Dragonborn
Dragonborn are humanoid-looking genetically modified dragons that fall somewhere on the spectrum between true dragons and drakes or wyverns in both power and intelligence. Native to Triaxus, they are capable of forming a permanent bond with a partner, a deep and meaningful connection that ends only with death.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dragonborn look very much like smaller dragons standing erect in humanoid form, with their tall and strongly built body and definitively scaly hide. All have a long tail that aids them with balance, however their wings suffered from the mutation process and each dragonborn must train their comparatively sickly wings to attain some semblance of flight. Dragonborn feet ended with three strong talon-like claws with a fourth claw in the back, while their hands are similar with three claws and a thumb. Their heads feature a strong brow, and eyes usually of some intense hue.
Genetics and Reproduction
Genetically Modified Dragons
A brief history of how dragons came to agree that genetically modifying their descendants can be found here, but their methods did have a price. Unwilling to trust lesser beings with the fate of their race, those that were willing would combine their magic to alter the already-magical foetuses. But before such an act could be committed, they would need to agree what changes should take place. The chomatics put forward a lust for self-sufficiency, which would lead their children on a path of constant striving for improvement - and then to power. The metallics agreed that to remove the draconic desire for solitude was a good step, but also to include a sense of honour. They hoped that this would result in more integration to community, and if they could join forces it would lead to increased power. Both agreed to decrease their size to better fit within the starships of the Material Plane. And so, the magic ritual was created with a single dragon of each type taking part. The ritual took some time, and at the end a single dragon egg appeared. Some time later it hatched, birthing three new types of creatures - the first dragonborn.As time wore on, the dragons that originally took part in the ritual retreated further and further from caring for their charges. Much of the ritual had taken affect as expected, but there were a few unfortunate results of tampering with their fate. The mutation had affected their wings in a way that healing could not resolve. It would not be until decades later when the first dragonborn learnt to glide, and a century until the first could fly - but only after extensive training. Their normally predictable chromatic-metallic hereditary was also changed, causing an equal chance that the child would be born the same as the mother, the father - or to be completely random. Overall though, the ritual was considered a success and the dragonborn quickly found their place in Triaxus.
Growth Rate & Stages
Young dragonborn hatched from eggs, and were often the same colour as one of their parents but occasionally a completely different one. They grew at an impressively rapid rate much faster than most other races, reaching the equivalent maturity of a human child of 10 by age 3 at which time the parent of the opposite gender to the child often dissolved the marriage. Dragonborn nursed their hatchlings for several months before teeth began to come in. Soft foods would then be slowly introduced and then move towards normal dragonborn eating habits, which contained more meat than was typical of most other races. Their rate of maturation slowed dramatically within a few short years and they were not considered physically mature until the age 12, when their bodies reached their adult height and appearance. Not all dragonborn developed a breath weapon but those that did usually obtained it during these final years of growth.
The parent-child relationship during the formative years between the marriage's dissolution and the child's adulthood were incredibly important. Parents, along with other adults from the community, were expected to not simply act as loving caretakers but teachers as well, using storytelling and direct action to instil the virtues of society within a child. In addition to scholarly studies and moral lessons, parents were also expected to focus the drive of a child and teach them basic martial skills for the purpose of defence. Dragonborn believed this in-depth mentorship was necessary not only for the child's education but also for their morality. It was thought that without this imposed discipline a dragonborn's fierce passions might give way to chaotic, feral savagery. Within larger dragonborn communities, the parent maintained the position of authority, but other adults were allowed to act as surrogate parents and teachers, giving a young child multiple examples to learn from.
Psychologically, dragonborn were considered mature as a human adult by age 12, and when they reached age 15 they were considered legally adults in dragonborn society.
