Dragonborn
Created by the dragons when they were still a unified race, the dragonborn were bred to combat the giantkin armies of the revolutionary Jotunn. When their masters lost control of the mortal races and they were no longer needed, the dragonborn became assimilated into a number of different regions. Since then, they have become just another race to walk Genaeth, with equal amounts of good, bad, simple, smart, and everything in-between.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dragonborn have the standard humanoid set-up of limbs and muscles. They lack the tails and wings of their ancestors, though some are able to create these features through usage of innate magic. In addition, they also have dorsal/head-fins and a variety of horns, often customizing them in a manner similar to human hairstyles. Their magically-enhanced lungs are also able to exert magical force, allowing the dragonborn to spew destructive energy as a unique breath weapon.
Biological Traits
The primary defining trait of a dragonborn is the color of their scales. Much like true dragons, all dragonborn are separated into two types (Metallic and Chromatic), though this functions more as a loose categorization than a hard-fast separation. Metallic dragonborn can be Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, or Brass. Chromatic dragonborn can be Red, Blue, Green, Black, or White.
Chromatic
Red: Maroon to scarlet coloration with grey-brown accents. Large, grey horns with a slight curl. Breath weapon is a cone of flame.
Blue: Royal to azure coloration with sand-brown accents. Single rhino-like horn. Breath weapon is an arc of lightning.
Green: Emerald coloration with darker accents. Large head-fin and small curled horns. Breath weapon is a cloud of poisonous gas.
Black: Ebony to charcoal coloration with grey-brown accents. Forward-facing curved horns. Breath weapon is a line of acidic vapor.
White: Snowy to ivory coloration with darker accents. Small horn near pronounced head-fin. Breath weapon is a blast of icy wind.
Metallic
Gold: Gold coloration with darker accents. Thin and straight horns with a pair of whiskers. Breath weapon is a gout of red-hot fire.
Silver: Silver coloration with darker accents. Pronounced head fin and slender horns. Breath weapon a gust of icy breath.
Bronze: Bronze coloration with greenish accents. Rear-facing black horns. Breath weapon is a bolt of searing lightning.
Copper: Coppery coloration with teal accents. Stout and segmented horns. Breath weapon is a line of corrosive vapor.
Brass: Brass coloration with orange-ish accents. No horns, but stylized split-crest instead. Breath weapon is a line of pure fire.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like normal dragons, a female is impregnated by a male by standard humanoid reproduction, though the female lays an egg six months after the fact rather than giving live birth. This egg must be kept in a warm environment for another six months, at the end of which the eggs hatch and newborn dragonborn enter the world. The color of offspring is a fifty-fifty split between the parents' colors, though "weaker" colors (Brass, Copper, Black, and White) are recessive genes and can span generations.
Growth Rate & Stages
After hatching, most dragonborn are fully mature by the age of 12. At this point, they have life-spans slightly longer than humans. 100 year old dragonborn are certainly ancient, but not uncommon.
Ecology and Habitats
Dragonborn live in all climates that can be found, though certain varieties prefer climates more suited to their natural biology.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dragonborn are omnivorous. They hunt much the same way as other humanoids, though most avoid using their breaths to hunt.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
While not as potent as that harvested from true dragons, the hides, horns, and lungs of dragonborn can have their innate magics taken out.
Facial characteristics
All dragonborn have a similar base facial structure, with pointed snouts, sharp teeth, and angled draconic eyes. In addition, all dragonborn have some kind of dorsal fin and horns, though the latter varies in style and shape from color to color. Some varieties even have whiskers, but these tend to be with specific varieties.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
After the end of the Draco-Jotnar War, dragonborn were left scattered across the entirety of Genaeth. They either joined the populations of pre-existing countries or formed new settlements wherever they were.
Average Intelligence
Most dragonborn have an intelligence within the standard of other humanoids, with no real disposition towards great or low intelligences.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
While they inherited many traits from their draconic ancestors, most were equally split among the Metallic and Chromatic varieties.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Dragonborn will often name themselves using Draconic words, usually forgoing surnames. Instead, they often make a point of gaining titles or honorifics, though these do not have to be grant or ornate to fulfill the dragonborn's want for a name.
Major Organizations
While not entirely dedicated, many dragonborn can be found in organizations that work to recover draconic history and safeguard artifacts. Examples include the Trust of Silver and the Dragonfire Order.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
In addition to whatever language is spoken in their local, dragonborn are usually taught Draconic by their elders.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Humo Draco
Lifespan
80-90 years
Average Height
6'6 - 7'0
Average Weight
200 - 250 lbs
Average Physique
With strong muscles and large frames, most dragonborn are considered fit by humanoid standards. They can range from lithe to bulky, but they are rarely physically weak.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The color of a dragonborn's hide is easily one of their most identifiable features. In addition to determining the shape of their horns and fin-types, a dragonborn's skin-color is also the best way to tell what form their breath-weapon takes.
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