Troglodytes

Troglodytes, or the lost ones as the lizardfolk like to call them, are an unfortunate and misbegotten race of scalykind that inhabit the deep underground tunnels scattered below the surface of Énelya. It is said that long ago, when The Scaled One first set his children upon the Realm of Mortals, he commanded a large group of them to venture into the caves and caverns that he excepted to remain unclaimed. However, the cave dwelling lizardfolk found a harsh existence for themselves within these dark caves. Aberrations and horrific monsters became more and more common as they continued deeper. Thankfully, the lizardfolk were strong and unrelenting in their advance and The Scaled One made sure that they could face any danger that lurked within. What he did not know however, was that the God known as Oggleoboros was already slumbering in the depths. His influence and presence began fighting for control over the cave lizardfolk with The Scaled One, but their battle proved indecisive. It was not until the Age of Renewal that Oggleoboros claimed victory. The Scaled One was driven back to the surface, away from his children and he quickly lost sight and touch of them. The Scaled One had to then grievously abandon those that could not follow him. As a result of this, the cave dwelling lizardfolk began to lose their connection to their father and creator. Without proper guidance and alone against the dark, the cave lizardfolk eventually succumbed to chaos and madness that still rules their minds today. Through this, they eventually became the troglodytes, forever separating themselves from the lizardfolk that lived above them on the surface.

## Physical description

Even after thousands of years, the troglodytes still bear a close resemblance to the lizardfolk. Their size is more standardized, as most of them are around 160 centimeters tall and weigh about 70 kilograms. Most troglodytes typically have pale white scales, although some variation does exist. Much like other scalykind, telling apart males and females is nearly impossible to an outside observer. Troglodytes rely heavily on stealth and ambush tactics even though they are physically strong and durable. Another unique feature to them is their ability to release an irritating smell which gives them an edge when fighting in tight underground tunnels.

Troglodytes produce twice as many eggs as lizardfolk, possibly because of their hostile living conditions and indifferent parenting. Similarly, their young become rather independent after their first year and grow up until 12 years of age, at which point they are considered young adults. Troglodytes are thought to naturally live between 250 and 300 years, but this remains unconfirmed.

## Society

Troglodyte societies are poorly understood and documented. What little information there is from those that have made their way to the surface, the troglodytes are not particularly unified. However, in recent years, troglodytes have found themselves competing against other humanoid races; the drow and the deep dwarves. These conflicts have apparently driven a number of them to seek refuge above ground. As they are not traditional enemies of the Children of Enely, some of them have found themselves safety and purpose within the southern kingdoms. However, violent clashes between troglodytes and mountain dwarves have also become rather common. As is the case with many more monstrous and bestial races, a troglodyte will usually face some discrimination among the civilized races but can earn their place with some patience and determination. However, a sense of hopelessness has begun to take over the troglodyte race and it is unclear how they will redeem themselves in the future.

## Rules

* **Ability Score Modifiers:** Troglodytes are innately strong and highly durable, but also simple-minded and rude. They gain +2 Strength, +4 Constitution, -2 Intelligence and -2 Charisma.
* **Size:** Medium
* **Type:** Monstrous humanoid, reptilian
* **Base speed:** 30 feet
* **Languages:** Troglodytes begin play speaking Lizardfolk. Troglodytes with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Dwarven, Aboleth, Aklo, Undercommon, and Draconic.

* **Hard Scales:** Troglodytes gain a +1 natural armor bonus to their AC.
* **Cave Sneaker:** Troglodytes gain a +2 racial bonus on Stealth checks which increases to +4 in rocky areas. In addition, they always treat Stealth as a class skill.
* **Resolute:** Troglodytes gain a +1 racial bonus on Fortitude and Will saving throws.
* **Stench (Ex):** As a swift action, a troglodyte can release a disgusting stench from its pores. Every creature within 15 feet of the troglodyte is sickened for 1d4 rounds unless they succeed at a Fortitude save with a DC equal to 10 + half the troglodytes total character level + the troglodyte's Constitution modifier. This ability is usable a number of times per day equal to 3 + the troglodyte's Constitution modifier. Creatures with the stench ability are immune to the effect.
* **Natural Attacks:** Troglodytes gain two claw attacks. These are primary natural attacks, or secondary if the troglodyte is wielding manufactured weapons. The attacks deal 1d4 slashing damage.

Troglodytes also gain a bite attack. This is a primary natural attack, or secondary if the troglodyte is wielding manufactured weapons. The attack deals 1d6 bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage.
* **Weapon Familiarity:** Troglodytes are proficient with greatclubs and heavy picks.
* **Superior Darkvision:** Troglodytes can see perfectly in the dark up to 120 feet.
* **Light Blindness:** Abrupt exposure to any bright light blinds troglodytes for 1 round. On subsequent rounds, they are dazzled as long as they remain in the affected area.

### Alternate Racial Traits

The following alternate racial traits may be selected in place of one or more of the standard racial traits above. Consult your GM before selecting any new options.

* **Agile Tail:** Sometimes troglodytes are born with unusually flexible tails resulting from their softer scales. Troglodytes with this racial trait gain the prehensile tail racial trait. Troglodytes cannot wield weapons with their tails, but they allow them to retrieve small objects stowed on their person as a swift action. This racial trait replaces Hard Scales.
* **Surface Slave:** Troglodytes that wander into the surface alone have been known to fall victim to enslavement, especially when encountering hobgoblins. This has caused them to quickly adapt to sunlight. Troglodytes with this racial trait gain Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. This racial trait replaces Superior Darkvision and Light Blindness.
* **Scent (Ex):** The devolution of the troglodyte race can have adverse effects, such as some troglodytes being born without teeth or claws. However, these kinds of troglodytes benefit from superior senses. Troglodytes with this racial trait gain the scent ability. In addition, they gain a +2 racial bonus on Perception and Survival checks. This racial trait replaces Natural Attacks.

## Troglodyte Racial Feats

* **Evolved Pores**

*Your pores have grown more plentiful and stenchier*

**Prerequisites:** Troglodyte, Con 15.

**Benefit:** You gain 3 more daily uses on your Stench ability.

* **Stench Cloud**

*You can put more pressure on your pores to create a constantly irritating effect*

**Prerequisites:** Troglodyte, Con 17, Evolved Pores, character level 5th.

**Benefit:** As a full round action that provokes attacks of opportunity, you can expend 6 daily uses on your Stench ability to create a cloud of stench around you. This cloud affects all creatures within 15 feet of you and is centered on you, moving as you move. When first created, all creatures within the cloud are immediately affected by your Stench ability. If another creature ends their turn within the cloud, they are also affected by it. In addition, all creatures within the cloud gain concealment (20%). You ignore this concealment when attacking other creatures within the cloud. This clouds lasts for a number of rounds equal to your Constitution modifier.