Chameleonfolk

"The leopard doesn't change its spots? Stupid cat."
-Kasssk of the Baobab

These mysterious lizardfolk are native not to the swamps but the treetops. Due to their natural camouflage abilities, and solitary and skittish natures, most adventurers may never a chameleonfolk — until it's too late.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity Score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Alignment

Like other lizardfolk, most chameleonfolk are neutral. They see the world as a place of predators and prey, where life and death are natural processes. They wish only to survive, and prefer to leave other creatures to their own devices.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Draconic.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a climbing speed of 30 feet. You can climb any surface that your claws can grip and that can support your weight.

Natural Armor

You have a tough scaly skin which blends in with your surroundings. When you aren't wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.

Bite

Your fangs are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with a bit attack, you can deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Tongue

You can use your tongue to grapple Medium or smaller creatures. When using your tongue to grapple, you have a reach of 10 feet and use your Dexterity (Acrobatics) modifier instead of your Strength (Athletics) modifier (you can still grapple with your hands in the normal fashion). If you succeed in grappling the target, it is caught in your mouth and you can make a bite attack as a bonus action. You can repeat this bite as a bonus action on each subsequent turn that your target remains grappled.

Natural Camouflage (replaces Cunning Artisan)

As an action, you are able to alter the pigmentation of your skin. When in natural environments, you have you advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks and attempts to hide. While you can effect simple colour gradations, this ability does not give you the ability to perfectly mimic surroundings, and generally cannot be used indoors, unless building materials are natural and unadorned.
Regardless of your surroundings, you can also use your skin pigmentation to communicate simple messages with other Chameleonfolk.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Chameleonfolk are a little bulkier and taller than humans, and their cranial casques (which are larger on males) make them appear even taller. Your size is Medium.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most reptilians, Chameleonfolk reproduce by laying eggs. They are not cared for by their parents, but young are tended communally until they are old enough to fend for themselves.

Growth Rate & Stages

Chameleonfolk reach maturity around age 14 and rarely live longer than 60 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Arboreal Nature (replaces Hold Breath, extends Hunter's Lore)

You are most at home in the trees. Your tail provides extra stability when climbing, allowing you to keep one hand free for attacks or other actions. Actions requiring use of both hands may also be taken with disadvantage while climbing.
You gain proficiency with two of the following skills of your choice: Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Nature, Perception, Stealth, and Survival.
You have advantage on Wisdom (Nature) checks made to gain information about trees.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Diet: Carnivorous

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Panoramic Eyes (replaces Hungry Jaws)

Your eyes protrude from your head and can be rotated independently of each other, giving you a natural 360º field of vision. You have advantage on passive Wisdom (Perception) and Intelligence (Investigation) checks that rely on sight.
You cannot be surprised by creatures behind you, and enemy creatures gain no advantage from flanking you. Features such as Pack Tactics that are not directly dependent on your line of sight are not affected by this ability.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Lizardfolk

Scientific Name

Lacertehomo calyptratus

Related Organizations

• Principality of Canth