Balaur

The Balaur or the Dragonborn are born from Dragons. Shaped by draconic gods or the dragons themselves, Dragonborns were created by transforming humanoids into dragonlike creatures, giving them immense power and combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack wings or a tail. The first dragonborn had scales of vibrant hues matching the colors of their dragon kin, but generations of interbreeding have created a more uniform appearance.

Growth Rate & Stages

Are an adult by the age of 15. Are considered old whenever they hit 50 or 60, when their scales are no longer the shiny color from when they were young.

Ecology and Habitats

They live in cities, together with most other humanoids. Dragonborns might form clans and have small tribes or even villages of their own.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The Balaur are named by their tribe leader. They either receive a name that represents what their function in the tribe will be (for example: Vormir, which means the Builder) or they receive the name of an ancient dragon when the child of the tribe leader is born or when the stars tell them the child is destined for greatness.

Major Organizations

Iam's Shadow is an organization of multiple races that look for the ability to resurrect Iam and to put the world back in chaos. They look for special dragon eggs with special power to combine all the colors of the dragonkin and to ressurrect Iam.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Draconic

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

To any dragonborn, the clan is more important than life itself. Dragonborn owe their devotion and respect to their clan above all else, even the gods. Each dragonborn’s conduct reflects on the honor of his or her clan, and bringing dishonor to the clan can result in expulsion and exile. Each dragonborn knows his or her station and duties within the clan, and honor demands maintaining the bounds of that position.

A continual drive for self-improvement reflects the self-sufficiency of the race as a whole. Dragonborn value skill and excellence in all endeavors. They hate to fail, and they push themselves to extreme efforts before they give up on something. A dragonborn holds mastery of a particular skill as a lifetime goal. Members of other races who share the same commitment find it easy to earn the respect of a dragonborn.

Though all dragonborn strive to be self-sufficient, they recognize that help is sometimes needed in difficult situations. But the best source for such help is the clan, and when a clan needs help, it turns to another dragonborn clan before seeking aid from other races—or even from the gods.

History

The first dragonborns were created by the dragons, in favor of the humanoids that asked them for power. Some humans wanted the power of dragons and would help in the war the dragons in the war against the giants. The dragons bestowed them their power changing their appearance forever into a human with a dragonlike appearance. In return the Dragonborns would help the dragons fight against the giants. After the war, the dragonborns roamed the world. The humans were scared of the dragonborns at first and cast them out. The dragonborns created tribes that still exist to this day.

One day a peaceful dragonborn named Barash saved a city from an orc invasion and since then dragonborns are more or less accepted into society. The dragonborns are still exotic to the beholder since they are still rare, but they are no longer viewed as corrupted mortals that sold their souls.

Historical Figures

Baresh who made the people of Arthenos acceptable of Balaur.
Gurdir who was ascended as a Gold Dragon.

Common Myths and Legends

The Balaur honor the dragon Gods which were sprouted from the Dragon God of Chaos Iam. Most peaceful Balaur honor the good dragons, but some are twisted to honor the evil dragons. They mostly pillage and do not really survive that long. They mostly honor the evil dragons to gain power or to become a full dragon.
This has been done by one Balaur named Gurdir in an age long forgotten. It was believed Gurdir protected the dragons from the giants. As a reward a Gold dragon gave his life force to Gurdir and he became the last Gold Dragon in Arthenos. He took on a new name: Vaelnehir and vanished from the world.

Scientific Name

Homo Baulur

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

1m70 - 2m20

Average Weight

70 - 100kg