Dragonborn, Draconic pride

Dragonborn physiology is a direct reflection of their draconic ancestry. Though they walk upright and bear humanoid characteristics, their draconic traits are unmistakable.   Height and Build: Dragonborn typically stand between 6.5 and 8 feet tall, with broad shoulders and muscular builds, reflecting their innate strength and resilience. Their bodies are built for combat and magic alike, with sturdy bones, powerful limbs, and elongated torsos that give them a dominating presence.   Scales and Coloration: One of their most defining features is their scaled hide, which can range from bright metallic hues like gold, silver, or bronze to deep chromatic shades such as red, blue, or black. Dragonborn descended from gem dragons display shimmering scales in hues such as amethyst, sapphire, or emerald. Their scales serve as a natural armor, providing them with a higher resistance to physical damage, with some variations depending on their ancestral lineage. For example, a Dragonborn with red dragon ancestry might be resistant to fire, while one with sapphire dragon blood may resist psychic attacks.   Breath Weapon: A signature trait of Dragonborn is their breath weapon, a powerful blast that mimics the abilities of their draconic ancestors. This ability manifests in different forms, such as fire, frost, lightning, or even more exotic energies like psychic or radiant blasts, depending on their bloodline. The intensity of this breath weapon is directly linked to their lineage, often used in times of great need or combat.   Eyes and Facial Features: Dragonborn have reptilian eyes, often bright and striking, with slit pupils that come in a variety of colors. Their facial structure includes pronounced snouts, sharp teeth, and ridges of horns or frills along their heads. These facial characteristics are another clue to their specific draconic heritage.

Dragonborn share a strong psychological bond with their draconic roots, which shapes much of their behavior and worldview. Honor, pride, and a deep sense of self-worth are central to their identity.   Pride and Honor: A core element of Dragonborn psychology is their sense of honor, which governs their actions, interactions, and societal roles. They are deeply committed to personal and communal honor, and many Dragonborn strive to live up to the ideals of their ancestors, embodying values such as loyalty, courage, and honesty. Failing to uphold these values often results in shame, which for a Dragonborn can be a deeply personal and scarring experience.   Collective Identity: Dragonborn place high importance on collective achievement and the reputation of their clans. The actions of one Dragonborn reflect on their family and clan, making them acutely aware of how their behavior impacts those around them. This collective consciousness often leads to strong, cohesive communities where the group’s well-being comes before the individual’s.   Innate Drive for Excellence: Dragonborn have a natural competitive streak, especially within their own communities. While this competition is not usually hostile, it reflects their desire for constant improvement, particularly in the mastery of magic, combat, and honor-bound service. This drive stems from their draconic heritage, as they constantly strive to live up to the near-immortal legacies of their ancestors.   Emotional Resilience: Dragonborn are often seen as stoic or emotionally reserved by other races. Their intense pride and discipline make them less likely to display outward emotions, especially in moments of weakness. However, this stoicism should not be mistaken for emotional detachment. Dragonborn experience emotions with great intensity, but their upbringing and cultural values teach them to maintain control.

Dragonborn society has changed significantly since their exile from the Origin Peaks, evolving into a complex hierarchical system that still honors their ancient roots.   Clans and Lineage: Dragonborn society is organized around clans, each tracing its lineage back to a specific draconic ancestor. Clans are typically divided by bloodline—chromatic, metallic, and gem—but they maintain mutual respect and coexist with shared goals. A Dragonborn’s clan dictates much about their role in society, including their standing in leadership, their magical focus, and even the temperament expected of them. Inter-clan rivalries exist but are largely based on healthy competition and the desire to bring prestige to one's ancestors.   The Scholar Caste: Since their exile, the Dragonborn have nurtured a scholar caste, dedicated to preserving knowledge, magic, and history. These scholars, often called Keepers, are responsible for recording and passing down both draconic and post-exile knowledge. They are often leaders in magical research and innovation, constantly working to advance the spells and techniques that originated from their ancestors.   Council of Ancients: The ruling body of many Dragonborn communities is the Council of Ancients, a group composed of the eldest and most respected members from each clan. These elders not only govern but also serve as the moral compass of the community, ensuring that the Dragonborn live up to their honor and cultural ideals. The Council’s word is law, and they are often viewed as the closest to the wisdom of the ancient dragons.   Honor Guards and Warriors: Military prowess is central to Dragonborn identity. Many serve as Honor Guards, elite warriors and protectors of their people. The most prestigious among them may be chosen to defend the sacred sites of their draconic ancestors, such as ancient shrines or magical nexuses. Their training is rigorous, blending martial combat with advanced spellcasting, which makes them fearsome foes on the battlefield.

The Age of Dragons and the Origin Peaks

  The Dragonborn trace their ancestry to the dawn of time when Aurelion Sol, the draconid overgod, breathed life into the first dragons. These dragons served as the protectors of Aurora, and from their bloodlines, the Dragonborn were created. In the early ages, the Dragonborn lived in harmony with the dragons, residing in the mystical Origin Peaks, where they learned to harness magic in its purest, rawest form.  

The Exile

  Their downfall came with their pursuit of increasingly powerful and destructive magic. The Greatwyrms, concerned about the Dragonborn’s thirst for power, restricted their access to pure magic, which led to resentment among some Dragonborn. After an assassination attempt on a Greatwyrm, the Dragonborn were exiled from the Origin Peaks. Stripped of their access to raw magic, they were forced to create a new system of spellcasting that relied on verbal, somatic, and material components. This innovation spread to other races, and Dragonborn magic became the foundation for the magical systems of the Veiled Realms.  

The Modern Era

  Today, Dragonborn are scattered across the Known World, living both in isolated enclaves and integrated into broader societies. Some serve as advisors to kings and rulers, while others continue to guard the secret knowledge of their people. They maintain strong ties to their draconic heritage, with some seeking to rediscover lost draconic knowledge, while others innovate and build upon the legacy of their exile.   Though prideful and traditionalist, Dragonborn remain a resilient and adaptive people. Their past has shaped them into one of the most respected and formidable races in Aurora, their honor-bound societies standing tall amidst a world forever changed by their ancestors’ legacy.