Dragonborn (Dungeons & Dragons)

Lore & Background

The Dragonborn race debuted as a core player character race in the 4th Edition Player's Handbook (2008). A separate, mechanically different 'dragonborn' template—a transformation for existing characters—had previously appeared in the 3.5 supplement Races of the Dragon (2006). In 4th Edition, dragonborn became available as one of the core player character races in the Player's Handbook. The race was introduced to the core rules in an attempt to reflect contemporary trends in fantasy fiction and appeal to newer players, as well as to address a perception among the game's designers that it should be possible to play dragon-like creatures in a game with 'Dragons' in the title.

Reader's Guide

The inclusion of dragonborn in Dungeons & Dragons marked a significant shift in the game's design philosophy, allowing for a broader mix of character types. Richard Baker, who helped design 4th Edition, noted that the introduction of dragonborn to the core rules allowed them to 'grow the D&D world by allowing the mix of characters to evolve in the new edition.' Jonathan Bolding of The Escapist observed that the inclusion of the dragonborn in the 5th edition Player's Handbook does 'push the 'traditional D&D' mold a bit, but this is a greatest hits of D&D player races and powers from the last fifteen years of the game.' The dragonborn thus represent a modern evolution of the game, blending classic fantasy elements with contemporary player expectations.

Did You Know?

• The 4th Edition Dragonborn race is not directly based on the Draconians of Dragonlance, and dragonborn are not inherently evil.
• The 4th Edition Dragonborn race debuted in the Player's Handbook (2008), while a separate 'dragonborn' template—a transformation for existing characters—appeared in the 3.5 supplement Races of the Dragon (2006).
• In 4th Edition, dragonborn are available as one of the core player character races in the Player's Handbook.
• Richard Baker, who helped design 4th Edition, noted that the introduction of dragonborn allowed them to 'grow the D&D world by allowing the mix of characters to evolve in the new edition.'