Table of Contents

What is a Metallic Dragonborn? A Comprehensive Guide

A Metallic Dragonborn is a subrace of the Dragonborn species in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), inheriting their draconic ancestry from one of the metallic dragons: brass, bronze, copper, gold, or silver. Unlike their chromatic counterparts, metallic Dragonborn are generally aligned towards good and often embody the virtues associated with their respective metallic dragon ancestor. This manifests not only in their physical appearance, with scales mirroring the luster of their ancestral metal, but also in their inherent abilities and personality traits. They are often seen as honorable, altruistic, and driven by a desire to help others, reflecting the inherent goodness of their draconic heritage.

Metallic Dragonborn Traits and Characteristics

Metallic Dragonborn share the core characteristics of all Dragonborn – a humanoid form with draconic features like scales, a powerful build, and a draconic heritage that grants them a breath weapon and resistance to a specific damage type. However, their metallic lineage provides them with unique advantages and distinctions:

Ancestral Lineage: Their ancestry directly influences their scale color, breath weapon, and damage resistance. For example, a Gold Dragonborn boasts gold scales, a fire breath weapon, and resistance to fire damage.
Breath Weapon: Each metallic Dragonborn inherits a breath weapon that corresponds to their draconic ancestor. These breath weapons are typically a cone or line of elemental damage, reflecting the dragon’s innate powers.
Damage Resistance: Metallic Dragonborn are resistant to the type of damage associated with their ancestral dragon. This provides a significant defensive advantage against certain types of attacks.
Metallic Breath Weapon: As seen in Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons, metallic Dragonborn often gain a second breath option at higher levels. This second breath weapon usually inflicts a debilitating effect, like weakening the target or incapacitating them.
Alignment: While not strictly enforced, metallic Dragonborn are generally inclined towards good alignments, such as Lawful Good or Chaotic Good, reflecting the ethical tendencies of metallic dragons.
Personality: They often exhibit traits associated with their specific metallic dragon ancestor. Gold Dragonborn may be wise and just, while Silver Dragonborn might be friendly and curious about humanoids.

Metallic Dragonborn Ancestries

Here’s a breakdown of the specific ancestries within the metallic Dragonborn subrace:

Brass Dragonborn: Known for their love of conversation and the desert. They often have brass-colored scales and wield a fire breath.
Bronze Dragonborn: Possessing an affinity for the sea and storms, these Dragonborn have bronze scales and a lightning breath.
Copper Dragonborn: These Dragonborn are known for their humor and love of riddles. They have copper-colored scales and a acid breath.
Gold Dragonborn: The embodiment of wisdom and justice. They have gold scales and a fire breath.
Silver Dragonborn: Friendly and curious about humanoids, these Dragonborn have silver scales and a cold breath.

Roleplaying a Metallic Dragonborn

When roleplaying a metallic Dragonborn, consider the following:

Embrace Your Ancestry: Infuse your character with the personality traits and values associated with your chosen metallic dragon ancestor.
Uphold Goodness: Strive to act with honor and compassion, reflecting the inherent goodness of your draconic heritage.
Utilize Your Abilities: Make use of your breath weapon and damage resistance to protect yourself and others.
Explore Your Connection to Dragons: Consider your character’s relationship with dragons. Do they revere them, fear them, or seek to emulate them?
Consider Clan Ties: How do the traditions of your ancestral clan influence your choices? Dragonborn are known to maintain strong ancestral connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Metallic Dragonborn

1. What is the difference between Chromatic and Metallic Dragonborn?

The primary difference lies in their alignment and ancestral dragons. Chromatic Dragonborn are descended from evil-aligned chromatic dragons (red, blue, green, black, and white), while metallic Dragonborn are descended from good-aligned metallic dragons (gold, silver, bronze, copper, and brass). This difference in ancestry influences their personalities, breath weapons, and damage resistances.

2. Can a Metallic Dragonborn be evil?

While metallic dragons are generally good, individuals can deviate from the norm. A metallic Dragonborn could choose an evil path, though it would be considered an anomaly and might lead to internal conflict or societal rejection. Alignment is a choice, not a predetermined fate.

3. Do Metallic Dragonborn have tails?

No, Dragonborn do not have tails, regardless of whether they are chromatic or metallic. They are humanoid creatures with draconic features, but they lack certain draconic traits like wings and tails.

4. What classes are best for Metallic Dragonborn?

Metallic Dragonborn are well-suited for classes that benefit from Strength and Charisma, such as Paladins, Sorcerers, and Bards. Their breath weapon and damage resistance also provide tactical advantages for various combat-oriented classes.

5. How rare are Metallic Dragonborn?

Dragonborn are generally considered uncommon in most D&D settings. The rarity of metallic Dragonborn compared to chromatic Dragonborn might vary depending on the specific campaign setting.

6. Can Metallic Dragonborn fly?

No, Dragonborn, including metallic Dragonborn, cannot naturally fly. They lack wings. However, they might gain the ability to fly through spells, magic items, or specific class features.

7. Do Metallic Dragonborn get along with dragons?

Their relationships with dragons are complex and depend on various factors, including the individual dragon and the Dragonborn’s actions. Metallic dragons are generally more inclined to be benevolent towards metallic Dragonborn, but respect and trust must still be earned.

8. Can chromatic dragons and metallic dragons mate?

Interbreeding is extremely rare, but it’s not impossible. The offspring would likely possess unpredictable traits and abilities, potentially inheriting qualities from both chromatic and metallic dragons.

9. How do I get metallic ancestry in Dragonborn?

In some video game implementations like Neverwinter, specific in-game items or actions might be required to unlock the metallic ancestry option during character creation. In tabletop D&D, you choose your draconic ancestry during character creation from the metallic options presented in supplemental books like Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons.

10. Are there any Platinum Dragonborn?

The existence of Platinum Dragonborn is a debated topic. Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon, is the god of good-aligned dragons, but there are no official rules about the Platinum Dragonborn.

11. What is the lifespan of a Metallic Dragonborn?

Dragonborn typically live to be around 80 years old. Their lifespan is similar to that of humans.

12. What are the common personality traits of each Metallic Dragonborn type?

Brass: Talkative, sociable, enjoys basking in the sun.
Bronze: Courageous, inquisitive, often found near water.
Copper: Humorous, playful, loves jokes and riddles.
Gold: Wise, just, dedicated to fighting evil.
Silver: Kind, helpful, fascinated by humanoids.

13. Can Metallic Dragonborn become Dracolich?

It is extremely rare for a metallic dragon to become a Dracolich due to their good alignment. However, a particularly narcissistic or power-hungry metallic dragon might succumb to the temptation, though it would be a significant fall from grace.

14. What is the Metallic Dragonborn’s resistance to?

Each metallic Dragonborn is resistant to the type of damage associated with their ancestral dragon:

Brass: Fire
Bronze: Lightning
Copper: Acid
Gold: Fire
Silver: Cold

15. Do Metallic Dragonborn scales change color with age?

While not explicitly stated in the rules, it’s reasonable to assume that their scales might become duller or more weathered with age, similar to how metals tarnish over time. However, they would likely retain the base color of their ancestral metal.

Exploring the nuances of metallic Dragonborn provides a rich opportunity for compelling character creation and engaging roleplaying experiences. Consider using these details to craft memorable characters and stories within your D&D campaigns. To further enhance your understanding of games and learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for valuable insights and resources.

What is a metallic Dragonborn?