Chiryu

In all my years as an archivist, the Chiryu remain a mirage on the horizon—visible, impressive, yet never fully grasped. Their history is a mosaic of triumph, ritual, and silent ambition; every truth I unearth reveals yet another layer of careful design. To study them is to walk the endless dunes—always seeking, always wondering what lies just beneath the surface.

— Fariha the Emerald, Draconic Archivist of Al Zamarud

Chiryu: An Overview

The Chiryu are an ancient, enigmatic people, believed to be among the first races of Novendragos and kin to dragons themselves. For tens of thousands of years, their empire thrived in isolation behind indomitable walls, shaping the world with their unrivaled technology, tactical brilliance, and strict code of honor. After recent catastrophes, some Chiryu have emerged to assist in rebuilding, but most remain aloof, their motives and customs mysterious to outsiders. Known for their statuesque forms and icy reserve, Chiryu are respected by some cultures and mistrusted by others. They dwell primarily in meticulously engineered city-states within their secluded empire, fiercely valuing honor, self-determination, and the perfection of body, mind, and spirit.

Other peoples know little of the Chiryu beyond rumor and reputation. The Jen’Mahadim are among the few with a deep history of interaction—equal parts rivalry and reluctant alliance—while the Hava’dim have fostered the warmest ties, united by shared ideals of discipline and craft. The Balpura hold Chiryu honor and battlefield strategy in high regard, and the Shiira, though wary, respect their cunning and subtlety. For most humans, however, the Chiryu remain a puzzle: their language is impenetrable, their expressions inscrutable, and their body language so restrained that many joke they have never seen a Chiryu smile.

Physical Description

Chiryu are imposing, standing 6½ to 7 feet tall and weighing between 200 and 300 pounds. Their bodies are covered in pale azure scales, appearing almost like smooth, luminous skin. Male Chiryu have thick black hair, while females are entirely hairless. Their eyes are almond-shaped, with lavender sclera, jade irises, and vertical reptilian pupils. A pronounced V-shaped brow ridge lends them a stern, often unreadable expression. They have no facial hair and favor practical, naturally-toned clothing, suitable for both ceremony and battle.

Lifespan and outlook: Millennia-shaped, relentlessly self-critical

Chiryu mature slowly, reaching adulthood after a century, and can live for over a thousand years. Such extended lifespans foster patience, introspection, and high expectations, both for themselves and others. As they age, Chiryu typically grow more withdrawn, focusing on personal refinement, upholding their den’s honor, and mentoring the next generation in the relentless pursuit of perfection. The slow passage of time shapes their attitudes toward change and tradition, often causing friction with shorter-lived peoples.

Families and Societies: Honor-bound, structured, and private

Chiryu society is built upon dens—close-knit familial units sharing blood and cultural heritage. The smallest units consist of a mother, father, and two children, with emotional ties concentrated within this inner circle. These families form part of larger dens, all contributing to the stability of the empire’s city-states. Chiryu rarely engage deeply with outsiders, but within their own society, they are fiercely loyal, disciplined, and hierarchically organized. Outside their homelands, Chiryu can be found as nameless wanderers, ambassadors, or merchants—always acting with the empire’s interests in mind.

Naming Traditions

Chiryu names carry deep social meaning. Each individual bears a given name and a den name. Male names preceded by “Ka’” signify “son of,” and “Jo’” signifies “son of Ka.” Den names firmly anchor a Chiryu within the social structure of the empire, and to be “nameless” is a sign of exile or disgrace. Names are bestowed by elders, often reflecting desired virtues, ancestral lineage, or significant deeds.

Dragonborn clan names: Tazradyxen, Korrintharvek, Zhulrathkarra, Vendrashkil, Urnagathorx, Drakazhulven, Serathkarnor, Thurizadryx, Morrakashen,

Reasons to go Adventuring: Stoic Guardian and Strategic Envoy

Chiryu adventurers are often dispatched as deep cover scouts, diplomatic agents, or driven wanderers seeking threats to their empire before they arise, or else forging their own destinies as free agents in a dangerous world.