The Zmeiya

The Zmeiya hold a strange mystique to the rest of the world. Humanoids, which also seem to transform into dragons, seemingly at random. Zmeiya often look the same as Humans at first glance, but a slightly closer look will reveal the serpentine eyes, the patches of scales across the skin, and a thin dragon's tail.
The most notorious aspect of the Zmeiya is their ability to transform into a dragon. While still fairly small compared to other dragons, they are still fairly intimidating. Another power they possess, whether as a Humanoid, or as a Dragon, is their fiery breath.
The Zmeiya, despite living in a fairly hostile environment, can be quite friendly and hospitable. They take pride in being able to host a guest, especially over a winter.
Some may view the Zmeiya as uptight, and always following rules. This stems from how heavily enforced ancient Zmeiya Codes can be, to the point where a leader can be assassinated for breaking the code, or attempting to change any.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Zmeiya at a quick glance have nearly identical anatomy to Humans, with the biggest oddity being the tail, which is made up almost entirely of muscle and cartilage. The other oddities are the serpentine eyes, and patches of scales on the skin. A popular theory is that native Ozeran Dragons were cursed to live as Humanoids, only a shadow of their former selves, even when in dragon's form.

Genetics and Reproduction

Zmeiya reproduce through intercourse, same as every other Humanoid. Though having children is fairly difficult, as Zmeiya females are rarely fertile past the first child. So one-child families are very commonplace.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The eyes of a Zmeiya can be very unique, where they see not just in color, but also in infrared light. Older Zmeiya are able to easily switch between color and infrared vision. Younger Zmeiya are often considered blind, due to how difficult it can be to switch between the two visions.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

a common theme in Zmeiya naming is to name the males after elements of the earth and sky, and the females off the elements of nature and water.
(as a meta point, the names should sound fairly Slavic, and especially Russian.)

Beauty Ideals

While maintaining a high level of beauty is incredibly difficult with the native flora. The best the Zmeiya are able to do is style their hair. Long hair is seen as beautiful, and a lot of Zmeiya women try to grow their hair out as long as possible.

Gender Ideals

To an outsider, the Zmeiya seem fairly patriarchal at first glance. But the society is almost equal. Women are usually allowed in the same workplaces as the men, except women aren't allowed to work in jobs that are known as having a high fatality rate.

Courtship Ideals

The Zmeiya value staying with one spouse for life. Divorce and adultery are very frowned upon. It's common for married couples who don't love eachother to simply live apart from eachother.

Relationship Ideals

A big part of romantic relationships is dedication and faithfulness. staying unfaithful to a lover is utterly despised, and will lead to extreme social isolation.
as for homosexuality, it's a newer idea that's slowly being accepted into society. It's safer in present to have a public homosexual relationship than it was a few generations ago.

Common Dress Code

leather from Star-hide deer is a large part of Zmeiya. It helps keep the body warm, and looks fairly pleasing to the eye. Most other clothes are made from imported fabrics, cotton being a widely-used fabric, being in almost every Zmeiya household.
Most Zmeiya clothing is covering. with only the hands and head being exposed. Even then, most clothes have hoods attached to keep their head warm. Working clothes are often in two parts, the shirt, and pants. Whereas home clothes are simply robes, often made from cotton.

Common Myths and Legends

A big part of Zmeiya beliefs are the spirits that inhabit the homes and nature. Zmeiya children are often told not to roam the house in the early morning, as that's when house spirits will be out and active. Any child who disturbs their work/festivities is cursed to live forever as a common household item.
Nature spirits are slightly more forgiving, but only for food. Most Zmeiya seem to bring extra food for spirits that wander nature. When the spirits are offered food, they will provide a safe passage through a forest, or a calm crossing of the river.