Lizardfolk
Lizardfolk are proud and powerful reptilian predators from the hostile environs of the Forbidden Lands. Their remote homeland and a reluctance to travel have left the lizardfolk regarded as savages. In earlier Ages, scholars believed that lizardfolk were mutated humans or dragon-human cross-breeds. However, lizardfolk are actually a vibrant race filled with tradition and an oral history stretching back to the First Age.
Most lizardfolk stand 6 to 7 feet tall and weigh 200 to 250 pounds, their powerful muscles covered in scales of gray, green, or brown. Some have short dorsal spikes or brightly colored frills. As their reptilian blood makes them sluggish in the cold, most lizardfolk hunt and work during the day. Lizardfolk have a very slow rate of reproduction. Though generally neutral, lizardfolks’ standoffish demeanor, staunch rejection of other race's traditions, and legendary ferocity in battle cause them to be viewed negatively by most "civilized" people. As for their tendency to consume the bodies of dead friends and enemies alike, the practical lizardfolk are quick to point out that life is hard in the desert and nothing should go to waste.
Origin of the Lizardfolk
The society of lizardfolk is based upon a worship of fire and the sun. The central figure in the milieu is the mother-figure, Llith, who is said to have been born from the lava of Ssruthu (commonly called the Scaly Mountain due to an unusual rippled lava pattern resembling serpent's scales). Llith is said to have laid a million eggs. Where the eggs fell into the water, the race of Sahuagin were born. Where the eggs fell onto the earth, the greater reptilian race (lizardfolk) and the lesser reptilian race (kobolds) were hatched. The shells of Llith's eggs are rumored to be among the rocks strewn throughout the Forbidden Lands.
Lizardfolk Society
Lizardfolk live in a caste system based on their hatching brood.
- Cinixi - The cinixi are tall and powerful reptillions. Many of them have wings that enable them to fly proficiently. They are easily mistaken for gargoyles. The cinixi also have the greatest intelligence and excel at arcane studies. The cinixi are the rulers of the lizardfolk.
- Dedi - The dedi are serpentine and lithe. Quick in wit and with a natural charisma, the dedi are the storytellers, priests, and scholars of the lizardfolk. The dedi looks like a large python that has sprouted humanoid arms and legs. Although it has a "tail", the tail is not used for anything but balance.
- Laboratus - The laboratus are strong and tall reptillions. They look like lizardfolk with twin spines of bony webbing down their back. They are trainers of animals, warriors in armies, and the strong back in which the lizardfolk builds its civilization. The laboratus are not particularly intelligent.
- Malius - The malius are the genetic predecessors of lizardfolk. The major difference between a true malius and a modern lizardfolk is that the malius does not have an evolved tail capable of assisting it with jumping and balance. Not as gifted as any of the other castes, the malius serve in the civilization as slaves and laborers. The malius are ill treated by the other sub-species.
Outside the Forbidden Lands, the cinixi rely upon their imposing presence, the dedi wit and cunning, the laboratus their brute strength and the malius overwhelming numbers. Together these creatures form cohesive units. The cinixi command while the dedi use arcane magic. The laboratus are sergeants in the army keeping the malius organized.