The parent-child relationship during the formative years between the marriage's dissolution and the child's adulthood were incredibly important. Parents, along with other adults from the community, were expected to not simply act as loving caretakers but teachers as well, using storytelling and direct action to instil the virtues of society within a child. In addition to scholarly studies and moral lessons, parents were also expected to focus the drive of a child and teach them basic martial skills for the purpose of defence. Dragonborn believed this in-depth mentorship was necessary not only for the child's education but also for their morality. It was thought that without this imposed discipline a dragonborn's fierce passions might give way to chaotic, feral savagery. Within larger dragonborn communities, the parent maintained the position of authority, but other adults were allowed to act as surrogate parents and teachers, giving a young child multiple examples to learn from.
Psychologically, dragonborn were considered mature as a human adult by age 12, and when they reached age 15 they were considered legally adults in dragonborn society.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Though all dragonborn strive to be self-sufficient, they recognize that help is sometimes needed in difficult situations. But the best source for such help is the clan, and when a client needs help, they turn to dragonborn from a different clan before seeking aid from other races or even from the gods. In most cases though, only urgent issues that threaten the entire clan's wellbeing are brought directly before their Daramaekstrix, out of respect for their reclusive ancestors.
Clan and family bloodlines were both preserved among dragonborn and were highly important to dragonborn culture as a whole. Both were different, though the distinction was subtle to non-dragonborn. Family referred specifically to actual blood relatives, as far as could be traced, whereas clan (in the dragonborn context) referred to a confederation of Darastrixethe united by mutual purpose in ages past and organised along military lines. Of the two, clan was usually considered more important and it was to the clan that dragonborn owed their most loyalty.
Dragonborn did not forget the past, and ties to clan, family and Daramaekstrix determined much about how one dragonborn was viewed by others. All clans had reputations, for good and ill, that often lasted for generations. A dragonborn's actions were expected to increase its power by honourable methods, improving this reputation. For this reason, dragonborn typically went by their clan names rather than their family names, hoping to bring honour and glory to their clan. This pressure to either right the wrongs of the past or continue a clan's glory could define a dragonborn's life. Some dragonborn fled from the imposing responsibilities their clan put on them, choosing infamy and taking the clan name of Thrikominaki over such a burden. Others accepted the responsibility or even turned it into an additional drive for their ambition, hoping to one day become the Rthizjur'festr Daramek'strks and talk with the dragon that so many revered as a type of 'grandfather'.
Clan and family bloodlines were both preserved among dragonborn and were highly important to dragonborn culture as a whole. Both were different, though the distinction was subtle to non-dragonborn. Family referred specifically to actual blood relatives, as far as could be traced, whereas clan (in the dragonborn context) referred to a confederation of Darastrixethe united by mutual purpose in ages past and organised along military lines. Of the two, clan was usually considered more important and it was to the clan that dragonborn owed their most loyalty.
Dragonborn did not forget the past, and ties to clan, family and Daramaekstrix determined much about how one dragonborn was viewed by others. All clans had reputations, for good and ill, that often lasted for generations. A dragonborn's actions were expected to increase its power by honourable methods, improving this reputation. For this reason, dragonborn typically went by their clan names rather than their family names, hoping to bring honour and glory to their clan. This pressure to either right the wrongs of the past or continue a clan's glory could define a dragonborn's life. Some dragonborn fled from the imposing responsibilities their clan put on them, choosing infamy and taking the clan name of Thrikominaki over such a burden. Others accepted the responsibility or even turned it into an additional drive for their ambition, hoping to one day become the Rthizjur'festr Daramek'strks and talk with the dragon that so many revered as a type of 'grandfather'.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Dragonborn are found almost exclusively within Triaxite societies - and therefore are chiefly found on Triaxus. Although some may make an occasional journey off-world, those found throughout the other Pact Worlds are there because they have given up their naturally inherited right to be Darastrixethe - or worse, had it stripped from them.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dragonborn have a near-magical ability to bond with a non-dragonborn partner, historically a Ryphorian whom they served as mounts in battle or fought as a pair in a ground assault squad. In space, dragonborn use their link to make a starship crew or ground assault squad with their partner. A pair is in constant telepathic contact with one another, so much so that those enemies that survive often believe that they faced one creature instead of two.
