Half-Dragon" characters. Note that a disciple is not quite a Half-Dragon, though they may gain the template at 10th level, they are not born as a half dragon, and in fact, are not even as strongly tied to dragons as a Dragon-Descended to start. However as time progresses a Disciple actively brings themselves closer and closer to their ancestry and may be as true to their draconic heritage as a truly born half dragon. Some may perhaps be even possibly -more- obsessed with emulating their ancient forebears.
Dragon-Descended Psychology
The dragon-descended - those with some draconic traits but not true dragons - stand apart from society. For many, this status (or lack thereof) leads to isolation and unhappiness, though some have learned to make the most of their natural advantages.
Half-Dragons
Although half-dragons have varied origins, teh one thing they share is loneliness. For most, this condition is imposed by the nature of their existence as monsterous crossbreeds. Some few deliberately choose this solitary path, though, such as by entering the dragon disciples prestige class (DMG 183) or undergoing some other process.
The majority of half-dragons had no choice in their conceptions. Such creatures have to deal with looking markedly different from their parents and their parents' kin. Even half-dragons who have a loving dragon parent are raised by the nondragon partner - usually the mother - and have little or no contact with the dragon.
A half-dragon raised among humans or other short-lived races has to deal with slower physical and emotional growth, despite having a keen mind. His monstrous appearance leads to ostracism or worse. A half-dragon's response to such exclusion or abuse might be to withdraw into sullen solitude, nursing a bitter hate that only reinforces his isolation. Or he might lash out with his fearsome natural arsenal, killing or maiming his tormentors and guaranteeing his exile or destruction.
Half-Dragons raised among other creatures that share their nondragon heritage mature much more slowly than their fellows. Indeed, one might still be a child when his grown peers are killed in battle. Even before the half-dragon has left adolescence, the rest are dead of old age. Life is cheap in such societies, and the parent cannot afford to devote extra time to this one demanding child. So he usually ends up in a group nursery, watching several groups of infants grow and leave before he is old enough to go. He might even be called on to assist in communal rearing, usually by performing menial chores such as cleaning up waste.
Years of being treated as a child and a burden leave scars, especially to a half-dragon with active and inquisitive intelligence. He typically leaves the tribe as soon as he can defend himself adequately. Very occasionally, though, a half-dragon rises to a position of leadership within the tribe by virtue of his intelligence, superior strength, and natural abilities. (A blast of dragonfire has a way of convincing challengers to back down.) Led by a half-dragon chieftain, a horde of orc raiders becomes an even greater destructive force.
Human societies can range from open-minded to superstitious and bigoted when it comes to half-dragon children. A half-dragon's frightening appearance and terrible weaponry become obstacles to acceptance in any situation. If he is raised in an accepting society, a half-dragon can enjoy a normal childhood, although he must still contend with his slow maturation. Such beings develop a draconic patience and a long-term outlook. Those who have the misfortune to live in a narrow-minded society are likely to end up hidden in a back room or even in a shed, treated like an animal.
Sometimes a metallic dragon (often silver) favors an elf with its affection. Both are long-lived beings and share a magical nature. They have similar outlooks on life and moral duty.
The offspring of such a union is considered a special blessing, and the dragon parent might even remain near the elf community and participate in rearing the child. The community elders take a special interest in awakening the magical potential of the half-dragon.
Held up to impossible standards, subjected to intense schooling, and kept separate from others his age, the half-dragon often finds it hard to mature socially. The pressure to perform takes its toll, manifesting as emotional and physical outbursts alternating with deep depression. Many such children leave home as soon as they are able. Those who continue in wizardly training can rise to influential positions, but they can also be emotionally distant.
Drow are a special case. Evil dragons can lair near drow cities and form alliances with the dark elves. Deep dragons in particular (see Monsters of Faerun, page 40) might take drow form and consummate a relationship with a high priestess, the head of a house, or some other powerful individual.
The child of such a union becomes a prized tool in the ever-swirling intrigues of drow society. Leaders of the half-dragon's house jealously guard the creature, attempting to keep its existence secret from other drow who would try to steal or destroy it. The child has no say in its upbringing; a male is placed in a school of wizardry, and a female is sent to serve in the temple.
