Dragonkin

**Dragonkin** are a race of dipedal dracarian humanoids, often called dragonmen, half-dragons, or dragonborn. Dragonkin were once dominant in most of Tareal, though over the years dragons and their kind have been overthrown, hunted, or displaced by other races who were held back by dracarian rule. Dragonkin share many traits of full dragons, with chromatic or metallic scales and the ability to expell a dangerous breath of fire, ice, acid, lightning, etc.

## Origins

Draginkin were created by dragons who, after the disappearance of the Elden, rose to prominence in the world. Dragons created dragonkin to better connect and understand the then smaller races of the world, hoping the form would aid in relations with more humanoid creatures after the failures of the kobols and their lesser dracarian creations. It is no surprise dragonkin almost unilaterally worship the dragons as the only true gods of the world, which has led others to follow suit and recognize dragons as living deities.

## Characteristics

### Height and Weight

Dragonkin are relatively tall and heavy. Male dragonkin average between 5'11" and 6'8" tall and weigh around 250 pounds. Female dragonkin are slightly larger, standing over six feet tall and weighing over 270 pounds on average.

### Physical Appearance

Dragonkin have a dragon-like head and a humanoid body, with variation in features and coloring of scales. Most dragonkin have yellow eyes, but all colors seem to be possible in dragonkin eyes. Some have tails or wings, while others do not. These features do not seem to be limited to one specific dragonkin and seem to be random. Dragonkin scales are lightweight and are made of a tough material similar at a glance to the shell of a turtle, though far less strong and more permissive of flexible movement. It has been found that metallic colored scales are technically alloys, according to dwarves. These scales are seemingly part metal themselves, and thus have been highly valued among hunters.

### Lifespan

Dragonkin live slightly longer lives than humans, though mature quickly. Within two to three years they are able to fend for themselves to a degree, and reach physical maturity by age 10. Dragonkin have an expected lifespan of 100 years. It is still unknown the exact process in the creation of dragonkin and other dracarians, and it does not seem that dragonkin can mate despite other dracarians having this capability.

### Diet

Dragonkin are omnivorous, and have the ability to eat raw meats from fresh kills. They are not cannibalistic, and generally dislike the taste of reptiles and white meats. Dragonkin can go a week without needing food, and a few days without needing water. However as they prolong their hunger, they grow more and more reckless and temperamental until they reach a breaking point where they may kill and devour the nearest creature, regardless of that creature's relationship to the dragonkin. This was used as a tactic against other races during wartime, as well as against dragonkin themselves in some seiges.

## Bloodlines

Dracarian bloodlines determine the coloration and heritage of a dragonkin. They are thought to be linked back to the dragon who created the first of that lineage, and therefore dragonkin take on that dragon's name as their family name. In general, a dracarian is defined by their scale coloration, as that seems to be the prime determinant of dracarian traits.

### Red Scales

Red scales are dragonkin of fire. They have red colored scales and can breath fire. They tend to be leaders and intense or passionate personalities that drive others to move. During wars, red scales made up a majority of the generals and commanders, able to inspire even the most cowardly kobol in to following challenging orders. Red scales typically have distinguishable horns, which are slightly wavy.

### Black Scales

Black scales are dragonkin of the dark. They are mostly nocturnal, and breathe an acidic stream of liquid that is highly corrosive even to the strongest metals. They prefer regions of swampland and dense and humid jungle or bog. Black scales are opportunistic and prefer to use their surroundings to gain advantage, always analyzing the world around them for advantages physically. They tend to be liars and chaotic in their actions, though still reliable and loyal to other dracarian. Black scale dragonkin sometimes have prominent horns that resemble ram's horns.

### Blue Scales

Blue scales can expel blasts of lightning from their mouths, and typically have a distinguishing single horn on their snout similar to a rhino. They prefer temperate climates and deserts, and are known to be manipulators. They unlike black scales which lie for a higher goal, blue scales will deceive and misdirect for entertainment. They are suitable enforcers, and usually do not mind being second in command under a red scale.

### Green Scales

Green scales can expel a toxic, poisonous gas cloud that burns the lungs of those not immune to the cloud's effects. They are cunning and master plotters, preferring to have others do their bidding. This typically puts them at odds against the brash leadership of red scales, though both are adept leaders in their own right. They have a frilled crest that runs along their head and neck, and prefer areas of high vegetation such as forests and woodlands.

### White Scales

White scales breath a frigid blast of frost and ice, burning with colder rather than heat. While smaller than the rest of the dragonkin bloodlines, white scales are ferocious fighters and born survivalists. They prefer cold and snowy climates high atop mountains or in the frigid north or south. They are the least connected to the rest of dracarian kind, their creators thought to be neutral in most dealings. This has made them curious of the world beyond in some cases, and distrustful of any non-dracarian.

### Gold Scales

Gold scales, or gelted dragonkin, have shining gold scales covering their bodies. They are one of the larger dragonkin bloodlines, and can breathe an intense flame like a red scale. Gold scales are noble and just, believing in justice and law to bring about good in the world. They are born rulers and scholars, patient and kind when they can and firm when they need to be. Gold scales typically exude confidence, and can inspire or intimidate those around them simply with their stature.

### Silver Scales

Silver scales, or sildur dragonkin, have shimmering silver scales and can breathe an icy stream that can crack skin and freeze liquids in seconds. They are inquisitive and enjoy experimenting or discovering new things. They can be haughty or exude a sense of superiority over others whether or not it is warranted.

### Copper Scales

Copper scales, or kepra dragonkin, have metallic copper colored scales and can spew an acidic liquid highly corrosive to all things, even some of the toughest metals and materials. Copper scales are the antagonists to black dragons, feeling truth is the driving force to one's goals, even if it is to one's detriment. They have shorter faces than most dragonkin, and may have a very thin skin made of scales that webs their digits or their underarms. They often indulge in comedy, enjoying the lighthearted things in life. Older copper scales may have a greenish hue to them.

### Bronze Scales

Bronze scales, or broza dragonkin, have bronze colored scales and can exhale bursts of electrical energy in a single direction. Bronze scales are similar to gold scales in their sense of justice, though they take this further. Justice is above all things, and justice is impartial to good or bad as those concepts are vague and ever changing. They try to be impartial and strive for uniform equality, but can sometimes become caught in their emotions and begin a path of vengeance under the guise of justice.

### Exotics

Exotic dragonkin are the extremely rare outliers, usually revered as superior dragonkin. Due to this, a single exotic may influence an entire region of the world's dracarian population to do their bidding, especially if they are backed by a dragon. Exotics have been rumored to have scales of mysterious composition. Records mention gem scales, moon scales, glass scales, stone scales, and others.