Drakani - "Dragonborn"

Drakani, better known as "Dragonborn" by most folk, are a humanoid species reminicent of dragons. They were originally created by the dragons in their image to serve as enforcers and super-soldiers. While remnants of this legacy remains in the martial prowess and proud clan heritages of Drakani culture, the race as a whole is on the decline.
Following the death of Yulgotorix, the last true draconic ruler in Aelburn, the Drakani are viewed with suspicion and distrust among the other races. This is especially true among humans, as the Drakani had subjugated humanity during the Age of Dragons. Despite many Drakani working against the dragons, the world at large holds a not unfounded grudge against the Drakani, and the races proud nature and isolationist tendencies have not done their reputation any favors.
Anti-drakani sentiment strengthened after a rogue drakani general began raiding the southern Zaidan kingdoms and amassing an army. Fearing the return of draconic rule, opportunistic partisans gathered enough support to march on the Kingdom of Arkan, the most prominent drakani kingdom. This conflict eventually resulted in the dissolution of the kingdom, the destruction of Arush Altok, and a people in exile.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack wings or a tail. The first dragonborn had scales of vibrant hues matching the colors of their dragon kin, but generations of interbreeding have created a more uniform appearance. Their small, fine scales are usually brass or bronze in color, sometimes ranging to scarlet, rust, gold, or copper-green. They are tall and strongly built, often standing close to 6½ feet tall and weighing 250 pounds or more. Their hands and feet are strong, talonlike claws with three fingers and a thumb on each hand. The blood of a particular type of dragon runs very strong through some dragonborn clans. These dragonborn often boast scales that more closely match those of their dragon ancestor—bright red, green, blue, or white, lustrous black, or gleaming metallic gold, silver, brass, copper, or bronze.
There are several different ethncities of Drakani that have emerged since their creation. The most common of these are the Arkanite Drakani and feathered Jassiran Drakani, though rarer subethnicities are not uncommon.
There is an exceedingly rare phenomenon where a drakani is born with chameleon-like coloring on their scales. These drakani are known as 'chloroform' drakani and they are highly sought after due to their naturally powerful grasp of the arcane arts. Some consider the appearance of these drakani as a good omen while others fear the raw magical potential within them, and what it would mean to have one as an enemy.

Genetics and Reproduction

Drakani are a warm blooded reptillian race that lays eggs. This means that they do not posess mammary glands typical of other humanoid races, though they do share many other characteristics of mammalian humanoids, such as similar reproductive anatomy.

Growth Rate & Stages

Young dragonborn grow quickly. They can walk hours after hatching and attain the size and physical development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 6, and reach physical maturity by 14-15 years of age though they are not considered an adult within drakani society until they shed their hatchling nickname and go through a coming of age trial. Drakani tend to be slightly shorter lived than humans, with drakani rarely being older than 75-80 years old.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Drakani tend to prefer meaty or savory flavors.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dragonborn have personal names given at birth, but they put their clan names first as a mark of honor. A childhood name or nickname is often used among clutchmates as a descriptive term or a term of endearment. The name might recall an event or center on a habit. Male Names: Arjhan, Balasar, Bharash, Donaar, Ghesh, Heskan, Kriv, Medrash, Mehen, Nadarr, Pandjed, Patrin, Rhogar, Shamash, Shedinn, Tarhun, Torinn
Female Names: Akra, Biri, Daar, Farideh, Harann, Havilar, Jheri, Kava, Korinn, Mishann, Nala, Perra, Raiann, Sora, Surina, Thava, Uadjit
Childhood Names: Climber, Earbender, Leaper, Pious, Shieldbiter, Zealous
Clan Names: Clethtinthiallor, Daardendrian, Delmirev, Drachedandion, Fenkenkabradon, Kepeshkmolik, Kerrhylon, Kimbatuul, Linxakasendalor, Myastan, Nemmonis, Norixius, Ophinshtalajiir, Prexijandilin, Shestendeliath, Turnuroth, Verthisathurgiesh, Yarjerit

Lifespan

75-80 years

Related Organizations

• Clan Vaarhin
• Kingdom of Arkan

Related Ethnicities

• Arkanite Drakani
• Jassiran Drakani