Dragonborn
Ervenian Era, 1051 AB
Dragonborn are an ancient race in Theras and have still tremendous influence over its entirety.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Dragonborn are imposing, strong, and draconic humanoids. They are taller and more muscular than humans, and have dragonlike heads, scales, fangs, and claws. Despite their reptilian appearance, dragonborn are warm-blooded beings. Their bodies are hot enough to seem feverish to humans, which makes them more comfortable in cold temperatures. Dragonborn are no more vulnerable to hot temperatures than humans, as they lack body hair and have a large mouth that can be opened to release body heat. Dragonborn scales are tougher than human skin, making them less susceptible to small, incidental wounds. However, they do not protect against damage from weapons or other purposeful attacks. Dragonborn also typically lack the inborn elemental resistances that true dragons possess.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like true Dragon, dragonborn hatch from eggs. They are usually laid singly, but sometimes in pairs. Hatchlings are quickly capable of standing and walking, but their teeth take a few months to come in. During this time, the mother nurses her offspring. She slowly weans the child to soft food and then normal food, which for dragonborn is usually more meat than other edibles.
Growth Rate & Stages
Hatchling
By the end of their first year, dragonborn hatchlings have the mental and physical development of a 3-year-old human child. They mature quickly throughout their youth. At about 12 years old, dragonborn are lanky versions of their adult selves. Over the next 3 years, they fill out into imposing adult forms.Adulthood
Dragonborn youth are consistently encouraged to cultivate independence. As they reach the age of 15, transitioning into adulthood, it is expected that they have assimilated the lessons imparted during their upbringing into their behavior. They possess a profound admiration for individuals of all races who display competence, even those they may be in opposition to. Their self-esteem, as well as the reverence they hold for their ancestors, serves as a guiding force in their endeavors. The responsibility for their actions shifts from being shared with their parents to becoming the sole responsibility of each individual, even though a dragonborn's actions continue to reflect their upbringing and heritage.Ecology and Habitats
Dragonborn are physically strong and have the potential to develop draconic traits. Most dragonborn develop a breath weapon, which is dangerous by the time they reach adulthood. However, some dragonborn may manifest more draconic traits than others. This may happen at birth, as the dragonborn's soul quickens in the crucible of a spiritual path, or as the body adapts in the wake of mighty deeds.
Behaviour
Dragonborn psychology is a mix of their draconic nature and strong cultural ideals. The draconic spark within them is expressed as intensity and a well-developed sense of self. This leads to a resolve to be the best they can be and to be worthy of their heritage. Tradition focuses the dragonborn ego on principles of personal excellence, accountability, honor, and wisdom. Dragonborn are strongly emotional and approach life with enthusiasm. They readily invest themselves in the tasks set before them. This fervor can express itself in extremes of feeling, as dragonborn don't hide anger or joy. This emotion also surfaces as ferocity in battle, especially when dragonborn feel their resolve faltering. When failure becomes a possibility, dragonborn become more tenacious.
Dragonborn have a healthy self-image and are not timid or reserved. They are guided by personal morals and look out for themselves and those they value. They have no trouble asking for what they need or taking time to improve their abilities. They also expect others to do the same. This is because they believe that a strong group dynamic is essential for society to function.
The paradox in the dragonborn belief in a strong group dynamic is that, like dragons, they are fiercely independent. They learn to be so in their upbringing, which is focused on individuality. However, this conviction is an outgrowth of personal pride. Dragonborn see the strengths of a group they are part of as an expression of their own strengths. The group's failures and successes become those of the dragonborn members within it, reflecting on them and their choice to be a part of the group.
Dragonborn are proud and have high personal standards. They set their sights on success and keep going until they achieve it. This is not just because they disdain flaws and lack of success. Dragonborn want to contribute and be seen as valuable by those they value. They consistently want to show that their confidence in themselves and the reliance others have on them is not misplaced. Dragonborn are always considering how they can become better at whatever they do, whether by further fortifying their assets or shoring up weaknesses.
Responsibility is also a key part of the dragonborn mindset. This can be an expression of their attachment to others involved in a situation. It is also attributable to the cultural value placed on respect, for self and others, and good judgment. No dragonborn gives their word lightly. In fact, dragonborn often value honoring their promises and fulfilling their obligations more than their lives.
Dragonborn are expected to use good judgment. They must assess the options before them and make the best choice. If they fail to do so, they will be considered to have failed.
