Oruta

Oruta were a race of tribal people thought to have originated from the southern regions of Atania. Though humanoid, they were easily identifed by their distinctive reptilian features, including scaled hides, facial horns, claws and tails. In the common tongue, they were often referred to as Lizardmen, though this term later came to be seen as somewhat derogatory during the mid-Imperial Era.
Although once an isolated people, the discovery and colonisation of Atania by other races allowed the lizardmen to make contact with other races previously unknown to them. After some time, many individuals among the Oruta would leave the continent to explore the other regions of the world.
== Information ==
=== Physical Description ===
The Oruta, upon their discovery, were well documented by scholars of the era. They were, on average, taller than humans and were capable of displaying considerable strength. Members of the race came to be known as remarkable swimmers, possessing gills that allowed them to travel underwater indefinitely, and capable of travelling great distances by water without effort.
Distinguishing features of the Oruta included their hide, comprised of many small scales over a waterproofing membrane that provided a natural defence against the elements. Male and female members of the race both grew horns around the facial region, and often possessed long claws. Their tails could vary in length, though were often lined with small spines or fins that allowed for greater maneuverability in the water. They were cold-blooded and as such, displayed some resistance to traditional poisons.
Their eye colours varied between luminous yellow and glowing red, though some rarer mutations did allow for other colours. They were hairless, though could grow a number of spines across the facial region. The membranes between their fins or spines could vary in colour, though often contrasted with the colour of the individual's scales.
=== Society ===
How and when exactly the Oruta developed their societies during their centuries of isolation was never established. Some Nasiran scholars familiar with the oral tradition of the species theorised that the Oruta began to form sedentary groups some time around the Common Era, later forming hamlets and smaller settlements among the swamps.
Given the individualistic nature of the species, the Oruta did not often form larger groups, instead preferring to travel in smaller clans. The traditional Astrian concept of the nation-state did not develop among the Oruta people, and as such no leader or governing body existed to create or enforce laws. Informal agreements between clans did exist, however, specifically with regards to the management of territorial rights. 
=== Relations ===
Oruta, despite showing clear differences between themselves and other races, had little issues living alongside them. They were known to be personable and eager, yet often naïve to the happenings of the modern world. They were often depicted as primitives, especially in modern Vesryne society. Despite this, friendly relations between Humans and Oruta were considered to be the standard. In some cases, the two races were observed to be compatible, though this was not always the case. Their hybrid offspring were considered rare, and predominantly displayed the features of the human with minor alterations.Category:Browse