"Vareek traced his clawed fingers over the ancient glyphs carved into the stone wall, his reflective eyes narrowing as he deciphered their meaning. The ruins were older than any he had studied before, remnants of a time before the Rebirth. His journey had brought him far from the isolated compound of his people, guided by a celestial alignment that had revealed itself in the night sky. 'Are you sure this is the right place, Vareek?' asked Elara, the party's rogue. Without looking up, Vareek replied in a calm, measured tone, 'The stars do not lie. We are precisely where we need to be.'
Elara hesitated, then asked, 'And what exactly are we looking for?' Vareek finally turned to her, his expression serious. 'Knowledge. Power that has been forgotten but must be understood. The world is shaped by forces beyond most comprehension, and I intend to uncover them.' Despite the dangers that lurked in the shadows, Vareek moved with the calm precision of a scholar. Every discovery was a step closer to mastering the arcane forces that shaped the world, and he would not rest until the stars revealed their final secret."
The Scaleborn are a rare and enigmatic race, believed to be a fusion of humans and ancient lizard-like creatures, shaped by the cataclysmic energies of the Rebirth. Known for their vast knowledge and deep connection to the arcane, the Scaleborn are often seen as stoic scholars, venturing from their secluded compounds in pursuit of ancient secrets, celestial omens, or new fields of study. Their presence is marked by an air of mystery and wisdom, suggesting an understanding of truths beyond the reach of ordinary beings.
Origins Wrapped in Mystery
The origins of the Scaleborn are as mysterious as the Rebirth itself—a cataclysmic event that reshaped the world and its inhabitants. Much of the history before this event was lost, leaving only fragmented records. The Scaleborn believe their ancestors were humans who, during the Rebirth, were fused with giant lizards that once roamed their island homes. These lizards, now largely extinct, are revered by the Scaleborn as their ancestral kin, embodying the strength, resilience, and magical affinity that define their race.
This belief forms the cornerstone of Scaleborn identity. They view themselves as products of the world’s reshaping, a new species forged from the remnants of the old world, and a testament to the arcane forces that shaped them. To the Scaleborn, life is a cycle of learning and transformation, mirroring the cosmic forces that govern the stars and the earth. They dedicate their lives to understanding these forces, seeing their existence as intertwined with the very essence of reality.
Sanctuaries of Learning
The Scaleborn live in isolated compounds on remote islands, where they dedicate their lives to the study of magic, the interpretation of celestial signs, and the preservation of ancient lore. These compounds serve as both homes and vast repositories of knowledge, designed to withstand the passage of time and the shifting nature of Tavomia.
Scaleborn society is structured around a hierarchy based on magical aptitude and scholarly achievement. At the pinnacle are the Elders, revered for their wisdom and mastery of the arcane. These Elders advocate for cautious study, particularly when it comes to phenomena like Reality Storms and Thin Reality—events they believe could unravel the fabric of Tavomia. Younger or more impulsive Scaleborn often push for bolder action, eager to uncover secrets, even at great risk. This tension between careful study and reckless curiosity shapes Scaleborn culture, driving both meticulous research and daring expeditions.
Unraveling the Dream of Tavomia
The Scaleborn, with their deep understanding of the arcane and meticulous observation of cosmic phenomena, suspect that the world is not as it seems. They are among the few who sense that reality can be mutable, with anomalies and sudden changes in the constellations hinting at Tavomia's dream-like nature.
For the Scaleborn, these occurrences are not just curiosities but essential to understanding existence. Some become obsessed with studying Reality Storms and Thin Reality, seeing them as pathways to uncovering the truth of Tavomia. This obsession often leads to perilous expeditions, where the dangers are weighed against the potential for groundbreaking discoveries. Their drive to understand these phenomena is both their greatest strength and their most significant vulnerability.
Pragmatic and Passionate
To those who encounter them, the Scaleborn can seem distant and detached, focused solely on their goals. Their logical demeanor often gives the impression of indifference to the concerns of others. However, beneath this exterior lies a deep well of knowledge and a passion for understanding that rivals the most fervent scholars.
