Greymantle Basks
The three Basks that are entirely responsible for the breeding and managing of all Lockhinge crocodiles call themselves the "Greymantle Basks," as if it were possible that there might be other Basks found anywhere else in the world.
Culture
→ Lockhinge Bask
Lockhinge Bask is the clear frontrunner in popularity and influence, as well as being the oldest and largest of the Basks. While there will always be those who disagree, the common attitude is that Lockhinge Bask is the gold standard when it comes to crocodile-related ideals. They are the most common and considered the "default" crocodile, but they also boast being unchallenged by the other Basks. It is the official stance of the Lockhinge Bask that the crocodile should not be pushed into three separate breeds, and man should not try to influence and shape them like one would try to shape livestock or pet animals... but Lockhinge still holds a staunch idea of what a crocodile should be, considers its own crocodiles to be inherently different and better than the others, and does intentially pull from the other bloodlines to intentionally strengthen its own. So, some see the Lockhinge Bask to be hypocrites who keep their competitors down for doing the very same thing that they are already doing.
Generally speaking, the crocodiles of Lockhinge bask are both the most physically powerful and the most trainable, known for their loyalty and intelligence. Though they can appear in all but the most extreme of hide colorations, generally speaking, Lockhinge crocodiles are known to have well-defined banding and bright gold eyes.
→ Three Island Bask
Built out among the barely-habitable islands off the Greymantle coast is the second established Bask of Three Island. Their bloodline pulls most heavily from the saltwater subspecies, and they claim this is why their crocodiles have such distinctive traits unique to their Bask. Their official stance matches that of Lockhinge Bask, but there have always been rumors that they are quietly attempting to breed their own distinct variety of crocodile. A pure Three Island crocodile is easily identified by their dark hides almost entirely devoid of banding, and being generally more slender and "spiny" in appearance, including teeth that tend to be long and snaggly. Three Island crocodiles are also known to match and even exceed Lockhinge crocodiles in length, though they can't compete in weight or strength. Their temperment is known to be more active, fiesty, and difficult to train, to the point where there have been accusations of Three Island crocodiles being untrainable or dangerous. The famous Ghirusalk and his line, which runs strong through Lockhinge Bask, is known to have a high proportion of Three Island or saltwater subspecies blood.
→ Silver Strand Bask
The youngest of the three Basks is joked to be the "problem" Bask, in that they are the most vocal about breeding crocodiles with the intention of improving and solidifying them into defined breeds. They are also the biggest proponents of loosening the almost relgious restrictions around the breeding and trade of crocodiles, they are the only reason that crocodiles have ever been sent out of the swamp to select clients in Liyda, and they support Gillan's Well in becoming the site of an official Bask. (They do not, however, support Blindwater. Not even they are that deluded.) If they weren't so good at what they do, their antics would not be as tolerated as they are. Though there is plenty of cricitism that they are trying to turn crocodiles into fancy, pampered pets, and that their selective breeding practices will weaken the bloodline, there is little clear evidence yet that they are breaking the sacred crocodile rules (only bending them) or doing any harm. Silver Strand crocodiles tend to look a little "softer" than the others, but their blunter snouts and shorter legs are primarily due to the highly aquatic subspecies found along the Strand. The Bask insists that this is the source of the rumor that their crocodiles are fat. The thing that Silver Strand crocodiles are most famous for, however, is the impressive range of morphs that they produce, with new ones seemingly appearing every year. Despite all the criticism thrown Silver Strand's way, there is always a high demand and very high price placed on their pretty hatchlings.
→ Gillan's Well (unofficial)
→ Blindwater Bask (illegal)
Type
Guild, Professional
Alternative Names
Crocodile breeders, Crocodile freaks
Location