Such a partnership affects every aspect of their lives and can only be broken by death. Therefore such pacts are rare, and always carefully considered before commitment.
Such a partnership affects every aspect of their lives and can only be broken by death. Therefore such pacts are rare, and always carefully considered before commitment.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Some names are more dragon-like, while others have slivers of human names in them. Dragonborn can also have regular human names in an attempt to integrate themselves easier into the Pact Worlds, but this is less common.
Dragonborn name generator
Dragonborn name generator
The name generator I use for the dragonborn is the traditional one, with a few small changes. The second name in the generator can also be chosen as first names, and a dragonborn clan name is often inspired by (if not the same as) the name of their town or city. Some especially presumptuous dragonborn might take the clan name of their Daramaekstrix.
Courtship Ideals
Dragonborn lack the association of love with marriage that many races had, instead wedding purely for reproductive reasons. The usual family unit is quite small, often composed of only two individuals: a mated pair or a parent and their child. Dragonborn were allowed to marry willing participants of their choosing, but the clan leaders retained the right to order one within their clan to marry another - provided that both dragonborn were within the clan they had jurisdiction over. Once a dragonborn child reached 3 years of age, the wedding was typically dissolved, with the parent who was the same sex as the child rearing it for the remainder of its childhood.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Common Etiquette Rules
Dragonborn hold no grudges towards an entire race, even if that race has committed atrocious acts. Instead, they judge on a per-person basis. Each person must prove their own power, whether through strength, intellect, charm or any other method - dragonborn judge people based on their actions, rather than the history of their ancestors.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Dragonborn had a well-known dedication to honour, but how deeply rooted this trait was remains debatable. Often, the clan is more important than life itself. Dragonborn owe their devotion and respect to their clan and it's Daramaekstrix above all else, even the gods. Each dragonborn's conduct reflects on the honour of his or her clan, and bringing dishonour to the clan can result in expulsion and exile. Each dragonborn knows his or her station and duties within the clan, and honour demands maintaining the bounds of that position.
Part of the roots of this honourable attitude lay in the dragonborn's drive for self-improvement. The undiluted elements of their draconic nature gave dragonborn a strong self-consciousness and a tendency for strong emotions. Both of these combined to make them particularly wanting for the approval of others. Dragonborn placed great value on the skill of an individual, including themselves. Failing at a task was anathema to dragonborn and as a result they could sometimes push themselves to unhealthy extremes of effort. This aspect of the dragonborn mind meant few of the race took a laid-back approach to any skill or ability - striving always to become the masters of a particular skill, and dragonborn respected those among other races who approached life in the same manner.
More so than other races, dragonborn often wore their hearts on their sleeves, typically hiding neither anger nor joy. Dragonborn were enthusiastic about life, particularly success, and brooded about failure for only a short time before their disappointment was shaped into a strong drive for improvement. Only a handful of dragonborn actually demonstrated traits that might be considered timid or reserved, and the vast majority have no qualms asking for what they needed or taking time to improve themselves.
Perhaps paradoxically dragonborn had a strong sense of independence and self-worth. Most dragonborn, however, did not view this as a need to break away from society as other individuals might, but rather to shape it for the better through their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, dragonborn saw themselves as responsible for those around them, with the group ultimately reflecting on the individual. In this way, the successes and failures of each dragonborn were the successes and failures of the group they associated with, giving dragonborn a very collective sense of self while retaining their individuality. Ultimately, dragonborn held themselves accountable for their choice of allies and poor judgment was considered no excuse for failing to uphold the standards all dragonborn held themselves to.
