Dragonborn
The dragonborn, natively called Strixikai, are a reptilian anthropoid species from the planet Tiamat. They are hexapods; like aerakocra, one pair are large semi-functional wings, though dragonborn wings are membranous rather than feathered. Osteoderms, horns, and spines build a fearsome profile for these scaly beings, though they have another way of defending themselves: their fanged maw hides a set of glands that produce, store, and spray a corrosive and combustible biotoxin. Dragonborn have a single pair of dragonfly-like compound eyes and three sets of whiplike facial antennae.
Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Dragonborn are vertical bipedal hexapods, with two sets of forelimbs (a set of manipulatory limbs in the front of the upper torso and a pair of membranous wings behind them) and a pair of hindlimbs used for terrestrial locomotion. The lower section of the spine transitions into a long tail, used for balance while on the ground and a rudder while in flight. Strixikai have a spongy, lightweight internal skeleton composed of copper carbonate and collagen, with support filaments of carbon fibre. Their vascular oxygen carrier is haemocyanin, a copper-based protein that turns bright blue when oxidized. Dragonborn are mostly covered by a coat of keratinous scales and bony osteoderms of varying colors and metallic lusters.Perception & Sensory Capabilities
Visual
Dragonborn have wide-angle and wide-spectrum vision, powered by a pair of compound eyes on either side of the head, just above snout level, that slightly wrap around to the front and back. These eyes, composed of tens of thousands of facets, are able to pick up motion, definite shape, spatial orientation, polarization, and a vast spectrum of color ranging from deep infrared into deep ultraviolet.
Olfactory
The strixikai olfactory sense is moderately sensitive, with two pairs of mobile chemosensory antennae on the front and top of the head.
Auditory
Strixikai have fairly advanced auditory sense due to their combination of vibration-sensitive hair on their antennae and a pair of tympanic pouches set in the neck at the base of the jaw. While the tympani are sensitive to lower frequencies covering most of the standard hearing range, the antennae are attuned to higher frequencies into the near ultrasound.
Tactile
Dragonborn are not particularly sensitive to tactile input overall, with the exception of the antennae and the digits on the non-wing limbs.
Ecology
Geographic Origin & Distribution
The strixikai built a great interstellar empire in the millennium following their rise to the stars, though alas that civilization has crumbled in recent centuries. The remnants of this culture are spread across the Aquila Rift and Scorpius-Centaurus Stream, concentrated around the capital system Ssaryx. Despite this, dragonborn are not nearly as common as humans or Klex.Habitat & Survival Factors
The optimal survival range in a variety of factors for an unequipped strixikai is rather wide to begin with, though they require higher-than-average oxygen content and substantial space to exercise their wings. Given the technology and/or resources to build said technology, they are able to live almost anywhere in the cosmos.Civilization & Culture
Vayen culture is strongly religious and divided into castes that inform social status. Vayen strixikai are usually born into Houses that each revere a different aspect of the great dragon goddess Tiamat, and these Houses often clash based on difference of ideals. Despite this internal strife, the Vayen culture is united by principles of honor and loyalty.Major Organizations
The ancient dragonborn civilization of Vayenir once spanned hundreds of star systems, though in the modern day it is crumbling from both interior and exterior conflict.Major Language Groups & Dialects
Culture & Heritage
Common Traditions
Common Taboos
Scientific Name
Xenodraco sapiens (Tiamagenids)
Average Height
1.5 m
Average Weight
50 kg
Tolerances
Interspecies Relations
Hyperlanes Info
Physical Traits
Flammable Venom
You can use your action to spit corrosive, flammable biotoxin in a 30-foot line (necrotic damage) or spray and ignite it in a 15-foot cone (heat damage). When you use your venom, each creature in the area of the exhalation must make a saving throw. The saving throw is CON if you do not choose to ignite the venom, but if you do ignite it the saving throw becomes DEX. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your CON modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 2d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. After you use your venom, you cannot use it again until after you’ve had a chance to rest. Some genetic variants of dragonborn have alternative adaptations of the venom gland. Frost-caste dragonborn produce and weaponize liquid nitrogen (cold damage), while rare thunder-caste dragonborn generate plasma in a collapsing magnetic field that allow them to focus an electrical blast (shock damage).Glide
Though your wings aren’t especially functional anymore, you are still aerodynamic. You suffer no damage from falling so long as you are conscious. When falling from a height of 30 feet or more, you may move horizontally as normal using your speed.Natural Weapons
Your claws, teeth, and spines act as natural weapons, adding 1d6 piercing and slashing damage to your unarmed attacks.Natural Armor
You have tough, scaly skin. When you aren't wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your DEX modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.Enhanced Vision
You have proficiency in the Perception skill, and you have advantage on Perception rolls as long as you are not blinded.Cultural Traits
Suggested culture: VayenWIS increases by 1
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