Lizardfolk

The Lizardfolk are a race of reptilian humanoids native to Yorn, known for their ancient heritage and deep-rooted warrior culture. One of the oldest races in the world, they have survived countless challenges through their strength, resilience, and profound respect for combat and discipline. Lizardfolk display a wide range of physical appearances, from sleek, agile forms resembling geckos to towering, muscular bodies akin to alligators. This diversity reflects their species' adaptability and ability to thrive in the varied environments of Yorn’s Clay Region. Despite their intimidating presence, the Lizardfolk are not inherently aggressive. They hold a deep respect for those who prove themselves in battle, regardless of race or origin. However, outsiders often find it challenging to earn their trust, as Lizardfolk are fiercely protective of their clans and ancestral lands.

History

The Lizardfolk of Yorn began as nomadic hunter-gatherer families, navigating the region’s vast swamps easily and instinctively. Their way of life revolved around the waterways, where they hunted, fished, and foraged, sustaining themselves with the swamp's natural abundance. These families were close-knit and mobile, moving frequently to follow the rhythms of the land. Over time, family interactions led to the exchange of weapons, tools, and supplies. These exchanges gradually grew into organized trading markets, where families would gather to barter and share resources. As these markets flourished, they became the foundation for permanent communities, where Lizardfolk began to settle, pooling their strength to protect and sustain one another. Central to this new way of life was the ancient sparring field, a revered site where warriors trained and engaged in ritual combat to hone their skills and settle disputes. Recognizing its importance, the Lizardfolk constructed a temple around the field, transforming it into a sacred space dedicated to their warrior traditions and spiritual beliefs. This temple became the heart of their growing village, a symbol of unity and strength. As their population increased and their village grew more complex, the Lizardfolk developed a sophisticated society, blending their martial traditions with cooperative living. However, their peace was challenged when the Insectoids appeared, bringing their voracious hives to the swamps and consuming everything in their path. The Lizardfolk were the first to confront this new threat, leveraging their warrior culture and intimate knowledge of the swamp to push back against the invasive species. They quickly established themselves as the primary opposition to the Insectoid hives, earning a reputation as fierce defenders of Yorn’s swamps.

Geography

Most lizardfolk hail from Yorn throughout its forests and jungles. The Srohaxl tribe and its cousin communities live in the southeastern and central parts of Yorn, whilst their older relatives, the Carnifex, live in the waterlogged north. Lizardfolk were once the target of enslavement by the early slave market of Azmith. In 1600 DR, Sunan King Regnault VII established many controversial policies, one of which included a trade deal with Azmith that saw expeditions of Sunan soldiers buying or kidnapping lizardfolk and defleo from Yorn and selling them off to Azmith to profit off of participation in the Azmith slave trade. Though Regnault was under the impression the lizardfolk would make for magnificent labor workers and slave knights, they proved incredibly unpopular amongst Azmith merchants and nobles for being "uncontrollable." Many lizardfolk escaped off into the areas and villages outside The Golden City, and tribes still exist there today.

Relations & Society

Lizardfolk have had a constantly evolving relationship with other species throughout Yorn. Periods of cooperation and strife with humans and other beastkin tribes dot Lizardfolk history since antiquity. Today, however, they are at the very least neutral with most. Lizardfolk have a distaste for insectoids, thanks to raids and destruction caused by the northern hives. Many are still generally wary of the free southern insectoids, ever curious if there could come a day when they fall back under the thrall of their old hive faculties. Lizardfolk in Azmith are distrustful of those outside their own, or at the very least are most accustomed to living amidst their own kind. They commonly trade with the villages and towns lining the coasts.

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Lizardfolk Ancestries

Ancestry: Animal Kin
Lifespan: 60 years
Adulthood: 15 years
Average Height (m.): 1.2m to 1.9m
Average Weight (kg.): 30kg to 112kg
Type: Reptile
Blood: Red
Contributors: Kashii, Taylorzilla, Yuii, Foxhound99

Icy Lizard - Unlike many of your kin, you were born near Eiri or in some other colder place. Your blood retains temperature exceptionally well, and your thick hide loses little heat. You can persist in cold and icy conditions about as well as somebody wearing a coat and snow gear without ill effects from temperature. This means, however, that in extreme heat, you will typically fare worse than members of other races or even your own kind.
Detachable Tail - Your tail can safely detach and regrow over the course of an ample amount of time. This evolutionary holdover allows you to grow back a lost tail in 1d4+1 sessions. You must eat a larger than normal amount to compensate for the energy lost growing a new tail. This is at least one hearty meal each day. Your tail is regrowing for any progress to be made, or you lack the energy to heal that day, and it resumes after you properly fill your belly.
Color Master: Special cells in your body's skin allow you to shift the hue of your appearance at will. It takes some effort, so you can only manage about one shift per day (as long as it stays within model requirements).