Lizardfolk

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lizardfolk, as their name suggests, are humanoid reptiles. They have a unique semi-aquatic nature which allows them to hold their breath for extended periods of time. Their physical strength surpasses that of humans, on average, and their height is typically greater as well. In addition to these attributes, lizardfolk possess non-prehensile muscular tails which aid them in keeping balance and leaping. These tails, along with the rest of their body, are covered in tough scales which provide a layer of protection from potential predators. Moreover, their limbs have naturally hard spurs and talons which make them even more formidable. Lizardfolk also have sharp claws and teeth, and their jaws are powerful enough to crush bones. Interestingly, despite their humanoid appearance, they have more in common with iguanas or dragons than with humans, dwarves, or elves.

Biological Traits

Lizardfolk, being a reptilian species, have a unique characteristic of being able to easily distinguish between males and females of their own kind. This is due to their inherent traits that allow them to identify subtle physical differences between the sexes. However, non-reptilian species may find it challenging to differentiate between male and female lizardfolk, as they may not possess the same keen senses or instincts as their reptilian counterparts. Despite this, it is important to note that while this may be a challenging task for non-reptilians, it is not impossible. Through careful observation and study of lizardfolk anatomy and behavior, one can learn to identify the differences between male and female lizardfolk with greater ease.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lizardfolk lay clutches of eggs that hatch into young. They protect the eggs communally and ensure the survival of hatchlings, whose lives are especially challenging. Lizardfolk reach maturity within five years of hatching.

Growth Rate & Stages

As lizardfolk age, their bodies start to slow down, and they become less active. They often spend most of their time basking in the sun on beds of stone, enjoying the warmth and comfort it provides. Despite having a similar lifespan to humans, with some individuals living up to 80 years old, it is rare for lizardfolk males to die of old age. This is because their society is highly militaristic, and they often die in combat long before reaching old age. However, lizardfolk females tend to live longer as they are not typically involved in combat and instead spend their time caring for their young and contributing to their community in other ways. In addition, as they age, lizardfolk often become more wise and experienced, making them valuable members of their society. They are known to pass down their knowledge and skills to the younger generations, ensuring that their culture and traditions continue to thrive.

Ecology and Habitats

Lizardfolk are a fascinating species that inhabit the swamps and jungles of the world. They are known for thriving in the most forbidding grottoes, half-sunken ruins, and watery caverns. Lizardfolk fiercely protect their territory, and they generally dwell in well-hidden lairs that are heavily defended by traps. Their camps vary in style from community to community, and each one is uniquely adapted to the terrain it is built upon.
Despite their preference for staying close to home, some lizardfolk occasionally venture outside of their territory to hunt bigger and more dangerous prey. In fact, some lizardfolk have perfected the art of moving effortlessly and becoming almost invisible in their environment. They use camouflaged scouts to guard the perimeter of their domain, and when they detect unwelcome visitors, they send a hunting band to harass or drive the trespassers off. Alternatively, they may trick the intruders into blundering into the lairs of crocodiles and other dangerous creatures.
The lizardfolk mindset is truly remarkable, and it helps them to survive in a hostile environment filled with a staggering variety of threats. They are experts at focusing on survival, and they are always on the lookout for new ways to adapt and thrive. Whether they are hunting for food or defending their territory, lizardfolk are a force to be reckoned with.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Lizardfolk, being cold-blooded creatures, have a slow metabolism which makes them strongly value food, particularly meat. In fact, meat is their favorite food and they prefer it over other food sources, despite being omnivorous. When hunters bring back prey, adult lizardfolk eat first, taking what they want, while the young are usually left with the scraps and are forced to subsist on edible plants that they forage from nearby. As a result of their carnivorous tendencies, lizardfolk become easily distracted when presented with food, even in the midst of battle. However, a hungry lizardfolk is completely obstinate and difficult to negotiate with.
Lizardfolk rarely practice traditions of farming or cultivation, so food is acquired through animal husbandry, fishing, hunting, scavenging, or stealing. They rarely venture beyond their claimed hunting grounds and consider any beast or monster that enters their territory to be fair game to be stalked, killed, and devoured. Their preference for meat extends to great feasts and rituals, which often involve dancing, storytelling, and ritual combat.
Despite their ferocity and carnivorous nature, lizardfolk can be more easily negotiated with after a meal. They have a taste for great feasts and often engage in rites that involve storytelling and ritual combat. However, they do not like reaching too far beyond their borders, where they could easily become the hunted instead of the hunters.

