Dragonborn

## On Dragonborn

*"Natural allies of mankind. Honest, true and noble. All the qualities of dragons are found within their humanoid cousins. I am honored to serve alongside them."- Qui Cha, Imperial samurai, accurately summarizing the characteristics of metallic dragonborn.*

*"I watched them burn the village down, slaughter the inhabitants and carry off the loot. It was an impressive display of brutality that warmed my cold heart."- Ulthot of the Putrid Mutts, gnoll blackguard, accurately recounting an attack by chromatic dragonborn.*

*"They are scale friends, dragon-cousins!"- Rugs, kobold dragon shaman, in a fiery speech to his fellows.*

*"I don't see the appeal personally."- Brand, fire genasi barbarian, on the life of a dragonborn.*

Dragonborn are a race of humanoids that resemble dragons. Like dragons, dragonborn are split into two main groups with chromatic dragonborn tending towards evil and metallic dragonborn good. Minority species of dragonborn, such as gem or ferrous, are known to exist as well. Unlike dragons, these alignments aren't guaranteed and any color dragonborn can be any alignment. A generally lawful, rigid people, dragonborn live in ordered clans. They value honor, personal wealth and driving themselves to be the best at everything. Most dragonborn are found either within The Dragon Empire or Astanna but many are found to the far south and the Ocho Swamps.

## Physical Description:

Dragonborn resemble humanoid dragons, as their name suggests. Standing on average between 6 feet ​2 inches​ to ​6 feet ​8 inches dragonborn are impressively tall with a heavy weight to match. Dragonborn feet end with three strong talon-like claws with a fourth claw in the back. Their hands have three claws and a thumb. A dragonborn's head features a blunt snout, strong brow, and reptilian frills on the cheeks and ears. On the back of the head, hornlike scales form what resembles a mess of ropy hair. Dragonborn eyes are usually red or gold in hue. While many dragonborn do not have tails, this is hardly universal with the population having them being roughly 50/50. Those with or without tails are not given special preference in society, though some dragonborn find them attractive (or the opposite) so some sexual selection does happen.

Dragonborn exhibit many draconic features, including a scaly hide, large muscular body, the capacity to use a breath weapon and resistance to the same elemental energy they can breathe. The scales are typically concentrated around forearms, lower legs, feet, shoulders, and thighs, with a very fine leather covering the rest of the body. The scale color nearly always corresponds to the energy of that particular dragonborn, much like the dragons themselves, though due to interbreeding this is not always the case and some have mixed scale patterns or a more muted bronze color. Dragonborn are warm-blooded creatures, in fact much more so than humans and are always warm to the touch. Because of this, they favor brightly colored clothes that are loose fitting, allowing heat to disparate easier. Males often reject shirts entirely while females stick to small brassieres or straps for modesty and little else. They love gems and jewelry, with both sexes adorned in rings, necklaces and armbands. Piercings are common as well. Painting their scales is a common method of decoration and many dragonborn will paint themselves for both ceremonial and personal reasons or just to give a different look.

## History:

This history of the dragonborn is a contentious subject. There is misinformation, misnomer and incorrect assumptions that hinder the search for truth. The dragonborn themselves are tight-lipped assuming they actually know their own origins. Dragonborn are NOT half-dragons, drakes, dragonkin or overgrown kobolds no matter what a drunken relative says at harvest time. Some suggest that Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon was their creator, others say great dragon sorcerers or the demi-god gem dragon Sardior. What can be proven is that dragonborn are not native to this Material Plane. They come from an alternative one, possibly the same Plane from which the ferrous dragons originated.

The dragonborn arrived in Apia roughly a two thousand years after Latrell's rebellion when several cities along the western coast of The Dragon Empire and the capital of Rigivi were suddenly replaced with massive pyramids. These pyramids turned out to contain alien, upwardly built cities and within that city were dragonborn. The dragonborn claimed they came from an alternative world where they were slaves to mighty dragons, great beings with no fear of gods or elemental lords. Rebellion after rebellion failed to overthrow their draconian masters but thanks to the workings of several mighty sorcerers, the few free cities remaining on that Plane were transported elsewhere; Apia Prime. Rigivi never recovered from the loss of her capital and those among the western coast of The Dragon Empire were bitterly mourned. Several attempts to pierce the vale between Planes and recover the lost cities and people all proved equally unsuccessful.

