Description
The ancestors of dragonborn hatched from the eggs of chromatic and metallic dragons. One story holds that these eggs were blessed by the dragon gods Bahamut and Tiamat, who wanted to populate the multiverse with people created in their image. Another story claims that dragons created the first dragonborn without the gods’ blessings. Whatever their origin, dragonborn have made homes for themselves on the Material Plane.
Dragonborn look like wingless, bipedal dragons- scaly, bright-eyed, and thick-boned with horns on their heads- and their coloration and other features are reminiscent of their draconic ancestors.
These Draconic Ancestors are: Black, Blue, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Gold, Green, Red, Silver and White.
History
Many theories exist on the emergence of Dragonborn in Kildar. One of these theories is that the Dragonborn on Kildar did not arrive or emerge. They were created to be mortal servants of the ancient dragons on Kildar. In ancient times there were many ancient dragons, but these days there are only few remaining, at most one per draconic lineage, if any exist at all.
Another theory is that the Dragonborn are descendants of Half-dragons, the result of a loving union between a mortal and a dragon. A third theory is that Dragonborn - similar to Tieflings and Aasimar - are the result of generations of humanoids being magically granted powers through sorcerous lineages.
Regardless, it is said that the dragonborns have emerged in Kildar within the last thousand years, following the ascension of the Draconic god Asgorath. At first, they were feared and shunned for their draconic appearance. throughout the following decades, however, they slowly gained the trust of Kildar’s people. They were driven by lawfulness and the pursuit for honor, they are well represented in the government of the Guild Assembly.
Culture
Among dragonborn, dishonesty is considered a horrible crime; commitment to a word is expected and all parties are typically held responsible for failings. Dragonborn often extend this expectation to honesty and commitment to other races, often resulting in them ending up on the wrong side of false schemes, and taken advantage of. As a result, dragonborn mostly keep to themselves, traditionally living in rather secluded communes, only accepting outsiders if they can prove to uphold their values. These communes are tight-knit, with a strong emphasis on honor, tradition, and the collective well-being of the group. However, dragonborn occasionally leave their communes to help those in need, study the arcane arts or travel the world.
In spite of this, an increasingly large number of (especially younger) Dragonborn have taken to other settlements, setting aside their traditionalist beliefs and living with other species. These young Dragonborn are more open to the outside world and often choose to leave their communes to live among other species. They are drawn to the diversity of cultures, ideas, and lifestyles found in cosmopolitan areas, where they can forge their own paths free from the expectations of their clans. This shift is causing some tension within Dragonborn society. The elders and traditionalists may view these younger Dragonborn as abandoning their heritage, while the younger generation sees themselves as evolving with the times. Dragonborn might take on roles that align with their natural talents and upbringing. They might become military leaders, scholars, or artisans. Their physical prowess and innate charisma often lead them to positions of authority or influence.
Similar to Dwarves, Dragonborn are usually practical about the arts, with most Dragonborn creations having a functional purpose behind them. Despite their practical outlook, Dragonborn have a love for jewelry; jewelers, gemcutters and goldsmiths have a special place in Dragonborn society. A seemingly Draconic characteristic, Dragonborns often adorn themselves with gems and baubles. Jewelry often plays a role in Dragonborn rituals and ceremonies. For example, it might be given as a gift during rites of passage, worn during important battles, or exchanged during marriage ceremonies. These items are seen as talismans that carry the blessings of their ancestors or the protection of their dragon gods.
Language
Draconic (proper term for the language being Glav) is a language of hard consonants that usually sounds like hissing when spoken. Draconic words are emphasized on the first syllable. This language uses its own alphabet (Iokharic), which is equivalent to that of human languages, with the same number of characters for letters and numbers.
Otherworldly
Dragonborn who hold a deep pride in their draconic heritage may view the birth of an Aasimar or Tiefling within their species as unusual or even concerning. They may see these individuals as having a diluted connection to their draconic ancestry, which could lead to feelings of unease or mistrust.
In dragonborn societies with strong religious or spiritual beliefs, the birth of an Aasimar or Tiefling could be interpreted through a divine lens. Aasimar might be seen as a blessing or a sign of favor from Bahamut (the dragon god of justice and honor), while Tieflings might be viewed with suspicion or even fear, possibly associated with Tiamat (the dragon goddess of greed and evil).
Backgrounds
Dragonborn honor and martial prowess is a renowned thing, and as such they often find themselves with similar backgrounds such as guards and soldiers. In addition, due to their isolationist nature they often have a background as farmers. A close devotion to their species god, Asgorath, might lead many down a path toward the background of an Acolyte. Finally, their mysterious nature and a will to uncover their hidden past leads some down the path of research and study, leading to a background as Sages.
Classes
Many Dragonborn, bound by their innate sense of justice, are tempted to swear oaths and become Paladins devoted to a specific cause. Others may follow their God Asgorath to a deeper extent, truly believing Asgorath to be their grandsire. The will to uncover their own mysterious nature may lead many to becoming Wizards through their studies. The Dragonborn as a people are specifically known for the birth of the most Sorcerers of all of the species of Kildar. Culturally these people are somewhat elevated, as they are proven to have a deeper connection to their past. These Sorcerers are almost always of a Draconic Bloodline.
Professions
In particular, the Dragonborn find a lot of representation in the Smiths, Jewellers and Masons guilds. In addition, their strong sense of justice and martial prowess may guide Dragonborn toward a life in the Mercenaries and the Bounty Hunters Guilds.Factions
The southern Dragon Fort, Eir Andusk, is a predominantly dragonborn inhabited city on the southern tip of the Kildarian continent. More traditionalist Dragonborn may settle around or near the lairs or death sites of Dragons, as they believe these sites to be holy and closer to Asgorath.
Appearance
Dragonborn appearance aligns with each type of both metallic and chromatic dragon; Black, Blue, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, White are all existing variations. Within these types, subtle variations can still exist. Dragonborns are humanoid beings, standing at about 6 to 7 foot tall, with draconic features. Draconic heads, scales, claws, talons, horns, spines and tails are typical.
Kildari Dragonborn, descendants of dragons from long, long ago like to adorn themselves with shiny and bejeweled accessories, as a practice reminiscent of their draconic ancestors' love for treasure hoards. However, rather than hoarding wealth out of instinct, these Dragonborn pass down their jewelry through generations, linking their heritage to their ancient progenitors. Horn piercings, chains, nose rings, and necklaces are common, with the type of jewelry often reflecting an individual's status. High-standing Dragonborn may wear intricate pieces adorned with rare gems such as diamonds, opals, or beryl, signifying both wealth and legacy. Lower-born Dragonborn, on the other hand, typically wear simpler, more rustic jewelry made from common minerals like quartz, calcite, or azurite, preserving the tradition in a more modest form.
Lineages
It is generally accepted knowledge that there are many different lineages of Dragonborn, and that these are distinct in their colors. In ancient times, perhaps these differences mattered and were distinct groups of people. However with time the Dragonborn have evolved to become a multi-cultural species of intermixed lineages to the point where one can’t distinguish a lineage from another. A child of a red and a blue Chromatic lineage Dragonborn may be born a silver Metallic lineage dragonborn due to latent DNA from generations ago. As such, despite their many visual differences, the Dragonborn have grown to become incredibly respectful and accepting of others of their kind, and judgment based on scale color is a thing of the past.
Notable members
Destro Fortica, an intimidating figure from the times of the Crimson Dusk.
Grand Master Balasar, current Grand Master of the Eldritch Inquisition.