Dragonfolk Miniatures
Dragonfolk Miniatures, History and Bloodlines
In various fantasy settings, there are races or creatures often referred to as dragonkin, dragonborn, or dragonfolk, which are humanoid entities with dragon-like qualities. These beings typically possess scales, draconic ancestry, and sometimes the ability to breathe elemental breath.
One notable example is the “Dragonborn” race in Dungeons & Dragons, which are humanoid creatures with dragon-like traits. They have draconic ancestry, scales covering their bodies, and the ability to exhale destructive energy, reminiscent of a dragon’s breath.
In fantasy literature and games, dragonfolk or dragonkin can take on various forms and roles, serving as characters, allies, or adversaries in the narrative. Their characteristics and abilities often draw inspiration from dragon mythology, providing a unique and engaging element to the fantasy world.
Dragonfolk in Mythology
Chinese Dragon Deities:
- In Chinese mythology, dragons are revered and considered divine beings associated with water. While they are not humanoid, the Eastern dragon imagery is quite different from the Western dragon. Chinese dragons are often depicted with long, serpentine bodies and are considered benevolent.
Dragon Gods in Hinduism:
- Hindu mythology includes divine serpent beings, such as Naga and Vasuki. While these beings are not humanoid, they share some serpent or dragon-like traits and are often associated with water, fertility, and protection.
Aztec and Mayan Dragon Figures:
- In Mesoamerican cultures, such as Aztec and Mayan, feathered serpent deities like Quetzalcoatl and Kukulkan have dragon-like characteristics. These deities are often depicted with serpent bodies and feathered features.
While these examples don’t precisely align with the concept of humanoid dragonfolk, they do illustrate the presence of dragon-like beings in various mythologies. The idea of dragonfolk, as humanoid entities with dragon features, is more commonly found in modern fantasy literature, games, and other fictional creations, where authors and creators draw inspiration from diverse mythological sources to craft unique and imaginative worlds.
Dragonfolk in TTRPGs
In many tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), the concept of dragonfolk refers to humanoid beings with dragon-like features, often including scales, wings, and sometimes the ability to breathe fire or possess other dragon-related abilities. These dragonfolk races are typically playable options for characters in the game, each with its own lore, traits, and characteristics. Here are a few examples of dragonfolk in TTRPGs:
1. Dungeons & Dragons (D&D):
- Dragonborn: In D&D, dragonborn are a dragon-like humanoid race. They have draconic ancestry, scales covering their bodies, and the ability to breathe energy (such as fire, cold, or lightning) based on their dragon lineage.
2. Pathfinder:
- Kobolds: While not entirely dragon-like, kobolds in Pathfinder are small, reptilian humanoids often associated with dragons. They have dragon-like features and are known for their draconic reverence.
3. Shadowrun:
- Drakes: In the cyberpunk-fantasy world of Shadowrun, drakes are metahumans with dragon-like features. They may have scales, wings, and other characteristics, often serving as intermediaries between dragons and humans.
4. Legend of the Five Rings (L5R):
- Naga: In the Legend of the Five Rings setting, Naga are serpent-like beings with ties to dragons. While not entirely humanoid, they share dragon-like characteristics and play a significant role in the lore.
5. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (WFRP):
- Dragon Ogre Shaggoths: In the Warhammer Fantasy setting, Dragon Ogre Shaggoths are monstrous beings with dragon-like features. While not a playable race, they are formidable adversaries and servants of Chaos.
6. Exalted:
- Dragon-Blooded: In Exalted, Dragon-Blooded are beings with dragon ancestry who have unique powers associated with the elements. They are one of the Celestial Exalt types in the game.
These examples showcase how dragonfolk are represented in various TTRPGs, offering players the opportunity to create characters with dragon-like traits and abilities. Whether as powerful sorcerers, fierce warriors, or diplomatic emissaries, dragonfolk add a unique and fantastical element to the diverse races available in TTRPG settings.