As for the dragonborn themselves, they were skeptical of this strange world of gods and mortal races they didn't recognize but their myriad clans adapted and survived. Within the Dragon Empire their draconic appearance lent the primarily metallic dragonborn great respect among the Imperials, despite the sorrow for their missing kin. The Imperials recognized that the shift was the result of unpredictable cosmic fate and thus the dragonborn were not to blame. While they mourned the lost Imperials, they welcomed the dragonborn with open arms. When the dragonborn king Lerdashkmenac Krivturim, despite his skepticism of the gold dragon emperor's promises, joined the Empire, it turned out for the best. The Imperial dragonborn flourished, contributing much to that empire even today. Their successes and deeds were Imperial and today many of the metallic dragonborn think of themselves as Imperial first.

Things were not so cordial among the dragonborn of Xormanthor, the city now sitting in the midst of Rigivi. The humans were furious, and angry. The mixed chromatic, metallic and gem dragonborn were divided and a series of skirmishes broke out among both the dragonborn themselves and the people of Rigivi. A large population of chromatic dragonborn fled east, where they would fall under the service of the red dragon lord Tchazzdom The Everburning One. The survivors within Xormanthor either fled in different directions or surrendered to the Rigivi. These groups integrated into the surrounding nations or formed small nomadic clans of their own. Tchazzdom would enter Rigivi with a large army of chromatic dragonborn made up of those who fled east and conquered the nation himself, renaming it Astanna. While Tchazzdom is an ancient red dragon, and thus mighty all on his own, his army of devoted dragonborn helps ensure the power of his new kingdom. Whether Tchazzdom will use his army to try and expand Astanna's borders is a question that her neighbors await with baited breath. If Tchazzdom declares war these dragonborn will be at the head of his army.

## Geography:

Metallic dragonborn are most commonly found in The Dragon Empire, where they are proud citizens and warriors. Chromatic dragonborn are primarily found within the nation of Astanna, where they are feared tyrants and conquers. Dragonborn of all types can be found in small to medium numbers in nations throughout Apia and many people are at least vaguely familiar with them. While a dragonborn can inspire fear, particularly among those who live close to Astanna, they are not attacked on sight and can integrate into communities fairly well. Nations with a notably dragonborn minority include Za'icora, where there is a large community of gem dragonborn deep within the desert, The Coastal Kingdoms, Demauric and Everstand. A few can ever be found as far east as Druz.

## Personality:

If dragonborn could be summarized in one word, that word would be proud. They believe themselves superior in all matters and behave like it. A dragonborn will practice something over and over until he masters it. She'll boast loudly to anyone listening about her accomplishments and proudly agree with anyone who recognizes the skill of the dragonborn, usually with the cry of "He knows what he's talking about." They don't see this as wrong or even as boasting but merely proper acknowledgement of their abilities. If a dragonborn cannot do something better than everyone else in the room, he shouldn't even try. Now if someone does prove themselves better than the dragonborn at something they will be showered with praise from the truly shocked dragonborn.

They are an honor bound people who try to prioritize the good of their clan above themselves, living without bringing shame on it or being shameful. They want to be known as reliable and honorable, a person you can depend on in a pinch. A dragonborn will never lie, not even to save face or another's emotion. While they are not cruel they will answer honestly if asked so it's not wise to ask a dragonborn's opinion on a new haircut unless you are prepared to receive the actual truth. They don't like stories or plays, seeing these as little more than elaborate lies and avoid metaphors for similar reasons. They do love art, games of chance or strategy, and physical contests, where they can flex their wits, skills and strengths, diving into any challenge with glee. While they have a passionate love of food, drink, art and natural beauty, the dragonborn's truest love is for gems and gold. They adorn themselves with jewelry, keep careful count of their personal "hoards' and even sleep surrounded by gold whenever possible. Every dragonborn at least throws a few silver or gold coins into his bedroll but some will have gold-threaded sheets or even chainmail blankets made from softly beaten gold, which are expensive and heavy but showcase great personal wealth.

