Quetzcal Lizardfolk
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Quetzcal language is a guttural, dissonant version of draconic. Dubbed Under-Draconic by the canyon dwarves, there are very few outside of the Quetzcal Empire that can speak it properly. The canyon dwarves have specifically captured Quetzcal scouts to create a lexicon of the language, but only a handful of scholars have made any progress. Some high ranking Quetzcals have made it a point to learn Common from captured miners.
Shared customary codes and values
The Quetzcals culture is dependent on strength. Anyone may challenge their direct superior for their position, at any time. In practice such ambition is unusual given the reptilian mindset of the Quetzcal people. However, clear strength disparities will lead to such challenges and they are usually successful. However, due to divine right to rule, no one may challenge the Huetlatoani.
All Quetzcals work towards the same goal – expansion, proliferation and conquest. They do not understand diplomacy, save through combat.
Average technological level
The Quetzcal Empire is a low-Iron Age civilization. They've developed powerful short bows that are ideal for the cramped conditions in the Sharesessi Underdark. Their front line soldiers carry short spears and tall shields. Some few scavenged firearms have been brought back by scouting parties, but the Quetzcal lack the ability or the knowledge to make more - or even to use those that they've acquired.
Common Dress code
Clothing is entirely decorative or protective to the Quetzcals, who have neither the resources nor the need for day-to-day fashion. Leaders and religious figures will wear ornate headdresses, soldiers and scouts will augment their thick hide with primitive bone and unrefined metal armor. Upper arm bands are used to donate rank and social status. They are usually adorned with semi-precious stones or hunting trophies.
Art & Architecture
Quetzcal art is almost exclusively for the purposes of religious iconography. They worship the dragonkin as their gods, building statues and mosaics to the creatures that they once followed. Architecture is extremely utilitarian - outside of their underground ziggurats. These step pyramids tower over the plain stone huts that serve as Quetzcal houses. The burning torches that line these pyramids offer most of the light within Quetzcal habitation
Common Myths and Legends
Most Quetzcal myths reach back to a time before the Resplendent Arcane. A time when the dragonkin still walked among the lizardfolk, fostering their civilization. Their legends speak of the time when the dragonkin disappeared, their influence gone, their gifts abandoned.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
The Quetzcal lizardfolk have diverged slightly from the main lizardfolk genetic line. In addition to a slimmer stature, they grow feathered manes around the base of their neck. Particularly vibrant coloring is considered an attractive feature.
Major organizations
The sole governing organization of the Quetzcal people is the Quetzcal Empire. The Burning King or Huetlatoani rules over all members of the Quetzcal lizardmen, directing them in their slow march towards the surface. Below him are his direct advisors – the Cuauhtlatoani – that serve specific duties. The advisor of magic serves as the empire’s archmage. The advisor of war directs all troop movements under the direct orders of the king. The advisor of the hunt paradoxically monitors all agriculture and managing of livestock. It is believed that this is a hold-over position from the Quetzcal’s time as hunter-gatherers.
Related Locations
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