Much like with half-dragons in other elf societies, the pressure to perform can lead to extreme emotional imbalance, made even worse by the brutality of internecine drow conflict. Usually this mindset is useful to drow culture, and such beings end up in positions of great power. Those who do not learn to survive and overcome are summarily destroyed.
Dragons rarely take dwarves as mates. This fact seems odd at first blush, since both types of creatures are stubborn and often covetous, but these factors also drive dragons and dwarves apart. Drwarf communities, although closeknit, are isolated and difficult to reach. Dwarves' predilection for killing dragons and seizing their hoards also limits the opportunities for crossbreeding.
Halflings and gnomes also produce few half-dragons. Most dragons consider these races to be silly and inconsequential, although individual halflings and gnomes might decide to buck the stereotype.
Draconic Heritage and Behavior
The presence of dragon blood in one's heritage, however slight, affects one's outlook on life. Draconic characters share some tendencies of the dragons from whom they are descended, but these characteristics are not overwhelming. Dragon parentage strongly colors a half-dragon's personality however, causing the half-dragon to share the same alignment and demeanor. A player character might be the rare exception whose alignment differs from the norm, but others are likely to react to a half-dragon based on their assumptions about that dragon's usual nature. Even if he shares the dragon parent's alignment, a half-dragon's personality is shaped by the nondragon society into which he was born.
Here are some roleplaying suggestions for incorporating the traits of the ten true dragons in the Monster Manual into your half dragon character.
Black
You are sly and incisive, which might suit you well for the paths of the rogue and assassin. Your darkly tinged flesh also aids in such endeavors. You tend to be unpredictable and violent. Your tendencies might favor rapid advancement in societies that value them but make you the object of suspicion in most others.
Blue
You are vain and acquisitive, proud and fierce. These latter qualities serve fighters and barbarians well, while a rogue might make the best use of the former. Your lawful alignment allows you to be a monk, although you are more interested in physical perfection than mental discipline. You love to display your prowess and boast about your achievements. You prefer to do things on your own, which can cause friction in a group situation.
Green
You are belligerent and tyrannical, preferring to strike first and ask questions later. You like to throw your weight around, so you make an excellent brawler or barbarian. Brutish and warlike cultures value these qualities, but in a civilized setting, you might be a mercenary or a gladiator. If you become a cleric, you tend to serve a deity of strength, conquest, and violence.
Red
You are haughty and covetous, valuing personal wealth and glory above all else. You're a natural sorcerer, since you rely on the force of your personality to acquire riches and power. Greed and pride drive you towards a life of adventure. You can't get enough of preening and admiring yourself in front of a mirror. The reddish hue of your flesh resembles the skin tones of goblinoids, and you might become a great leader among them.
White
You are brutish and hedonistic, especially enjoying visceral pleasures. Likely born in the cold north-lands, you are uncomfortable in warm environments. The children of white dragons make excellent wilderness travelers, particularly rangers.
Brass
You are the chatty type. You love to engage in conversation, which is to say talk at length without letting another get a word in. The bard class is a natural choice for you. You're usually good-hearted, despite earning a reputation as a bore. Although half-dragons are rare among the small folk, half-brass dragon who appear in halfing or gnome communities fit in very well.
Bronze
You are curios and brave, and you have a soft spot for animals. As a child, you probably had a favored pet or even a bedraggled stray to keep you company without prejudice or question. Perhaps you ran away from your community to take up a life in the wilderness. The children of bronze dragons have a natural affinity for the druid and ranger classes. Those born into wild elf communities (MM 104) are often treated as equals.
Copper
You love tricks and jests, but you're a bit greedy. This personality lends itself well to the bard and the rogue classes and complements a halfling's demeanor perfectly. You might have reacted to your unusualness by becoming a prankster or used your inherent magic to produce entertaining effects. You desperately want to be liked by everyone you meet, and you become petulant if rejected.
Gold
You are wise and patient. You value examining and discussing a situation at length more than undertaking nhasty action, but you are committed to a course once you have made a decision. You have a strong sense of justice. The offspring of gld dragons are most likely to become clerics of paladins, usually serving deities of justice and order.
