Dragonborn

A Draconic Empire Dragonborn

A race said to have been descended from the Mortalis Dragonriders that were blessed by Bahamut in ancient times, Dragonborn are humanoid, and primarily come from the Draconic Empire, the oldest society standing in it's original form. Dragonborn are covered in scales and are often blessed with further aspects of the dragon- scales, the ability to breathe magic, and other factors. Typically Dragonborn are quite tall, varying from six to eight foot tall.

## Physiology

Dragonborn are covered head to toe in scales that match the colour of their family. It is very rare for a Dragonborn to be born of a different scale-colour to their family, and those that are are treated as a new family, and will usually take their own family name upon adulthood.

The most common scales for Dragonborn are chromatic, leading to other species being mistrustful, but they come in all the hues of the Dragons that blessed them.

Dragonborn blood runs colder than most, likely an adaptation to avoid overheating when living near the Kazan Fire Mountains that are located at the center of their island homes.

### Reproduction

Much like Dragons, Dragonborn have a cloaca-based reproductive and fertilization system. Without the aid of magic, it is impossible for another species to conceive with them.

Pregnant females lay clutches of one to five eggs which gestate over a period of four months before hatching. A dragonborn egg is about the size of a human infant.

Dragonborn eggs are typically guarded by the parents and their close friends, who are known as shell-kin to the newborn. The bond of shell-kin could be considered as similar to the human practice of godparents, but there can be multiple shell-kin of various genders.

## History

Dragonborn are one of the earliest species to diverge from ancient times, it is often considered that they and the Elves share the position of the oldest living species.

There are many tales of the rise of the Dragonborn, but the most commonly held one- believed by the Draconic Path takes place long ago.

### Elven Era

During the Elven Era, the Draconic Empire were one of the few societies that existed outside of the elves. Although they mostly lived in the mountains of their island home, they built fine castles and created a feudalistic society where progression was based on skill with the blade.

### Long Night Era

The Dragonborn were some of the fiercest warriors during the Long Night Era. Disciplined and stalwart, their reliance on strength and physicality led to them becoming a dangerous foe for the orcs, who had otherwise been able to crush the powerful mages of the elves.

Dragonborn were key in many of the victories of the war, and many noble bloodlines descended from the Samurai who made names for themselves in that time.

### Dawn Era

During the Dawn Era, the Dragonborn did not expand beyond their home much. Although in-fighting and constant shifting of warlords, daimyo, and shoguns led to eras of instability, loyalty to the Platinum Emperors on the Ash Throne meant that most did not choose to live in the realms of others.

Those found outside their borders are most commonly diplomats, disgraced ronin, or exiled vagabonds- it is incredibly rare for a Dragonborn to choose to leave their home.

## Culture

### Draconic Empire

The Draconic Empire are warriors first and foremost, giving great credence to the power each Samurai can instill in their blade. They put great value in artefacts such as armor and weapons that were used to perform deeds of prestige, being allowed to use one of these venerated weapons or armours is considered a great honour, and often the start of a warrior's journey.

## Religion

### The Draconic Path

A religion that worships the inherent sacred spirit in all things. They believe in Bahamut and Tiamat, the brother and sister Dragon gods who blessed them long ago, although most would not worship Tiamat in polite society, given the view of her as evil. The path believe that the bloodline of the Platinum Emperor/Empress of the Draconic Empire descends from Bahamut, and so they are revered as political, spiritual, and war leaders.