Draconian Atavist

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Nived Atolm

NOTE: References to DLCS stand for the Dragonlance Campaign Setting, and references to AoM stand for the Age of Mortals sourcebook.

Kang said, "...But you've never seen a golden dragon. How did you know what one would look like?"
"Begging your pardon, sir," Thesik replied, "But I have seen golden dragons. I see a golden dragon in my dreams almost every day. I'm not sure why. It's very strange. Do you understand, sir?"
"Yes, Thesik, yes, I do." Kang replied, who sometimes saw a bronze dragon in his dreams. He understood. He had hoped she never would.

-Draconian Measures, Chapter 21.

"Many [draconians] in the Age of Mortals have adopted a more neutral outlook, and a rare handful (called "throwbacks") reflect the good alignments of their dragon ancestors."

-Dragonlance Campaign Setting, Chapter 1, page 34.

The blood of metallic dragons runs through the veins of each draconian, whether spawned by dark magic or born to loving parents in Teyr. While the personalities and traits of their dragon ancestors have always been with the draconians after a fashion, in recent times, especially in the younger generations, the stereotypical habits of their lineage have been more prominent. Whether in the talkativeness of the young baaz, or the jokes and pranks from the young kapak, the traits of their true heritage are starting to show.

While these traits are fine, a rare few draconians take it a step further. These draconians actively try to emulate their dragon ancestors, both in world outlook and manner. These special individuals spend their time meditating on their heritage, and the dreams of their dragon ancestors that all draconians seem to share. Through soul searching and focus on their lineage, these draconians have seemingly been able to kick start their blood and draw out abilities that have lain dormant within them, granting these good-aligned draconians powers unique to their heritage.

Most known draconian atavists have developed within the city of Teyr, where they usually take an active role in the defense and maintenance of the city, securing the future of their race and working to make the city a better place. Like Teyr itself, most of Krynn, including the metallic dragons whom they look up to are unaware of their existence. It is unknown how a metallic dragon would react to one of these good draconians.
Hit Die: d10.

Requirements

To qualify to become a draconian atavist, a character must fulfill all the following criteria:

Race: Draconian (aurak, baaz, bozak, kapak, or sivak).
Alignment: Lawful good (for auraks, bozaks, and sivaks) or chaotic good (for baaz and kapaks).
Hit Dice: 7.
Base Attack Bonus: +5.
Base Will Save: +4.
Skills: Knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks.
Feats: Draconian Breath Weapon (DLCS), Resist Dragonfear (DLCS).

Class Skills

The draconian atavist's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (all skills) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Language (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), and Use Rope (Dex).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

The Draconian Atavist
Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Special	Spells Per Day
1	+0	+2	+0	+2	Dragon's blood secret I	-
2	+1	+3	+0	+3	-	+1 level of existing class
3	+2	+3	+1	+3	Dragon's blood secret II, inspired by metallic dragons	-
4	+3	+4	+1	+4	-	+1 level of existing class
5	+3	+4	+1	+4	Dragon's blood secret III, Improved Draconian Breath Weapon	-
6	+4	+5	+2	+5	-	+1 level of existing class
7	+5	+5	+2	+5	Dragon's blood secret IV	-
8	+6	+6	+2	+6	Alternate Draconian Breath Weapon	+1 level of existing class
9	+6	+6	+3	+6	Dragon's blood secret V	-
10	+7	+7	+3	+7	Unlimited Draconian Breath Weapon	+1 level of existing class

Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A draconian atavist gains no weapon or armor proficiencies.

Dragon's Blood Secret (Ex): A draconian atavist focuses on the metallic dragon blood running through their veins to draw out the abilities of their dragon ancestors. Through soul searching and meditation, a draconian atavist acquires the first secret at 1st level, the second secret at 3rd level, the third secret at 5th level, the fourth secret at 7th level, and the fifth secret at 9th level. A draconian atavist may only gain the abilities of their draconic ancestry, and as such the dragon's blood secrets are different for each race of draconians. All save DCs are Charisma-based. All abilities function as the appropriate dragon type unless noted otherwise.

Aurak (Gold Dragon) Blood Secrets

I. Water Breathing.
II. Wings: Auraks grow wings and gain the glide ability (see DLCS).
III. Fire Subtype; Immunity to fire/vulnerability to cold.
IV. Detect Gems.
V. Foresight 1/day.

Baaz (Brass Dragon) Blood Secrets

I. Burrow; can burrow with a speed of 15ft.
II. True Flight; the draconian gains the ability to fly with a fly speed of 60 (poor).
III. Fire subtype; Immunity to fire/vulnerability to cold.
IV. Suggestion; 1/day.
V. Summon Djinni; 1/day.

Bozak (Bronze Dragon) Blood Secrets

I. Water Breathing.
II. True Flight; as noted under the baaz entry.
III. Water Subtype; Immunity to electricity.
IV. Alternate Form; As the feat in AoM.
V. Control weather; 1/day.

Kapak (Copper Dragon) Blood Secrets

I. Spider Climb.
II. True Flight; as noted under the baaz entry.
III. Immunity to Acid.
IV. Wall of Stone; 1/day.
V. Move Earth; 1/day.

Sivak (Silver Dragon) Blood Secrets

I. Cloudwalking.
II. Fog cloud; 3/day.
III. Cold Subtype; Immunity to cold/vulnerability to fire.
IV. Alternate Form; as the feat in AoM.
V. Reverse Gravity; 1/day.

Spells per Day: At 2nd level, draconian atavists have delved into the hidden power of magic inherent in their blood. The atavist gains the spells per day and spells known of a 1st-level sorcerer. At the listed levels, the atavist's spellcasting ability increases, up to 5th-level casting ability at 10th level. These levels stack with any existing sorcerer spellcasting levels, including the aurak's and bozak's sorcerer spellcaster levels.

Inspired by Metallic Dragons (Ex): Draconian atavists of the 3rd level are inspired by metallic dragons rather than chromatic dragons. This ability is otherwise identical to the "Inspired by Dragons" ability in the DLCS.

Improved Draconian Breath Weapon: At 5th level, draconian atavists gain the Improved Draconian Breath Weapon feat (DLCS) regardless of whether they meet the requirements.

Alternate Draconian Breath Weapon: Draconian atavists of the 8th level have awakened their ability to use the alternate breath weapon of their metallic dragon ancestors. All effects last 1d6 rounds plus 1/2 the draconian atavist's class levels. Save DCs = 10 + 1/2 HD + CON modifier. Use of the atavist's alternate breath weapon counts against the atavist's total uses per day of his breath weapon. Auraks do not acquire this ability, as they already have their alternate breath weapon.

Baaz: 30-ft. cone of sleep gas (Will negates)
Bozak: 30-ft. cone of repulsion gas (Will negates)
Kapak: 30-ft. cone of slow gas (Fort negates)
Sivak: 30-ft. cone of paralyzing gas (Fort negates)

Unlimited Draconian Breath Weapon: Draconian atavists of the 10th level are no longer limited in the number of times per day they can use their breath weapons, but can only breathe once every 1d6 rounds.

Special Thanks go to Cam Banks for his feedback and especially the suggestion of a better name.

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