So, as you've probably guessed, my new story is comprised mostly of shapeshifting characters. Felanai, Canai, and now, Draconai. The Draconai are my trouble tribe . I have them mostly figured out, but there are some parts where I'm stuck.

Draconai appear to be human, completely and totally. I was thinking that when they were created, it was decided that none should know of their abilities until the moment where they need it most, so a person could go through life thinking themselves completely human, and in a moment of danger find themselves shapeshifting into a dragon. Being Draconai isn't a genetic trait; two parents of any race or lineage could end up having a Draconai child.

Does this sound too weird or strange? These are still in developement, so I'm open to ideas! Any thought, advice, or commets are welcome!

It sounds like a unique and original idea. I wouldn't say that it's weird or unusual.

Is becoming a Draconai an ability that is distributed randomly throughout humanity? Or is it an ability that all humans have the potential for, but only the strongest receive during a moment of crisis? Or is there another cause, such as being chosen at birth?

Jonathan, being Draconai is a random ability, which only select people have. It is a random trait distributed through the humans in a different world. I'm still working out the details for this, though.

Thanks Varon!

It's a fascinating idea.

I like it too Sounds very interesting!

Very cool. I like the Draconai.
There is one question though. Is the ability of the Draconai handed out completely at random, or is there a guiding force deciding who will be one of the Draconai?
Another question is, "What is the singular of Draconai?"

I'm not sure you'd call this a race, if it is completely random. A race is a people group with it's customs and history and whatnot. Unless, of course, Draconai get thrown out of human society from fear or superstition and have created their own society. Otherwise I'd call "Draconai" a power. Is it just in humans, or can other fantasy races be Draconai?

Reiyen, it appears to happen completely at random, but God directs who recieves the Draconai ability and when they finally use it.
Currently, Draconai is both singular and plural form for these creatures. I'm not sure whether or not I'll change that.

Right now, the Draconai ability only goes through humans, but since I haven't developed it that far yet, it might go through other races as well. Occasionally Draconai are shunned from their communities, and end up meeting others and building their own, but for the most part, they stay with their original families and groups.
And I think this is a people group, but I could be wrong about my categorizing.

What happens if two Draconai marry? Does it go genetically get passed on or even then is the chance still the same?

"Draconai" seems a little bit heavy handed to me. Why would something in a different world with dudes who turn in to dragons happen to be called "draconai?"
Just seems a bit cliche to me....

But I like the shape shifter thing fine!

I don't know. . . think about it. If for some reason people IRL started shapeshifting into dragons, wouldn't the name we'd give them have the root word of dragon? The peeps in a fantasy setting would do the same.

Mmm I like the name Draconai because it's not the same, but it relates to them in a way at the same time.

I'm not sure what you thought was heavyhanded, was it the name? In that world, any shapeshifter is referred to by a form of the name of the alternate shape, with an 'ai' added on the end. Thus, Draconai.

If two Draconai marry, there's no greater chance of any of their children being Draconai as well.

Thanks for your support, everyone! It's really helped me; I was kind of unsure of these creatures at first.

I like them, especially the idea of God directing which people have this ability.

So Canai turn into cans? Sorry, just had to say that.

Do they speak English in this world?

Haha. I presume so. Like Star Trek!

Plus the fact that she has dragons, so "Draconai" would make sense.

Now there's an idea.


In this world, they speak whatever language they come into contact with first. It doesn't take long for the creatures of my fantasy world to catch on to another language (simply because that's easier to handle for now )

And yep, there are dragons.