Part of the roots of this honourable attitude lay in the dragonborn's drive for self-improvement. The undiluted elements of their draconic nature gave dragonborn a strong self-consciousness and a tendency for strong emotions. Both of these combined to make them particularly wanting for the approval of others. Dragonborn placed great value on the skill of an individual, including themselves. Failing at a task was anathema to dragonborn and as a result they could sometimes push themselves to unhealthy extremes of effort. This aspect of the dragonborn mind meant few of the race took a laid-back approach to any skill or ability - striving always to become the masters of a particular skill, and dragonborn respected those among other races who approached life in the same manner.
More so than other races, dragonborn often wore their hearts on their sleeves, typically hiding neither anger nor joy. Dragonborn were enthusiastic about life, particularly success, and brooded about failure for only a short time before their disappointment was shaped into a strong drive for improvement. Only a handful of dragonborn actually demonstrated traits that might be considered timid or reserved, and the vast majority have no qualms asking for what they needed or taking time to improve themselves.
Perhaps paradoxically dragonborn had a strong sense of independence and self-worth. Most dragonborn, however, did not view this as a need to break away from society as other individuals might, but rather to shape it for the better through their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, dragonborn saw themselves as responsible for those around them, with the group ultimately reflecting on the individual. In this way, the successes and failures of each dragonborn were the successes and failures of the group they associated with, giving dragonborn a very collective sense of self while retaining their individuality. Ultimately, dragonborn held themselves accountable for their choice of allies and poor judgment was considered no excuse for failing to uphold the standards all dragonborn held themselves to.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Like their ancestors, dragonborn tend towards moral extremes, making a conscious choice for one side or the other in the cosmic war between good and evil. Many dragonborn are good, but those who side with evil can become terrible villains. The focus on power can make a dragonborn brutal, vengeful, and given to hasty choices that are morally compromising - or their sense of worth can likewise lead to greed and egotistic selfishness. But while dragonborn are able to turn to evil, almost all dragonborn villains still retained the scruples and values that defined the race - including respect and courtesy to enemies.
Dragon Alignments
Although not all dragons follow the moral and philosophical stereotypes set out by the rest of their species, the vast majority do.
Good | Bad |
|---|---|
Metallic | Chromatic |
Brass | Black |
Bronze | Blue |
Copper | Green |
Gold | Red |
Silver | White |
Common Taboos
TBD: Stripping away their Darastrixethe? Crimes: Oathbreaking,
History
- 2AG to 3AG: The creation of the dragonborn.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Other races often see dragonborn as proud or even arrogant because of this dedication to excellence and high standards. It is true that dragonborn are typically proud of their race's accomplishments, and their dread ancestry - however their more socially-minded minds are also willing to recognize with respect the accomplishments of other races in turn, whether or not the race in question was an ally or enemy.
Vesk
As ancient Veskar religious scriptures claim that the souls of the Veskarium's greatest warriors would be reincarnated elsewhere in a dragonborn-like form, the Veskar have always respected dragonborn.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Genere mutatio draco ("Genetically modified dragon")
Origin/Ancestry
The dragonborn have clear ancestral lines leading back to true dragons, and were created by genetically modifying dragons shortly after the end of the Gap.
Lifespan
80 years
Average Height
182cm (6ft)
Average Weight
113.4kg (250lbs)
Average Length
Tails can range from 1m (3.28ft) to 2m (6.6ft)
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Like most of their fellow dragonic-heritaged races, dragonborn of varying colours can be found. This colouring also has significant features beyond simply adornment, though - for example, a red dragonborn is able to breathe a short flare of scorching fire while also finding roaring furnaces a tad warm.
Dragon Types and Effects
| Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Black | Acid |
| Blue | Lightning |
| Brass | Fire |
| Bronze | Lightning |
| Copper | Acid |
| Gold | Fire |
| Green | Poison |
| Red | Fire |
| Silver | Cold |
| White | Cold |
Related Ethnicities
Most dragonborn adventurers came to their way of life through a desire to prove themselves and win respect from their brethren.
Starfinder stats
Starfinder stats
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments
Author's Notes
Starfinder's dragonkin (from Triaxus) have been consolidated into the dragonborn, with some other changes.