Dragonborn

To fall from grace is always painful, and the farther the fall, the more devastating the impact. It is a testament to their tenacity and strength of character that the once god-like dragons have taken their demotion to mere mortals with such dignity. Their ingenuity and ability to adapt is striking, and one can only wonder if the loss of their former power was truly a detriment, or a blessing leading them to reach even greater heights.
- A Treatise on the Peoples of Enoa by Marius Waldon

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragonborn resemble bipedal dragons in most respects, being covered with scales and having distinctively saurian facial structures. While a few rare examples of the race have been known to possess wings, the vast majority possess the standard four limbs seen in most other humanoid races. Members of this race often possess horns, spikes, and other bony protrusions that vary between individuals.

Genetics and Reproduction

As an oviparous species, dragonborn are born from eggs, which are usually lain in clutches that do not exceed two at a time. Clutches of larger varieties have been noted, with the largest in known history consisting of seven distinct eggs. The female dragonborn carries these eggs for up to two months after fertilization, allowing for the most vital period of development to occur without having to worry about the dangers of the outside world. After the eggs have been laid, they are kept warm with sun-warmed sand or packed earth, though some enterprising parents have been known to use magical means to keep the eggs at an optimal temperature. After approximately three months, the hatchlings emerge from their eggs. The hatching process is a strenuous process for the young dragonborn, though the mother and father only intervene if an egg fails to crack at all.
Dragonborn genetics are an interesting affair, with many traits seeming to be entirely independent of their parentage. Scale color is the most evident of these, as a child born to two white-scaled parents can just as often exhibit black or golden scales as it might possess the same color as its other family members. This extends across all color variations, with individual families often boasting a rainbow assortment of scale colors among them. When determining lineage other bodily features are more useful. Horn and snout shape, tail length, and size are all more commonly shared between parents and their offspring.
The ability of dragonborn to breathe a specific element is oddly enough seemingly tied to scale color and not to lineage. How such a massive difference can occur between members of the same family line is still not fully understood, though as dragonborn view this ability as a divine gift, they likely see such differences as nothing more than a whim of the gods.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dragonborn mature at nearly the same rate as a human child, though they are significantly stronger and larger than other races at comparative ages. Adulthood is generally reached between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, where upon a dragonborn reaches its full adult height. It is not uncommon for dragonborn to continue to grow heavier throughout their lives, becoming stronger and stouter with age. At the end of a dragonborn's life, an individual's scales tend to grey and lose their luster, a portent of a quickly hastening mortality.

Ecology and Habitats

Though they are typically found in arid and desert regions, dragonborn are hardy and adaptable, easily able to adjust to any environment.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dragonborn are omnivorous, though many prefer meat over vegetation. Female dragonborn do not produce milk and newly hatched dragonborn are often fed small pieces of meat or pulverized vegetables and grain in their infancy.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

The draconic features of a dragonborn are their most striking characteristic, with a saurian snout, fangs, and eyes all being apparent on any given individual. Snout length varies considerably between individuals, though typically females have shorter, more blunt snouts than their male counterparts. Fangs are most often covered by the dragonborn's scaled lips, though occassionally the the teeth of the upper jaw will protrude and be visible. Horns are widely varied across the race, with them ranging from large bison-like horns, to small rounded studs of bone. The location of these attributes can also vary wildly, with horns growing from the back of the skull, the temple, the end of the snout, or in some rare cases at the tip of the tail.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dragonborn are notably found in Aurask, though many members of the race have made their way to other lands. It is rumored that far across the oceans, different forms of dragonborn exist, possessing long whiskers and serpentine bodies, though such rumors are unsubstantiated.

Average Intelligence

Most dragonborn are of average intelligence, not boasting any particular advantages over other sapient races.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dragonborn names are spoken with the given name first and family name second. Hatchlings are given their name at birth and carry their name with them until they die. Family names typically contain some form of color indicator of the father's scale coloration, derived from the draconic words for such categories. Given names often include a long double-vowel sound, though in recent history this tradition has lessened, most likely due to the significant human and dwarven influence within dragonborn culture.

Major Organizations

• Auraskan Dominion

• Apogean Order

• Disciples of Aurus

• Yuraask Postal Guild

Beauty Ideals

While beauty is of course a subjective matter among any race or species, there are some norms which most dragonborn adhere to. Strength and power are still seen as attractive traits, not only for practical purposes such as producing stronger offspring, but also as a hold over from ages past when such qualities were valued above all else. As such, dragonborn value physical strength and a strong body across both genders. Following from this, a dragonborn's breath weapon is seen as a sign of virility, with those capable of producing a stronger elemental blast being seen as dominant over those with weaker abilities.
Aside from strength, dragonborn value a well-kept appearance, with special care needing to be taken for an individual's scales and horns. Scales with a uniform color and luster are seen as attractive, and brighter hues are seen as more exotic and desirable. Grooming of ones horns to ensure that there is no loose keratin or jagged edges is of tantamount importance, seen as an analog to the styling of hair among other races. While ornamentation is not especially common among the dragonborn, the display of gold or silver adornments is often eye catching and seen as desirable among wealthier society.