Silver
You're a people person. That's how you were conceived, after all - silver dragons love to spend time among humanoids. The individuals around you might not respond as you wish, either putting you on a pedestal or turning a cold shoulder, but you persist in trying to form friendships and can be deeply hurt when your affection is not returned. Silver half-dragons are drawn to classes that aid and support others, becoming clerics who focus on healing or druids within rural communities.
Half Dragon Characters in Life.
The nature of a dragon-descended creature's life depends greatly on how he is percieved by and how he interacts with the nondraconic beings around him.
Isolated as they are, half-dragons develop solitary pursuits involving intellectual stimulation and discovery. A half-dragon derives great pleasure from testing himself against ever greater challenges.
Leisure
Enjoying long lives, as well as their ancestors' materialism, half-dragons are collectors par excellence. They obsess about acquiring the finest pieces for the collections, with interests that often mirror those of their draconic parent. A half-blue dragon often covets fine gems and jewels, especially sapphires, while a half-gold dragon becomes an art connoisseur. Once collected, a piece never leaves its owner's treasury, and the half-dragon happily spends hours at a time looking over his treasures.
Half-dragons enjoy reading, and they maintain libraries as extensive as they can afford. Those who practice the arcane arts in particular boats immense collections of tomes. Such love of reading comes natrually to the lonely and gifted. Sometimes a bookish young half-dragon earns the rude nickname "bookwyrm".
Magic, especially of an arcane variety, is a prized pursuit of any half-dragon not soured on spellcasting by childhood lessons. Half-dragons are innately magical beings, and their own bodies provide powerful ingredients and foci for magical effects.
Dragons are ravenous creatures and fearsome hunters. Their progeny share these qualities. The life of a lone hunter appeals to the reclusive nature of some half-dragons. Others instead become epicures, if not outright gluttons, and indulge themselves in rare delicacies. Such creatures might travel the world in search of new culinary experiences or pay handsomely for samples brought form distant lands. Many have a weakness for wine or spirits, and even though their stout constitutions make them harder to inebriate, they just drink more to make up for it.
Arts and Crafts
Artistic interests and talent usually flows form the humanoid parent rather than the dragon one. Although dragons love to look at and possess fine works of art, they are seldom interested in creating such objects. Half-dragons born to brutish folk, such as goblinoids, care little for artistic treasures except as loot to sell for something more useful.
On the other hand, those with elf or dwarf heritage often possess an innate talent for creating fine works. Provided the community has accepted such a half-dragon and allowed him to pursue his own interests, he might eventually stand in history alongside the most famed artisans of that race. With their sorcerous nature, half-dragons are especially talented at crafting magic items.
Technology and Magic
The very blood and flesh of dragons is magical. Half-dragons inherit much of this arcane power, making them naturally suited to the spellcasting classes. Those sharing the blood of elves or other magically gifted folk have the potential to become masters of magic, archmages and loremasters of the highest ability. No arcane secret is beyond a keen intellect combined with great patience.
However, half-dragons can be prone to the negative aspects of draconic personality. Often conservative in thought, half-dragons can be unwilling to look at things in new ways - a tendency that increases with age. Possessiveness can also be an obstacle to a half-dragon 's magical development, for once he has acquired a bit of magical lore, he is many times unwilling to exchange that knowledge for another's. Rather, half-dragons embark on secret expeditions to unearth long-lost fragments of knowledge, having spent long hours in solitary research, or they conduct arcane experiments to devise unique magic.
The offspring of metallic dragons might be gifted in divine magic, although they are more likely to worship draconic deities or spirits of nature than they are humanoid pantheons. Half-dragon clerics are not common, but those who exist hold a position of special honor in the worship of Io, the Ninefold Dragon.
Both sorcerers and wizards are common among half-dragons, though sorcerers are more numerous. This tendency towards arcane spellcasting is a natural consequence of half-dragons' isolation, which compels them to explore and train their innate magical abilities. Half-dragon elves are usually wizards.
Dragons rarely create magic items, mostly because of physical limitations. Half-breed offspring who are gifted with hands are not so restricted. Nothing is more pleasing to a half-dragon's eyes than a beautiful object of magic made with his own skills. Once completed, though, such an item is unlikely to be used or even seen by another individual. Some of the bitter and resentful crossbreeds specialize in producing weapons and other magical items dedicated to destroying dragons. Such devices might be bane weapons against the dragon parent's kind or the dragon kind that is the parent's traditional enemy.
