Lacern

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid. Horns on head that usually branch and do not shed. Horns grow slowly throughout life. Long, semi-prehensile dragon tail that usually ends in a tuft. Hands and feet are fully scaled and clawed.
Dimorphism: Males have more impressive, faster growing horns and are more colorful. Males also have longer tails and faster-growing claws.

Biological Traits

They shed their scales once every few months. They isolate themselves so they don't flake and peel everywhere. Being caught shedding is considered a social embarrassment. They consider the shed skin disgusting and immediately burn it to get rid of it.
Their hair grows incredibly quickly.
Are warmblooded, and hate the cold.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lacerns lay eggs, and can only bear one at a time. Female lacerns are somewhat hermaphroditic, and are capable of producing sperm. Thus, a female Lacern can get another female pregnant.

Ecology and Habitats

They originally reside in the rocky, bouldery mountains that split the empire. They dwell in caves and have underground cities almost as large as human-built constructs. Being so deep in a moutain often wields great riches in the form of ores and gems, which they are happy to purify and cut and turn into beautiful trinkets and accessories. However, Lacerns have expanded into large aboveground cities because they have more room for fanciful architecture. Plus, their jewelry really looks nice in the sunlight.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Lacerns have a universal love for the taste of vinegar. Pickled foods are always a favorite.
They are deadly allergic to buttercups, daffodils, juniper, tulips, and sage. If ingested, the Lacern will die.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Lacern scales and horn are highly prized as ingredients for alchemical and herbal remedies. Their shed skin can also fetch a good price, if any Lacern would actually let you have it. They see loose shed skin as disgusting and burn it before anyone has a chance to nab it. Their claws are seen as good luck charms and artisinal tools because of their near-indestructibility. Their hair makes excellent strings for instruments and bows.

Facial characteristics

Slit pupils Forked tongues Fangs Pointed, scaly ears Patches of scales appear at the corners of their eyes and blend into the scales of their ears.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Lacerns follow strict conventions when giving their children names. Traditional Lacernic names are trisyllabic. Male names begin with a vowel, female names begin with a consonant.
Sample male names: Eshola, Akranus, Ershantis, Imalxa, Atrasti Sample female names: Lementi, Kuhira, Shrixika, Vrkalis

Beauty Ideals

Long hair is fashionable because it's seen as a rebellious, luxurious thing. In the past, Cerns would be targeted for their long hair, and many cut their hair short as a safety measure when traveling. Now that times are safe, they can grow it out as long as possible.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Lacerns speak their own language within their own communities. As with all races, they can also speak Common.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

All Lacerns must be married by the age of 30.

Lifespan

120

Average Height

5'6 without horns, 6'0 with horns

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Various scaled body markings cover the torso, usually symmetric. These torso marks are unique to each Lacern, but there are regional differences in the overall patterns.
Male scales color range: Red, amber, gold, forest green, tree-snake green, teal, royal blue... Female scales color range: White, black, brown, silver.