The draconic are a humanoid race with thick scales, long lives, and hot tempers. They are descended from the same line as that which the Arbiters guided into becoming the true dragons. They have no wings, although they do have reptilian slits for pupils. Their association with the lesser kin of the Material Plane might cause the uninformed to mistake them for the kobolds or lizardfolk, but the draconic favour endurance and power over the litheness of a snake, and tower over their fellow dragon-kin, the kobolds.
Their scales are tough, like rocks in place of skin, and their sense of touch is likewise diminished. They step with the sound and bravado of thunder, the earth quaking at their every step. Yet their impure blood runs hot in their veins, continually taunting them with their own inferiority. They inherit both the patience of the true dragons and the loathing of the cursed half-races, despite not being a half-race themselves.
With a history spanning millenia, the draconic were once the dominant race of the continent. They abused the minority races, continually seek to unshackle themselves from their shameful past while nonetheless burying themselves in more and different atrocities. As the other Complete races adapted to their twin natures, however, the races increasingly took back what was rightly theirs, using the power they had become familiar with and had integrated fully into themselves.
Other races sometimes mutter under their breath as a draconic passes, naming them a mutt or a scoundrel; other times, draconic are referred to as prime examples of power and resolve. They have more than enough of an engine behind them to hold their own politically, and few find the nerve to test them in more individual contexts. Although once a draconic was loathe to work under the command of another race, the younger generations have started to apply their rebellion against even this culture, and are often seen integrated into many positions throughout the nations.
Personality
The draconic are well-known for their retributive nature. Many draconic envy the other races for being "the best of their kind": Draconic forever live in the shadow of the true dragons. Others choose to intentionally revel in their unique place in the world, finding their own path apart from society. Draconic are universally a race of rebellion and a hot temper; how that manifests in the individual depends on their perspective.
Loyalist draconic are often devoted to the Principle of Freedom, being thoroughly invested in making a name for oneself. Older draconic were often devoted to Order, though the draconic Empire was quickly faltering. Power is as popular as with any other race; Destiny is particularly unusual among draconic, given that the Arbiters left them behind. Discovery is increasingly popular among younger demographics.
Age and Weight
Draconic are short-lived, relative to the other Complete races; their blood is not as pure as that of the true dragons, and they do not inherit a similarly long lifespan - although they still live for many decades, usually well clear of a century.
Traits
Size. Draconic are Medium sized, albeit particularly strong and sturdy. They receive no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Racial type. Draconic are not true dragons, and so do not inherit their features, instead treated as humanoid (reptilian).
Base speed. Draconic are not encumbered by their mass and move at a quick stride, having a base speed of 30 feet.
Languages. All draconic begin with the languages Common and Draconic. Draconic with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Aklo, Auran, Arbitrage, Giant, Gnoll, Sylvan, Terran.
Basic Features
+2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, -2 Dexterity. The draconic are tough and intense, but their scales preclude much agility.
Special Features
Powerful Build. The physical stature of the draconic lets them function in many ways as if they were one size category larger. Whenever a draconic is subject to a size modifier or special size modifier for a Combat Maneuver Bonus or Combat Maneuver Defense (such as during grapple checks, bull rush attempts, and trip attempts), the draconic is treated as one size larger if doing so is advantageous to her. A draconic is also considered to be one size larger when determining whether a creature's special attacks based on size (such as grab or swallow whole) can affect her. A draconic can use weapons designed for a creature one size larger without penalty. However, her space and reach remain those of a creature of his actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change the subject's size category.
Scaled Flesh. Draconic receive a +2 racial bonus to saving throws against poison, spells, and spell-like abilities and have a +1 natural armour bonus to their armour class. Unlike most typed bonuses, this stacks with other natural armour bonuses.
Strong Legs. Draconic receive a +10 racial bonus to their movement speed in a charge, run, or withdraw.
Strong Arms. Draconic receive a +2 racial bonus to Intimidate.
Not all draconic are the same; the blood of the true dragons is a part of five distinct metallic and five distinct chromatic lines, and there's little reason to assume the draconic behave too much differently.
Imperial
A lithe genetic offshoot of the draconic race, imperial draconic shed much of their bulk in exchange for a more intense prowess - yet remain distinct from the lizardfolk by way of their furious pride and sleek musculature. These draconic have the following modifications:
Ability score modifiers change to +2 Strength, +2 Intelligence, -2 Wisdom.
Imperial draconic lose the powerful build and strong arms racial features.
Imperial draconic gain the draconic training and indomitable racial features, as follows.
Draconic Training. Imperial draconic with proficiency with all simple weapons gain martial weapon proficiency with the bastard sword, longsword, and gladius. Imperial draconic with proficiency with all martial weapons gain exotic weapon proficiency with the bastard sword, falcata, fauchard, sawtooth sabre, and two-bladed sword. An imperial draconic chooses one of these weapons or a preferred weapon of their deity; they gain Weapon Focus with that weapon.
Indomitable. Imperial draconic receive a +2 racial bonus against fear effects.
Tomeclaw
Ability score modifiers change to +2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom, -2 Dexterity.
Heartskipper
Ability score modifiers change to +2 Strength, +2 Charisma, -2 Constitution.