The Varkaan

The Varkaan, called Rachtari by the Empire, are a race of humanoid dragons whose origins trace back to the earliest draconic bloodlines of Aranath. Though far removed from the Prime Dragons in stature and magical might, they retain a powerful connection to their ancestral heritage , scales, claws, elemental affinity, and an unbroken cultural pride.   They primarily inhabit the frigid province of Racthas, a rugged land of jagged peaks and frozen valleys north of the Imperial heartlands. Life here is harsh, but the strength and resilience of the Varkaan have allowed them to thrive where others would perish.   Appearance and Physiology   Varkaan are muscular and broad-shouldered, typically between five and seven feet tall. Their bodies are covered in thick, overlapping scales that reflect their elemental ancestry: red, blue, green, black, bronze, and more. While some are born with tails, truly draconic features such as wings are exceedingly rare and viewed with near-reverence when they appear.   Their claws, fanged maws, and keen senses mark them unmistakably as kin of dragons. Though physically formidable, they possess lifespans only slightly longer than humans , rarely exceeding a century.   Elemental Heritage   Every Varkaan is born tied to an elemental lineage, most evident in their scale color. These bloodlines grant minor innate protections , such as heat resistance in red-scaled Varkaan , and, in rare cases, the ability to exhale a brief gout of elemental energy. Such displays are celebrated signs of strong ancestry and often influence social roles within a community.   Culture and Society   The traditions of the Varkaan echo communal warrior cultures, with strong themes of honor, loyalty, and service. In their own settlements, the strong safeguard the weak, and every individual works for the survival of the clan. The colder the climate, the more tightly knit the villagers become.   Villages are small and often isolated, built around caves, mountain springs, or sheltered ridges. Leadership tends to fall to elder councils or proven warriors rather than nobility. In this structure, echoes of feudal discipline and social duty are clear , though without hereditary castes or the strict hierarchies of human aristocracy.   Faith and the Old Way   Religious belief varies greatly between regions. Many remote Varkaan communities still practice the Old Way, venerating the Prime Dragons as divine creators and protectors. Rituals of fire, frost, and thunder remain common, honoring the primal forces that shape their homeland.   Others, especially those near Imperial garrisons and trade routes, have adopted the Imperial Pantheon, blending old and new beliefs. Even so, a shared spiritual principle remains constant: heritage is sacred.   Relations with the Empire   Racthas is an official province of the Empire, but Imperial authority stretches thin over the icy wilderness. Some villages do not even realize they are Imperial citizens, while others actively support the Empire through trade or military service.   Those Varkaan who enter Imperial society often gain swift respect , admired for their discipline, physical strength, and steadfast values. Warriors of Varkaan descent are counted among the most reliable soldiers in the Emperor’s campaigns.   Naming and Identity   Among themselves, the dragonfolk proudly identify as Varkaan, a word meaning True-Blooded in the ancient draconic tongue. The term Rachtari, used by humans, arose from outsiders defining them by their homeland rather than their heritage.   While not considered an insult, Rachtari is a name of classification, whereas Varkaan is a name of the soul. Elders and traditionalists make the distinction clear , the Empire may call them what it wishes, but they know who they are.