Dragonborn

Introduction

The dragonborn are a species that were introduced to the world during the War for Rythkar, in which the chromatic dragons created humanoids in their image to serve as their enslaved warriors. Upon the defeat of the chromatic dragons, many of their slaves were freed from their masters' influence. This would eventually lead to the Draconic Revolution and the freeing of the rest of the dragonborns.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Maenor

The nation of Maenor, located within the Canmar Desert of Balukthur, is the only predominantly dragonborn nation in Ardrim. It was founded after the War for Rythkar, being settled by the escaped dragonborn and serving as the central base for said dragonborn during the Draconic Revolution. After the successful revolution, Maenor's numbers were bolstered by the newly created metallic dragonborn as well as the freed chromatic dragonborn.

The Draconic Churches

As the draconic pantheon is the primary subject of worship within Maenor, the various churches, collectively referred to as the Draconic Churches, are the most powerful organizations within dragonborn societies (specifically Maenor). Of all of these organizations, the most powerful is the Church of the Platinum Dragon, as Bahamut is the most widely worshipped by dragonborn. The Cult of the Dragon Queen, otherwise known as the Cult of Tiamat, is banned within most nations. Those where it is not banned, it is nearly universally frowned upon. Because of this, the Cult of the Dragon Queen is not very powerful, although its influence has waxed and waned throughout the ages.

Beauty Ideals

For the dragonborn, beauty ideals vary little across genders. One of the most important standards is that of polished and well-cleaned scales, something rather similar to the importance of clean, clear skin in humans. Just behind this in importance are their horns. Size, color, and curvature are all taken into account, with male dragonborn ideally having relatively thick and long horns that are moderately curved. Meanwhile, female dragonborn ideally have shorter, thinner horns that sport a mild curvature. Beyond this, beauty standards are relatively similar to humans; eyes, musculature, and body shape are rather important.

Gender Ideals

The gender ideals within dragonborn society are far less stratified than in human society. Both male and females are involved in warfare, with the men generally serving as infantry with women more commonly being archers and light cavalry. As for positions of power, there is a slight patriarchal lean, but, like with many other aspects of their culture, it is far less extreme than it has been in many human cultures. Within the household, it is generally expected that both parents will participate relatively equally. However, children spend most of their time with other children, usually with some of the oldest able-bodied members of the immediate community.

Average Technological Level

Dragonborn have achieved the same technological methods as the other races of Ardrim. They are, however, considered very advanced in military tactics and strategies.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The dragonborn's most commonly spoken languages are Akkantari and Häthadati, both of which are derived from True Draconic: the language of the dragons.

History

Many years ago, the chromatic dragons and the giants began a bloody war for control of the Rythkar region of the Kolkari mountains. In order to gain the upper hand, the dragons together formed humanoid creatures in their image: the dragonborn. They were to be used as infantry, scouts, and spies in the war, and were treated as generally expendable. While they were sentient, the dragons overpowered them, suppressing their free will and forcing them to act according to the dragons' desires. Alas, these efforts were in vain, as the dragons lost the war regardless of their newly made slaves.
Naturally, with the defeat came the death of a significant number of chromatic dragons. These deaths subsequently lead to the freeing of many dragonborn, as their masters were dead and could no longer exert their influence over them. Those who had been freed fled, hiding in the deserts of Balukthur and gaining strength. Eventually, they emerged from hiding with a single goal in mind: the freeing of their brethren. Thus began the Draconic Revolution.
The dragonborn led raids, ambushes, and assassinations in order to weaken and kill any and all chromatic dragons who held dragonborn slaves. With every dragon they killed, more of their kin were freed and their forces were bolstered. On top of this, the metallic dragons took the side of the dragonborn, creating their own dragonborn and freeing them to help the cause. With all of these advantages, the dragonborn armies eventually won, although not before suffering significant casualties.
At the end of the war, the chromatic dragons had no choice but to capitulate, freeing all of their slaves and giving up the ability to create life (something which the metallic dragons also did). Finally, the Draconic Revolution was ended and the dragonborn founded their own nation, Maenor.