Senior Thesis Extra Data Analysis
Unlike the “watered down” explanation about how Half-Orcs came to be, there is not any helpful lore to explain whether or not the idea of Dragonborn simply being “hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race” (5th Edition Player’s Handbook p. 33) is true or not. An interesting detail that is barely touched upon is the fact that Dragonborn apparently practiced inbreeding when they were first created.
According to the PHB (Player’s Handbook), Dragonborn are seen as “a monster, especially if his or her scales betray a chromatic heritage.” However, they are more likely to be treated “with caution rather than outright fear” (34), unless they start breathing fire. Not all Dragonborn can breathe fire, though. Depending on their draconic heritage (as they are, in fact, descended from dragons), not only will that affect the color of their scales (bright red, green, blue, white, lustrous black, gleaming metallic gold, silver, brass copper or bronze) but it also affects what kind of breath weapon they can use. Red, Gold, and Brass can breathe fire. Silver and White can breathe ice. Black and Copper can breathe acid. Blue and Bronze can breathe lightning. Green can breathe poison. There is the potential that a player who chooses a Dragonborn would change their personality to fit their particular breath weapon.
Another feature that Dragonborn share with one of the few other core monstrous races, namely Half-Orcs, is that they live in clans. These clans are nearly completely self-sufficient. Honor and self-improvement drive the clans more than anything else, and they would rather ask for help from another Dragonborn clan than ask other races or gods. This, while a not entirely uncommon trait to have, appears to be similar to that of feudal Japan, if they were more nomadic and not contained to an island.
In the lore of 5th Edition, Halflings seem to be the most closely associated with Tolkien’s Hobbits. They are easygoing, loving and simple. So much so that there really is not any negative aspects of Halflings that could be drawn upon in the PHB, except for maybe the fact that their “seeing the good in everyone” mentality could pretty quickly land them in trouble.
Either way, it is pretty clear based on the representative picture of a Halfling what class they should be. They appear to be holding a lute, which bards are typically known for carrying, both for making music and casting spells. Since the bard class is all about casting spells through music and instruments, this fits well with the party-type lifestyle that they have.
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