Usually, draconic characters approach other races in much the same way their humanoid kin do, having been raised in the same culture and absorbing the same values and prejudices. However, the draconic essence within such a character can lead to stronger links with the other races of the dragon. Dragonborn: Because this race is made, not born, a draconic character might actually be related to a dragonborn, or at least come from the same community as one. Indeed, the existence of a draconic character within that society might spur an ordinary humanoid to undergo the Rite of Rebirth. As a result, the two often form a lasting relationship, involving long discussions of dragon nature and questions about the other’s way of life. In a small group, a draconic character might feel an inexplicable sense of kinship even to a complete stranger who is dragonborn. Dwarves: Nondwarf draconic characters usually see dwarves as killjoys, too hardworking and taciturn to enjoy life. The artistic inclination that comes with dragon blood lets them appreciate dwarven craftwork on an aesthetic level, but their more outgoing and individualistic nature puts them at odds with the dwarves’ regimented society. Elves: Given that draconic characters are more selfsufficient, artistic, and individualistic than their kin, they
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CHAPTER 4
DRACONIC CHARACTERS
have a lot in common with elves. What they don’t share, unless they have elf blood, is long life and a somewhat distant approach to others. Draconic characters can become fascinated by elves, and in such cases they try to spend as much time around them as possible. If a character’s dragon blood isn’t from a variety of dragon that elves see as an enemy, or if a character’s draconic nature isn’t obvious, elves respond kindly if distantly. Gnomes: Draconic characters share an artistic bent with gnomes, and the two races get along better than many. Draconic characters are less likely to have their ordinary kin’s impatience with this lively race, though the nature of a character’s dragon heritage can color this. Half-Dragons: Draconic characters who are aware of their heritage feel a natural kinship with half-dragons. They might even envy the great strength and physical ability of such beings. If the draconic being doesn’t know the source of her difference, she might find herself strangely drawn to a half-dragon. Strong, lifelong relationships can arise between draconic characters and half-dragons. Half-Elves: Draconic characters treat half-elves much as exotic humans, with all that entails. Individuals are judged on a case-by-case basis, though half-elves are arguably given more leeway due to their unusual racial heritage. Half-Orcs: Brutes: That’s typically how a draconic character without orc blood sees these crossbreeds. She feels no kinship with their mixed race, and their crudeness is offensive. Besides, half-orcs think all the wrong jokes are funny. An unusual half-orc, such as a monk, might be acceptable to a draconic character, especially if they are forced to work together in an adventuring party. In general, though, the two races avoid each other. Halflings: Draconic characters who have chaotic tendencies get along very well with halflings. The two races also share an inborn love of fun and pleasure that manifests in the form of drinking contests, hearty meals, and friendly competitions. Draconic characters often enjoy gambling, and in this they find kinship with halflings. Humans: As is true of half-dragons, the attitude of draconic characters toward humans depends on the sort of humans they meet. But since their dragon nature isn’t generally as obvious as that of half-dragons, draconic characters have less trouble in bigoted societies than individuals who are clearly monstrous. Draconic characters usually get along with humans and are sometimes inclined to hook up with troupes of performers. The two races share the inquisitive, wondering traits that draw them to a life of adventure, and both work well within a party of glory seekers. Kobolds: Her dragon heritage might make a draconic character distantly akin to a kobold, but that doesn’t mean she feels anything in common. Even if she is aware of her own dragon blood, she doesn’t understand the kobolds’ belief that they are descended from dragons. To suggest that the two are related is to insult the draconic character. Spellscales: A draconic character’s nature makes her a kindred spirit to a spellscale, and the two usually get along well. Still, the unpredictable nature of a spellscale is a bit much to endure in a long-term relationship. While a draconic character might enjoy comparing fashions or sharing a favored song, she’s not so interested in examining every aspect of existence. Thus, most draconic characters have
DRAGONDESCENDED
Kobolds: Kobolds revere all things draconic, and they hold great respect for half-dragons. Still, the nature of one’s nondragon parent makes a difference in how a halfdragon is received. Nonkobold half-dragons usually regard kobolds as inconsequential, an attitude derived both from their haughty dragon heritage and from the usual views of other humanoids that consider kobolds to be a grubby, cringing race. A half-dragon kobold is not likely to have this preconception but still sees itself as superior to the ordinary kobolds it is related to. Spellscales: The fickleness of spellscales is irritating to half-dragons. Being creatures whose own draconic nature is more often a burden than a wonder, half-dragons distrust the spellscale’s love of life. The one thing the two races might share is a connection with the dragon deities—halfdragons tend to interpret spellscales’ daily meditations as worship—although religious half-dragons do not worship as broadly as spellscales do. True Dragons: Half-dragons have an ambivalent attitude toward true dragons. On the one hand, they long for the full power of that ancient strain, denied them by their crossbreed nature. They try to emulate dragons in many ways and seek to unlock draconic abilities in themselves. On the other hand, a half-dragon is often fiercely resentful of a draconic parent who abandoned him to his fate, usually never to return. The aloofness of dragons, especially toward impure breeds, only reinforces that anger, to the extent that half-dragons sometimes devote themselves to slaying dragons. Half-dragons are commonly contemptuous toward less intelligent creatures of the dragon type, such as pseudodragons and wyverns. They see such creatures as less than “real” dragons, perhaps uncomfortably similar to themselves. Dragonnels (see Draconomicon, page 151) make excellent steeds for half-dragons, who often feel more comfortable with these draconic mounts.
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