Draconic
Empires and kingdoms, mighty clans and humble villages all populated by Dragons. From the wind Dragons, the sun and sky, to the sea Dragons, the Dragons were a powerful and diverse race of a larger Xanthiri. They walked those lands, remembered a time when the seas did not split the continent, even lived in castles held in the sky by magical means.
The Draconic were once those mighty beasts. They dominated the world in ancient times. It is hard to know what ancient Draconic culture was exactly like, for they were nearly wiped out after an event known as the Scourge. A great curse was placed upon all Dragons, transforming them into humanoid forms and throwing their world into chaos.
While it is true many live in the wilds, where their clans can be free of outsider rule, Draconic do live among common people, as every day citizens, living the same lives.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Draconic are humanoid, though retain some characteristics from their dragon ancestors. Their arms and legs are scaled and clawed, scaled patches randomly on their body, and many grow horns. Occasionally, draconic have tails, with large scaled patches on their backs.
Biological Traits
Ederha
Northern Draconic are descended from the Dragons of ice and air.Aydhar
Draconic of the east have a common ancestor in the sun Dragons.Idrako
Southern Draconic are born of the sea Dragons.Yanai
The Draconic to the west are descended from fire Dragons.Genetics and Reproduction
Draconic can reproduce with any species, but birth defects and quirks in half breeds are normal, such as only having one scaled arm or partially formed limbs.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Draconic have no family names, and instead identify as part of a clan or tribe. For example, Altan of the Unaak Clan, or Hento of Clan Khondii.
Major Organizations
The Draconic Territories
Gender Ideals
The ancient dragons were so numerous and spread out, that no two dragon tribes were the same, including their views on gender and sexuality. Modern draconic also follow in this, but are now influenced by the other races that surround them.
In general, the draconic still have a very loose binary system at large. It is vaguely based on sex assignment at birth, but is more of a placeholder, and holds no value in children. With the influence of human culture, some clans do have a more rigid placement of male and female. A variant of this system is to simply not assign gender at birth, and wait until they are older to work it out. In any case, all draconic have similar expectations of strength and family.
In ancient dragons, only some species had distinct differences between males and females (horn type, scales, eyes), while the difference was more vague in other species. Modern draconic also follow this, despite their more humanoid forms. The draconic clans that do follow the vague differences tend to have a feminine leaning androgyny. The clans that have more obvious differences in horns and scales may accentuate them with decorations.
Draconic clans tend to emphasize childbearing and child rearing in response to their small populations. Motherhood to them is a venerated class not specific to women (though in some clans this may be the case, especially in proximity to humans). While giving birth is a celebrated thing, Motherhood goes beyond that. Surrogacy, adoption, and even teaching are venues for anyone to become a Mother. Motherhood for them encompasses all values of strength, clan, and family.
Relationship Ideals
Despite prioritizing family, clans are family to draconic. Romantic love between two individuals takes a back seat to familial love. Arranged alliances and marriages are very normal, it is out of the norm to marry out of love. Draconic societies can lean aromantic in this way, as marriage for some clans is more about the bonds between warriors, and having offspring that pass on strong traits.
Basically, gender does not matter so long as everyone does their part to care for future generations.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Shine Gerel
This is a ritual that is common for most draconic clans from all across Xanthiri. It is said that this practice spread to all draconic cultures during a time when a powerful Dragon empire ruled all of Xanthiri, and lasted through the ages. Shine Gerl is a ritual that celebrates the birth of a child, a new member of the clan. Celebrated for days on end, the growth of a clan or family being a special occasion to all Draconic. The khan or priest gives the baby it's first bath in the privacy of the mother's birthing tent, then brings the baby out for all the clan to see, briefly, for the first time. They take the health of the baby very seriously, and do not risk anyone getting it sick. The death of a child or mother is especially mourned by the Draconic, who give them the funeral of a warrior. If a clan has a Fate Doctor, they will mend the new child's Fate Lines. If not, a Draconic will have to seek out a Fate Doctor on their own, if their clan follows this particular practice.Hygiene Customs
Draconic have portions of their body that are scaled, primarily on their hands/arms and feet/legs. Some who have tails have large patches on their backs. These scaled patches shed a thin layer of skin as a draconic grows. Young draconic may shed every couple of weeks, while adult draconic shed maybe a couple times a year. The skin sheds off in patches, and the process can last several days. Everyone tends to rub off the skin as it sheds, using salts, scrubs, and ointments to help it along. They like to bathe and soak up water, the scaled patches are able to absorb a good amount of hydration. Herbs and minerals are sometimes infused into the water, also being absorbed. Some clans use steam instead, or scrubs and scratching rocks. Bathing and heat also helps to soothe the itching of shedding skin. Socializing and down time takes place during these baths, which are usually communal.Marriage
Marriage in several Draconnic communities is not necessarily romantic, can be a union between two platonic life partners. The couples goes out into the wilderness to hunt a great beast, proving their survival and teamwork skills. The game they bring back is used in the feast. Depending on individual cultures, clans may challenge them to tests of magic or strength.Shonin Omno
This tradition originated as a battle rite, but can be applied to any situation of conflict within Draconinc groups. Like the Shine Gerel, Shonin Omno is likely a tradition implemented by an unknown, ancient Dragon empire. They commonly happen between clan members fighting for a certain position, such as Khan or other leadership roles. The day before, dances are performed, in an excited frenzy that is borderline joyous. This is done to work out nerves and gain courage. When the sun goes down, everything is suddenly somber. Weapons and armor are cleansed and blessed, if necessary to the conflict. Everyone is to reflect on past battles and losses, and what it would mean to continue with the fight. This is the time to call the argument off.So'dua
Certain clans participate in this coming of age rite. Young draconic on the verge of adulthood go on a spiritual journey of sorts as they are sent off to travel. The draconic may travel to ancient dragon sites and ruins, temples and holy places, all across the four realms. Typically, the So'dua lasts only a year, but some draconic leave for longer. The purpose of this journey is to reconnect with ancestors an contemplate one's path in life.Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
As a whole, modern Draconic do not seem to have much of a relationship with the other races. Many Draconic live on sovereign land, totally self sufficient and wary of outsiders. They do not trust, and feel the ramifications of actions taken against them centuries ago to this day. Some clans do not even trust one another.
Elves have a long, ongoing feud with the Draconic, who were their enemies before the Scourge. To this day, they do not trust each other, and tend to place blame on the other. On the flip side of this, only the Draconic understand what the Elven have gone through, and vice versa. They are at least united in their distrust of humans.
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