Lizardfolk

The Lizardfolk are the hardy, sentient reptilian inhabitant of Althlar. They are immensely strong and durable, as well as terrifying to behold - particularly when they are showing signs of aggression. They are one of the few native speakers of Draconic.

Characteristics

Male Lizardfolk are often of large, broad, muscular builds, with strong hunting and fighting skills. Their thick skin provides natural armor protection, and ranges in color from green and brown, all the way to black in some cases. They typically have yellow eyes, protruding ridges along their spine, and a nasty set of teeth protruding from their mouth.

Their semi-amphibious nature means they are decent swimmers, and have little fear of shallow waters, swamps, and wet rain forests. On the flip side however, their skin must generally be kept rather moist, limiting their ability to travel to dryer climates. Being reptilian they are also quite cold blooded, and as such tend to stick to warmer climates, with older members of society spending their time basking in the sunlight or other sources of warmth.

Society and Culture

Most Lizardfolk gather into tribes of several dozen, all the way up to 200, however as civilization has dawned on their home region increasingly large, and permanent settlements and structures can be found in Lizardfolk society. By nature they have little interest in wealth or luxury items, and focus most of their efforts on hunting or gathering food.

The tribes are typically patriarchal, and while there is certainly no such thing as monogamy as far as reproduction is concerned, the strongest "bloodlines" tend to keep dominance of a tribe within their family structure, and the size and strength of tribal leaders is often closely correlated with the size of their tribe - with some leaders reaching up to 8' in height and nearly 400lbs in weight.

In singles combat, Lizardfolk are some of the most fierce, and deadliest opponents one could have, however their lack of respect for any form of military doctrine means they are poor group fighters, particularly as the number of combatants grow.

History

The Lizardfolk are considered the natural inhabitants of the swamps of eastern Althlar, with the migration to the western jungles a much more recent event (Though ancient compared to the Elven calendar). Up until their forceful entry to civilization by the Elves in the 2nd Era, it is believed a strictly tribal structure dominated Lizardfolk culture. Following this however were millenia of repression by the Elves and Humans, as well as conflict with the Orcs. Since the beginning of their self rule at the tail end of the 8th era, Lizardfolk culture has taken off, lifting it to the brink of a non-primitive culture.

Abilities

Bite: 1d6+2 unarmed attack

Natural Armor: +3 AC

Hold Breath: Can hold its breath for 15 minutes at a time.

Locations

Lizardfolk are found almost exclusively in Althlar.