Scaleborn are often sought out for their wisdom in matters of history and magic. Despite their reputation for being aloof, they form alliances with those who share their dedication to knowledge and respect those who demonstrate intelligence and wisdom. Their relationships, however, are typically based on mutual benefit rather than personal connection, and they rarely form deep emotional bonds.
Guided by Celestial Omens
The Scaleborn place great importance on omens and celestial alignments, believing that the stars and cosmic phenomena reveal hidden truths and guide their actions. When a Scaleborn reads a portent in the stars, they see it as a directive that must be followed, regardless of the consequences. This belief drives many of their decisions, sometimes leading them into dangerous situations. While Elders counsel patience and careful study, younger Scaleborn may rush into action, swept up by the urgency of the omen. This balance between caution and obsession defines the Scaleborn, as they walk the thin line between wisdom and recklessness.
The Scaleborn's Role in Tavomia
The Scaleborn occupy a unique position in the world. Though few in number, their influence is felt wherever knowledge is valued. They are frequently consulted by leaders, scholars, and adventurers seeking to understand the mysteries of the past or unravel complex magical phenomena. Despite their distant nature, Scaleborn often find themselves at the center of important events, guiding others through the challenges of a world still healing from the Rebirth.
Other races often view the Scaleborn with a mixture of awe and caution. While their wisdom is respected, their willingness to take extreme risks in pursuit of knowledge makes others wary. Stories of Scaleborn who ventured too close to the edge of reality, never to return, are well-known. This reputation sometimes isolates the Scaleborn, as others fear their obsession with the unknown could lead to unintended consequences.
Adventures Driven by Discovery
Scaleborn adventurers are driven by a thirst for knowledge. Whether uncovering the mysteries of the past, mastering new forms of magic, or exploring the world to catalog its wonders, their quest for understanding is insatiable. Some seek to restore what was lost in the Rebirth, while others strive to prevent another catastrophe.
Interactions with Other Races
The Scaleborn generally maintain a neutral stance toward other races, preferring observation and study over direct involvement. They collaborate best with those who share a respect for knowledge and the arcane, often bonding over scholarly pursuits. In contrast, they may distrust those who manipulate magic irresponsibly, viewing it as a misuse of arcane power.
For other races, the Scaleborn remain open to dialogue and are willing to share their knowledge with those who approach them respectfully. They are cautious but willing to form alliances with those who do not threaten their scholarly pursuits or the balance of the arcane.
Language and Naming
The Scaleborn language is melodic and precise, with a rhythmic flow that mirrors the ebb and flow of the ocean. Their speech is slow and deliberate, reflecting their thoughtful nature and preference for clarity. When speaking other languages, Scaleborn often maintain this careful and measured tone.
Scaleborn names are inspired by celestial bodies, arcane concepts, and natural elements. These names are chosen for their melodic quality, often featuring soft consonants and flowing vowels. Each name carries a significant meaning, believed to reflect the individual's destiny or important events in their life. Scaleborn do not use family or clan names, relying instead on their given names to distinguish themselves.
Male Names: Aelion, Zareth, Lysor, Thalor, Varek
Female Names: Serina, Veyla, Xalira, Talyss, Yavira
Scaleborn Racial Traits
Your Scaleborn character has the following racial traits.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Age. Scaleborn reach maturity by age 25 and can live up to 300 years.
Alignment. Scaleborn are generally neutral, often leaning toward lawful or chaotic alignments based on their individual philosophies.
Size. Scaleborn stand between 6 and 8 feet tall and weigh between 250 and 350 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Arcane Aptitude. You know one cantrip of your choice from the wizard spell list. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for it. You also have proficiency in the Arcana skill.
Natural Armor. You have tough, scaly skin. 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.
Poisonous Bite. Your fangs are a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal poison damage equal to 1d4 + your Constitution modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Lazy Metabolism. You can go without food for up to 5 days. After this period, you gain one level of exhaustion, which can only be removed by eating a meal. You need only 4 hours of sleep to gain the benefits of a long rest. During this time, you remain fully aware of your surroundings.
Emotionless. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed and frightened.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Landrian (Common), Scaleborn, and one other language of your choice.
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