As an expression of their personality, dragonborn who are aware of their abilities may realize that they cannot hope to succeed in certain circumstances. Dragonborn show wisdom by not making promises that they know they cannot keep. They show virtue by admitting their limitations and offering to help as best they can. They show courage by trying to accomplish the impossible, even when the cost of inaction would be too great.
Dragonborn are often heroic and virtuous, but they are also fallible creatures. Their passion can lead them to brutality, hasty decisions, and unrighteous vengeance. Their misguided ego can lead them to greed and selfishness. Their commitment to excellence can lead them to blind ambition, a willingness to evaluate others severely, and a willingness to undertake foolhardy deeds.
Although these negative traits can be a seed of wickedness, most of the time they do not go so far. An individual dragonborn might not see some of their failings, but such negative behavior never truly descends into evil. And even dragonborn villains display a subset of dragonborn scruples, especially courtesy and respect to enemies.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Family
Dragonborn focus on their clan because their family units are small. The typical dragonborn family unit consists of only two dragonborn: a mated pair or a parent and child.
Dragonborn enter into marriage with the intention of procreation. While there are notable exceptions to this general practice, the marital union typically ends once the offspring reaches the age of 3. In cases where the parents have no reason to remain together, it is usually the parent of the same gender as the child who assumes the responsibility of raising and training the youngster, imparting knowledge about society, family, and clan.
The code of honor dictates that a parent must diligently educate their child, while adults take on the role of caring for the young. Through the means of storytelling, tutoring, and practical demonstrations, the parent instills virtues and skills within the child. This process serves not only to educate but also to channel the fiery spirit of the young dragonborn. Without such guidance, the innate ferocity of the dragonborn emerges, leading to untamed savagery.
However, when properly trained in the ways of the dragonborn, a young individual learns that honor entails respecting elders and other esteemed figures, exerting focused and sincere effort, upholding oaths with reliability, and maintaining integrity. From an early age, they comprehend that their chosen actions can bring either credit or disgrace to themselves, their family, their clan, and even all dragonborn. Even dragonborn artisans and laborers grow up with discipline, engaging in play inspired by lessons and tales of daring accomplishments, and possessing an admiration for courageous and principled deeds. Everyone acquires some knowledge of combat and soldierly practices, fostering the boldness necessary to challenge both oneself and those who abuse their authority.
In regions where dragonborn make up a small portion of the local population, which is typically the case, it is common to find these small-sized families. However, in the presence of an integrated enclave, the dynamics change, leading some dragonborn to assert that it resembles life in the lands of the Dragonborn. Within such a community, dragonborn children are collectively nurtured - Adults collectively look after and educate the young, providing them with a broader exposure to various role models among the dragonborn. While a single parent still holds authority and responsibility for a child, in these situations, the other parent is often nearby and wields some influence as well.
Clans
Among the dragonborn, the preservation of both clans and family bloodlines remains significant, although the distinction between the two is subtle. Family is determined by one's actual blood relatives, stretching back through historical records. On the other hand, a clan represents an alliance of families that have been united over time, often with forgotten purposes.
All dragonborn hold deep respect for their revered ancestors, both within their family and clan. They carry out their duties with a keen awareness of how their actions reflect upon their lineage. These connections can determine the presence of peace or enmity, as well as the level of cooperation or antagonism between individual dragonborn.
Families and clans possess reputations, whether positive or negative, which may not necessarily align with the current members of the bloodline. The aspiration to uphold a noble heritage or overcome a tainted birthright can shape the course of a dragonborn's life. Some dragonborn choose to embrace infamy or escape the responsibilities imposed by their past, while others forge their own path guided by personal values. There are those who strive to become the most capable and admired dragonborn among the elder members of their clan, ultimately aspiring to attain the position of clanmaster.
When circumstances allow, all dragonborn belonging to a specific clan seek guidance from their clanmaster. The elders of the clan possess methods to establish communication with a clanmaster who may be far away. Additionally, the clanmaster maintains dedicated and loyal dragonborn agents who can act on their behalf and serve as messengers.
Maintaining contact can present challenges, but dragonborn from the same clan find it easier to form united coalitions and establish enclaves. Marriages among dragonborn are influenced by age-old agreements between clans. Dragonborn parents burdened with significant responsibilities often rely on these connections to receive assistance in nurturing their children.
In larger settlements, an entire ward might be populated by dragonborn hailing from allied clans. Furthermore, each clan could have its own hall, reminiscent of the ancient days of the Old Ansko Empire.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Dragonborn families form clans, which are extended groups unified by geographic proximity and similar temperaments. Only since the 10th century, Many clans dedicated themselves to serving dragons many millenias ago. Some of these dragons belonged to bloodlines on one side or the other of the war between Bahamut and Tiamat. Others were autonomous wyrms who guided and nurtured their dragonborn followers. Still other dragonborn families, sometimes after the loss of a dragon patron, formed clan ties independent of dragons. These unified clans had military discipline in common, which was a trait needed in ongoing war or for mere defense in the elder world.