Gender Ideals

Both male and female dragonborn are accepted in all parts of modern society, and each is welcome to pursue his or her own path in life. However, due to the history of the race there are certain roles which favor one gender over the other. Due to the prominence of Valaar of Glass Scales in the race's history, males are more often seen in positions of religious leadership. In addition, the larger size and comparatively higher strength of males leads to more of them being present in Aurask 's military as foot soldiers, while females are seen more often in positions of leadership and overseeing logistics.
The dragonborn's long history of selective breeding has been a female dominated field ever since its inception, with there being a long held belief that those who give birth have greater insight into how life is created and altered. Due to this, most areas of scientific study are female led within dragonborn society, with males providing assistance. However, even with history behind these roles they have continually become looser as time has marched on.
Other than their preferred careers and social positions, there are few ideals that separate male from female dragonborn. Each is still expected to be strong and loyal to their community, and the lack of either quality is seen as undesirable in either gender. Dragonborn society tends to place more value on the accomplishments of any individual than on the attributes of the individual who performed them.

Courtship Ideals

Dragonborn courtship is a simple affair, with the male more often than not being the one to ask for the female's hand in union. Such relationships usually occur early in a dragonborn's life, typically beginning sometime between the late teens and early twenties. Though later relationships are not uncommon, a female's ability to produce viable eggs rapidly decreases after the age of thirty, leading most families and matters of courtship to be cemented before that age. Regardless of the age that courtship begins, a courting period of several months is usually engaged in before cementing the relationship. Though regional differences do exist across Aurask and among dragonborn in general, there are a few ideals which are held throughout.
Due to the emphasis that dragonborn culture places on strength, a suitor often pits himself or herself against a potential mate in ritual contest. These trials, involving feats of physical prowess, mastery of one's breath weapon, and matters of knowledge and craftsmanship are all undertaken, with the families of both parties overseeing and judging the affair. By comparing each member in the relationship, both the potential couple and their extended families can see the compatibility and equality that a potential union could bring. Such a well matched pair is important in dragonborn culture, as each member of a family is expected to be able to provide for the other, with no one side shouldering too much of the burden.
Provided that both the couple and their families are satisfied, the final task is the exchange of tokens to symbolize the new lovers' union. These tokens, commonly golden rings or other jewelry, are treasured possessions, and it is up to each potential partner to have such an item personally forged or crafted. Upon their exchange, the new couple is officially recognized in a brief ceremony among a gathering of friends and family.

Relationship Ideals

Equality between partners is of great importance in dragonborn culture, and this ideal that is measured during courtship is expanded upon during life together. While females are obviously the only members in a relationship that can lay eggs and produce children, both parents are expected to care for unhatched eggs and hatchlings in equal measure. In order to provide for a growing family, both partners are expected to perform some kind of work, allowing for the best possible livelihood for themselves and their offspring.
Most dragonborn relationships are monogamous, and infidelity is often met with shame and derision by the community. Likewise, separations are not viewed favorably, with priesthoods needing to be consulted to officially dissolve a union. Typically, a dragonborn couple will remain together for the rest of their lives, caring for each other throughout old age and providing a watchful eye for the hatchlings of their own children. Dragonborn that survive the passing of their partner are not expected to form other romantic relationships, but instead to nurture the growth of the hatchlings of other families as a revered member of the community.

Average Technological Level

The dragonborn have reached a technology level roughly comparable to the renaissance era of Earth. However, such advancements are not typically visible among the comparatively primitive and traditional stone buildings that constitute dragonborn cities and villages. Notable achievements among the dragonborn are the development of wide scale selective breeding and early genetic manipulation, having been credited with the creation of domesticated wyverns, guard drakes, riding drakes, and pseudodragons. They are also noted for having created widespread irrigation techniques that have allowed them to transform the arid landscape of Aurask into an agricultural powerhouse. Paper is also credited to the dragonborn, as well as the creation of the first large-scale postal service in Enoa.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Most dragonborn speak draconic, though many others speak a combination of common, dwarvish, and gnomish.