As creatures of raw elemental energy, the dragonborn are incredibly emotional and driven by deep feeling. They love, hate, laugh and rage with such passion that proves intimidating or charming depending on the mood. One of the foremost responsibilities of the dragonborn parent is to teach the young to control their emotions and internal energy, lest it drive them to destructive rage. Feral dragonborn, while rare, are not unheard of and the dangers of these beasts prove just how important this training is.

## Society:

The basis of the dragonborn society is the clan. This is due, in no small part, to the fact that dragonborn do not have the traditional families of many other races. Instead, a pair will come together in the dragonborn equivalent of a marriage, producing a single, or very rarely, two eggs. The parents will remain together for the first three years of the child's life and then separate, with the parent of the same-sex raising that child for the rest of their adolescence. While dragonborn begin quite small, subsisting on the mother's milk for the first several months, they grow quickly, transitioning to a purely meat diet by the end of their first year where they are physically the size of a human three year old. Dragonborn are full adults by 15 and many rarely live past 120. Why a draconic people have relatively short lifespans is unknown. This separation is partially why the clan is so important to the dragonborn; the clan really is their family. Dragonborn young grow up surrounded by peers their own age, who they view as siblings, even though they aren't directly blood related.

In many cases, these clans are hundreds of years old, full of tradition and symbolism. Dragonborn greatly respect the rights of personal property and ownership, treating each other's hoards and items with the utmost respect. While a dragonborn should help the clan as needed they aren't required to give up their hoard to do so. Dragonborn clans have no real understanding of taxes and dragonborn living in other lands greatly struggle with the concept. Still, because of how the clan is upheld above the individual it is a rare dragonborn who wouldn't willingly give up some of his wealth if the clan really needed it.

Within the clan, the word of the chief is ultimately law, though he is willing to hear advice from anyone within his clan. However, as is expected for the proud race, if he makes a decision it is not to be questioned or altered. It is merely to be done. Their clans are quite structured, children are expected to learn the trade of their parent and all are expected to be capable in battle. The long memory of dragon enslavement lingers within the dragonborn mind and they will not be caught without means to defend themselves. For similar reasons the normal expectations are changed when a dragonborn is born with the propensity for arcane magic. It was sorcerers who helped free the race and thus remain highly respected. While dragonborn are nervous around divine magic and gods in general they highly prize arcane magic and many chiefs are not actually fighters but sorcerers. The clan protects each other in times of war or battle, helps ensure that the parents raise the children properly, and encourage all dragonborn to perform their best.

When living outside their own cities or as individuals, dragonborn try to find like minded individuals or town districts to serve as a replacement clan, with mixed success. They are ultimately a social people at heart and long to be around others, even if those others aren't dragonborn.

## Religion:

Religion is a complicated thing for dragonborn. The world they came from didn't have gods, or not active ones anyway, so they learned not to rely on prayers. Yet when they came to Apia, they were presented with indisputable proof of gods, including good dragon gods and so had to adapt. While many dragonborn are politely agnostic the number of worshipers of Bahamut and Tiamat (alignment depending) is rising. The Platinum Cadre, a group of dragonborn clerics and paladins of Bahamut who teach that he is the creator of their race, is largely responsible for this growth.

Other gods that have a number of dragonborn worshipers include Remus, Dozna, Midos, Oztoz and Khudall. It is estimated that the agnosticism of the dragonborn will die out within another generation or two.

## Alignment:

Dragonborn learn towards lawful alignments; they have an ordered, clan-based society where the good of the clan goes above the individual. While neutral or chaotic dragonborn are not unheard of, particularly those whose draconic color is typically those alignments, the majority remain lawful. They are evenly divided among good and evil usually along color lines, though not exclusively.

## Relations:

Of all races, the dragonborn have the most complicated relations with dragons. They were dominated and enslaved by them on their home Plane, yet both large groups of Apian dragonborn relied on one for support. They have slowly begun to realize that dragons are complicated creatures and they cannot be held as one collective. The relationship between dragon and dragonborn depends on the individual in question.

