Metallic Dragonborn

While no longer bound to the nobility and righteousness once associated with their draconic forebears, metallic Dragonborn often find themselves drawn to matters of faith, tradition, and duty. Many become paladins, clerics, or druids—not out of dogmatic obligation, but from a natural inclination toward purpose and meaning. Even those without divine calling often seek structure in their lives, whether through craftsmanship, scholarship, or governance.

That said, the faith of a metallic Dragonborn is rarely blind or rigid. Having spent centuries absorbing the wisdom of countless cultures, they approach belief with a pragmatism that allows them to see its beauty without becoming shackled by it. They are mediators, advisors, and mentors as often as they are warriors and healers, lending their wisdom and discipline to those who seek guidance. Of all their kin, they are perhaps the most likely to search for a new homeland, a place where their people might gather once more—not to be bound, but to have a foundation from which to explore the world.

Dragonborn look like wingless, bipedal dragons—scaly, bright-eyed, and thick-boned with horns on their heads—and their coloration and other features are reminiscent of their draconic ancestors.

Racial Traits

Special Abilities

Armor Class Improvement Your scales give you a degree of natural armor. Your base AC is increased by 1.

Draconic Ancestry Your lineage stems from a dragon progenitor. Choose the kind of dragon from the Metallic Draconic Ancestry table below. Your choice affects your Breath Weapon and Damage Resistance traits as well as your appearance.

Breath Weapon When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation of magical energy in either a 15-foot cone or a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide (choose the shape each time). Each creature in that area must make a saving throw (DC 8 plus your Constitution modifier and Proficiency Bonus). On a failed save, a creature takes 1d10 damage of the type determined by your Draconic Ancestry trait. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage. This damage increases by 1d10 when you reach character levels 5 (2d10), 10 (3d10), 15 (4d10), 20 (5d10), 25 (6d10), and 30 (7d10).

You can use this Breath Weapon a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.

Metallic Draconic Ancestry

Damage Resistance You have Resistance to the damage type determined by your Draconic Ancestry trait.

Natural Weapons You have claws and a powerful tail that can be used as natural weapons. You have two attacks with your claws that can inflict 1d4 + Strength modifier slashing damage, and one attack with your tail that can do 1d6 + Strength modifier bludgeoning damage. When you use an attack action and are unarmed, you can choose to use either your claws or your tail, if not constrained, for your unarmed attack.

Draconic Flight When you reach character level 5, you can channel draconic magic to give yourself temporary flight. As a Bonus Action, you sprout spectral wings on your back that last for 10 minutes or until you retract the wings (no action required) or have the Incapacitated condition. During that time, you have a Fly Speed equal to your Speed. Your wings appear to be made of the same energy as your Breath Weapon. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a Long Rest.

Basic Traits

Darkvision You have Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.

Backgrounds

Devoted Scholar

You have spent your life in study—of theology, law, philosophy, or history—seeking wisdom through discipline and contemplation.

• Skill Proficiencies: History, Religion
• Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's Supplies, One additional language
• Languages: Two of your choice (Celestial or Draconic recommended)
• Feature: Keeper of Lore - You have advantage on checks to recall historical or religious knowledge, and you can spend one hour studying a text or artifact to uncover hidden details others might overlook.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom

Wandering Mediator

Whether as a diplomat, counselor, or simple traveler, you have spent years fostering peace and understanding between disparate peoples.

• Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Insight
• Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit, Navigator's Tools
• Languages: Two of your choice (Common and one other recommended)
• Feature: Voice of Reason - You have advantage on Charisma checks made to defuse conflicts or broker peace. If you spend at least an hour mediating a dispute, you can influence the outcome in your favor.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Charisma, +1 Wisdom

Oathbound Artisan

You were trained in a craft or trade, bound by tradition and duty. Whether as a smith, scribe, or sculptor, your work reflects both skill and purpose.

• Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Arcana
• Tool Proficiencies: Smith's Tools or Weaver's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice (Dwarvish or Elvish recommended)
• Feature: Master's Eye - You can appraise the craftsmanship of an object at a glance, identifying its origin, materials, and potential value.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Strength, +1 Intelligence