Lizardfolk
Lizardfolk, or Scaleskin as they are often known, represent the endurance of the ancient world into the modern age. Crafted by the Kui-Yuk elves as part of their grand experiments, the Lizardfolk outlived their creators, evolving beyond the confines of servitude to forge their own destiny amidst the ruins of empires.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Lizardfolk possess a robust and scalable anatomy, featuring tough, keratinous skin that varies in coloration from deep greens to earthy browns, providing natural camouflage. Their physical form includes a tail, which aids in balance and swimming, and sharp claws for defense and hunting.
Biological Traits
Adaptation and survival are the cornerstones of Lizardfolk biology, with some tribes exhibiting unique traits such as aquatic adaptations or venomous bites, depending on their lineage and environment.
Genetics and Reproduction
Lizardfolk reproduce through eggs, laid in clutches in carefully guarded nests. Their genetic diversity allows for adaptation to various environments, resulting in a range of physical adaptations among different tribes.
Growth Rate & Stages
From hatchling to elder, Lizardfolk experience rapid growth in their early years, reaching physical maturity by the age of 10. Their lifespan, while varying, can extend up to 120 years, with wisdom and status growing with age.
Ecology and Habitats
Adaptable to a multitude of environments, Lizardfolk tribes can be found in swamps, dense jungles, arid deserts, and rocky coasts. Their homes are often built in harmony with their surroundings, utilizing natural materials and camouflage. Those who have had their regions settled by humankind expansion, generally migrate or stay in small fishing colonies.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Primarily carnivorous, Lizardfolk diets consist of hunting local fauna, fishing, and foraging for specific plants and fungi. Some tribes have developed agricultural practices, cultivating crops that thrive in their habitats.
Behaviour
Lizardfolk society emphasizes survival, strength, and the wisdom of the elders. While often perceived as stoic or detached, they possess a deep sense of community and tradition, valuing the well-being of their tribe above all.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Tribal and clan-based, Lizardfolk societies are led by the strongest and wisest among them, with roles and responsibilities distributed based on abilities and contributions to the tribe.
Facial characteristics
Lizardfolk faces feature elongated skulls, sharp teeth, and eyes with vertical slits, expressions that often seem inscrutable to other races.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Lizardfolk are widespread across Seerth, with each tribe adapting to and claiming dominion over their chosen territories, from the sweltering depths of the rainforests to the secluded shores, opting for seclusion and protection against the ever expanding nations of humankind.
Average Intelligence
Possessing intelligence comparable to humans, Lizardfolk have a keen understanding of their environment, capable of intricate tribal societies, strategic thinking, and, in some cases, the manipulation of magic.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
With keen senses adapted to their environments, Lizardfolk excel in hunting and tracking. Their vision, capable of detecting movement with high acuity, is complemented by a sensitive tongue, capable of tasting the air to detect prey and predators alike.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Lizardfolk names are derived from their language, a complex combination of hisses, clicks, and tones. Names often reflect the individual's traits, achievements, or the environment of their birth.
Major Organizations
Tribes and clans are the primary forms of Lizardfolk organization, with each tribe often led by a council of elders, a single chieftain or a rune magic expert.
Average Technological Level
While traditionally reliant on primitive tools and weapons, some Lizardfolk tribes have begun to adopt or develop more advanced technologies, often through trade or the repurposing of artifacts from other races.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
The Lizardfolk language is rich and varied, with each tribe boasting its dialect. Many also learn Common or other regional languages to facilitate trade and diplomacy.
Common Etiquette Rules
Respect and strength are central to Lizardfolk etiquette. Meetings and greetings often involve displays of martial prowess or the exchange of gifts and stories.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Lizardfolk culture is deeply rooted in their connection to the natural world, with traditions and rituals that celebrate the cycles of life, the hunt, and the elements
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Rites of passage, hunting ceremonies, and seasonal festivals are integral to Lizardfolk culture, each imbued with deep spiritual significance.
Common Taboos
Showing weakness or harming the tribe's unity are among the gravest taboos in Lizardfolk society.
History
The history of the Lizardfolk is a saga of survival and adaptation, marked by their emergence from servitude, through wars of liberation, to the establishment of their tribes as sovereign entities within the changing world of Seerth.
Historical Figures
Ssathra the Unifier, who brought together disparate tribes to fend off an invasion of elves in the Serpent Wilds
Tsalik the Wise, an elder who first discovered ancient rune magic that protected the mainland tribes for generations.
Common Myths and Legends
Lizardfolk mythology is rich with tales of creation, gods of the natural world, and legendary heroes who exemplify the virtues of strength, cunning, and wisdom.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
While wary of outsiders, Lizardfolk are capable of forming alliances and trading relationships with other races, particularly those who respect their traditions and territories.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Lizardfolk live an average of 60-120 years, with their rugged constitution granting them resilience against disease and the hardships of their often harsh habitats.
Average Height
Adult Lizardfolk stand between 1.7 to 2.2 meters tall, with their height and build varying significantly among tribes and individuals.
Average Weight
The weight of a Lizardfolk can range from 70 to 140 kilograms, influenced by their diet, environment, and specific genetic traits.
Average Physique
Robust and muscular, the Lizardfolk are built for physical prowess, excelling in tasks requiring strength and endurance.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their skin tones and patterns are as varied as the environments they inhabit, serving as both camouflage and indicators of tribal lineage.
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