Drakai

Ruling from their mountainous homeland of Dranya, the Dragon-like Drakai are one of the oldest races in Taeva. Originally created by the Dragons at the height of their power, the Drakai have since managed to carve out a place for themselves in the world following their fall. Thanks to their strength, their unwavering loyalty to one another, and their drive to excel at whatever they set their mind to, the Drakai remain one of the most powerful forces on the continent of Vraelia.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Drakai have a humanoid build covered in thick scales, with two arms and two legs, two eyes, and a 3.3 foot long tail. Their legs are slightly digitigrade with four clawed toes, and each hand has four fingers and a thumb.

Biological Traits

All Drakai have a breath weapon that's tied to the colour of their scales, though it requires considerable practice before it can be used, and the strain of using this ability is such that it can often only be used a few times a day (around 5-6). Additionally, male Drakai have larger horns and a more muscular build than females.

Interestingly, some members of Drakai society have a chance of being born with an enhanced draconic nature. This commonly translates into the Drakai being noticeably taller than average, having a breath weapon, having wings sprout from their back (wingspan is 3 metres), and becoming more resistant to the element of their breath weapon. These Drakai are highly respected, and while they are still subject to the same meritocratic laws as other Drakai, their enhanced abilities tend to see them rise through the ranks more quickly.

Genetics and Reproduction

Much like their draconic ancestors, the Drakai are an egg laying race. A Drakai female has a week long period of time every five months when they can get pregnant, with the resulting egg taking 2-3 weeks to fully develop. Once the egg has been lain, it will take an additional 7-8 months to hatch.

Growth Rate & Stages

Infant: 0-3
Child: 4-11
Adolescence: 12-17
Young adult: 18-21
Adulthood: 22-64
Elder: 65+

Ecology and Habitats

The Drakai are largely found around the mountains and valleys of eastern Vraelia.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Drakai are omnivorous, though their diet largely consists of meats. Food is stored in local storehouses for later consumption.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Drakai with an enhanced draconic nature (known as the Dragonblood) often occupy higher positions in society than normal Drakai.

Facial characteristics

All Drakai have heads resembling that of a typical dragon, complete with horns and a crest of hair running from the top of their head to the base of their neck. Additionally, male Drakai tend to have a strong jawline, and can grow a "beard" along their jawline, while female Drakai have smoother scales and more streamlined faces.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Drakai can largely be found throughout the world of Taeva, though they mostly stick to their mountainous homeland of Dranya.

Average Intelligence

The Drakai tend to have an average to high level of intelligence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Drakai have a higher chance of being born with the ability to use magic.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Drakai names are largely influenced by the old Dragons of legend. Additionally, because of their focus on the whole before the self, the naming scheme of the Drakai people goes Last Name - First Name.

Male names: Talzin, Jaryax, Aldorin, Kados, Ranoth, Narosh, Valsur, Faldan, Galren, Iadon
Female names: Kyrva, Asta, Renotha, Iehal, Zethrasia, Venethrel, Sosira, Fenresh, Nathari, Ystrith
Last names: Narnajir, Tauphek, Merdijad, Yalduash, Amreashtur, Shenkir, Drathar, Iruatus, Emtiakmar, Kelriath

Beauty Ideals

Common beauty ideals held by the Drakai include clean, well maintained scales and at least lean muscles, both serving as indicators of pride in their draconic heritage.

Gender Ideals

Both genders are generally viewed equally, though males are sometimes still expected to be more likely to perform tasks requiring physical strength.

Courtship Ideals

In Drakai society, it doesn't matter which gender courts the other (though it's often the male), so long as both parties involved have received the blessing of each others families.

Relationship Ideals

The Drakai are Monogamous, and will mate for life. It's generally expected that both individuals contribute equally to the relationship, and that they're still able to carry out their duties.

Average Technological Level

The Drakai make some use of Magitech, though it's only really used to navigate through especially difficult terrain. On the whole, the Drakai prefer to do most things by the old ways, particularly any artisan jobs like smithing and carving, as they believe that doing such tasks with your own hands and skill will lead to personal growth.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Dracean, Common

Common Etiquette Rules

It's common etiquette in Drakai society to freely criticise each other in a constructive manner, so they may better improve their craft, and to show proper respect to those of greater skill, wisdom, or standing in society.

Common Dress Code

Drakai dress tends to be very utilitarian, even amongst the upper class, with very few decorations on the clothes of the upper class. Notably, there are no dresses or related clothing, and footwear is designed to expose the toes, on account of their claws.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Drakai hold great respect for for their ancestors. This respect for their forebears is an integral part of Drakai society, with all Drakai striving to live lives that they feel would honour their ancestors, and would set an example for those that would follow after them. This is also the basis for the Drakais highly disciplined lives, as well as the honour code practised by their warriors and nobility.

Due to the role they played in their creation, the Dragons are highly respected among the Drakai, even being venerated alongside their ancestors. Alongside the respect the Drakai show for Dragons and Dragonkin, this trait is most commonly seen in the respect shown towards the Dragonblooded, those rare Drakai born with enhanced draconic traits. Due to the belief that these Drakai possess an especially strong connection to their draconic heritage, the Dragonblooded are viewed with great respect by the general populace, with the most exceptional among them being specifically groomed for leadership roles among the Drakai.

Common Taboos

Any sort of action that can be considered dishonourable (going back on your word, stealing, etc.) is considered a grave offence by the Drakai. Similarly, because of their draconic heritage, harming or killing any dragon-like creatures (drakes, wyverns, wyrms) will earn the ire of the Drakai, unless there was a very good reason for doing so.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

While the Drakai generally have a neutral view of other races, they do respect those who share their drive for self improvement, as well as their respect for Dragons and Dragonkin. However, due to the events of the conflict known as the Dragonscourge, many of the nations of Taeva have a neutral but wary view of the Drakai.

Lifespan

140 years

Average Height

Male: 6'5" Female: 6'3"

Average Weight

Male: 91kg Female: 86kg

Average Physique

Drakai tend to be tall and muscular.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Drakai come in a variety of scale colours, and typically have manes of black or white hair.

Related Organizations

Related Ethnicities