Behaviour

Lizardfolk are known to have basic principles that differ from other creatures, making their behavior and thought processes difficult to comprehend. In combat, they are known to enter a frenzied state, attacking their enemies recklessly without any regard for their own safety, even if they are unarmed. Their movements are incredibly economical and they tend to remain still when idle. Despite these seemingly animalistic behaviors, lizardfolk are capable of experiencing emotions like any other creature. They are particularly fond of pleasurable things and will go to great lengths to preserve and protect them, even if it means putting themselves in danger. This protective instinct extends not only to their possessions but also to their kin. Lizardfolk are fiercely territorial and aggressive towards prey they want to eat or creatures that pose a threat to them, displaying an admirable level of resilience and adaptability. They take pleasure in assessing their surroundings and identifying creatures and things that allow them to perceive more situations as benign rather than fearsome, indicating a level of strategic thinking beyond what is typically attributed to them.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Lizardfolk have a natural inclination to gather in communities, and they tend to organize these communities around a patriarchal societal structure. Leadership positions within these communities are typically held by those who are considered to be the strongest and most powerful members of the group. The leaders are responsible for making important decisions that affect the community as a whole. They may also be responsible for mediating disputes between members of the community, and for providing guidance and support to those who need it. While the power dynamic within these communities can sometimes lead to conflict, it is generally seen as a necessary aspect of lizardfolk society, as it ensures that the strongest and most capable members of the community are in positions of leadership.

Facial characteristics

Lizardfolk, much like lizards, possess a wide range of individual facial features. From the shape and size of their eyes to the texture and color of their scales, each lizardfolk can have unique characteristics that distinguish them from others of their kind. This variation in appearance is not only fascinating but also serves practical purposes in their natural environments, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings or intimidate potential predators or prey.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lizardfolk have excellent vision, which allows them to easily spot prey from a distance, detect lurking threats, and navigate their swampy habitats safely. Their sharp eyesight also makes them exceptional hunters and enables them to track down even the most elusive prey with ease.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

The Lizardfolk have a unique way of naming individuals based on their significant achievements or actions. These names are derived from the Draconic language and are bestowed upon them by their community. The use of simple descriptors to refer to individuals is a common practice among the Lizardfolk, and it is believed to be a way of preserving the history and traditions of their people. The names are not only a form of identification but also serve as a reminder of a person's accomplishments and contributions to their community. This tradition is deeply embedded in the Lizardfolk culture and has been passed down from generation to generation.

Gender Ideals

In lizardfolk communities, there is a strong sense of unity and cooperation that is reflected in the roles and responsibilities of its members. Females are primarily tasked with hatching eggs, raising young, and maintaining the camp, but they do not do this alone. They work together to support one another and ensure the survival of the community. The raising of young is a particularly important task, and the females take great care to monitor their hatchlings closely, as these young ones tend to wander off into the wilderness if not watched carefully.
It is worth noting that lizardfolk do not make a distinction between male and female in their naming conventions. This reflects a cultural belief that all members of the community are equally important and valued, regardless of gender. This belief is reflected in many aspects of their society, from their communal living arrangements to the way they share resources and make decisions.

Average Technological Level

Most lizardfolk live in metal-poor areas and create their equipment, including fish hooks, spears, and tools, from stone, wood, and bone. They fashion weapons and tools from the natural resources found in their homelands. Lizardfolk prefer to make weapons from available materials, resulting in relatively simplistic and limited varieties; however, these are no less effective than any other weapon or tool. Lizardfolk possess knowledge of the ideal animals and stones to craft weapons, armor, and tools that meet their needs. Additionally, they sometimes use weapons found or stolen from other peoples, with leaders typically obtaining items through barter or theft. One unique weapon of the lizardfolk is the barbed dart, and they show a keen interest in spelljammer technology.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Lizardfolk are known to have a strong affinity for Draconic and are often observed speaking the language fluently. Apart from Draconic, they are also known to be familiar with other languages such as Dwarven, Elven, Gnoll, Goblin, Orc, or even Aquan depending on the region they inhabit. It is interesting to note that despite their linguistic abilities, most ordinary lizardfolk are illiterate. It is believed that they learned the Draconic language from dragons in ancient times when the two species were known to have a close relationship. However, due to the evolution of their language and communication skills over time, lizardfolk have adopted and adapted to other languages as well. In some cases, lizardfolk have even developed their own unique dialects which are specific to their respective communities.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Lizardfolk, a species known for their remarkable physical defenses and mystical connection to the natural world, possess an inherent ability to survive in situations that would be deadly for other species. They understand the importance of superior tools and weapons in resisting steel-wielding invaders and trade for metal when possible or strip it from their dead enemies when necessary, thus showcasing their resourcefulness and adaptability.
It's worth noting that neighboring tribes often forge alliances against formidable enemies, even in the face of hostile ones, demonstrating their sense of community and cooperation. Although leadership challenges are rare, any member of the tribe can seize power from the leader, leaving the tribe disorganized and vulnerable until a new leader takes charge or the old leader reasserts their position.
Despite their impressive hunting skills, lizardfolk often rely on strength and weight of numbers in battle. They have a unique battle strategy of charging their foes head-on, trying to push them into water where they enjoy an advantage. In situations of attack or pursuit, when their camps are in danger or territory is invaded, their hunting skills come to the fore, laying traps, snares, and pitfalls, organizing ambushes, and raiding enemy supplies, which demonstrates their tactical prowess and ability to adapt to different situations.
However, unlike many other species, art and beauty have little meaning for them. They see little need to plan more than a season or so into the future, which allows them to maintain their current level of influence in the world, but often limits their growth. They have little interest in developing writing, making long-term plans, or cultivating other methods to progress beyond their simple existence as hunters, gatherers, and breeders of dinosaurs.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Lizardfolk are an interesting species that seem to lack a deep connection to their past, which has resulted in them having a unique perspective when analyzing situations. They tend to make decisions based on the current and future utility and importance of the situation, rather than emotional ties to the past. However, they have a deep respect for the cycle of life and death, and have a unique way of dealing with death. When a comrade dies, the lizardfolk see them as a potential source of sustenance for their environment, and leave the dead to provide continuity to the circle of life.
It is fascinating to note that the lizardfolk are not just hunters, but also possess the ability to craft tools and ornamental jewelry from the bones of their kills. They also use the hides and shells of dead monsters to create shields for protection. This resourcefulness is one of their key traits and is highly valued in their society.
One of the most interesting things about the lizardfolk is their tradition of breeding and training dinosaurs. This is a practice that has been passed down for generations and is an integral part of their society. The lizardfolk take great pride in their ability to train and breed these creatures, and it is a source of great fascination for outsiders.
The lizardfolk also have a deep respect for nature and view it as a deity that is uncaring and unfeeling, and dismisses the suffering of its followers, expecting them to take care of themselves. They do not have shrines or temples, but they take great pride in their religious traditions. The lizardfolk shamans lead their people, overseeing rites and ceremonies performed to honor nature and the cycle of life and death.
It is interesting to note that the lizardfolk have a deep respect and fear of magic, and view it with religious awe. This is another aspect of their society that is highly valued, and it is an important part of their cultural heritage.
Lastly, it is important to mention that one of the lizardfolk's staple foods is a species of giant gourds, which they hollow and dry to create oversized containers for storing various liquids. This is another example of their resourcefulness and ability to make use of everything around them, ensuring that nothing goes to waste without purpose.

