Lizardfolk

Ophidians, Coldscale Kin, Marshwardens.
Lizardfolk possess an alien and inscrutable mindset, their desires and thoughts driven by a different set of basic principles than those of warm-blooded creatures. Their dismal swamp homes might lie hundreds of miles from the nearest human settlement, but the gap between their way of thinking and that of the smooth-skins is far greater.
Lizardfolk possess an alien and inscrutable mindset, their desires and thoughts driven by a different set of basic principles than those of warm-blooded creatures. Their dismal swamp homes might lie hundreds of miles from the nearest human settlement, but the gap between their way of thinking and that of the smooth-skins is far greater.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lizardfolk are humanoid reptiles with scaled skin, powerful tails, and elongated, lizard-like faces. Their limbs are muscular, ending in clawed hands and feet. Frills or spines often adorn their heads and necks, providing a vibrant display for communication or intimidation. They possess long, flexible tails used for balance and aquatic movement. Their teeth are sharp and suited for omnivorous diets.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lizardfolk lay eggs in communal nesting grounds. Each clutch consists of 3–6 eggs, with hatchlings emerging fully independent. Their genetic variability includes traits influenced by their environment, such as color adaptations for camouflage. Rare individuals display draconic features, reinforcing their supposed ties to dragonborn.

Ecology and Habitats

Preferring wetland regions, Lizardfolk thrive in marshes, swamps, and coastal areas. On Bluesnow Island, they coexist with the wetlands surrounding Zhaq’ara, relying on its rich biodiversity. They are opportunistic predators and scavengers, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling pest populations and

Behaviour

Lizardfolk exhibit pragmatic, survival-driven behavior, viewing the world in terms of resources and threats. They are fiercely protective of their community but are not sentimental, valuing utility over emotion. Their cultural emphasis on cooperation and strength creates a structured, duty-bound society.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Comparable to humans, with an average IQ equivalent of 90–110, though their wisdom and pragmatism often surpass expectations.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lizardfolk have acute senses, particularly keen eyesight adapted for low light and excellent motion detection. Their forked tongues allow them to "taste" the air, similar to snakes, aiding in tracking. They have an innate sense for changes in humidity and temperature, which makes them adept at predicting weather shifts.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Names are guttural and sibilant, often inspired by natural sounds or draconic influences. Examples:

• Male: Sskarrath, Throk’ul, Vrex.
• Female: Ka’liss, Zath’ria, Venka.
• Neutral: Rix, Qiloth, Ssarri.

Beauty Ideals

Symmetrical frills, smooth scales, and vibrant markings are considered attractive. Scars from battle or environmental challenges add an element of respect and desirability.

Gender Ideals

Gender roles are flexible, with value placed on strength, wisdom, and utility rather than specific gender traits. Leadership roles are determined by capability, not gender.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship involves displays of strength or skill, often through hunting or crafting. A common gift includes tools or ornaments made from prey, symbolizing resourcefulness and commitment.

Relationship Ideals

Partnerships are practical and based on mutual benefit. Emotional bonds grow over time, but loyalty and contribution to the community take precedence.

Common Etiquette Rules

• Bowing with one’s head lowered is a sign of respect.
• Interrupting a speaker is disrespectful unless it concerns survival or danger.
• Sharing food or crafted items is a gesture of goodwill.

Common Dress Code

Simple, functional garments made from leather, reeds, or woven grasses. Ceremonial attire includes scales or feathers from honored creatures, often enchanted for protection.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The Lizardfolk revere Akrais as their creator and maintain oral histories of their transformation. They share a cultural emphasis on adaptability and self-reliance, blending their draconic legacy with survivalist traditions.

• The Scale Offering: A ritual where individuals shed a single scale as a symbol of their bond to the community.
• Hatching Festival: Celebrating new life, hatchlings are presented to the elders and given their first task within the tribe.
• Unity Hunt: Annual hunts between Yuan-ti and Lizardfolk, symbolizing cooperation.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

