Draconians
Ancient reptilian warriors forged by dark sorcery to conquer Midkemia.
The Draconians are a fearsome race of reptilian humanoids originating from the distant planet Dragaia, serving as the primary antagonistic force in the early conflicts of The Riftwar Saga. Created through dark sorcery by the ancient sorcerer Kellhus and later manipulated by the Tsurani Empire, they possess immense physical strength, natural armor, and a deep-seated hatred for humanity. Their arrival on Midkemia marks a turning point in history, transforming local skirmishes into an existential war for survival.
- Origin
- Dragaia
- Affiliation
- Tsurani Empire (initially), Independent Warbands
- Physical Traits
- Reptilian humanoids with scales and claws
- Key Abilities
- Superhuman strength, fire resistance, flight (some castes)
- First Appearance
- The Riftwar Saga novels
- Status
- Active belligerents in the Tsurani invasion
Lore & Background
Born from the twisted alchemy and blood magic of the ancient world, the Draconians were originally engineered as a weapon rather than a natural species. Their creation is shrouded in the mists of pre-history, but their purpose was always clear: destruction. Unlike the noble dragons of legend, these creatures are humanoid in shape yet retain the terrifying physiology of lizards and snakes, granting them resilience against fire and physical trauma that would kill ordinary men. Upon arriving through the rifts from Dragaia, they were initially used as shock troops by the Tsurani invaders. However, their nature is volatile; while they serve with brutal efficiency when commanded, they possess a savage intelligence and a capacity for independent cruelty that often makes them dangerous even to their masters. They view humanity not merely as enemies, but as prey, driven by an instinctual hunger that transcends simple military orders.
In Their Own Story
The air above the valley grew thick with the scent of sulfur and ozone, a warning sign that no bird would dare ignore. From the jagged tear in reality, they poured forth—scales gleaming like polished obsidian under the setting sun, eyes burning with an ancient, predatory malice. A Draconian warrior stepped onto the Midkemean soil, its heavy tail dragging through the grass, leaving a trail of crushed flora and fear. It did not speak; it simply roared, a sound that vibrated in the bones of every soldier watching from the ridge, signaling that the age of peace was over and the time of the reptile had begun.
Reader's Guide
The existence of Draconians is rooted in the ancient history of Dragaia, where they were created as instruments of war long before the current conflict. Their introduction to Midkemia via the rifts represents a catastrophic breach between worlds, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape. Historically, their arrival forced the fractured kingdoms of Midkemia to unite under the banner of the Empire, realizing that local disputes meant nothing against such an existential threat. The Draconians' presence validates ancient prophecies and myths regarding the return of old evils, shaping the worldview of characters like Arutha and Pug. Their influence extends beyond the battlefield; they serve as a constant reminder of the fragility of civilization when faced with forces from beyond the known world. This historical context drives the urgency of the protagonists' actions, transforming a political struggle into a desperate fight for the survival of their species.
Did You Know?
- Draconians are not native to Midkemia but hail from the distant planet Dragaia.
- They possess natural resistance to fire and extreme temperatures due to their reptilian physiology.
- Some Draconian castes have the ability to fly, making them formidable aerial threats.
- Their creation is attributed to ancient dark sorcery rather than natural evolution.