Mundane technology holds little interest for half-dragons. Creatures to whom magic comes so easily rarely see the value of complex machinery when a spell can do as well or better. Nor do they have much patience with alchemy, which to them is a pale shadow of true magic. Those raised in a human society or among gnomes might gain exposure to these sciences, but very few embrace them. For many half-dragons, scientific inventions are fads that seem to pass as quickly as the short lives of their creators.
Love
The desire for companionship and acceptance aches in the breast of a half-dragon, but at the same time, it flounders in a sea of anguish. Whether rejected, set apart, or idolized, half-dragons usually end up masking or even suppressing their emotions. Sadly, this situation only reinforces their image as aloof loners, so that their humanoid cousins shun them even more - a vicious circle of solitude and despair. Such individuals usually resign themselves to being unhappy and alone all their lives.
If another being displays interest in or affection for a half-dragon, his first response is likely to be distrust. Painful experience has taught that others approach him only when he is useful. If he response at all, he is often surly and sarcastic. He makes himself as unlikable as possible, both because doing so is safer than opening himself up to more pain and as a test of the other's intentions. If the other persists in attempting contact despite such a strong disincentive, the half-dragon accepts the possibility of being genuinely liked and reciprocates tentatively.
Once a half-dragon is convinced of shared, true affection, he throws himself headlong into the relationship. Having discovered true love for the first time, a half-dragon is not about to let go of it. He can easily become jealous of others who seem unduly interested in his beloved and might insist on spending every moment in that one's company.
Few can endure such smother attentions for long, but a beloved who tries to escape might risk the half-dragon's deadly rage. These dark tendencies are more common in the progeny of evil dragons, but the possessive nature of all dragons manifests itself to some degree in love. As a result, the best mate for a half-dragon is usually another half-dragon or a crossbreed creature with a similarly lonely background. The two cling to one another with a fierceness difficult for others to understand.
Very rarely, a half-dragon enters a romantic relationship with a true dragon. Other dragons look on such coupling with distaste, as further muddying of bloodlines, so the lovers must share an isolated existence.
Roleplay Applications: What is your character's experience with love? Was he isolated from birth, or accepted to some degree in his society? Has he ever had his heart broken? Can he ever trust another individual enough to love truly? Is he the type who worships a beloved in the tradition of courtly love, or is he consumed with possessiveness and jealous?
Half-dragons at War
Being apart from the society into which they are born, half-dragons do not often become involved in the martial traditions of that society. Sometimes this state of affairs is simply due to bigotry and distrust. The community is unwilling to train such a dangerous monster in even more lethal techniques. Other times, a half-dragon is too deeply immersed in arcane study to learn military arts. Mostly, half-dragons feel no sense of duty to a community that has rejected them. Much as dragons do, they fight only when it suits their purposes or in defense of their property.
Half-dragons do have formidable natural armament in the form of teeth, claws, and a breath weapon. Those with wings are capable of swift and maneuverable flight, sometimes taking feats, such as Flyby Attack or Hover, that enhances their aerial combat abilities.
Most half-dragons try to stay at a distance and dispatch a threat with breath weapon or spells. If hand-to-hand fighting is unavoidable, a half-dragon's vitality, strength, and ferocity make him a redoubtable opponent.
In very few cases, a half-dragon takes on a position of great authority. For instance, cultures that value brute strength in their leaders might elevate half-dragons to war-chiefs, sending them on the most dangerous and potentially most rewarding missions. Such beings are fully aware they are seen as expendable, but they channel their anger at such treatment into furious battle and bringing back prodigious spoils. Having proven their prowess at war and leadership, such half-dragons advance rapidly in the hierarchy of their people.
Most half-dragons never become part of an army or even a ragtag warband. They either make their own way and fight their own battles or join a band of like-minded outcasts to turn their talents to lucrative challenges.
Roleplay Applications: What is your character's attitude towards organized warfare? Did the society in which he was raised treat him as an equal, as a traitor, or as an expendable? Does he have any military experience? Does he desire a leadership position? Is he interested in fighting only for himself, or is there a greater cause for which he might lay down his life?
