Lizardmen

### General

Lizardmen, also called Lizardfolk, are larger than humans, with an average height of around 6 feet and an average weight of 180 lbs. They generally have a dark green to black coloration, to better camouflage in their native biome of the Drache Swamps. Lizardmen are somewhat stronger than humans. However, lizardmen are generally less intelligent than most other sapient, having a difficult time grasping abstract concepts like mercy, altruism, and most emotions beyond basic hunger, fear, and pleasure. Despite this, some lizardmen learn how to mimic mammalian emotions to the point where they seem to have mammalian thought processes and are no longer limited by their more instinctul brains. Lizardmen have an average life span of around 50 years, though some have made it to 70 years of age. All lizardfolk are capable of breeding with one another, although generally most prefer those of the same subrace. Most lizardfolk use stone age tech, using iron tools that they have received either by trade or plunder.

### Subraces

#### **Swamp lizardfolk**

Swamp lizardfolk are larger than humans, with an average height of around 6 feet and an average weight of 180 lbs. They generally have a dark green to black coloration, to better camouflage in their native biome of the Drache Swamps. lizardfolk are somewhat stronger than humans. From an outsider's perspective many would deem a lizardfolk to be less intelligent than most sapient races. However, their brains are wired to be a lot closer to put more resources into their senses (Might add the ampullae of lorenzini here). They hadn't had a need for the social nature of other races as they solely have relied on their own might and instinctual ambush tactics. In comparison with other races' social structures, they have figured out that congregations of them have a far higher chance of survival than individuals trying to hold a large swath of territory, but they have no concept of doing what is best for the colony. To outsiders this may seem selfish but lizardfolk rationalize that only the strong hold their own. They have a difficult time grasping abstract concepts like mercy, altruism, and most emotions beyond basic hunger, fear, and pleasure.

#### **Saltwater lizardfolk**

Compared to Swamp lizardfolk Saltwater lizardfolk are shorter but stockier in appearance. Their skin pigmentation goes from grey to black, eschewing green completely. Their scales are also thicker on average and have shorter snouts. In addition they have webbing in between their fingers and have loose integument running the length of their tail dorsally and pectorally. They also have a far greater lung capacity than Swamp lizardfolk which helps them swim great distances. They are found on the coasts of Drache. In terms of intelligence and mental capacity they are the same as Swamp lizardfolk. Where Swamp lizardfolk and Saltwater lizardfolk differ is that Saltwater lizardfolk don't get into fights with other Saltwater lizardfolk. Their way of life is similar to how one would see a mangrove living compared to other plants: They live in the salty marshes and go into the sea as the rest of their kind can't do that. They go where others can't go. Other races might find Saltwater lizardfolk more agreeable on the notion that they aren't as aggressive.

#### **Desert lizardfolk**

Desert lizardfolk are comparable in height to Saltwater lizardfolk but are far more slender in appearance and far lighter in weight. Desert lizardfolk don't have the strength of other lizardfolk but they make up for this in their speed and ability to run long distances. Their scales are the thinnest amongst all lizardfolk but are still thicker than regular skin. Their scales are also considerably softer. Their pigmentation ranges from a dusty arid yellow to a deep brownish red. They have longer necks compared to other lizardfolk and have larger eyes in proportion to their body. They also have frills located on their neck that can cover half their torso. These frills can flare out to regulate their internal temperature or to intimidate non sapient animals. Due to the frills Desert lizardfolk are the most tolerable to temperature changes amongst the three lizardfolk subraces. They tend to live past the mountains surrounding the Marshes of Drache and into the desert. Due to their choice of habitat they can retain water far longer than either the Swamp lizardfolk or the Saltwater lizardfolk. In terms of intelligence it is on par with other lizard folk although Desert lizardfolk tend to be more skittish. They reflect this in their tactics of intimidation using their frills as deterrents before trying hit and run tactics.

### Superstition, Folklore and Outlooks on Life

While culture isn't as pronounced in lizardfolk they have some stories and superstitious beliefs that they share and hold onto.

#### **The Lizardfolk Known as Behemoth**

Among the Swamp lizardfolk there exists a belief of an ancient lizardfolk far larger and more dangerous than any other lizardfolk to ever live. In their tongue they call him Behemoth, and the Swamp lizardfolk believes he still lives to this day. As a lizardfolk eats, they grow larger, stronger, and their skin and bone become thicker. Behemoth is believed to be hundreds of years old and Swamp lizardfolk surmise that in that lifespan he has eaten plenty of things. By imperial measurements Behemoth is roughly 20 feet tall, with scales and bones thick enough to be impervious to harpoons or crossbow bolts. Swamp lizardfolk believe Behemoth roams the deepest swamps and makes his home in the most silent of areas. When asked why he would reast in the most silent swamp they explained that all life would know to steer clear of where Behemoth sleeps. When they were asked how they know Behemoth still lives they say they sometimes hear his hissing in the middle of the night. As lizardfolk grow their hisses grow deeper in tone. Behemoth's hisses are allegedly so deep that his hiss is felt moreso than it is heard. When asked if anyone has seen Behemoth they were quick to respond with no. For anyone who has laid their eyes on Behemoth would not live to tell the tale.

#### **The Third Eye**

Among Saltwater lizardfolk there exists a phenomenon described as a third eye awakening in their dreams. They describe this third eye as something that can show them the spirits of the living things around them. It should be made clear that Saltwater lizardfolk see spirits differently than how we would conventionally see it. Spirits are not disembodied figures that had once existed within a mortal vessel, spirits are instead seen as the essences of living things left on other living things and objects. The more a living thing interacts with an object the stronger the spirit is imprinted onto that object. These spirits guide the lizardfolk in their dreams, acting as a prophetic vision for them. Through their third eye and the dreams they have navigated underwater caves that they have never entered before, warned them of encroaching warbands allowing them to escape to sea before they are caught, and found other Saltwater lizardfolk communes. While these anecdotes sound impressive there is zero hard proof regarding the existence of this third eye. It doesn't matter to the Saltwater lizardfolk though whether you believe this phenomenon to be true or not.

#### **The Outlooks on Life of a Desert Lizardfolk**

Desert lizardfolk are natural drifters, never staying in one place all throughout their life. Over the lifespan of a Desert lizardfolk they can visit many different places due to their capability of travelling long distances. The most well traveled have been to many different nations, and some pick up jobs as couriers. In their travels they come across people of different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. Because of this each Desert lizardfolk develops their own unique outlook on life. Some adopt theologies of cycle and rebirth, some believe in the powers of kingdoms long lost. Some may even adopt imperialist notions, bringing civilization to tribes they come across. Some reject the idea of having cities and nations, believing them to be a source of corruption and turning their backs on nature. Whatever the outlook, it's bound to be different each time you come across a Desert Lizardfolk.