Dragons

Basic Information

Anatomy

On a basic level Dragons are made of sturdier bone structure than most other races. This is due to the need to withstand the musculature of both forms as well as they additional appendages. While not always in use it is worth noting that even in humanoid form they still have access to their talons.

Biological Traits

There are not many differences between male and female dragons in their draconic forms. The primary one being a difference in size, as females are often larger than their male counterparts in both general size as well as aspects such as fang and claw. While males are generally smaller and lither in size and built more for speed. In humanoid form this difference still applies.
Dragon life cycles go Egg, Hatchling, Drake, Fledgeling, Wyrmling, Dragon. They age quickly, by dragon standards, to Fledgies as protection given the soft nature of their scales to that point.  It is not until Drake stage that gender can be determined in a dragon as at this stage females begin to outgrow their male couterparts. During the interim of late Drakehood to early Fledgling, is when a dragon develops the ability to turn into their second, humanoid, form.  Fledgling dragons also gain access to their element(s) during this stage of life.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dragons have a hard time reproducing with other races primarily because they don't have live births like most others. This does not mean it is impossible as they do have magics to allow such, they are just hard to preform, uncommon, and dangerous to the child's bearer. As such if a dragon chose a different race as a partner they would often choose surrogacy through Nenzubis

Growth Rate & Stages

Dragon life cycles go Egg, Hatchling, Drake, Fledgling, Wyrmling, Dragon. They age quickly, by dragon standards, to Fledgies as protection given the soft nature of their scales to that point. Fledgling dragons also gain access to their element(s) during this stage of life.

Ecology and Habitats

Due to their heightened resistances and sheer stubborn will, Dragons are capable of surviving anywhere. However they do require large amounts of food so prefer rich, diverse, ecosystems.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Due to their size alone Dragons require a ton of food. Due to this they often settle in lands with abundant resources and move on if they deplete those resources. This is believed to be the cause for the Northern Wastes, before they began to use other races to help maintain their needs and the areas they settled.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Draconic society’s social structure is built on might. Those that prove themselves the strongest warlords are the ones that hold the power. This of course means that others fall in line or suffer the consequences if they are not strong enough to overthrow the one they have an issue with. This leaves their social order in constant chaos as it fluctuates greatly and is susceptible to corruption and change.
Above the warlords is a single dragon, the Zurrein, who rules all with an iron fist. Hers is the only position that rarely changes as to reach that point is to have gained the following and respect of all the other warlords, this does not mean though that they do not plot constantly to take his place. Below him are the five greatest warlords who are free to rule their lands as they see fit, so long as tribute and fealty are given to the Zurrein.
This is often a system built on a whim, with those favored holding places of honor and power such as being generals and ministers of the lands. Those who are believed to oppose the one in control are reduced to the lowest rung of power, often the oversight of the races that have been enslaved by the dragons.
Below even that are the ones considered weak or who would procreate with the ‘lesser’ beings. Often they are made slaves and servants to those considered better and have had their title of Dragon stripped from them effectively attempting to eject them from the race as a whole. This has led to the emergence of a sub-race known as the Nenzubis.

Facial characteristics

Range as greately as the rest of their apperance, however they are noted to share the characteristics of fangs, their draconic eyes, scales and horns.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The region they called home is where the modern capital of the empire sits, Etherian being their largest stronghold. At the height of their race they spanned across the known world.

Average Intelligence

Draconic intelligence is an impressive thing, though often it is metered by their astounding laziness. That said they are credited with being some of the most ruthless and clever strategists and generals.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Night vision is common among Dragons of all kinds. Enhanced strength in both human and draconic forms is also a near a race wide trait. Still depending on the elements and affinities of the dragons, these can be further enhanced or expanded upon. Including speed, agility, resistance, ect.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

They don't earn their names until they reach drakehood instead bearing titles relevant to their actions and abilities. (e.g. Frog Hunter, Tail Chaser, Bug Catcher, ect.).
When their names are earned the more extravegant and complex names are given to females often grandiose and flattering. While males are typically given simpler names, often defining a character trait or an element that the parent wishes the drake to have.

Beauty Ideals

Beauty is often determined in Draconic culture as being based on size as well as adornment such as painted scales and jewelry made of rare furs, precious gems, and fine metals. As these are seen as signs of one's might and wealth.

Gender Ideals

Women among the Dragons are considered to be the main power and are to be obeyed by all. They are judged based on strength, skill, size, and ruthlessness. They rule all with an iron fist and demand all respect. 
Men among dragons are expected to wait on and care for a woman's every need. They are judged by their own strength, skill set, and their usefulness to the women around them. This said the ideal male is subservient to female dragons, but strong, ruthless, and commanding to all other races.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship doesn't really exist among the Draconic culture, as it is more a vying for the approval and attention of a strong female dragon on the part of the males. For the woman it is as simple as deciding which of the men they think will be a strong donor to their children.

Average Technological Level

Dragon's themselves were not technologically minded nor advanced, preferring their natural abilities and weapons to anything. They did however support what technology was needed for other races to preform their given duties.

Common Etiquette Rules

Most etiquette among dragons was centered on showing subservience and respect to those stronger than oneself. Such as males not making direct eye contact with a female, bowing when one enters the room, provide offerings and gifts for your betters, ect.

Common Dress Code

Dragons traditionally favored loose robes and clothing that allows them to change forms easily and regularly. This mode of dress though is far from simple as they refuse anything but the highest quality materials and finery.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Draconic culture is built entirely around and might, power, and personal gain. There isn't a large sense of community or solidarity as everyone is constantly trying to further their own goals and ambitions. This has led to a culture of suspicion and distrust.

Common Taboos

Procreation with the 'lesser' beings was the greatest of taboos.
Talk of peace or coexistence alongside other races.
Pacifism.
Acting out against the matriarchy.
Lack of tribute to the Zurrein.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

They sought dominion over all and achieved it in most cases. Their view of other Races was that they were to be enslaved and kept as trophies of might and conquest as well as to serve needs and duties the Dragons saw as below their station.

Genetic Descendants

• Nenzubis

Lifespan

Unkown, only known causes of death are illness and action.

Average Height

Six to eight feet is the average height in humanoid form. In draconic form the largest recorded was Ninty-one feet tall and the shortest was six feet tall.

Average Length

The largest recorded length of a draconic form was six hundred feet long, where the smallest was thirty-nine feet.

Average Physique

They have two forms that they can switch between at will. One is that of a giant reptilian beast characterized by their wings, horns, tails, scales, size, and fangs. These forms vary greatly depending on the individual, however, as elemental affinity plays a part in such appearance.
Their second form is that of a humanoid, appearing the same as most but having wings, horns, scales, tails, and often claws. These features are direct matches to the same on their dragon forms just scaled to size. They are also held apart by their eyes and fangs.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Elemental affenity plays a large role in this as their coloration often follows along with their element(s). In adition to this many of them will often use dyes made of precious gems or metals to paint their scales in extravegant markings or patterns.