Dragonborn

"Your gods watch you from wherever they may be; my gods are beneath the earth, here, sleeping, dreaming more of my kind... And when they awake, our job will be finished..." Aktlan Akelas, Dragonborn Paladin
Ashardalax the Mighty, Paraxas the Red, Mythras of the Breath that Brings the Winter, Bahanut the Silver... These names bring tales of ancient dragons that attracted several warriors to their side, laid siege to cities, amassed great fortunes and power, and even fought alongside or against the elves in the War of Winter's Fire; but, looking back, and scratching the surface of such tall tales, we would see that the subjects in question were not actual Dragons, but instead, they were Dragonborn... The Eyes of the Sleeping Dragons.
Dragons. The very concept of them brings a chill to storytellers and sages of ancient lore. To them, Dragon are creatures that, despite they godly power, they are real... Maybe. Stories all over the world retell the same fable of the Dragonfire, but, such a thing is so mind-baffling, for there is a question that burns into everyone's minds: Where are the Dragons?.
This is where the Dragonborn appear into the picture. As Dragons sleep, and wish to interact with the world, they "dream" Dragonborn into existence, and through them, they are able to interact with the Waking World around them, this is why many Dragonborn clan -even leagues apart- seem to have similar cultural backgrounds and customs, because they are connected to the particular Dragon that is sleeping, and living their lives through them.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragonborn appear to have a reptilian appearance: Their body is covered in scales of varying thickness (the thicker scales are on the back and the shoulders) and the color of their scales can vary from individual to individual; their head is that of a reptile, sometimes with fleshy frills on their lower jaw and/or back of the head; their hands and feet are strong, talon-like claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand.

Genetics and Reproduction

While Dragonborn appear reptilian, they are actually Monotremes, as they are warm-blooded and mammalian, and lay eggs.
However, Dragonborn are still 'dreamed' by the original Dragons, and they can appear in places close to other Dragonborn. Sometimes these places are in a random spot, others have been built like a temple to Dragonkind, or one of the many deities of The Old Faith, though portrayed with Dragon-like facets.

Additional Information

Social Structure

In Dragonborn communities, Dragonborn tend to have a social caste divided into two groups: Those that were hatched into existence (therefore, their own dreams of the Dragon's memories are less frequent) are known as the Birthed, and are considered to be beneath those that were Dreamed by the Dragons (and their own dreams of the Dragon's memories are slightly more frequent, but just as vague and cryptic), which are considered the Shamans, Healers and Tribes Leaders of the group.
Outside the Dragonborn clans, many Dragonborn tend to assimilate into whatever social strata they happen to live on, but it takes some time.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dragonborn seem to appear in pretty much everywhere in the continent, but their numbers seem to swell in Axtalan

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Dragonborn clans tend to a more rustic way of life, living on the lay of the land and using Arcane Magic, and the rites of the Druids.
Closer to more civilized areas, Dragonborn clans have learned to master the ways of engineering, artifice, and Thaumaturge-Steam.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

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.

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.

Lifespan

Around 300 years

Average Height

Close to 7ft

Average Weight

Around 280 - 300 lbs, both in males or females

Average Physique

Both males and females are very much alike, even on their build. They are tall and strongly built.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their small, fine scales are usually brass or bronze in color, sometimes ranging to scarlet, rust, gold, or copper-green.