Zadtzal

Still a work in progress

Live on sixth ring, in a mountain range that is split amongst several large chunks of land. A humanoid reptillian species, they live in the shaded valleys of the mountains, or in caves in the mountain side. They have sacred geodes which they have kept safe for as long as anyone can remember. There are seven geodes and seven clans, each clan holds and protects one of the geodes.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bi-pedal, humanoid reptillians. They have long thin tails. Their fingers and toes end in strong claws, the ones on the fingers being retractable. Stretching from their armpits to their hips, running down the side of their bodies, are large membrane frills. These frills can be held out to form "wings" which can be used for gliding. They also have a set of neck frills which they extend to help with more precise control while gliding.

Genetics and Reproduction

Females lay eggs. They have hatching grounds on the light side of the mountains where they can be kept warm. The females holds the eggs for three months, then she lays them and after a further three months of incubation they hatch.

Growth Rate & Stages

When they are first born their bones are softer, and their joints more flexible, and their gliding membranes are quite thin. They crawl on all fours for about the first year, but by a year old will be walking upright. By about twelve years old their membranes will have grown big and strong enough to support full gliding. They achieve full growth by the age of sixteen.

Ecology and Habitats

They live on the sixth ring, on a series of large chunks of land that were once a mountain range. Their habitat is mostly mountainous, with a few valleys. The ecology of the land varies greatly as the mountains cast shadows across sections of the land, leaving some areas in perpetual darkness and some in perpetual light.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They are omnivores and subsist on a diet of raw meat, fungus, fruit, nuts and root vegetables.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have excellent eyesight and vield of vision. They smell via their tongues rather than through their nostrils and have a heightened sense of taste. Their hearing is quite poor.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Each Zadtzal will have three names: clan name, birth name, and acquired name. They are spoken in the same order. The birth name is usually some amalgamation of its parents names. The acquired name is given upon reaching adulthood, and represents some aspect of their personality or ability that people know them for.

Major Organizations

There are seven clans among the Zadtzal. Each clan is autonomous, though they share several commonalities in structure and beliefs.

History

All Zadtzal know that the Sacred Geodes must be protected and that their purpose will become apparent as their people grow and move across the rings. The legends vary among the clans as to the exact origin of the Geodes and how they came to be in possession of them.