Death
A dragon's life span is truly remarkable - it can live a millennium or longer, and even at the end of its life transform into a permanent part of the land or become ascendant and immortal. Half-dragons usually share the heritage of a less long-lived race and so might endure no more than a few centuries. Still, they are granted far more time than most, and those born of a dragon-elf union can challenge ancient wyrms for longevity.
Most half-dragons covet life as they do so many things. They often seek ways to prolong life by magical means. Some explore dark paths that lead to undeath or even worse, such as grafting fiendish spirits to themselves. Others seek an apotheosis to make them true dragons at last. They do not risk their lives needlessly, but the quest for immortality is worth taking the chance.
Some half-dragons find the burden of a half-breed existence more than they can bear. They indulge in lonely, sad thoughts of death that often take the form of fantasies in which a grieving community finally realizes the half-dragon's true worth. Suicide is not a seriously considered option though.
Such afflicted creatures might turn their black moods to creating supremely mournful works of art or music. Others might set out on dangerous journeys, hoping for reward but not caring much if they do not return. A few seek to renounce their dragon heritage entirely, becoming wholly humanoid and, they hope, finding acceptance at the cost of a shorter life.
In either case, half-dragons do not usually share the religious outlook of humanoids. Racial deities in particular offer no sense of belonging. Nor do dragon deities, other than Io, hold much meaning for these misfits. A half-dragon makes his own religious choice based on his experience and the color of his soul, and his thoughts on the afterlife reflect that choice.
Half Dragons and Other Races
Awkwardness and resentment color half-dragon's relationships with other beings. Strangeness and solitude are their constant companions, whether worn as a protective cloak or a defiant crest.
Draconic Characters
Half-dragons might not immediately recognize a draconic character as being different from his humanoid kin, but might still feel a subconscious attraction to or interest in the character. If a half-dragon comes to realize that he is dealing with a draconic character, he might wish his own lineage were less obvious, envying the draconic character's ability to blend in. In the face of a draconic character who has strong features, a half-dragon reacts much as he would to another half-dragon.
Dragonborn
Half-dragons can only wonder at those who deliberately become dragonblood creatures and willingly take on the social problems and the advantages of that choice. They respect such devotion to the Platinum Dragon, at the same time feeling that the dragon god has little interest in them. Should a half-dragon encounter one of these devotees, he is likely to be full of questions - if he can overcome his usual reticence.
Dwarves
Half-dragons hold a grudging admiration for these stout folk. They respect dwarves' patience, self-sufficiency, and appreciation for the treasures of the earth. They also envy the cohesive structure of dwarven society, in which everyone has a role and gains satisfaction in fulfilling it. The children of earth dragons and those of the deep places feel particular attraction for dwarves.
Half-dragons exhibit a strong individualism that clashes with the expectations of dwarven society. Thus, they usually meet dwarves as part of an adventuring party. In such circumstances, fighting side by side against terrible enemies, the two come to recognize that they share certain strengths and treat each other with reserved acceptance.
Elves
The lives of half-dragons and elves are intertwined in ways that bring them together and simultaneously wrench them apart. As described earlier, half-dragons born to elven communities are expected to fulfill a role assigned to them by virtue of their nature. Individuality and long life, as well as easy familiarity with magic, would seem to make them allies, but the pressure to perform usually alienates the half-dragon. Those who accept their role among elves are respected leaders. Elf society is more likely than others to welcome a half-dragon born to another humanoid race, and a community with a half-dragon elder might even be a haven for such outcasts. As adventurers, half-dragons share the elven talent for marrying martial prowess with magical skill. The path of the bladesinger (see Complete Warrior page 17) suits a half-dragon elf very well.
Gnomes
Half-dragons look on gnomes as flighty and beneath their notice. Unfair as this is, it's an attitude shared by many races. It's also a barrier to the chance for true friendship, since gnomes appreciate many of the qualities in half-dragons that other see as off0putting and bizarre. Ghomes admire the physical beauty of dragons as well as their keen intellect and aesthetic sense, but a true dragon is not easy to approach. Someone with humanoid features who also has draconic talents would make a splendid companion for conversation, song, and artistic pursuits. The moodiness and prejudice of half-dragons, though, discourages such relationships. If thrown together in a situation that requires cooperation, half-dragons might acknowledge that gnomes have their uses, but even so, the two rarely become close friends.
