Lizardfolk

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lizardfolk stand between 5 and 7 feet tall, generally looming over other species.  They are covered with a scaly skin that ranges from bright green to a dark brown color.  Rarely, a Lizardfolk infant has blue or yellow scales.  Such Lizardfolk are generally considered either lucky or unlucky depending on local custom.  Many have a ridge of fins or spikes along their spine, and some webbing in their clawed feet and hands.  Their heads end in elongated snouts that are filled with sharp teeth.  Lizardfolk also possess tails, which they use to great effect when swimming.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lizardfolk are egg-layers.  A female Lizardfolk generally lays one to three eggs in a clutch annually.  Once fertilized, these leathery eggs harden over the course of several months until they hatch.  Only about 60% of all eggs laid and fertilized hatch.  Unhatched eggs are, after a proper period, typically eaten.

Growth Rate & Stages

An infant Lizardfolk learns to swim and feed themselves within weeks of hatching, and learn to walk within their first year.  The children's bodies do not have a specific gender.  Young Lizardfolk enter puberty at age 10, at which time their bodies will determine their gender.  Lizardfolk typically reach their adult height and weight by 13 years of age.  Barring accident or injury, Lizardfolk can live for an average of 60 years, although some have lived as long as 80 years.

Ecology and Habitats

As a cold-blooded species, Lizardfolk tend to live in warmer climates, and prefer wet and humid biomes over arid locales.  Lizardfolk can often be found living near bodies of water such as rivers or lakes, or in swamp lands.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Lizardfolk are primarily carnivores, eating meat and fish.  Some Lizardfolk supplement their diet with certain fruits, particularly citrus fruits, especially in their drinks.  Lizardfolk tend to eat in large quantities, but can go several days between meals if they have to.  Their travel rations are typically dried or salted meats and fish that will keep, like jerky.

Civilization and Culture

History

Lizardfolk are believed to be the remains of a servant Heritage created by ancient Archmages.  Exactly which wizard and what happened to them is not clear; most hold the opinion that Lizardfolk rebelled against their creators and destroyed them.  Regardless of the truth, Lizardfolk have maintained an independent streak throughout their history ever since.
During the Second Age and the the Time of A Thousand Gods, Lizardfolk heroes and legends rose and fell throughout the period.  Sometimes benevolent, often cruel and ruthless, their empires rose and fell with similar frequency to their warm-blooded counterparts.  By the end of the Age, most territories ruled by Lizardfolk had shrunk to just the swamps in the northwestern quadrant of the continent.
At the end of the Second Age, one Lizardfolk hero joined a company of adventurers that ultimately founded the Kingdom of Rosalind.  Since that time, the Lizardfolk Noble House of Lucherto has ruled over the Duchy of Lucertolia.
During the Third Age, after the founding of the nations of Carador and Erynland and their wars against Rosalind for independence, a Lizardfolk archmage named Slann cast an epic summoning spell on the eastern coast of the continent.  Slann, now called by the other Heritages the "Mad Lizard Wizard", summoned great giant reptiles called dinosaurs out of time and space, replacing the otherwise tranquil coast and its inhabitants.  The newly changed territory, now called Odlarnas Rike, or more vulgarly the Dinosaur Domains, also carried a curse that has become known as the Saurian Hex: any person who remains too long in this savage and prehistoric land will slowly change and become a dinosaur themselves. 
At present, Lizardfolk claim nominal dominion over the territory known as the Fens, even as they acknowledge the authority of Baba Yaga over those same lands.  Lizardfolk ply the rivers, lakes and seas as expert boatman and sailors (and sometime pirates) and can be found in most nations at nearly all levels of society.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Lizardfolk get along with most other Heritages.  Their closest affinity is often reserved for the Salimar, as a fellow cold-blooded creature.  They will occasionally dislike Elves with their aloof attitudes.

Lifespan

60-80 years

Average Height

5-7 feet