Dragonborn
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dragonborn are a hybrid of Elven and Draconic features. Dragonborn possess scaly skin and a reptillian face with a gaping mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth.
During the life and reign of Arkhanam the Silver, all Dragonborn had similar coloration. Since Arkhanam's death, Dragonborn have taken on the coloration of all known dragons, both Metallic and Chromatic. There is no known way to ensure the color of a hatchling, although young are more likely than not to share the coloration of at least one of their parents.
Genetics and Reproduction
Being originally of Elven stock, Dragonborn share the same compatibility as the Elves; namely being able to interbreed and hybridize with humans. Any half-human offspring inherit Elven traits, as Arkhanam's blood cannot be passed outside of Dragonborn couplings. Half-Elven or Human descendents of Dragonborn sometimes do inherit the magical prowess typical of Dragonborn, and with continued use can gain Draconic traits such as scales or even wings.
Growth Rate & Stages
Dragonborn were created to be Arkhanam's legion, and no longer have the ponderously slow growth rates of the Elves. Dragonborn lay clutches of 1 to 5 eggs that hatch after 4 months of incubation. Dragonborn hatchlings are similar in size to an Elven or Human infant, but are much more capable. Within 3 years of hatching, a dragonborn is of a similar size to an adolescent Elf or Human, and they are considered an adult at age 6.
The average lifespan of a Dragonborn is approximately 100 years, a far cry from the 700-800 year lifespan of true Elves.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Dragonborn are rivalled only by the True Elves in their ethnonationalism. The very nature of Dragonborn heredity means that enclaves in Elven or Human regions hybridize and go extinct. This does not stop many pilgrims from leaving their home of Thyanthyr to see the world, it simply means that Dragonborn settlements are relatively short-lived.
A magocratic caste system exists in Thyanthyr, wherein mostly Silver Dragonborn rule over matters of state and magic. The priesthood maintains that Silver Dragonborn, especially those rare individuals with a pure Silver heritage dating back to the death of Arkhanam, are better able to guide the people by Aers holy will. Dragonborn of great magical skill of any coloration may gain power and prestige within the governing bodies of Thyanthyr, but Silver Dragonborn often gain titles by right of birth.
Facial characteristics
Dragonborn carry little of their Elven heritage on their exterior. A Dragonborn's profile is dominated by a large snout, split by a long, wide mouth and lined with razor-sharp teeth. Dragonborn eyes are only just binocular, being canted outward by the slope of their skull.
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Dragonborn marriages are seen as an agreement to raise young together, and polyamory is allowed in certain circumstances. Scales within the Dragon Phalanxes are not allowed to marry, but may sire children with any Dragonborn, married or not.
Common Taboos
It is seen as a dishonor to not sire or give birth to at least two Dragonborn in one's life.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Dragonborn have a long and storied history with the Elves, being of the same blood. The continued veneration of Maiathah Mystralah by the Priesthood of Thyanthyr has led to a great deal of interaction between the two states. Elves see Dragonborn as noble warriors regardless of trade; children of brave warriors who gave centuries of their lives to bring magic to mortals.
Thyanthyr officially censured the Dwarven stronghold of Valboram after losing contact in 1398 m.D. Nothing is known of what caused the Dwarves to stop communicating, but the Priesthood's demands for the release of Saint Ensar Silvereye and the 14th Phalanx have gone unanswered. Dogma prevents the naming of a new Saint of Communion until the death of the previous saint is confirmed. As such, the Priesthood sees the Dwarves' silence as a continued affront to their religion.
As the likelihood of Ensar's death and the need to name a new Saint of Communion have grown, many factions within the Priesthood have called for a military expedition to Valboram to discern the fate of Ensar and the 14th. As of yet, these calls have gone unanswered.
Lifespan
100 years
Average Height
6"5'
Average Weight
240lb
Average Physique
Dragonborn are, on average, stronger than Humans or Elves but weaker than an average Dwarf or Orc.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Dragonborn were originally all silver like their creator, Arkhanam. After his death, however, Dragonborn of other metallic and even chromatic variations came into being.
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