The Dragonborn are the distant descendants of both True Dragon and Lesser Dragons, formed during the third age when dragons chose to live among the Elf they had originally created. These dragons, compelled by motives ranging from malice to curiosity, or even the hope of uncovering their own truths, integrated into elven society. While some merely observed or sowed discord, others formed bonds with the elves, producing offspring who would become the first Dragonborn.
Origins and Persecution
The Dragonborn’s emergence was met with suspicion and hostility, especially during the Age of the Elves. Viewed as unnatural abominations, they were violently persecuted and banished to the wildlands, far from elven civilization. In these harsh and unforgiving environments, Dragonborn learned to adapt and survive. They hardened into warrior cultures, valuing strength above all else—a necessity in their isolated and dangerous existence. Their trust in outsiders diminished, and their resilience became their defining trait.
Descendants of Dragons
Although their bloodlines trace back to the mighty dragons, the Dragonborn hold little reverence for their distant ancestors. The dragons, whether True or Lesser, largely abandoned their hybrid offspring during their persecution. To many Dragonborn, the dragons are not saviors or protectors, but symbols of strength and survival. The pride they feel in their draconic lineage stems not from a reverence for dragons, but from the power and resilience they themselves embody as the legacy of that lineage.
Cultural Identity
The Dragonborn tribes of the wildlands have shaped their own destinies through a fierce warrior culture. Among their beliefs and practices:
- Strength Above All: In Dragonborn societies, strength is the ultimate virtue. It is seen as the foundation of survival, leadership, and glory.
- Spoken Traditions: History and legends are passed down through stories and songs around the fire. These tales often speak of the battles fought, the beasts slain, and the strength gained through struggle.
- Nomadic Tribalism: Many Dragonborn remain nomadic, ever-moving across harsh deserts, volcanic plains, icy tundras, and dense jungles, adapting to their surroundings.
- Coming of Age: Young Dragonborn undergo trials to prove their worth, often involving dangerous hunts or tests of endurance.
Elemental Affinities
Dragonborn still bear the elemental traits of their draconic ancestors. Fire-breathing descendants of Red Dragon may thrive in volcanic terrains, while the frost-spewing kin of Silver Dragon make homes in frozen tundras. These elemental affinities tie them to the natural world and serve as a reminder of their draconic heritage.
Misunderstood Survivors
Despite their often brutal histories and the fear they still inspire in other races, Dragonborn are a proud and resilient people. They are shaped not only by their heritage but also by the trials they have endured and overcome. Whether they walk as solitary wanderers, leaders of their tribes, or mercenaries seeking glory, Dragonborn carry the strength of dragons within them, forging their own destinies in a world that has long sought to erase them.