Draconis

Draconis are tall, scaled humanoid creatures with large tails, and heads bearing resemblance to that of Dragons. They are generally accepted to be the results of cross-species relations between Dragons and various other races. While there is some speculation that they may be related to the Arcana Species of creatures, being humanoid variants of otherwise intelligent beasts, there is no evidence to suggest as such currently.

Biology

The body of a Draconis is covered by plates of dragon scales. The roughness of these typically depends on the age of the individual, growing more ragged in shape as well as becoming more coarse. They will also become significantly darker. This process happens despite the fact that Draconis shed their scales approximately once every 5 years. Their large tails seem to serve little practical purpose, possessing limited degrees of movement without extensive training from the individual - Even then, they provide little dexterity or function.
Draconis typically stand taller than most other humanoid races, with the exception of Orcs, averaging 2 meters tall, and are significantly heavier as well due to the weight of their scaled exterior. While their Draconic ancestry grants them significant physical strength, they do not trend towards slim nor muscular body builds. There are very few physical differences between Male and Female members of the Draconis species - Most identification of the sex of a Draconis is dependent upon subtle tells and their presentation.
Protruding from the tips of their hands and feet are sharp non-retractable claws, about two and a half times the size of a Human fingernail. While they do not grow past their mature size, they are capable of rapid regrowth in the event they are damaged. Indeed, this seems to be a trait the Draconis species as a whole possesses - It has been documented many times that they are capable of recovering from serious injuries much faster than the majority of other species, including mortal wounds. Unfortunately, this does not seem to extend to their tails, however.
Their heads resemble that of their Dragon ancestors, possessing a snout with a strong jawline and maw. Their tongues are considerably rough, and they grow roughly twice the amount of teeth of a regular humanoid, seemingly adapted for consuming both very hard foods with abrasive actions, or tearing apart tender, soft materials - Both likely traits carried over from their ancestry. Their eyes, while sharing the appearance of a Dragon's, do not seem to be capable of any greater or lesser feats of sight than ordinary individuals.

Participation in Societies

Draconis partake in a wide range of civilised societies across Erra. They can be found in almost all major population centers, despite having a significantly lower over all populace, and are generally welcomed among classes of all types. This was not previously the case before The Collapse, however, as the widespread fear of Dragons lead to frequent persecution and paranoia of Draconis individuals due to perceived direct relations to the great beasts. With the disappearance of the creatures, and more recently the discovery of the Arcana Species, this history has been quietly forgotten.
Because of this past, however, there are a significant number of Draconis Tribes that reside in the wildernesses of Urushee and Enphune. They are typically highly isolationist in nature, refusing to make contact with outside species other than in extreme circumstances - This is in part due to the frequent ostracisation they previously received, but also comes from a commonly held superstitious belief that the other species of Erra are directly responsible for The Collapse, and as a result the disappearance of their ancestors.
Draconis still nevertheless experience difficulties living among other races in Erra. Notably, their size and tails frequently become hindrances when navigating architecture designed for the smaller races, while their tails can be regarded as a nuisance due to their habit of obstructing other individuals, particularly in crowded areas. As well as this, the majority of technology and common tools were not designed to be used by clawed hands, requiring specialist design to be accounted for.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragons

Scientific Name

Draconis

Origin/Ancestry

Draconic

Lifespan

200 Years

Average Height

1.7 - 2.3m