The Honorbound, Dragonborn

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Dragonborn are often imposing with their large size, they tower over most other sentient species in Dimfell. In place of hair, many Dragonborn have tendrils or horns. They are powerfully built, with a tall and muscular stature. They have four fingers and a thumb with talonlike claws on the end. Thick scales cover their arms, backs, and legs. These scales denote heritage and even social status amongst Dragonborn. It is rare to see scales of a single color any longer. Generations of interbreeding has created patterns in their scales similar to that of snakes and lesser serpents. A solid coloring denotes a very pure bloodline. Socially, the metallic colors occupy the highest reaches of the hierarchy, while chromatics dominate the lower stations. Thick reptilian tails are present within some families of Dragonborn, though tailless Dragonborn are equally common. Unlike the greater dragonkin, Dragonborn are not blessed with wings.

Biological Traits

Dragonborn have a breath weapon like their ancestors. The dominant coloring of their scales determines the type of their weapon. Brass, gold, and red produce fire. Silver and white produce cold. Bronze and blue produce lightning. Copper and black produce acid, and green produces poison. Their ancestry also gives the individual resistance to the same type of damage they produce with their breath weapon.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dragonborn reproduction is more akin to their draconic ancestors. A successful Dragonborn pregnancy begins with the laying of a small clutch of leathery eggs after a gestation period of 4 months. Not all of the eggs are even fertilized. This trait developed as a defense against large predatory avians that would eat unattended Dragonborn eggs. These eggs will continue to develop over a period of 2 months. During this time, they must be kept warm. They will nearly triple in size before the new Dragonborn finally hatches.

Growth Rate & Stages

Infant Dragonborn develop quickly. Walking begins within a few weeks of birth and speech starts within a single year. Each year a Dragonborn youth will go through a molting. These shed scales will continue to regrow thicker and stronger with each year until their 17th year, when Dragonborn reach physiological maturity. After reaching adulthood, the Dragonborn will only have a few more moltings within their lifetimes. Average Dragonborn lifespan is usually 100-110 years, with truly ancient Dragonborn living nearly 150 year.

Ecology and Habitats

The jagged cliffs of Skyfort are difficult for any living thing, but the Dragonborn are better suited than all others. This harsh environment makes farming traditional farming impossible. Dragonborn fish and hunt for nearly all of the food they consume.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The large stature of the Dragonborn requires a diet heavy in meat. The inhabitants of Skyfort fish for the vast majority of their food. The hunting of cliffside avians is also common. While they do require a great deal of meat in their diet, they share the ability of their Draconic ancestors to go long periods of time without food if necessary.

Additional Information

Social Structure

In the grand hierarchy, Gold is the highest. The metallic Dragonborn represent most of the aristocracy of Skyfort. The golden Dragonborn of the Windwright family are the ruling faction of the city thanks to their discovery of the skyships. The metallic families dominate the residences of higher skyfort. As the city grew, the chromatic builders expanded down from the observatory level to nearly the shore of the mountain. The families of the builders took up residence in the level that they were building and then moved to the next level down as they went. Now this social hierarchy is very much a physical structure as well.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The methods used by the Dragonborn to keep skyships aloft are carefully guarded. As such, every skyship has at least one Dragonborn onboard.

Facial characteristics

The face of the average Dragonborn is dominated by a pronounced snout. Their pointed teeth are razor-sharp. Tendrils, horns, and fins are commonplace facial structures. A great variety of features exists amongst the Dragonborn.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The vast majority of the Dragonborn populace is contained within the city of Skyfort. However, they are welcomed in all cities.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dragonborn senses are comparable to that of humans. They are not blessed with an particular extrasensory senses and they lack the ability to see in the dark.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

The discovery of the skyships was the single most important discovery since the city crystals began to return to life. While gnomes and dwarves are instrumental in the construction of the newest skyships now, only the Dragonborn know how to make these contraptions actually fly.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

In Skyfort, Draconic is used between the Dragonborn. Since the influx of traders and travelers into the city, Common has also become a major language for trade and negotiation.

Common Etiquette Rules

Outside of Skyfort, many of the rules governing civil discourse are relaxed. A Dragonborn does not expect other species to understand their customs. However, if an outsider attempts proper Dragonborn etiquette one of two reactions are assured. Either the Dragonborn will be overjoyed by another's consideration, or they will be outraged that a foreigner is mocking their customs. Within Skyfort however, etiquette is strictly enforced. One must be careful how they address the various inhabitants in the city. Every social standing has their own types of interactions. A Dragonborn may converse freely with another of similar rank or below. A Dragonborn may also address another of one rank higher if they are respectful. The top few levels of Skyfort are able to be traversed by invitation only. Outsiders must be accompanied by an inhabitant of that level or a city defender.

Scientific Name

Dragonborn

Origin/Ancestry

Draconid

Lifespan

100-110 years

Average Height

6' 5" - 7'

Average Weight

300 lbs.

Average Physique

Dragonborn are usually extremely muscular. The average strength of the Dragonborn is better than that of the average Human.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The scales of the Dragonborn usually have a single dominant color with striations of other colors. Pure colors are rare and only happen among the purest of family bloodlines. Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass, and Bronze are the colors of the metallic Dragonborn. The chromatic colors are Blue, White, Green, Black, and Red.