Wizard Subclass: Draconic Scholar

The rusted hinge of a door creaks open, and torchlight begins to illuminate a library that has
been untouched for centuries. A halfling wizard begins to slowly approach a forgotten draconic tome
on the central dais, open and caked with dust. As she brushes off the dust and begins to read, she
feels the power that this book contains. Her study of dragons has just begun.
There are many mages who study magical beings in order to learn from them and adapt their
power. Of all the magical creatures, perhaps none are more powerful than dragons. Dragons
possess a deep connection to the elements, and to the very foundation of all life. Their very
existence taps into magic both arcane and divine. Some wizards choose to devote their time and
effort into researching dragons, and this research can forge a connection with the mystical forces
that drive the three types of dragons. These practitioners of the arcane arts can further specialize
and gain abilities from specific categories of dragon; they either tap into the elemental fury of
chromatic dragons, harness the psionic might of gem dragons, or are shielded by the magic of
metallic dragons.
Draconic Scholar Features
Wizard Feature
Level

2nd Draconic Specialization, Hoard of Knowledge

6th Studious Tactics

10th Ancient Power

14th The Wyrm Within

Draconic Specialization
Starting at 2nd level, your study and experience regarding both dragons and the arcane weave grant
you the ability to tap into the power of a certain type of dragon. When you pick this subclass, you
may choose one of the following categories of dragon, and you gain a corresponding benefit. When
you select your option, you also gain minor physical attributes that resemble your dragon specialty.
For example, a wizard who studies Gem Dragons may develop horns suspended by psionic power,
or a mage that studies chromatic dragons may find that parts of their body have been covered in red
scales.

You can use the feature you choose a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you
regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Chromatic Dragon. Whenever you deal damage with a spell, you may use your bonus action to
infuse the spell with the elemental might of chromatic dragons. When determining spell damage add
an extra 1d8 damage of one of the following types: acid, cold, fire, lightning, poison. This damage
can only be applied to one target of the spell.

Gem Dragon. The psionic power of gemstone dragons infuses your body, allowing you to move at a
more rapid pace. You may use your bonus action to increase your movement speed by 10 feet until
the start of your next turn. While your speed is increased in this way, attacks of opportunity against
you have disadvantage, and you may move through creatures. If you end your turn inside a creature,
you take 1d6 force damage and are expelled into the nearest available space.

Metallic Dragon. The blessing of metallic dragons can shield you from harm. Whenever you take
damage, you may use your reaction to reduce that damage by 1d10 + your Wizard level.
Hoard of Knowledge

You can speak, read, and write Draconic. Additionally, you gain proficiency in the History skill if you
don’t already have it. You have advantage on Intelligence (History) checks made regarding dragons
or draconic lore.

Studious Tactics
Once you reach 6th level, you have derived knowledge from dragons’ abilities that aids you in
combat. You have advantage on saving throws against the Frightened condition and getting up from
Prone only costs you 5 feet of movement.

Additionally, once per day, you may extend your consciousness to the arcane weave and attempt to
sense the presence of dragons. As an action, you may make a DC 15 Intelligence check. If this
check succeeds, you learn the direction of the nearest dragon of any kind within 25 miles of your
current location. You also learn the dragon’s type, and general age classification (wyrmling, adult,
ancient, etc.).

Ancient Power
At 10th level, your study has granted you an additional benefit from a dragon of your choice. You can
choose the same type that you selected previously or a different one. Once you use any of these
abilities, you cannot do so again until you finish a short or long rest.

Chromatic Terror. You invoke the fear and authority that chromatic dragons exude. As an action,
you may force creatures of your choice within 30 feet of you that can see you to make a Wisdom
saving throw against your spell save DC. On a failure, they take 2d8 psychic damage and fall prone,
bowing before you. Creatures immune to being frightened are immune to this effect.

Gem Infusion. You harness the psionic power of gem dragons to aid your allies. As an action, you
may choose a number of creatures equal to your Intelligence modifier that you can see within 60 feet
of you. Each of these creatures gains a d6 psionic die, which can be added to any attack roll, ability
check, or saving throw that the creature makes within the next minute. The creature must decide to
use this die before the DM says if the roll succeeds or fails.
Metallic Ward. You bolster your allies with a shield provided by benevolent metallic dragon energy.
As an action, you may choose a number of creatures within 60 feet of you equal to your Intelligence
modifier. These creatures gain temporary hit points equal to 2d10 plus your Intelligence modifier.

The Wyrm Within

Chromatic Wrath. The elemental power of chromatic dragons is channeled within your spells,
particularly when using acid, cold, fire, lightning, or poison damage. At the start of each day, choose
two of the elements listed above. Spells you cast ignore resistance to the damage types that you
chose. Additionally, whenever you roll a 1 or 2 when determining spell damage of the chosen types,
you may reroll the die and must use the new roll.

Gem-Enhanced Movement. The innate psionics of gem dragons have permanently enhanced your
ability to maneuver. You are always under the effects of a freedom of movement spell.

Metallic Armor. The will of metallic dragons manifests as a protective spirit that is always with you.
While you are wearing no armor and not wearing a shield, your AC equals 10 + your Dexterity
modifier + your Intelligence modifier.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*(When you are asked to make a choice between options for this subclass at levels 2, 10, and 14, you may pick any
one of the listed options. This choice cannot be changed later, unless deemed appropriate by your DM. For an
example of the intent, see the Totem Warrior Barbarian in the 5th Edition Player’s Handbook.)
Subclass conceptualized and developed by Quinn the GM (@QuinntheGM)