Scales that Gleam, Hearts that Soar: Metallic Dragonborn in DnD 5e
What are Metallic Dragonborn?
Dragonborn are humanoid creatures with traits similar to those of a dragon such as scaly skin and elemental breath abilities. Metallic Dragonborn are those that trace their lineage back to metallic dragons; brass, bronze, copper, gold and silver.
Metallic dragons are known for their benevolent and virtuous nature (though this doesn’t limit the nature or alignment of a metallic Dragonborn). Metallic dragons come in different varieties, each associated with a specific type of metal and a corresponding breath weapon. The five main types of Metallic Dragonborn correspond to the five main metallic dragon types:
- Gold Dragonborn: Associated with gold dragons, known for their wisdom and sense of justice. Gold Dragonborn often have golden scales and have breath weapons related to fire.
- Silver Dragonborn: Aligned with silver dragons, which are often associated with frost and ice. Silver Dragonborn have breath weapons that involve cold damage.
- Bronze Dragonborn: Tied to bronze dragons, typically associated with lightning and storms. A bronze Dragonborn’s breath weapon deal lightning damage.
- Brass Dragonborn: Connected to brass dragons, known for their love of conversation and storytelling. Brass Dragonborn have brass-colored scales and breath weapons related to fire.
- Copper Dragonborn: Aligned with copper dragons, often characterized by their playful and mischievous nature. Copper Dragonborn have copper scales and acid breath weapons.
Is a Metallic Dragonborn the right character for me?
Dungeons and Dragons lets you take a flexible approach to building a character, but if you’re going to stick to typical culture and the best-optimised build for a llic Dragonborn you might consider the following:
Choose a Metallic Dragonborn if you like…
- Having deadly breath
- Enjoy having lots of attacks
- Want innate AOE attacks
A Metallic Dragonborn might not be for you if…
- Don’t want to get close to your enemies
- Hate dragons
If you think a Metallic Dragonborn isn’t for you, not to worry, there are dozens of playable races for you to pick from, just check out our races guide to find out about all of them. For an alternative Dragonborn race, you could consider a Chromatic Dragonborn or a Gem Dragonborn.
Racial traits
There are a few different versions of Dragonborn found across various sourcebooks in D&D 5e. The original version is found in the Player’s Handbook, but this version tends to be a little weak compared to other races. Fortunately, there have been subspecies and updates added. Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount gives you a couple of subspecies to play with while Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons gives you a full rewrite of the rules, giving you 3 subspecies in Chromatic, Metallic and Gem Dragonborn. These rules make Dragonborn work much better and these are the rules we’ll work with in our guide.
| Ability Scores | +2 to one ability score and +1 to another or +1 to 3 different ability scores |
| Creature Type | Humanoid |
| Size | Medium |
| Lifespan | About 80 years |
| Speed | 30ft |
| Languages | Common and 1 other |
| Traits | Metallic Ancestry, Breath Weapon, Draconic Resistance, Metallic Breath Weapon |
| Resistances | One of fire, cold, acid or lightning |
| Proficiencies | None |
| Darkvision | No |
| Innate Spellcasting | None |
| Book found in | Player’s Handbook, Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons |
Tactics
Charge into the fray: Breath weapons are great! They do damage in a cone so you can target multiple foes at once (something most martial classes can’t do) and they get more powerful with your level progression too. It also doesn’t replace your attack action, just one of the attacks made with your action which is nifty for fighters and most other martials. Metallic Dragonborn also get an extra breath weapon too giving them an extra option to use it over other Dragonborn.
You also get to choose your resistance making you a little tougher. So get close and personal with your enemies.
Choose your type with care: The challenging thing about all Dragonborn is that their resistance is the same as their damage type. Typically, this means picking a more common damage type will allow you to resist damage more often, but also means your breath weapon will be resisted more often too. This creates a bit of a conundrum. Fortunately, we’ve done a load of data crunching and it turns out, there are some damage types that are rarely resisted, but commonly used by enemies, however, the best of these are all reserved for Gem Dragonborn (force, psychic and necrotic).
The following is the order of most commonly resisted damage types by enemies; fire, cold, lightning then acid.
While the following is the order of damage types most commonly used by enemies; fire, acid, lightning then cold
Essentially, you want a damage type that is often used but rarely resisted. This makes acid your best option and cold your worst, but all certainly have their benefits. You can read our full research on damage types here.
Which classes work well for Metallic Dragonborn?
Below I’ve put together a score for how well each class works with a Gem Dragonborn based on how well the racial traits work with each class:
Artificer⭐⭐⭐
Barbarian ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bard ⭐⭐
Cleric ⭐⭐
Druid ⭐⭐
Fighter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monk ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paladin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ranger ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rogue ⭐⭐
Sorcerer ⭐
Warlock ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wizard ⭐
*Star ratings scored out of 5
Best classes for Metallic Dragonborn
For each of a Metallic Dragonborn’s abilities, they are of most use when the player is using attacks rather than spells. This is mainly because you can replace one of your attacks with a breath weapon attack but you can’t combine breath weapon attacks with spell attacks.
This makes Spellcasters less effective in most cases (as most dedicated spellcasters have access to more powerful spells than a breath weapon, but most melee characters don’t have more powerful attacks than a breath weapon). Also, your damage resistances will be of most use when in the thick of melee combat.
The same is true of your breath weapon which has a 15ft cone of range. What’s even more helpful for martial classes is that your breath weapon can be used as one of your attacks when using the attack action rather than taking up your whole action (if you have extra attacks that is like a fighter or barbarian). This is powerful as it always hits (if only partially on a successful dexterity saving throw) and can hit multiple targets as it fires in a 15ft cone.
