Dragonborn

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragonborn are frequently confused with half-dragons. While dragonborn are a mixture of dragons and humanoids, half-dragons come about either come about through more religious or arcane needs. They are usually born by female dragons, through the normal egg-laying process, using a parent of a different race. Ancient spells and mystical rituals can be used to enchant eggs to grow half-dragons. Half-dragons are often mistaken with dragonborn. However, they are usually larger in size, more naturally athletic, and take on more features used to define that of true dragons. They are usually raised in unique manners, and are often bred for the purposes of slaves and soldiers. Their incubation within the egg is much faster than that of a true dragon, while their strength compared to that of a dragonborn is unrivaled.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dragonborn who are born through interspecies parentage are born the natural method by the race of the mother. Male dragons may impregnate any creature, and female dragons may be impregnated by the majority of creatures. A female dragon who births a humanoid’s child will either birth a dragonborn, a half-dragon, or a full-fledged dragon. This depends largely upon the two partners, the genetic luck of the draw, and the affiliation with which draconic god the dragon held. Some dragons have enough magical energy to choose what type of child they wish. Full dragons born in this manner, however, are often sickly and prone to mental illness throughout life.
Dragonborn which are born of humanoids will always take the form of dragonborn. They will often be born with the appearance of their mother’s race, but slightly misshapen as if they had a physical deformity, strangely colored eyes or skin, or with scales, and are usually quite fragile in their early weeks due to the unorthodox manner of birth (in dragon terms). But they are hardy, and if raised with care, it will become quickly apparent that these are no normal children. In 3 months, the child will have clearly developed scales and a draconic shape, and will look more like a 1 year old; by 6 months in human scales, a dragonborn would look nearly 3 years old. By their third year, a dragonborn will appear as if it were a 10 year-old human. Because of the dramatic process by which dragonborn appear from direct human births, many are often ostracized from communities, or otherwise, succumb to infanticide.
More traditionally, dragonborn children come about through egg-laying between other dragonborn. In this way, dragonborn are born healthier, and are generally given better diets, and raised in a manner more befitting their unique physiology.

Growth Rate & Stages

No matter the method of their birth, they grow very quickly, forming traditional draconic features, although which they inherit depends on many factors. Nevertheless, their rate of growth slows dramatically, and they are not considered physically mature until age 12, with dragonborn understood as adults by age 15. Their ages were, from this point on, similar to humans.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Dragonborn culture was largely communal in nature. Most communities prefer mountainous regions, grand steppes, or anywhere that other humanoids tend not to travel. Unlike tieflings, most dragonborn are not nomadic, and tend to have structured settlements. These communities tend to be small and very insular; rarely will a city form out of a hamlet of dragonborn. These communities were notoriously hostile to visitors, wishing to keep to themselves, far away from beings who could threaten their safety.
These insular communities are a result of habits between dragonborn. Clan is cherished above all, and one’s clan was seen to be of the highest regard, even above kin and brethren, with “for the greater good” being instilled in all dragonborn from a young age. Clans were stratified by age, with the eldest in a clan being the most venerated, and with leaders being chosen in a form of meritocracy.
These leaders would be given “The Heart” through a ritual that blended blood with the former clan leader. This would allow them some of the historical knowledge of those they have shared this blood with, especially memories of individuals within their clan that could sometimes date back thousands of years, depending on how long the tradition was upheld. This process was almost akin to a form of reincarnation, and a deeply revered ritual. Furthermore, those with “The Heart” could also perform a separate ritual that would allow them to connect with other leaders who had “The Heart,” which allowed an efficient form of memory sharing. Because of the nature and importance of The Heart, heirs would usually be groomed from a young age in preparation for leading a clan.
History was deeply important to all dragonborn, and oral tradition of each and every member of a clan would be excruciatingly checked, with the most severe issues being brought to The Heart of the Clan. How an individual acted in the clan was harshly judged. Dragonborn were expected to bring favor to their clan in all of their deeds. Clans would develop reputations, and because of the nature of The Heart of the clans, these reputations could carry for generations.

Civilization and Culture

Courtship Ideals

Dragonborn families were highly private affairs. Their last names were highly secretive, and were only shared between family and the closest of friends. This is because of the fear of tracing one’s lineage, as all family names inevitably led back to one of the draconic gods. Dragonborns usually had arranged marriages, as dictated by The Heart or the clan. Love was valued in Dragonborn culture, but marriages could be very temporal. If The Heart dictated that a marriage should be dissolved, so it would be; in these instances, the child would be under the care of the parent of the same gender until they were raised into adulthood. Some dragonborn would seek a “Nesting” from The Heart, allowing a couple to remain together, which would bring their value to the clan and value as individuals under strict scrutiny.

Lifespan

~80 years

Average Height

6'2" - 6'8"

Average Weight

220 - 320 lbs.