Scalebound
Scalebound are dragonkin and thought to be some of the oldest of Folkin. They are characterized by the dragon-like scales that are found in varying degrees across their body known as Essence Scales . They are a highly independent species and rarely find themselves working together outside a small localized tribe.
Although referred to and classified as a unique species, Scalebound are actually evolutions of any species of Folkin that finds themselves born or in the domain of an Essence Dragons for a long period of time.
The Domain Dragon, or the Essence Dragons that was in the area they were born into, defines many features of the Scalebound including but not limited to the physiology, body size, lifespan, mental abilities, and magic abilities. Reproduction in the typical Folkin fashion is rare among Scalebound due to their biological makeup and oftentimes any attempts at reproduction will have the offspring revert back to the original species of one of the parents.
Although referred to and classified as a unique species, Scalebound are actually evolutions of any species of Folkin that finds themselves born or in the domain of an Essence Dragons for a long period of time.
The Domain Dragon, or the Essence Dragons that was in the area they were born into, defines many features of the Scalebound including but not limited to the physiology, body size, lifespan, mental abilities, and magic abilities. Reproduction in the typical Folkin fashion is rare among Scalebound due to their biological makeup and oftentimes any attempts at reproduction will have the offspring revert back to the original species of one of the parents.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Scalebound's physical anatomy are determined in large part by two factors. The most prominent factor is their ancestry which is thought to be any Folkin. They will retain the traits of their original ancestry while also gaining the Essence Scales of their Domain Dragon.
These scales manifest themselves in a variety of ways including but not limited to the arms, torso, legs, and head of a folkin. While usually located in just one area of the body, the closer a folkin is to the dragon or the more powerful an Essence Dragon, the more likely it is for the Scalebound to have more scales in several areas.
In addition to the perceptive difference, the Essence Scales also bring about primal changes, sometimes resulting in physical mutations such as gills if the scales are found on the neck or wings if found on the back.
These scales manifest themselves in a variety of ways including but not limited to the arms, torso, legs, and head of a folkin. While usually located in just one area of the body, the closer a folkin is to the dragon or the more powerful an Essence Dragon, the more likely it is for the Scalebound to have more scales in several areas.
In addition to the perceptive difference, the Essence Scales also bring about primal changes, sometimes resulting in physical mutations such as gills if the scales are found on the neck or wings if found on the back.
Genetics and Reproduction
Scalebound are not born under typical reproduction methods like other Folkin, but instead are reliant on being in the presence of an Essence Dragon. Usually one becomes Scalebound by having been in the womb and born into the presence of an Essence Dragon, but one can also become Scalebound simply by spending large amounts of time in their domain as well. It is widely thought that the younger one is the more susceptible they are to the changes being in an Essence Dragon's domain brings.
There are several known cases where two very powerful Scalebound's child carried Essence Scales even though they were born outside the presence of an Essence Dragon but their scales were severely diminished and is presumed that the power would eventually subside through the generations.
There are several known cases where two very powerful Scalebound's child carried Essence Scales even though they were born outside the presence of an Essence Dragon but their scales were severely diminished and is presumed that the power would eventually subside through the generations.
Growth Rate & Stages
Essence Scales typically do not spread much after the initial year a child is born and are largely considered permanent. For those that become Scalebound after being born, they typically find themselves gaining small signs of Essence Scale development until a period of unknown time brings about the full change.
Ecology and Habitats
Scalebound, much like Elves and Genasi, are unique among Folkin for their anatomy being closely intertwined with the surroundings they were raised in. Some Scalebound that are raised near a Lava Dragon might find themselves quite tolerant of heat and excel in desert and volcanic conditions while a Scalebound that was born into a Vine Dragon's domain would suffer greatly in those areas.
Behaviour
It is unknown for sure if Scalebound retain the moral and psychological traits of their Domain Dragon and currently a study of tumultuous debate amongst the scholars of the Te'Yon Imperium.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The typical social structure of Scalebound is based around a tight knit clan and rarely will expand very far. Due to their reproduction cycle the numbers for Scalebound remain low and no large organizations in their history have ever became prominent.