With this in mind, your best class options for a Metallic Dragonborn are melee based classes like:
- Barbarian
- Fighter
- Paladin
- Monk
These classes benefit especially from a Dragonborn’s breath weapon as they get few (if any) area of effect options for dealing with large crowds.
A case can be made for certain other classes and subclasses. Battle Smith and Armourer artificers enjoy an extra attack and often like to be in the middle of combat. College of swords and college of Valor bards, hexblade warlocks and rangers also enjoy similar benefits.
Worst classes for Metallic Dragonborn
Essentially, you’re looking at most dedicated Spellcasters, especially those with options for area of effect spells and that don’t get extra attacks. This is especially the case for sorcerers and wizards who have much better spells to use and would be unable to use a breath weapon alongside an extra attack. These classes are better off using spells like fireball to thin the crowd and focus on a different race.
If you are committed to playing a Dragonborn spellcaster, you could consider a Gem Dragonborn which is less reliant on its breath weapon and is able to use temporary flight.
About Metallic Dragonborn
Metallic Dragonborn Appearance
The appearance of Metallic Dragonborn can vary widely, but it is often influenced by the specific metallic dragon ancestry from which they hail. Each type of metallic dragon has its own distinctive features, and these traits are often reflected in the appearance of Metallic Dragonborn. Below is a general overview of the range of appearances for each type:
Gold Dragonborn – Regal Horns: They may have horns on their heads, often reminiscent of a dragon’s, and can vary in size and shape.
Silver Dragonborn – Icy Features: Some may have subtle icy features, such as a frosty sheen on their scales or an ethereal quality to their breath.
Bronze Dragonborn – Aquatic Traits: Some may have aquatic features, such as webbed fingers or a sleek, streamlined appearance, reflecting the affinity of bronze dragons for water.
Brass Dragonborn – Expressive Features: They may have expressive features (bigger eyes, mouth or snout), and their scales might catch the light in a way that enhances their charismatic and talkative nature.
Copper Dragonborn – Mischievous Look: Their facial features might convey a sense of mischief (similar to brass dragons), and they may have a more agile or slender build.
Metallic Dragonborn Personality
There are some general traits and tendencies associated with each type of Metallic Dragonborn, influenced by the characteristics of the metallic dragons they are descended from.
- Gold Dragonborn: Noble and Wise: Gold Dragonborn often exhibit a sense of nobility and wisdom, reflecting the traits of gold dragons. They may be known for their just and honorable behavior, seeking to uphold principles of fairness and justice.
- Silver Dragonborn: Calm and Stoic: Silver Dragonborn tend to be calm and composed, reflecting the icy nature of silver dragons. They may be reserved and thoughtful, with a strong sense of duty and loyalty.
- Bronze Dragonborn: Adventurous and Outgoing: Bronze Dragonborn often share the adventurous and outgoing nature of bronze dragons. They may be curious about the world around them, enjoying exploration and interaction with others.
- Brass Dragonborn: Playful and Talkative: Brass Dragonborn typically have a playful and talkative demeanour, mirroring the sociable and conversational traits of brass dragons. They may enjoy storytelling and engaging in lively conversations.
- Copper Dragonborn: Mischievous and Witty: Copper Dragonborn often possess a mischievous and witty personality, reflecting the playful and clever nature of copper dragons. They may enjoy practical jokes and have a quick sense of humor.
It’s important to note that these descriptions serve as generalizations, and individual Metallic Dragonborn characters may deviate from these stereotypes. Personalities can be further shaped by the character’s background, experiences, alignment, and the choices made by the player.
Metallic Dragonborn Names
Dragonborn tend to have names that use soft tones. Female names tend to start with letters near the beginning of the alphabet while male names tend to beign with letters in the middle of the alphabet.
Female Dragonborn names: Akra, Biri, Daar, Farideh, Harann, Havilar, Jheri, Kava, Korinn, Mishann, Nala
Male Dragonborn names: Ghesh, Heskan, Kriv, Medrash, Mehen, Nadarr, Pandjed, Patrin, Rhogar
A Dragonborn’s clan name is considered more important than their own name so Dragonborn will tend to use their clan name before their given name. Dragonborn clan names though can be long and tend to include both the clan’s name and events and significant accomplishments of the clan.
Dragonborn clan names: Clethtinthiallor, Daardendrian, Delmirev, Drachedandion, Fenkenkabradon, Kepeshkmolik, Kerrhylon, Kimbatuul
Roleplaying a Metallic Dragonborn
Understand your dragon ancestry: Familiarise yourself with the specific traits and characteristics associated with the metallic dragon type your Dragonborn is descended from. This will help you incorporate elements of that dragon’s personality into your character.
Embrace Nobility and Virtue (Gold/Silver Dragonborn): you’re playing a Gold or Silver Dragonborn, consider portraying a noble and virtuous demeanour. Embrace a sense of honour, justice, and wisdom. Your character may prioritize the greater good and act with a strong moral compass.
Express Adventurous Spirit (Bronze Dragonborn): If you’re playing a Bronze Dragonborn, highlight the adventurous and outgoing nature associated with bronze dragons. Be curious about the world, enjoy exploration, and seek out new experiences.
Bring Playfulness and Wit (Brass /Copper Dragonborn): If you’re playing a Brass or Copper Dragonborn, infuse your character with playfulness and wit. Engage in lively conversations, share jokes, and don’t shy away from a bit of mischief. Show a clever and quick sense of humor.
Incorporate dragon traits: Consider how your Dragonborn’s draconic nature might manifest in their behavior. Do they have a particular fascination with shiny objects? Are they protective of their territory or allies? Think about incorporating dragon-like mannerisms into your roleplaying.