Imperials and dragonborn are natural allies and many good-aligned dragonborn get along well with dwarves and goliaths due to similar traits. Kobolds and lizardfolk are "scale friends" and treated appropriately depending on the alignments of all involved. Dragonborn and giff seem to gravitate towards one another becoming fast friends due to the alien roots of both races. Like the giff, dragonborn tend to ally with aasimar for unclear reasons, despite their natural nervousness around the divine.

Dragonborn tend to be skeptical of elves, gnomes and fey-folk, whom they see as flighty and "lovers of lies." Chaotic races, particularly orcs or tieflings, earn the scorn of the dragonborn who are so focused on the group that those driven towards the individual are alien and not to be trusted.

## Language:

Dragonborn speak draconic as their primary tongue. While they have a few unusual words and accents not typically associated with Apian draconic, it is understandable to any speaker. They also speak Imperial or common with outsiders.

## Names:

Dragonborn have personal names given at birth, but they put their clan names first as a mark of honor. A childhood name or nickname is often used among the clan as a descriptive term or a term of endearment. The name might recall an event or center on a habit.

**Example Male Names:** Arjhan, Balasar, Bharash, Donaar, Ghesh, Heskan, Kriv, Medrash, Mehen, Nadarr, Pandjed, Patrin, Rhogar, Shamash, Shedinn, Tarhun, Torinn

**Example Female Names:** Akra, Biri, Daar, Farideh, Harann, Havilar, Jheri, Kava, Korinn, Mishann, Nala, Perra, Raiann, Sora, Surina, Thava, Uadjit

**Example Childhood Names:** Climber, Earbender, Leaper, Pious, Shieldbiter, Zealous

**Example Clan Names:** Clethtinthiallor, Daardendrian, Delmirev, Drachedandion, Fenkenkabradon, Kepeshkmolik, Kerrhylon, Kimbatuul, Linxakasendalor, Myastan, Nemmonis, Norixius, Ophinshtalajiir, Prexijandilin, Shestendeliath, Turnuroth, Verthisathurgiesh, Yarjerit

## Adventurers:

Dragonborn are driven to adventure. Thanks to their love of gold, need to perfect their craft and draconic wanderlust, many dragonborn are found within numerous adventuring parties. Inside those parties, a dragonborn can be found in almost any role, though they are most often fighters or sorcerers. A party with a dragonborn amongst them will always be driven towards gold and glory, and that treasure will be clearly divvied up immediately afterwards with every copper accounted for.

## Racial Traits:

Dragonborn traits are described below...

+2 Constitution, +2 Charisma -2 Dexterity. Dragonborn are hearty and charismatic but somewhat awkward on the move,

Humanoid (dragonblood): Dragonborn are humanoids with the dragonblood subtype.

Medium

30 Foot Speed

+2 dodge bonus to Armor Class against creatures of the dragon type. The dragonborn have an innate sense of how best to defend themselves against their potential enemies.

Immunity to Frightful Presence: Dragonborn are immune to the frightful presence ability of dragons, just as if they were dragons.

Draconic Ancestry: You have draconic ancestry. Choose one type of dragon from the Draconic Ancestry table. Your breath weapon and damage resistance are determined by the dragon type, as shown in the table. NOTE, if you wish to play a gem or ferrous dragonborn speak with your DM and pick appropriate energies.

Breath Weapon: You can use your action to exhale destructive energy. Your draconic ancestry determines the size, shape, and damage type of the exhalation. When you use your breath weapon, each creature in the area of the exhalation must make a saving throw, the type of which is determined by your draconic ancestry. The DC for this saving throw equals 10 + your Constitution modifier + your level. A creature takes 2d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. You may use your breath weapon a number of times per day equal to your constitution modifier to a minimum of one.

Damage Resistance: You have resistance 5 to the damage type associated with your draconic ancestry.

Automatic Languages: Draconic. Common

Favored Class: Fighter or Sorcerer.