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Creating Dragonborn Characters
DRAGONBORN OF BAHAMUT Tents
Four members of the group occupy each of the central tents. The tent on the edge of the encampment is where the shared resources of the group are kept, including battle diagrams, extra weapons, and healing supplies.
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Central Fires
This area is where communal meals are prepared. The fi res also provide comforting light and warmth on cold nights.
Dragonborn come from a variety of occupations and backgrounds. They see the merits of diverse talents and know the value in forming a versatile and balanced party. Many continue to pursue the class or classes in which they were trained before becoming a dragonborn. The beloved of Bahamut can be from any class, but martial training and perfection holds a particular allure for the dragonborn. Refi ned fi ghting prowess always has merit in the battle against the spawn of Tiamat. Barbarian: The undisciplined rage of a barbarian appeals to some dragonborn. They are mighty combatants and a force to be reckoned with on the battlefi eld. A dragonborn’s improved Constitution score enhances the barbarian’s rage ability. Bard: While not naturally charismatic, dragonborn often take a leadership position. The talents of a bard nicely support an adventuring party. Dragonborn bards craft and recite stirring tales or songs about their struggles against the spawn of Tiamat. A dragonborn knows a bard is good for knowledge and for protecting a group and enhancing its capabilities. Cleric: Those who were clerics before becoming dragon born usually continue to improve their miraculous spellcasting and remain dedicated to their original deity, unless that deity is evil. Some dragonborn clerics choose to worship Bahamut, but they need not do so. A dragonborn can honor the faith of any good or neutral god. Chapter 6: Character Options includes racial substitution levels for any dragonblood cleric, including a dragon born one. Druid: A dragonborn druid keenly feels her tie to the natural world. The spawn that Tiamat creates are warped abominations, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of nature. Who better to stop them than one who is so aware of what’s at risk? Fighter: Some poets have termed the dragonborn “the swords of Bahamut.” Indeed, the children of the Platinum Dragon are predisposed toward martial careers. Their fi ne, draconic bodies are quite suitable for the mastery of soldierly skills. Monk: The disciplined strength and dedication of the monk works well with the dragonborn’s focused purpose. Dragonborn monks have many advantages in the Dragonfall War, both in terms of mental discipline and fi ghting prowess. The class’s good saving throws and ki strike are great benefi ts when fi ghting evil dragonkind.
Paladin: A dragonborn’s dedication to a good cause often attracts those of lawful good alignment. For such individuals, service as a paladin makes sense. The aura of courage is exceptionally valuable when fi ghting evil dragons whose frightful presence can daunt all but the most stalwart of allies. For alternative options for a dragonborn paladin, see the dragonborn paladin racial substitution levels on page 108. Ranger: Dragonborn rangers select dragons as one of their favored enemies. They often scout for their allies, excelling at tracking their prey, fi nding lairs, and setting up an ideal attack or ambush. The animal companion of a dragon-hunting ranger is rarely part of a direct confl ict with an evil dragon. Many experienced dragonborn rangers only have their animal companions with them while scouting. Rogue: The clumsiness of most dragonborn’s bodies deters many of them from becoming rogues. However, the class offers great skills for reconnoitering the dangers of an evil dragon’s lair, sneaking inside the place, and dispatching its resident with a quick strike to a vital area. Hence, some dragonborn do become rogues. Sorcerer: Dragonborn sorcerers feel an even closer kinship with their adoptive father than those of other classes. Reveling in their new identities as dragonblood humanoids, dragonborn sorcerers take pride in their arcane skills and what they have become as dragonborn. Their attitudes and efforts against the spawn of Tiamat are the most fanatical. Chapter 6: Character Options includes racial substitution levels for any dragonblood sorcerer, including a dragon born one. Wizard: The adaptability of the wizard class means that dragonborn wizards usually look to magic as the optimal resource in the fi ght against evil dragonkind. The class has great power and many options.
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DRAGONBORN IN EBERRON
Dragonborn fit well in Eberron with just a few small adjustments. The conflict central to the dragonborn’s existence is that between dragons and fiends, Eberron and Khyber, rather than Bahamut and Tiamat. The dragonborn feel called by Eberron, one of the progenitor wyrms, to serve. Their primary enemies are the spawn of Khyber, including rakshasas and evil outsiders of all sorts. The references to the Dragonfall Wars should be interpreted as referring to the Dragon–Fiend Wars. During the Rite of Rebirth, a candidate’s dragonmarks disappear as the character transforms into a dragonborn and are replaced by other feats of the player’s choice, as noted in the Mechanics of Rebirth sidebar. Dragons who avidly watch the lesser races and pay keen attention to dragonmarks wonder at the fact that dragonborn cannot retain or gain dragonmarks. Speculations abound, but if any dragon knows the truth behind the loss of a dragonborn’s dragonmark, that creature hasn’t spread the news.