From the family structure, The dragonborn and their dragon lords form clans.
Dragonborn trace their modern cultural leanings to the days of Old Ansko Empire, an empire where the precepts of dignity and progress were paramount. In the Old Ansko Empire, strong clans arose and formed ties that still endure among dragonborn bloodlines. Within that empire, dragonborn knew their greatest glory and became instilled with an everlasting sense of their place in the world.
Magic
Dragonborn have a long and storied history with magic. They have a natural talent for the Arcane, and their magic is often used for war. Dragonborn magic is seldom used for mundane tasks, as it is seen as a weapon of the mighty.
Many dragonborn clans have wizardly traditions that have been passed down for generations. These traditions date back to the time of Old Ansko Empire, the ancient dragonborn empire.
However, since the 10th century AB, Dragonborn found renewed interest in the divine, especially those of the paladin. Dedicating themselves to a faith gives them direction and purpose, something many dragonborn crave.
Art
Dragonborn are practical and meticulous craftsmen. Like dwarves, they create few items for purely artistic reasons, preferring to combine functionality and beauty. The strong individuality of dragonborn causes them to focus more on personal items, such as weapons, rather than those that cannot be carried, such as architecture or statuary. An exception to this generality of usability and beauty exists in the case of jewelry.
Dragonborn jewelry is often made of precious metals and stones, and is often ornate and intricate. It is a way for dragonborn to express their individuality and personal style. Jewelry is also seen as a symbol of wealth and status, and is often given as gifts to mark special occasions.
In addition to jewelry, dragonborn also create other personal items, such as weapons, armor, and clothing. These items are also made to be both functional and beautiful, and are often decorated with intricate designs. Dragonborn take great pride in their craftsmanship, and their work is often of the highest quality.
Leisure
Dragonborn are always looking for ways to improve their abilities and compete with others. When they are not honing their skills, they are playing games or engaging in activities that test their mental, physical, or spiritual strength. Dragonborn do not restrict themselves to familiar activities, as they believe that part of developing oneself is expanding one's horizons.
Dragonborn prefer competitive games, and they favor contests that have one clear winner. They are skilled at strategic board games, philosophical riddle contests, improvised storytelling events, and one-on-one sports.
The ferocity of the draconic spirit, combined with their physical strength and militaristic culture, leads dragonborn to create and participate in sports that are more violent than many other peoples are used to. In fact, numerous dragonborn—even non-heroic sorts—form fighting or wrestling clubs, as well as regular contests of weapon skill. Intrepid dragonborn even try their hands at actual blood sports, such as gladiatorial matches, pit fighting, and dueling.
Dragonborn believe that competition is a way to test oneself and to improve one's skills. They also believe that competition can be a source of entertainment and excitement. Dragonborn are always looking for new challenges, and they are never afraid to compete.
History
The dragonborn are a race of warriors and conquerors, with a rich and storied history. Their origins are shrouded in myth and legend, but their rise to power is well-documented.
The first dragonborn empires were founded in the wake of a great war, and they quickly rose to prominence. They were a fearsome people, known for their strength, courage, and skill in battle.
The dragonborn empires reached their zenith in the The Era of the Draconians, but they eventually declined in the 10th century AB, though they still have mighty influence and only their internal strife is what holding them back.
Only by 9,562 BB with the foundation of the Old Ansko Empire, the dragonborn nobles venerated Tiamat, while the poor venerated Bahamut, but their society was very declined to serve the gods and they put all their efforts into Arcane Magic and Primal Magic.
Common Myths and Legends
In Epeoris, it is believed that dragonborn like to eat mud. This belief is evident in the Sabersychan play The Dragonborn who Loved Mud.
Origins
According to several legends, Io, the greatest dragon god, created the dragonborn as servants to dragons. He used elemental essence and astral spirit to create them, just as he did with all worldly creatures. However, he gave the dragonborn a greater balance of elemental essence, making them more like their dragon kin. In other legends, Bahamut had created the Dragonborns, only to be corrupted by Tiamat. The conflict between Tiamat and Bahamut has been a defining factor in dragonborn history. It has shaped their culture, their values, and their destiny. Today, dragonborn continue to struggle to find their place in the world, caught between the forces of good and evil.
Genetic Descendants
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