History

According to certain sages, there is a theory that suggests the saurian lizardfolk may be related to the dragonborn and kobolds, albeit in a distant sense. While the lizardfolk do not have a written history, it is evident that their culture is incredibly ancient, and has remained practically unaltered throughout the eons. This could be due to the fact that they have been able to maintain a certain way of life that has allowed them to preserve their traditions and customs, which are passed down orally from generation to generation. Additionally, their natural environment has also played a significant role in their culture, as it has shaped their way of life and contributed to the evolution of their unique customs and beliefs.

Common Myths and Legends

The lizardfolk, believed to be one of the oldest humanoid races on Caanae, are said to have inhabited the swamps, deserts, and jungles since the beginning of time. They were known for their advanced civilization that had an exceptional command over the depths of the earth and sea, as well as the highest mountain peaks, and had the ability to draw power from both celestials and fiends. Their empire flourished, and they expanded their territory until their pride and arrogance led to their downfall. According to some versions, the gods themselves punished the lizardfolk for their hubris, causing their once-great empire to fall and their descendants to scatter across the land. Fallen towers, now half-buried in the muck, are the only remnants of their former glory.
However, there are other stories that tell of the lizardfolk's downfall being linked to the arrival of the giants, who founded their own great empire from the ashes of the once-powerful lizardfolk. Despite their resemblance to other scaled folk, the lizardfolk are a unique and distinct group of people who have been living on the Material Plane since its creation. Their myths and legends suggest that their people were placed on the Material Plane by the gods themselves to guard its natural wonders, which they still hold in high esteem to this day.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Lizardfolk are a species known for their initial distrust of outsiders, but they have the potential to become loyal allies once trust is established. They are primarily found in swamp environments, which are home to few other sentient creatures. In these swamps, lizardfolk must compete with bullywugs for resources, often forming alliances with locathahs or powerful creatures such as dragons or nagas to ensure their survival.
In rare cases, when members of other humanoid species aid the lizardfolk and gain their respect, the lizardfolk will often reward them with large bronze amulets that protect the wearer from all lizardfolk attacks, unless the lizardfolk are forced to defend themselves. The symbol emblazoned on the bronze is highly respected among the lizardfolk, and each lizardfolk is taught to honor and respect it.
While lizardfolk typically deal and trade with other species infrequently, they can establish alliances with humans, dwarves, halflings, and elves once trust has been established. Once they have formed these ties, lizardfolk become steadfast and fierce allies. Despite their initial distrust, lizardfolk are fully capable of understanding and befriending people of other species, making them not only faithful but also skilled allies.

Lifespan

~80 years

Average Height

Between 6 and 7 feet tall.

Average Weight

Between 200 and 250 pounds.

Average Length

~4 ft.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Lizardfolk exhibit a wide array of scale patterns and have colorful scales covering their skin, which ranges in color from dark green to shades of brown and gray.