Screen Reader - Draconian Culture
Keywords:
SR-DRACONIAN-CULTURE
Draconian Culture
Draconians can come from many walks of life, but most are born into a culture of honor and loyalty. This does not describe every possible Draconian upbringing. No matter where they are born, Draconians tend to adopt the ways of the society they grow up in, even if they feel set apart by their appearance or instincts. They have the most difficulty conforming to monk-like societies built around humility.
Families
Family means far more to Draconians than it does to many humans. It is closer to a dynasty. Draconians keep track of first, second, and even third cousins. They revere their ancestors and may be able to recite their history back to a tenth forefather.
These large families are tight-knit, but usually do not all live together. Individual family units often have their own homes, with a mated pair and any juveniles unable to fend for themselves. Elders often do not live with their children, as pride discourages living off the labor of descendants.
Rearing children takes a great amount of time. Draconians believe their children's deeds will honor their ancestors, so raising educated, strong, well-groomed offspring increases the honor of both the parents and the dynasty.
Family colors, words, sayings, banners, shields, and tabards are important and are often memorized from a young age.
Civilization
Draconians may be found in many settings, but they usually prefer the company of their own kind. Draconian cities are the most common place to find them in great number. Their pride and temperament make it difficult for other races to become part of large Draconian societies.
Many Draconian cities are aristocratic oligarchies, with respected families taking part in some form of council. The most famous gathering of Draconians is Dhurza.
Rituals
Yielding to Dominion is a ritual tied to mating and dominance. A family unit is often led by one of the two mates through this ritual, though in male-led societies it may be mostly ceremonial.
In its older form, the ritual begins when one Draconian seeks to claim another as a mate. It begins with a physical assault, often a bite to the neck, followed by a violent wrestling match that may draw blood. The struggle continues until one yields to the dominance of the other, cementing the relationship for life.
Attempting a Yielding on an unwilling partner is often seen as dishonorable. If the yielding party is seen as humiliated or taken unfairly, their family or allies may have a duty to free them through battle.
Funerals
Draconians worship their ancestors, and funerals are significant events. Wealthy families often keep tombs beneath their homes or in private lots. Poorer families may burn their honored dead.
During funerals, a close relative usually summarizes the honors gathered by the deceased. These honors may include war, diplomacy, wealth, and family. Draconians also speak to their ancestors without magic, either to boast of honors earned or to ask forgiveness for failures.
Banquets
Parties are a way for families to show off and compete with rivals. Draconians often use banquets for social positioning. Outsiders may find these gatherings formal or rigid, with people going through the motions of enjoyment while watching every gesture for advantage.
Younger Draconians may use banquets to meet peers, dance, fight, or sing. Older Draconians often treat them like maneuvers between armies not officially at war. Slights and public humiliations are common tools for testing rivals.