Troglodyte

Basic Information

Anatomy

Vaugely humanoid, though typically more spindly but muscular limbs and a slender tail

Biological Traits

Troglodytes are a brutal race of creatures, that barely straddle the line between sentience and savagery. Despite their seemingly weak statue, they are incredibly strong and deadly, typically hunting in packs. Their heads were described as lizardlike, but this could vary, as some have been described as having almost completely blank faces except for their maw of teeth. Their black beady eyes were well suited for seeing in dark caves and dungeons, though fire and bright light sources have always been something they struggled with. Males typically have frills that extend from their forehead to their necks. By far, their unique ability is something similar to a chameleon, being able to shift their skin tone to blend in to the environment. While this does help in sneaking and ambushing prey, a curious drawback is their stench. The smell of a troglodyte is known as incredibly potent and foul smelling, and veteran adventurers can use it to realize if they are walking into a trap.

Genetics and Reproduction

This is a point of contention for scholars, as we do not know exactly how their reproduction works. What we do know is that they lay eggs, and certain variations in egg conditions lead to several different mutation types in their biology. There is some debate of how they reproduce exactly, some believe they are parasitic and lay eggs in hosts to then give rise to more of their kind. Others instead point to the possibility of asexual reproduction, which can also explain their rapid birth rate. Likely the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

Growth Rate & Stages

Upon hatching, though they are only around 1 foot, they can almost instantly know how to walk and move. Though typically sticking close to adults, they only need about 3 years to mature into adulthood.

Ecology and Habitats

Troglodytes typically prefer to live in underground cave systems. They even have long-lived in the Underdark, being a constant source of annoyance for the Drow, but since the Underdark Cataclysm they have simply resided in the many dark dingy caves and dungeons of the world.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Troglodytes are carnivorous, subsisting purely on meat they obtain from hunting and raiding.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Troglodytes have since spread across the entire planet in caves and dungeons, this especially being aided by the Underdark tunnel systems that existed long before the catastrophe. They are a common monster adventurers face, and many are seen as the first true test of adventurers, alongside goblins or skeletons.

Average Intelligence

This is debated upon, as many point to their almost sadistic like enjoyment in hunting and torturing weaker sentient beings and dragging them back to their caves. However, what few observational works we have on them have observed hierarchy, and what some assume to be some form of primitive language, even symbols pointing at either a writing system or some form of artistic side.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Curiously, though they are extremely capable with seeing in the dark, they struggle with bright light sources and the sunlight in general.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Troglodytes gang up in tribes where they congregate to have easier access to prey and unknowing villagers and adventurers.

History

There are rumors, but unforunately there is little solid proof of their origins. Some believe however that they are an artifically created race, similar to how kobolds were created by dragons. If the dragons did make the Troglodytes, no one knows for sure, perhaps some strange and terrible god or being of the Far Beyond made these hideous creatures. Regardless of their origin, they are a terror that lurks in the caves and dungeons of the world, slaving and eating and raiding what they can. Thanks to their high birth rate, there are always contracts for clearing out caves completly of troglodyte tribes, so long as one can stomach the smell.

Lifespan

Around 50 years

Average Height

On average shorter than a human, at 5-6ft

Average Weight

150 pounds

Average Physique

Described as spindely, though muscular in the arms and chest, with squat legs and long slender tails.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Typically a grayish-brown skin tone, and rough leathery scales covering their bodies.