Troglodyte

Troglodytes are a reptillian humanoid race that lives in caves, typically found in the Underdark.

Description

Appearance

Troglodytes are like a smaller, less imposing version of Lizardfolk. Standing between five and six feet tall, their bodies are covered in scales that shift color and pattern based on their environment. They have large mouths with needle-like teeth and small, beady eyes. Their limbs are wlender and willowy and their tails are slim and not even long enough to touch the ground when standing upright.

Statistics

Troglodyte
Medium humanoid
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 18
Speed 30 ft.

STR 14 (+2)
DEX 10 (+0)
CON 14 (+2)
INT 6 (-2)
WIS 10 (+0)
CHA 6 (-2)

Darkvision 60 ft.
Languages Troglodyte, Undercommon

Camoflauge The troglodyte has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide.

Stench Any creature other than a troglodyte that starts its turn within 5 feet of the troglodyte must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the start of the creature's next turn. On a successful saving throw, the creature is immune to the stench of all troglodytes for 1 hour.

Sunlight Sensitivity While in sunlight, the troglodyte has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions
Multiattack The troglodyte makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
Bite Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Claw Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) slashing damage.

History

Early history

It is believed that Troglodytes were once Lizardfolk. Forced to make their home in the Underdark, they adapted to their environment until they were far from the creatures they once were. Part of the harsh environment meant that they developed a harsh culture as well. Competing with Drow, Duergar and other such beings, survival relied on brutality and efficiency. Neither as skilled or as sturdy as their rivals, the defensive stench glands they developed made it much easier for them to escape, with the unfortunate side effect of giving them a reputation for being cowards.

Society

Troglodyte leaders are chosen by strength, with the strongest and toughest troglodyte becoming the chieftain, and the next strongest becoming their warriors. This is regardless of gender. Weakness of any kind from a leader is grounds for mutiny. Young troglodytes were raised by the whole tribe rather than by their specific parents and were actively encouraged to fight each other at a young age. Most tools are weapons are made of stone, due to them lacking the means to do any forging. Steel or metallic weapons are usually taken from fallen enemies and are viewed as a sign of strength. Troglodytes are given weapons by the time they were two years old and if they obtain steel weapons they are usually followed by other members, inflating their ego and usually encouraging them to eventually to challenge for the chieftain position. Old troglodytes are assumed to have gathered wisdom over the years because they'd survived so long, with elders becoming shamans or the chieftain's right hand. Very few members of a tribe are not warriors, besides dedicated hunter-gatherers and clerics.