Let's design the dragonborn !

[Aloïsius]

As we won't have the stats for this "new" race, let's try to imagine it ourselve. Of course, because we don't have 4e rules, we can't use it. So it will be about fluff, mostly.


* We can guess that they are not 3.5 dragonborn : I don't think a template in the PHB would fit, especialy because templates don't seem to fit with 4e design.
So, it's probably a true race, with a draconic background (humans followers of bahamut ?)
* We can guess they can fit in the "militaristic-dominating" kind of races (like humans) because of some playtest blog. and by the way...
* with Bahamut (and Tiamat ?) playing an important role, they may have a religious background. So, "dragonborn cleric of bahamut" will probably be as obvious as "dwarven fighter" or "elven ranger". So, charisma or wisdom as good stat ?
* Unless the tieflings have a surprise for us, there is no "strong" race in the PHB. Maybe the could be just that ?

So, I can see two different paths for the 4e dragonborn :
*charismatic, religious figures, with an impressive presence or
*physically powerfull creatures, with natural attack, STR bonus or natural armor, may be breath weapons ability.

What do you think could be the best option ?

 

[Sir Brennen]

The best option would be to see how other races are depicted mechanically, or even fluff-wise, otherwise you're simply presenting the dragonborn as a 3.5 race.

 

[Frostmarrow]

Even do I dislike the concept of dragonborn I'd rather have them be impressive religious Bahamut-dudes than fire-breathing half-giants. I don't fancy the idea of super heroes from the get go.

The reason I don't like dragonborn is that it is too far out as it is. It doesn't fit the grim and gritty, traditional fantasy if you will, variant of D&D.

I'm still a 4on and I will try to cope with it. I don't want to make the mistake of hating something right off the bat as I did with the warforged - a race I still can't stand even though I like Eberron. It is not good for the soul to despise.

 

[fabneme]

It would be sooooooooooo cool if the dragonborn characters were linked to the dragon color system and so their racial habilities...

 

[med stud]

I think the dragonborn will be the new half orcs, so to speak, rules wise.

Fluff- wise I think they are the first race to be created and some kind of anti- dragonborn event have decimated them.

 

[Frostmarrow]

It would be sooooooooooo cool if the dragonborn characters were linked to the dragon color system and so their racial habilities...

Actually, that would be kind of cool. Just saying.

 

[Gloombunny]

It would be sooooooooooo cool if the dragonborn characters were linked to the dragon color system and so their racial habilities...

Eh... not for me. The color-coded dragons are one part of D&D I could do without.

My guess is that dragonborn will resemble lizardmen at lower levels, but paragon and epic racial talents will be available for stuff like wings and breath weapons.

 

[withak]

The chromatic/metallic dragon setup is one sacred cow I wouldn't mind slaughtering. I'd prefer it if the Dragonborn weren't tied in that way as well.

 

[danbuter1]

The best option would be to leave such a lame idea out of the main PHB.

 

[JoeGKushner]

The forces of good were in dire times.

TIamat and Paladine had taken larger reins in the mortal worlds.

Worse for the good dragons, is that Tiamat proved far more effective at tricking the good dragons. A race race of dragon monstrosities born from several sources giving rise to dragon spawn and draconians in some circles.

Only the dung of Bahamut could put things right. After assuring several paladins that it was indeed most holy, those wise men were shocked to discover that they had undergone changes! The dung of Bahamut was indeed capable of the greatest of transformations. It's divine essence burning through ever last remanent that was not of dragon blood. After all, only a dragon could survive the dunking of the dung.

Now the droppins of Bahamut are sought out and cared for like the holy relics they are. Woe be to the draognspawn or draconian that would attempt to steal such sacred artifacts as it's power would consume those whose hearts are not of the light.