The Southern Dragonborn

Dragonborn native to Zami Ramal are all descended from the original spawn of Varmentus, which he produced with his queen as an army to defend his lair and his mines. This warlike tradition runs deep in the dragonborn blood. However, Varmentus was also extremely intelligent and a formidable Mage, so the bloodline is divided into Warrior Tribes and Magi Tribes, the two paths chosen at the coming of age of dragonborn young. Even after the Treaty of Ninmizel, the dragonborn maintain a warlike stance, ready to defend their lands and their homes at any moment, come what may. It is often those of the Magi Tribes that venture further out into the world, studying and teaching at the Great Library of Hajdib, and some even become successful merchants and seekers after artefacts. The writings of the scholar Varmengart Ignu are essential learning for dragonborn studying in the Magi path.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Milna
Azulmeth
Sheruth
Aircu
Bozia
Kheshti
Idhoshia
Rukaexoth
Ezansho
Chumindrae

Masculine names

Kreldrak
Ulai
Drosguph
Hralgad
Noltoth
Hedkraz
Szedkakes
Thirzrerian
Ridisthuks
Dradushkoth

Family names

Varmezis
Triagto
Viredhri
Ignu
Schurph
i Uktu
Aruketh
Zhithrexath
Ushithoz
Varnienathi
Caemeri

Other names

Varmengart, tribe of the Magi
Duminwurm, tribe of Warriors

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Dragonborn all speak Draconic as their first language. Most speak Common very well, and the learned Magi often speak one or two other languages well. The dialect of the Zamian dragonborn is slightly different from those that came in the Landing, more closely resembling the tongue of their ancestor Varmentus. The Warrior tribe learn "War Cant" during their training, a clipped way of communicating in battle.

Shared customary codes and values

Honour above all drives the customs and codes of the dragonborn kind. Their ways and beliefs are well-documented by scholars and Draconic record-keepers. Zamian dragonbord are particularly proud and aloof, the Warrior Tribe rarely venturing down from the mountains that they still defend with their lives.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Dragonborn produce small clutches of two or three eggs once every 10 years per mated pair. They mature and hatch within two months and grow rapidly, reaching the equivalent of a 10-year-old human after 3 years. They reach maturity at 15 years and during this period, they develop their breath weapon of fire, although some do not and yet others are able to alter the nature of their ability. Teaching and training depend upon the path chosen at Coming of Age.

Coming of Age Rites

When a young dragonborn reaches maturity, between 12 and 15 years of age, they are expected to choose a life path and join the Warriors or the Magi. Once the choice is made, the young dragonborn is initiated into that tribe and must endure 5 years of training in etiquette, fighting, defences and history. On completion of the schooling, the graduate is branded on the right hand and foot with the mark of their tribe. They are then free to choose a mate and join the defences of the mountains.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

A fine and handsome dragon born can be of any gender, any age and of either tribe. Smooth, tightly packed scales upon hands and feet, a muscular tail and bright yellow eyes are considered the ideal conformation. Length of claws and teeth can vary between families but all of the dragonborn native to Zami Ramal are red-skinned and breathe fire as their personal armoury.

Gender Ideals

There is very little difference between the sexes of Zamian dragonborn. Both are equally scaled, coloured and built. Only the dragonborn themselves can easily distinguish between gender, being able to detect pheromones for which only they have receptors in the snout. Warriors and mages are equally distributed between genders. Both parents care for the eggs and the young hatchlings.

Courtship Ideals

Dragonborn courtship is a private and brusque affair. Matings are usually planned in advance by families wishing to mingle particular lines for future benefits. A paired couple are granted two days in which to meet and mate, after which the female is taken into seclusion for a few days to lay her eggs. Once done, both parents look after the young. The couple mate for life and usually produce two or three young every 10 years for the duration of their lives.

Relationship Ideals

A perfect dragonborn pairing is faithful and responsibilities and decisions are fully shared. The families of Magi and Warrior tribes mix freely and only differ by the path chosen when the young are still in their years of education. The only stand-out relationships that are known between dragon born are when those who arrived in the Landing and their descendants meet the native descendants of Varmentus himself. The red-skinned ones see themselves are purer of blood when they speak of the others in private. However, their sense of properness and natural decorum prevents any relationship problems.

Varmengart, tribe of the Magi
Dragonborn who have inate arcane ability usually train with the school of the Magi. Here, they will learn many offensive and defensive spells and skills. Their arcane knowledge and insight are developed into instinctive actions and reactions and they also learn the sources of material components for spells.

“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”

— Pterri Pratzit, Magi Tutor

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Duminwurm, tribe of Warriors
Those young dragonborn who like to fight and are skilled with martial weapons are usually trained by the Warrior Tribe. Their strength and endurance are honed and their speed and accuracy with many types of weapons are refined.

"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend."

— Varamir, Warrior Tutor

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Related Myths

• Varmentus, The Dragonlord of Legend