Rekskar

The Rekskar are a reptilian race residing of the continent of Nuvos, a land just recently discovered by many other civilized races. The history of the rekskar is a long and complex one, beginning with their enslavement by the now extinct Shissar. Little is known of this era of rekskar civilization, but it is evident that the rekskar eventually overcame their masters and turned to building a mighty empire for themselves. In time, the rekskar empire, in its pride, built a mighty stronghold named Sebilis, and made war with the dragons. The toll of war, and the death of their greatest Emperor brought the rekskar race to eventual ruin. Save for the great city of Cabilis, now but a shell of its former glory, the great rekskar cities of old have fallen into ruins, or have become strongholds for their enemies.

Brutal and Efficient

Rekskar are a proud race, made unfriendly and bitter in seeking to regain their lost glories. They are alien to those from other continents and hostile to any who come to Nuvos, as the rekskar see such races as invaders and outsiders. Though thought by many as a maligned race, the rekskar have no love for drovari, ogres, orcs, or goblinoids and this lack of affection is mutual. Rekskar are only truly at home in the lands of Nuvos, and those who travel further abroad face constant mistrust, aggression, and alienation.
Individually, rekskar are proud, self-assured, and distrustful of others. Their history is one of conquest; the strong ruling over the weak. To them, no tool should be discarded, and things like pain, fear, and torture are simply a means to an end. Their habits are just as likely as their demeanor to cause other races to react poorly to them. They think nothing of consuming live insects or other small creatures, sleeping in swampy hollows, or killing with their bare hands. Rekskar see these things as practical and normal. Anyone who refuses to take action because of simple distaste is weak willed, and anyone who needs weapons, armor, and shelter to survive is frail.

Raised to Kill

Although not truly inherently evil, they have, as a race, realized that some evils are a necessary means to an end. Rekskar have a natural inclination towards death and violence, whether natural or arcane. Violence begets violence in their minds and the lack of action is considered weak. As a result, most rekskar are monks, warlocks, or warriors. Those rekskar who chose to study the ways of the arcane are most inclines to study necromancy. Some rekskar do whole-heartedly believe in good fortune and virtue, but understand, without the strength to enforce such ideals, they are pointless.
There is a place for the occasional druid or paladin, but they tend to be those of the Circle of Spores or Moon, or who swear the Oath of Vengeance or Conquest.

Order and Surprising Civility

Rekskar society is very orderly and organized. Every rekskar has a position, rank and authority understood by every citizen. They have no place for those who do not conform, casting them down into an unwanted, untouched chaste or even exile.
Their only stronghold to survive the war against the dragons is Cabilis, the capital to their small nation. Contrary to what most expect, Cabilis is a bustling city with merchants, guilds, inns, smithies and even libraries. Instead of streets, the entire city is built upon a lake, its thoroughfares are all waterways. Instead of horse carts and wagons, they are traversed by boat or by rekskar simply slipping into the water and swimming. It is first and foremost a very formidable fortification, and at its core is a military stronghold. Many of their old strongholds now lay in ruins or are inhabited by their enemies. Those few members of outside races that have been welcomed into Cabilis know that even a large, well-armed army might not make it inside the city, much less leave. Those few members often talk about the strange, but ordered and peaceful society the rekskar have behind those walls.

Scouts, Rebellion and Courage

Any rekskar leaving on a life of adventuring has great courage. To leave their society and walk into the vast, unwelcoming unknown is a great burden. Most rekskar who leave to go adventure, leave for one of two reasons. Either they are sent on a mission from their superiors to gain great power, knowledge and to report back, furthering their goals to carve out a new empire. Some leave because they did not fit in with the rigid rekskar society and have been either cast out or leave on their own accord. Some escape the brutal life of the lowest chaste to try their lot among the other races. Rekskar have done little to help the outside perception of their race and most find it hard to find acceptance or even safe haven among the other races.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Rekskar names are unlike those of most other races, and are often difficult for non-rekskar to pronounce. Most people can only approximate the true hissing and growling sound of most rekskar names, though few pronunciation and spelling conventions have become standard when translating Sebilisian into other tongues. Those unfamiliar with Sebilisian often have problems distinguishing between male and female names.

Lifespan

175 years

Average Height

5 ½ feet - 6 ½ feet

Average Weight

150 - 250 lbs.