Half-Elves
Accustomed to bridging two very different worlds, half-dragons and half-elves share a certain kinship. A half-dragon is as likely to find acceptance among half-elves as he is anywhere else, perhaps more so. Given their elf heritage and affinity for magic, half-dragons are valued as members of some half-elf communities.
Half-Orcs
]Now these folks have some understanding of how it feels to be the object of prejudice. If a half-orc and a half-dragon actually speak to each other, they might recognize how much they have in common. Should a half-orc and a half-dragon meet in their wanderings, a solid friendship might develop. Usually the half-orc makes the first move, hoping a half-dragon misfit might be more accepting of him than pureblooded humanoids. Such advances are surprising to a half-dragon, but if he can control his initial suspicion, he quickly warms to this kindred spirit. Sharing great strength and furious hearts, half-orc and half-dragon barbarians might rage side by side in a warband or adventuring group.
Halflings
Like gnomes, halflings seem silly to half-dragons, who don't recognize the toughness of these little folk. The tendency to wander and strength in adversity are traits that the two races share, and in theory, halflings' desire to get along with everyone should lead them to befriend half-dragons. In practice, a half-dragon is likely to find halflings childish pests, and he doesn't appreciate the trouble that always seems to follow them. Nevertheless, it sometimes happens that a group of halflings travels for a time with a half-dragon camp train. The halflings provide services, grease the wheels for introducing half-dragons to a town's merchants, or, if that is unsuccessful, act as mediators for trade.
Humans
A given half-dragon's attitude towards humanity depends on the culture in which he was raised. Those raised by humans also vary. If accepted, a half-dragon has a positive view towards humans, but if he was treated as a subhuman monster he is resentful. Plenty of human communities are tolerant of humanoid crossbreeds, but far fewer are so tolerant of monstrous mixes. Even more rare are those who accept breeds of dragon and traditional enemy races, such as orcs. As a result, most half-dragons do not have a high opinion of humans.
Humans' pervasiveness makes it nearly impossible for the two not to come into contact. An adventuring half-dragon almost certainly shares the company of several humans with whom he has developed the sort of camaraderie born of risking their lives together. Deeper friendships can form between those who are open to the possibility, but most of the onus is on the human in such cases.
Kobolds
Kobolds revere all things draconic, and they hold great respect for half-dragons. Still, the nature of one's nondragon parent makes a difference in how a half-dragon is received. Nonkobold half-dragons usually regard kobolds as inconsequential, an attitude derived both from their hauty dragon heritage and from the usual views of other humanoids that consider kobolds to be a grubby, cringing race. A half-dragon kobold is not likely to have this preconception but still sees itself as superior to the ordinary kobolds it is related to.
Spellscales
The fickleness of spellscales is irritating to half-dragons. Being creatures whose own draconic nature is more often a burden than a wonder, half-dragons distrust the spellscale's love of life. The one thing the two races might share is a connection with the dragon deities - half-dragons tend to interpret spellscales' daily meditation as worship - although religious half-dragons do not worship as broadly as spellscales do.
True Dragons
Half-dragons have an ambivalent attitude towards true dragons. On the one hand, they long for the full power of that ancient strain, denied them by their crossbeed nature. They try to emulate dragons in many ways and seek to unlock draconic abilities in themselves. On the other hand, a half-dragon is often fiercely resentful of a draconic parent who abandoned him to fate, usually never to return. The aloofness of dragons, especially towards impure breeds, only reinforces that anger, to the extend that half-dragons sometimes devote themselves to slaying dragons.
Half-dragons are commonly contemptuous towards less intelligent creatures of the dragon type, such as pseudo-dragons and wyverns. They see such creatures as less than "real" dragons, perhaps uncomfortably similar to themselves. Dragonnels (see Draconomicon page 151) make excellent steeds for half dragons, who often feel more comfortable with these draconic mounts.
Dungeons and Dragons - Races of the Dragon; Pages 56 - 66
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