The Dragonkin

The Dragonborn of Istreatall are a mighty and proud race known for their ferocity in battle and strict caste system. Known as Oath keepers they value their communal independence and the safety of their communities above all else and walk proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by the draconic gods, dragonborn originally hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race, combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids.

Basic Racial and Subracial Information

Dragonborn

The Dragonborn typically stand around 5'10-7', and stand with broad shoulders and strong builds, weighing 300 pounds or more. Their hands and feet are strong, with talonlike claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand. The first dragonborn had scales of vibrant hues matching the colors of their dragon kin, but generations of intentional breeding have created a more uniform appearance, with a variety of horns adorning their heads and long strong tails. Young dragonborn grow quickly. They walk hours after hatching, attain the size and development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 3, and reach adulthood by 15. They live to be around 80.

Dragontouched

The Dragontouched maintain the racial characteristics of who they were before they were changed, excepts for the physical changes to their being. They live a minimum of 150 years, though longer living races that became Dragontouched retain their lifespan.

History

Dragonborn originate from Bahamut and Tiamat before their great divide, to serve as servants and protectors of the dragons' plane of existence. During the first wars of the Gods, Bahamut worked to seal away Urseos, so no mortal could release Tiamat. As he did so, he banished the Dragonborn to the mortal realm to guard the only physical gateway to this plane of dragons. Originally they held this gateway, Iersyt, as their capital, with many roaming clans wondering the continent of Djerad. As time passed, and the race developed technologically they moved to congregate away from their old capital for better building grounds. Now they inhabit the Capital of Djerad, a mighty City with a strict hierarchal Caste system.

The Dragontouched

As this city grew, different kinds of mortals looking sanctuary from one evil or another seeked to joined the Dragonborn. To prove their loyalty, and to officially join this collectivist society, they would be infused with the magic of the dragons. How this process works is kept as a deep secret from all including the majority of the Dragonborn race. What is known, is that the Dragontouched were infused with magic that changed their physical and magical characteristics, depending on the needs of the Clan. Some Dragontouched had one arm grow to the size and shape of a dragon’s, giving them draconic strength in combat. Some had the skin on their torso or forearms turn to scales, gaining the defensive capabilities of dragon hide. Some had their legs resemble those of a dragon along with a draconic tail, becoming much more nimble and quick. And some saw their heads sprout horns and their pupils turn slitted, gaining some draconic magic.

No non-Dragonkin would be welcome into the castes of the Dragonkin without this transformation, and are forever relegated to the lowest levels of their society.

Culture - Caste Hierarchy

The Dragonkin view their society as one whole living creature, and the preservation of this society is of the upmost importance. They believe this so much so, that the word 'Djerad' can be used to refer to the Place, the People, and the Culture. To uphold this, they enforce a strict system of hierarchy. The caste system is made of 5 named and clearly outlined levels. As for mages, depending on their magical aptitude they may exist in any level of caste . The castes are written here in order of lowest influence to highest

Vyrrad

The Vyrrad is composed of the lowest regarded members of the Dragonkin, or of the Outsiders that call Djerad their home. The outskirts and mostly externally visible section of Djerad are made of a variety of races forming their own commerce systems. Crafters, farmers, merchants, and much more call all be found here. The other component of this caste are the dejected Dragonkin, either "Vyrrad" (outsider) that returned to Djerad to settle, or "Gyccal", the Dejected members of society. Criminals after they have served their sentences, those who failed to master their assigned profession, and other such disgraced members. Because of all of these factors, the Djerad do not consider the Vyrrad a true Caste.

Myrrad

The Myrrad is the caste of Laborers. Everything from farmers, blacksmiths, tailors, builders, hunters, and more . As the second to lowest caste they are not looked down upon like The Vyrrad. The Myrrad is seen as the embodiment of the industrial, agricultural and mercantile aspect of society, having oversight over the 'mind' of their society. The merchants and craftsmen are charged with the construction of all necessities for the Djerad such as weapons, building materials or food, and with its fair distribution amongst the people. They also manage all Technological research, working closely with the Vyhmaat.

Draykon

The Draykon is the caste of Warriors, the 'body' of the Djerad, as such their name most closely resembles the word 'Dragon'. ('Draykon' translating into 'lesser dragon') Metaphorically, the Draykon are the eyes, ears, legs, arms and hands of the creature, everything that one needs to interact with the world, and so most interactions with outsiders beyond the city limits belong to the military. The purpose of the Draykon is to gather military intelligence, seek and destroy the enemies of their society, conquer any who becomes a menace, and protect or recover its votaries, revered artifacts, technology, and people.

Vyhmaat

The Vyhmaat, the 'soul' of the Djerad, is the center of Dragonkin society. They hold many, varied roles within the community. They control the selective breeding program, raise all the children and officially assign their roles; They act as religious law enforcers, and as covert spies for the Solystc; They work as Scholars and Researchers of Magic, History, and Faith. They work as Priests, directing the Dragonkin on the 'right' way to live. The Vyhmaat wield a huge amount of influence within Djerad, controlling the eb and flow of everyday life.

Solystc

The Solystc are the Overseers of the Djerad. Unlike the lower castes which are massive in numbers, the Solystc consists of just thirteen Dragonkin. The Higher among them is the Solar, the leader of the Overseers, but not technically the Djerad. They keep the Order within the Solystc. Under the Solar, is three other leaders, one for each caste other than the Vyrrad. Under those three, are another three, that act as their administrators. The Solar is rarely seen, and is the most heavily guarded of all Dragonkin. The Solystc are who decides who can become Dragontouched, and they are who preform the rituals.