The Scaled Awakening 5th Pathen Overview: The Scaled Awakening is a sacred day in Lizardfolk culture, celebrating their connection to the primal forces of nature, the strength of survival, and the unity of their people. This holiday reflects the Lizardfolk’s deeply rooted instincts for survival, their resilience, and their appreciation for the balance between predator and prey in the natural world. It is both a time of spiritual renewal and a celebration of the physical prowess and sharp instincts that have ensured the Lizardfolk’s survival for generations.
Events of the Day: Dawn of Scales: At sunrise, Lizardfolk gather at sacred water sources—rivers, lakes, or swamps—to bathe and cleanse themselves, symbolizing the shedding of old scales and the renewal of their spirit. The Dawn of Scales is a silent, introspective ceremony where each Lizardfolk reflects on their personal journey, casting away what no longer serves them, just as they naturally shed their skin.
The Hunt of Proving: Once the dawn ritual is complete, the Hunt of Proving begins. It is a test of skill, instinct, and cunning, where groups of Lizardfolk venture into the wild to hunt or capture prey using only their natural abilities and tools crafted for the occasion. The hunt is not merely for sustenance but is symbolic of the Lizardfolk’s respect for the natural cycle of life and death. Younger Lizardfolk, eager to prove themselves, participate in a separate hunt called the Talon Trials, marking their coming of age.
Crafting of Scaled Offerings: While the hunters are away, the elders and artisans of the tribe craft intricate sculptures, amulets, and tokens out of shed scales and natural materials. These Scaled Offerings are symbolic of wisdom, patience, and the knowledge passed down through generations. At the end of the day, these offerings are presented to the tribe’s spiritual leaders to honor the ancestors and ensure the continued guidance of the spirits.
Songs of Survival: As dusk approaches, the community gathers to sing the Songs of Survival, ancient chants that recount the history of their people, tales of great hunts, and the wisdom of the elders. These songs are primal, rhythmic, and deeply tied to the heartbeats of the Lizardfolk. Drums made from swamp creatures' skins and bones accompany the chants, creating an atmosphere of reverence for the land and the life it sustains.
Rite of Blood and Bone: The Rite of Blood and Bone is a central, dramatic event of the Scaled Awakening. Here, the tribe’s champions engage in ritualized combat, not to harm, but to demonstrate their strength, agility, and mastery over their bodies. The combat is often bare-handed or fought with simple weapons made from bone. It is a symbolic reaffirmation of the Lizardfolk’s physical power and unity as a people, always ready to defend themselves and their homes.
Feast of Flesh: Following the hunts and rites, the community gathers for the Feast of Flesh, where the spoils of the day’s hunt are shared among the tribe. The feast celebrates not just the nourishment provided by the land but also the balance between predator and prey. Every part of the animal is used—nothing is wasted, reflecting the Lizardfolk’s pragmatic relationship with the natural world.
Spiritfire Ritual: The day concludes with the Spiritfire Ritual, where a bonfire is lit using special herbs and oils, producing a flame that glows in shades of green and blue. Around the fire, the Lizardfolk commune with their ancestors, seeking guidance through meditative chants and gazing into the ethereal flames. It is believed that through this ritual, the spirits of the past offer protection and wisdom for the future, ensuring that the tribe will continue to thrive.
Symbolism: The Scaled Awakening emphasizes survival, resilience, and harmony with the natural order. It serves as a reminder that the Lizardfolk must continue to adapt, overcome, and honor the cycles of life that have sustained them throughout their history in Astrium.

Common Taboos

• Eating one’s own kind, even in desperation, is considered a grave sin.
• Disrespecting a fallen enemy by desecrating their body is unacceptable.
• Rejecting a communal task without valid reason is seen as dishonorable.

History

The Lizardfolk, said to be distant cousins of dragonborn and kobolds, despite not being recorded in history as long as either of them have found a way to make it work to their advantage, using their supposed bonds of draconic nature to influence aid from the astrium council in a positive nature.
The Lizardfolk were oringally made and called ophidians on the island of Bluesnow where they were created by the magic of AkraisThey have sought the aid of astrium to make peace with the yuan-ti who when they finally broke free of their bonds from the anathema.
The lizardfolk have stayed fairly inconspicuous in Astrium's history, however they are fearsome warriors and always willing to give a hand to the kobolds and dragonborn allies to keep themselves in their good graces.

Common Myths and Legends

• Akrais’s Tears: A tale of how the wetlands of Bluesnow formed from the sorrow of Akrais after creating sentience and witnessing its conflicts.
• The Golden Frill: A mythical leader who unified warring tribes with wisdom and power, promising a return in times of great need.
• The Warden’s Pact: A legend that Zhaq’ara is protected by a spectral guardian, a fusion of Yuan-ti and Lizardfolk spirits, ensuring peace endures.

Scientific Name

Draconis Ophidia

Lifespan

50-60 years

Average Height

5'8" - 6'5"

Average Weight

200 - 250 pounds

Average Physique

Muscular and robust, with physiques built for endurance and strength. Their aquatic adaptations make them strong swimmers.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Scales range from deep greens and muddy browns to snowy whites or icy blues, reflecting their environment. Frills and markings can display vibrant colors—reds, yellows, or purples—used for social signaling. Rare individuals with gold or silver scales are seen as blessed by the Titan Snake.

Geographic Distribution

• Zhaq'ara