Shai'Tan

*"And just like that, the key was hers. The Elf wouldn't*

*have a clue it was taken. That is, not until after the sly*

*Shai'Tan had moved off of the brick wall she had been*

*resting against, her skin matching it's pigments. By the*

*time the Elf would notice, the Shai would find herself*

*dangling from a decorative arch by the strength of her*

*tail alone, silently watching until the guard in front of a*

*door had moved, allowing her to use the key she now*

*has her hands on."*

-Asiga Knade, Spies of The All-Seer.

Within the deep Jungles of Bashu'Ahk, the Shai'Tan rest in the the trees. One of the most friendly races on Auron, they are still not to be taken lightly. Their bright pigments shift at their will, allowing them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings, traveling unseen. If one is to be caught, they still aren't out of luck; They're skilled fighters, flinging their tongue at their assailants with more force than the punch of a Tangmo - A valued ally of the Shai'Tan. Sly and quick both in movement and thought, the Shai will not hesitate to do what it takes to get what they want - though malpractice remains uncommon.

## Chromatic Camo

Shai'Tan are a race of Chameleon-like people. Despite their visual similarities, they are not at all related to common lizardfolk. A Shai'Tan can freely change the color of it's skin to match that of it's surroundings, and often does so involuntarily. Because of this ability, they make extremely skilled spies; that or any other occupation involving stealth. This is also the reason they have no "normal" skin tone, and naturally shift to what's around them, or can willingly change to whatever combination of patterns and colors they wish. Some Shai'Tan have up to 3 horns; most with horns have one on the end of their nose, and two other horns in front of their eyes, if any. All Shai'Tan are capable of moving their eyes independently, making them very aware of their surroundings. Shai'tan are also very good at moving across the jungle they tend to call home. With a tail they can wrap around things to hang from them, as well as their strongly gripping hands and feet, they are able to climb up or down almost any surface, even hanging upside down. Perhaps the most unique part of the Shai'Tan is their tongue, which they can extend a total of 10ft. away from them, sticking it to things for various purposes, such as retrieving small items, taking rodents, or other small animals as a meal, or if they so choose, they can use it as a weapon to effectively punching others from 10 ft away.

## Bitter Exceptions

Shai'Tan start independent life immediately, effectively raising themselves from birth. Though the have quick beginnings, they also have quick ends, as most will pass by the age of 100. Their independent nature usually continues to their death, and although they don't refuse to work in groups, they tend to prioritize themselves above anyone else, except those they feel particularly close to. When they do grow attached to others, they are nearly devoted to them, happily risking their lives for them. On the flip side, they rarely make enemies. The only exception to this would be, surprising as it may be, Lizardfolk. This is because the negative connotations associated with the other races, such as Kobolds or even the Dragonborn of Isovarrah, which by way of stereotype get put onto the Shai'Tan as well.

## Sleeping in the Trees

The Shai'Tan are almost nomadic; Though they don't necessarily travel non-stop, they don't really claim a home. In the Jungles which they call their homes, they happily spend the night resting in a random tree, often hanging from their tails, and will do the same with a different tree the next day. The Shai'Tan are very friendly with the Tangmo, who they happily share their Jungles with. Between other Shai'Tan, there isn't much more communication than what is needed. Enough that they form relationships, but sticking to their usual independent nature, any settlements are rare. The only exceptions to this are Monasteries. However, if their Jungle is in danger, they are quick to act in groups to protect it, alongside the Tangmo.

## A Quest for Knowledge

The personal goals of the Shai'Tan vary; some will live humble lives from day to day, but others yearn for knowledge. The majority of the Shai'Tan do not leave their jungles, but some who are particularly adamant in their quest for knowledge will venture out, often alone. Many of these Shai'Tan will particularly be drawn to Monasteries spread across Auron. Beyond that, some Shai'Tan venture away from their jungle homes out of pure curiosity, or even with intent to become a spy. Their stealthy inclinations and inherited stereotypes from looking like lizardfolk make them distrusted by many.

## Nameless Shai

Having no parents, the Shai'Tan are not named by parents, but instead by other Shai'Tan, or other races (Most likely Tangmo) in the form of nicknames. Because of this, often Shai'Tan have names in Common, or other languages that aren't their own tongue, in which case they may not even know the meaning of their own name. Some examples of names in Common include: *Nightwatcher, Sleepyhead*, *Redscale, Firestarter, Gluttonscale, Wise-eyes*, (etc.)

## Shai'Tan Racial Traits

***Ability Score Increase:*** Limber, fast, able to climb and hang easily - Shai'tan are incredibly dexterous. (Dex +3)

***Age:*** Considered an adult around the young age of 5, Shai'Tan age fast, rarely living to 100 years of age.

***Alignment:*** Shai'Tan are in general ***Egoistic***, but rarely have malicious intent, despite their abilities regarding stealth. Most Shai'Tan attempt to gain knowledge by any means necessary - that or just survive. Your alignment is likely ***Egoistic Altering,*** but it's not unlikely you are ***True Altering***.

***Size:*** Most Shai'Tan stand at a height of 4-6ft., most often on the shorter side of this range, weighing around 120 pounds. Your size is Medium.

***Speed:*** Shai'Tan are fast and agile. You can Walk at a speed of 35 ft.

***Chameleon Grip:*** Using your sticky grasp with your hands and feet, you can walk on walls and even upside down. Your speed is not halved when climbing, and during an Athletics check that involves climbing, you may use your Dexterity skill instead of your Strength skill. Additionally, you take advantage on these throws.

***Griptail:*** You are able to use your tail to hold small items or anchor yourself to rocks, branches, or any other terrain/objects you can wrap it around.

***Shai-Tongue:*** Your tongue is a 10ft. long appendage which you can make sticky using saliva. You can use it to make unarmed attacks from an additional 10 ft. away, and if you choose to make it sticky, you can use it to drag light items to you. Tiny creatures can be eaten this way. Doing so restores (1d6 - 1) hit points. (Rolling a 1 results in taking 1 poison damage)

***Chromatic Skin:*** Your skin naturally changes color to match your environment, which is incredibly advantageous when attempting stealth. (You have proficiency in the Stealth Skill). You can use the Hide action whenever you are adjacent to any opaque or solid object. If you are hidden and stand still, all creatures take disadvantage on all ability checks made to detect you that involve sight.

***Double Vision:*** Your eyes move independently of one another, watching your back wherever you go. You have a +5 to your passive perception.

***Languages**:* Shai'Tan speak a large variety of languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Shai, and one language of your choice.