Dragon Heritage and Behavior

DRAGON- DESCENDED 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 tendencies with the blood of evil dragons. The playful nature of copper dragons is most commonly manifested in gnome and halfl ing descendants. Draconic elves display the patience and wisdom of gold and silver dragons. Draconic kobolds can refl ect 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 diffi cult to explain. Some hide this obviously alien feature, while others exploit it—claws are handy in a fi ght. Other draconic beings are visibly different, to the extent 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-dragon and draconic creatures make for excellent adventuring parties. Draconic characters might not understand why they are different from their kinfolk. The infl uence of a dragon bloodline could be so far buried in the past that the appearance of such a being is a random fl uke. A draconic character knows she is different somehow and might feel an 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 toward a child with dragon blood? Do they recognize her for what she is?

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 halfdragon’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 fl esh 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 fi erce. These latter qualities serve fi ghters 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 fi rst 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 toward a life of adventure. You can’t get enough of preening and admiring yourself in front of a mirror. The reddish hue of your fl esh 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 northlands, 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 dragons who appear in halfl ing or gnome communities fi t in very well.

Bronze: You are curious 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 affi nity 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 halfl ing’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 hasty action, but you are committed to a course once you have made a decision. You have a strong sense of justice. The offspring of gold dragons are most likely to become clerics or 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