Their size and body type are also based on their “other” parent. For example, their lifespan, while doubled, is based on their “other” parent’s race. Half-dragons take after both of their parents in various ways. If a dragon can mate with it, it can birth a half-dragon offspring. While the half-dragon in the Monster Manual is the cross between a human and a red dragon, half-dragons come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s grab our Monster Manuals and march to meet these terrifying draconic warriors head-on! Half-dragons are definitely what people think they’re playing when they play a dragonborn. These creatures are no slouches on the battlefield. They have the martial combat capabilities of an accomplished warrior while also having the breath weapon (among other) powers of a dragon. Regardless of their heritage and biology, the half-dragon is an absolute menace of a creature to deal with. Understandably so as well since one of the half-dragon’s parents is an actual dragon. What I mean is, they share a lot of similar traits with dragonborn, but half-dragons look more like dragons than the dragonborn do.

Ergo, they are much more dragon-like than a typical dragonborn. Half-dragons are the result of a dragon in a polymorphed form mates with another creature. The half-dragon is what I think most people who play a dragonborn in D&D 5e think they’re playing.

Let me tell you, it’s tricky trying to pull off a heist with those bastards on watch. Even town guards in small towns were slowly replaced by powerful half-red dragon veterans as the cult gained power and influence over mankind.

D&d half dragon template