The average Scalebound tribes number anywhere from 50-300 members and were known to band together in times of strife. The structure of the tribe varied but typically consisted of a clan at the lowest level which was based around a singular family group.. The leader of a clan is known as the D'edor which is the member with the largest amount of Essence Scales. This usually ends up correlating to the most powerful warrior but isn't always true.
Scalebound unlike other Dragonkin are not beholden in anyway to their Domain Dragon. In fact it is far more common to find Scalebound at war with nearby Essence Dragons as they see each other as a threat to their territory. This isn't to say they wont work together to some extent in desperate times as has been seen during their war with the Te'Yon Sovereignty but for the most part remain enemies or distrusting neutrals. There is still large respect held for the Essence Dragons as they are considered the gods for the Scalebound of Illudora but in Illudora even gods can be felled.
The average Scalebound tribes number anywhere from 50-300 members and were known to band together in times of strife. The structure of the tribe varied but typically consisted of a clan at the lowest level which was based around a singular family group.. The leader of a clan is known as the D'edor which is the member with the largest amount of Essence Scales. This usually ends up correlating to the most powerful warrior but isn't always true.
Scalebound unlike other Dragonkin are not beholden in anyway to their Domain Dragon. In fact it is far more common to find Scalebound at war with nearby Essence Dragons as they see each other as a threat to their territory. This isn't to say they wont work together to some extent in desperate times as has been seen during their war with the Te'Yon Sovereignty but for the most part remain enemies or distrusting neutrals. There is still large respect held for the Essence Dragons as they are considered the gods for the Scalebound of Illudora but in Illudora even gods can be felled.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Scalebound are located in the mystical and little known continent of Iudora. Due to the large number of Essence Dragons there they remain in large numbers unlike on The Continent where the few Scalebound found are commonly mistaken for Dragonborn.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
While typically bringing physical changes the scales can also bring about primal abilities such as being able to wield elemental forces, keen hearing, darkvision, or superhuman endurance. Much like the physical characteristics, the placement of the scales across the Scalebound impact the abilities they have. Should you find yourself facing a Scalebound with a red scaled arm you can presume that they will be able to shoot fire from their scaled hands.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Drakkon Raiders
A widespread and loosely organized group of Scalebound warriors who vehemently oppose the Te'Yon Sovereignty and the necromantic arts that they exhibit. They participate in guerrilla warfare against the Sovereignty and are an infamous organization that is spoken about fearfully amongst the Sovereignty's citizens.
A widespread and loosely organized group of Scalebound warriors who vehemently oppose the Te'Yon Sovereignty and the necromantic arts that they exhibit. They participate in guerrilla warfare against the Sovereignty and are an infamous organization that is spoken about fearfully amongst the Sovereignty's citizens.
History
Scalebound are among the oldest of races and are presumed to have been on the original landmass of Tomeria, becoming evolved versions of other Folkin. After the initial mega continent split with most of the Essence dragons continuing to reside on Illudora, naturally that is where most Scalebound have been since. Although there have been reports of Scalebound having made it to other continents as well being commonly confused with Dragonborns.
Scalebound that remained on Illudora have for the most part stayed to the east of the Illudora Rift alongside the majority of Essence Dragons after the Te'Yon Sovereignty established their dominance on the western half of the continent. Since then they have lived closely amongst the Essence Dragons which increased their population but making their lives their very dangerous constantly skirmishing with the Essence Dragons or Te'Yon and other exotic creatures that make their home on Illudora.
Scalebound that remained on Illudora have for the most part stayed to the east of the Illudora Rift alongside the majority of Essence Dragons after the Te'Yon Sovereignty established their dominance on the western half of the continent. Since then they have lived closely amongst the Essence Dragons which increased their population but making their lives their very dangerous constantly skirmishing with the Essence Dragons or Te'Yon and other exotic creatures that make their home on Illudora.
Credit to BelleDeese from ArtStation for ArticleCover photo; Unknown for sidebar photo
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