History

Dragonborn trace their history back to the very dawn of Enoa. After the world was formed and the rogue children of Skor banished to the far reaches of the cosmos, it fell to the younger children of the great black dragon to bring life and order to the nascent world. Aurus, the eldest and greatest of these new siblings shone his light upon the bare landscape of Enoa and created the first dragonborn in his own image. The first of these creatures resembled their creator in every respect, being massive golden creatures with mighty wings and immense power. These beings were known as the first terrestrial dragons, and were quick to build for themselves a massive civilization that spread from the sands of Xi'Iri far to the south to the borders of Lenistia to the north. During this golden age, the dragons reigned supreme, their might giving them dominion over the lesser races that shared the world with them.
However, as ages passed, the dragons began to forget their divine parentage and instead view themselves as rivals of the very gods. They built monuments to their greatness and forced the smaller races of the world to worship their majesty. This hubris was seen by the ever-watchful eyes of Aurus, who from his golden perch high in the heavens, brought discipline to his arrogant children. As time drew on, the first dragons grew smaller and weaker with each successive generation, eventually reaching the form of the dragonborn that are known today. This loss of power siginificantly reduced the area that the dragonborn could reasonably hold, and uprisings among local populaces pushed their civilization back to the confines of Aurask. This period, known to the dragonborn as the Age of Shame, forever changed the race's outlook and has shaped their future to this very day.
Brought down to the same level as other mortal races, the dragonborn were quickly beset upon by enemies who sought the mineral-rich land of Aurask for their own as well as vengeance for past transgressions. Most notable among these aggressors were the dwarves of southern Lenistia, who had suffered long under the yoke of draconic rule. The superior weaponry and armor of the dwarves were put to devastating use against the dragonborn military, who up until this point had been able to rely on their superior natural strength and natural gifts to combat any threats. This forced many dragonborn to take refuge within the Aesin Gorge and Doraavi Canyon while the dwarves conquered much of the region.
The dragonborn remained sequestered within their subterranean refuges until the cataclysmic arrival of the mighty edifice known as Elesone. The destruction caused by the impact of this object with Enoa rendered the southern half of Aurask uninhabitable, and signaled the return of the dragonborn to the surface as a new power. During their time in exile, the dragonborn had made great strides in genetics and breeding, allowing them to create beasts of burden and war from the natural fauna of Aurask. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the impact of Elesone, the dragonborn took back their homeland with little effort, their newly developed creatures giving them the edge over their dwarven adversaries.
Over the next century, the dragonborn rebuilt their home, utilizing their advances in technology to not only breed new creatures but also supplement their agricultural sector. When the dust had finally settled around Elesone, the dragonborn had returned to some semblance of normalcy, happy to once again be working their ancestral lands. Relations with the dwarves improved over time, and eventually a mutual peace treaty was reached to avoid further conflict. During this time, the first gnomes also emerged from Elesone and began trading with the dragonborn of southern Aurask. Trade with elves also began during this period, ushering in an era of peace for the once mighty race.
Unfortunately, the terrible return of Skor's exiled children marked the end of such peaceful growth. The corrupting influence of Almandis and his kin scorched and poisoned Enoa, throwing the entire world into chaos. The dragonborn were not immune to the warping effects of these primordial beings, and after the invaders were finally banished thanks to the sacrifice of the god Khuu's divinity, the once golden children of Aurus discovered that their scales had changed to different hues. These new colors not only resembled those of the gods they had always revered, but also of the evil children of Skor, as well as the black dragon herself. Conflict almost immediately arose from this new discovery, with those sporting metallic scales rallying against those with chromatic coloration. This split the race in two, with the metallic dragonborn taking residence in the north of Aurask, while the chromatic dragonborn stayed in the comparatively desolate southern regions. Further complicating matters was the inception of two seemingly new races, born from the corruption of Enoa. These new beings, known as kobolds and troglodytes, were horribly warped dragonborn, and took refuge with the chromatic faction in the south.
Tensions remained between these two groups until the rise of Valaar of Glass Scales, who came forth to unite his disparate people. Imbued with a portion of Khuu's shattered divinity, the crystal-scaled prophet mended the rift between the metallic and chromatic dragonborn and brought the kobolds into the reborn Auraskan Dominion as full citizens. With Valaar presiding over the land as its prophet-king, the dragonborn flourished and have continued to enjoy relative peace until this day.

Historical Figures

• Valaar of Glass Scales

• Sednaar Korask

• Viiris Almask

Common Myths and Legends

• Skor and the Crystal Egg

• The Tears of Aurus

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Dragonborn are on good terms with most races of Enoa, though there are a few outliers. Kobolds count themselves amongst their closest allies, with many groups of elves, gnomes, and humans following close behind. Dwarf and dragonborn relations are somewhat strained, though after centuries of peace the two races are commonly seen in each others' lands. Goblins and their ilk hold dragonborn in contempt due to their association with humans, a stance that the dragonborn are quick to reciprocate. Halflings, treefolk, and orcs are treated with indifference, though courtesy is still extended to them just the same. Due to limited contact, relations with most aquatic races are almost nonexistent, though the occassional triton is treated as a curiosity and valued guest. Lizardfolk and most other reptilian or amphibious races are treated with revulsion, being viewed as beings which were only brought about by corruptive influences. Many dragonborn include troglodytes in this last group, though due to their shared ancestry, this view is a matter of some contention. There are groups in dragonborn society that sincerely hope that troglodyte relations could be improved, though such amelioration remains out of reach for now.

Genetic Descendants

• Kobold
• Troglodyte

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

5'8" - 6'10"

Average Weight

170 - 300 lbs.

Average Physique

Dragonborn are typically tall and stout, possessing muscular builds that indicate their above average strength. Females are typically smaller than the average male, but generally just as large as males of other races such as humans.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dragonborn hatch boasting a scale colororation that falls into one of ten distinct groups.

• Aeski - bronze scaled

• Almaski - red scaled

• Argeski - silver scaled

• Auraski - golden scaled

• Khupreski - copper scaled

• Koraski - black scaled

• Kyanski - blue scaled

• Maveski - green scaled

• Nahanski - brass sacled

• Zholaski - white scaled

Related Myths

• Skor and the Crystal Egg