Descended from a human and a dragon, Dragonborn form clans separated by the chromatic or metallic color of dragon that they are descended from, and in some cases specific dragons of prominence. These tribes look down on each other, and often compete for societal, economic, and numerical superiority, with those of other chromatic heritage ostracized and subverted at every possible opportunity. The tradition of “keeping the bloodline pure” is deep rooted in their culture and rarely broken, with nearly all those choosing mates within the same draconic lineage. This has manifested as a more monstrous and dragon like appearance in some of the oldest, and wealthiest, highborn families. Those that break the societal taboo are cast out by their kin.

Highborn consider themselves to be the superior race of Alaraes. Many highborn are part of economically powerful and old clans with a long line of “pure” chromatic heritage that is often extensively documented. They often manifest the more monstrous side of their ancestry, with spikes and vestigial wings being the most common, and the oldest looking more akin to half-dragons. This monstrous nature is considered very attractive within dragonborn society and is often a deciding factor in arranging marriages.

Typically the byproduct of an affair between a Highborn and a human, lowborn are often cast out of their clan and sent to live away from their family with little to no financial support. Should it be discovered that a highborn produce a lowborn offspring it brings great shame to their family, and are never officially recognized by their highborn parent. Lowborn exhibit the more humanoid side of their ancestry, with smoother features and the magic infused sacs in their throat used for breath weapons being severely under developed. The residual magical energy of these sacs is channeled into the claws of a lowborn, giving them a devastating natural weapon of their own.

Dragonborn are typically disliked by other races, finding them to be pompous and smug. The exception is their lowborn. Due to their upbringing usually being out in the wider world and side-by-side with other races, they are considered easier to get along with and form bonds with others more easily.

If you choose to be a Lowborn dragonborn, it is recommended you swap out your Draconic Breath ability for the Feral Strike ability listed below.

Feral Strike. You can use your action to strike with devastating force using your natural claws. Your draconic ancestry determines the type of damage you deal with each ferocious swipe. A creature who is hit by your feral strike takes 1d6 + Strength Modifier damage. This damage increases to 2d6 at 6th level, 3d6 at 11th level, and 4d6 at 16th level. You may use your feral strike three times per short or long rest.