Dragonkin
The proud and powerful dragon-folk. They once lived as the dominant race over multiple regions, an undisputed force of nature that reigned over the skies. Their hubris led them to suffer a crushing blow at the hands of a powerful spirit, transforming the dragons forever. They cannot take upon their true dragon forms anymore, and an inherited curse plagues their kind, delivered upon them as divine punishment for their wanton destruction and hubris. Today, they stand as a reformed and noble race, whether within the bounds of their proud kingdom in Eren or abroad.
Dragonkin appearances vary widely, ranging from human-like skin tones to vibrant, dragon-like hues. Common traits include reptilian features such as scales, claws, sharp eyes, tails, and occasionally talon-like feet. Rarely, dragonkin may inherit wings, granting them the ability to fly. A universal trait among dragonkin is their "Ember Rage," an inherited curse tied to the mistakes of Eldra and her dragonhorde's challenging of the Earth Guardian. Over time, dragonkin will gradually begin to suffer symptoms of the curse, typically fairly mundane at first but truly dire if left unaddressed. As time passes without the proper herbal remedy used to moderate it, a dragonkin’s body temperature will gradually begin to rise, and a burning sensation will begin spreading from their chest to their throat and soon the rest of their body. The heat and physical symptoms are accompanied by mood changes, making them more irritable, confused, and suffering episodes of insomnia and restlessness. Suppose the ailment is allowed to transpire untreated for long enough. In that case, the poor soul is lost over a peak, their body transforming into a fully draconic form as their ancestors once had, losing their mind to a manic rage that is impossible to recover from. The only relief becomes death, lest they destroy anything and everything in their path until they are stopped. This fiery rage can be mitigated by consuming a magical herb called Ember Root, whether mixed into food, drank as a potion, or imbibed as a pellet of crushed powder.
Dragonkin hail from the dragons of old. In ancient times, these dragons lived in large hordes led by a single broodmaster, the strongest, most capable member of their group. Dragonkin today are mostly of mixed heritage between two or more of the various dragonhordes, but some inherit stronger resemblances to certain dragonhordes than others, these traits further characterizing them.
Dragonkin appearances vary widely, ranging from human-like skin tones to vibrant, dragon-like hues. Common traits include reptilian features such as scales, claws, sharp eyes, tails, and occasionally talon-like feet. Rarely, dragonkin may inherit wings, granting them the ability to fly. A universal trait among dragonkin is their "Ember Rage," an inherited curse tied to the mistakes of Eldra and her dragonhorde's challenging of the Earth Guardian. Over time, dragonkin will gradually begin to suffer symptoms of the curse, typically fairly mundane at first but truly dire if left unaddressed. As time passes without the proper herbal remedy used to moderate it, a dragonkin’s body temperature will gradually begin to rise, and a burning sensation will begin spreading from their chest to their throat and soon the rest of their body. The heat and physical symptoms are accompanied by mood changes, making them more irritable, confused, and suffering episodes of insomnia and restlessness. Suppose the ailment is allowed to transpire untreated for long enough. In that case, the poor soul is lost over a peak, their body transforming into a fully draconic form as their ancestors once had, losing their mind to a manic rage that is impossible to recover from. The only relief becomes death, lest they destroy anything and everything in their path until they are stopped. This fiery rage can be mitigated by consuming a magical herb called Ember Root, whether mixed into food, drank as a potion, or imbibed as a pellet of crushed powder.
Dragonkin hail from the dragons of old. In ancient times, these dragons lived in large hordes led by a single broodmaster, the strongest, most capable member of their group. Dragonkin today are mostly of mixed heritage between two or more of the various dragonhordes, but some inherit stronger resemblances to certain dragonhordes than others, these traits further characterizing them.
The Dragonhordes
History
Dragonhordes are sprawling broods of dragons that vary greatly in traits, features, and habitats. Each horde reflects its environment, with dragons adapting their appearances, abilities, and cultures to suit their domain. Eldra, a formidable Black Dragon from Astana, had a burning ambition that drove her to attempt a global conquest. Eldra sought to unify all dragons under her banner, promising strength and dominion for dragonkind. Her campaign swept across continents, leaving destruction in its wake, as hordes rallied to her call in fear or allegiance. However, her march to power stopped when she clashed with the Earth Guardian Eriden, a being of immense elemental strength tasked with protecting the world's balance. In a titanic battle, Eldra’s forces were shattered, and she was dealt a crushing defeat that forced her to retreat and regroup. Eldra and, thereafter, all dragons were afflicted with the hereditary curse of the Ember Rage. In the aftermath, the surviving dragons, led by remnants of Eldra’s vision, settled permanently in Eren. There, they established a new kingdom, building a society rooted in strength and dominance. Over generations, this kingdom grew into a formidable power in the region, with dragons wielding influence as rulers, warriors, and protectors of their newfound realm. Eldra’s legacy persisted as a reminder of their shared ambition and the need for reflection and resolve, inspiring both reverence and solidarity among the dragons who now call Eren their home.Geography
Dragonkin make up a huge portion of the demographics in Eren. They are highly concentrated in the Jade Valley and are not uncommonly strewn throughout other Eren communities as well. Sparse amounts can typically be found in mixed communities in other parts of the world but in very small concentrations.Relations & Society
Dragonkin are often insular, preferring the company of their own kind and remaining stoic or distant from other races. They do, however, find common ground with wood elves, who share similar lifespans and wisdom. Humans and similar beings are frequently viewed as weaker or immature in ideals, a prejudice deeply ingrained in the dragonkin’s draconic nature and their view of short-lifespan species. Dragonkin prejudices aren't as stark and heavy handed as it was in many communities anymore, especially as dragonkin are increasingly found amidst mixed communities of citizens.
Ancestry: Draconic
Lifespan: 750 years (Eldra's kin live to 1000)
Adulthood: 18 years
Average Height (ft.): 1.6m to 1.9m
Average Weight (lbs.): 68kg to 106kg
Type: Pseudo-Mammal
Blood: Red Contributors: Yuii
Lifespan: 750 years (Eldra's kin live to 1000)
Adulthood: 18 years
Average Height (ft.): 1.6m to 1.9m
Average Weight (lbs.): 68kg to 106kg
Type: Pseudo-Mammal
Blood: Red Contributors: Yuii
Passive Ideas
Proud Wings - Scaley wings with shimmering shades sprout from this dragon's back, granting them the limited ability to fly. Very few dragons have wings, but popular tradition pretells that those who do have heritage closer to the broodmasters of old. Their wings allow them to maneuver from great distances in the air.Scales of War - Dragonkin are ancestral warriors physically and mentally. Their scaled hides are particularly tough, and as long as they arent wearing any other kind of manufactured armor, their hides act like a form of natural armor similar in effectivness to a leather based suit of protection.
Breath of Dragons - Dragonkin of many walks of life are notable for being able to breathe their magical-based spells out of their mouths in gouts of fire or beams of light and the like. Even if they do not practice this form of breath, some dragons can still summon enough of a flame to use in everyday life, like to light tinder, heat a mug oc tea, or warm themselves and others in cold temperatures. The utilizations vary depending on the kind of element the specific dragon inherited.