Dragons: humanoid forms & tells
In my lore, true dragons are capable of magically shifting into a humanoid form, though their skill at doing so - and interest in it - may vary a lot.
The ability to shift form into appearing like a completely different species is certainly an incredible one and how dragons are capable of this is poorly understood, though it's assumed to be an adaptation tied to the rise of humanoids as sapient species. It is a skill many wyrmlings are urged to learn as soon as possible by their parents, as blending in among humanoids is a very useful survival skill. On top of that, humanoid forms are useful for using many tools and weapons, enjoying different foods and drinks, getting into places not accessible by dragons etc. There's dragons that spend years at a time in humanoid form, sometimes even the majority of their lives.
A dragon cannot influence how their humanoid form looks any more than we can, unless they use additional magic to cast illusion spells on themselves. A human-appearing form is most common, though some dragons may appear more like tieflings, elves etc. There does seem to be some sort of genetic factor, as wyrmlings' humanoid forms will resemble that of their parents in the same manner true humanoids will.
Common tells for recognizing a dragon in human form
There are tells for recognize a dragon in human form, though they vary and can be very subtle. These include:
- Glowing eyes. Seems to be present in just about all dragons, though the intensity can vary - their eyes will often glow brighter when the dragon is curious, agitated or experiencing another strong emotion.
- The presence of scales. Very common, usually found around the eyes, may also be present on the temples, forehead etc. Scales on the shoulders, torso and/or hips are also common. They can be arranged in rows/patterns or scattered. The scales match the colour of the dragon in their true form.
- Sharper/larger canines than expected. Common. Varies a lot between species and the difference may be subtle.
- Horns, tails, pointed nails etc. These traits are far more unusual, and dragons possessing them will generally try to pass them off as tiefling traits.
While the dragon feels calm and collected, these traits can be incredibly subtle; they are most often noticed when a dragon is agitated or spooked, acting out in a less controlled/unintentional way.
- Hissing, usually in instinctive response when suddenly frightened. Surprised or amused snorts are also a tell.
- Twitching lips, baring their teeth, growling. Likewise an instinctive reaction, usually as an aggressive response. Many dragons are prone to biting, though not necessarily out of aggression - some species bite to show affection as well.
- An intense, often unblinking stare, especially in response to sudden motion or anything that captivates the dragon's interest. Some report feeling unnerved when observed by a dragon, feeling "like prey".
- A tendency to lift their nose to scent the Weave, easily mistaken for normal sniffing for smells. In reality the dragon is getting a read on nearby magic.
- Many dragons are territorial and strong-willed, not to mention aware of their own strength. This can lead to them appearing as very strong-willed, uncaring towards danger etc. They can also react strongly to the presence of other dragons, often leading to challenges and tests to gauge the other's intentions, sometimes outright aggression.
- While in humanoid form, dragons intentionally suppress their draconic aura, towards which some beings are more sensitive to than others. Beasts such as horses, cats and dogs are often more skilled at picking up even faint magical auras and may react to a dragon's presence, most often with distrust, or even fear, even at a faint aura.
- There are charms, spells and tools that can sense a draconic presence with varying accurancy. They are generally rare and expensive.
- Dragons are deeply magical beings, capable of using it in instinctive and unique ways that are unattainable to humanoids. However, magic is a complex and difficult subject in which most people have little knowledge, so this can be a difficult tell - but there are highly skilled arcane users that will notice the difference. Some people are also skilled enough to notice the difference between different kinds of magic, and will recognize the traits of draconic magic.
