Lizardfolk
Description
Hailing from the drenched wetlands of northern Eglain, the appearance of Lizardfolk could only be described as severe, lumbering, and formidable. They stand at 6-8 feet tall are are even longer when their muscular reptilian tails are taken into account. They are covered entirely in protective scales and bear striking, toothy maws. Lizardfolk have a deceptively slow gait that becomes terrifying speed when they enter water.
Much like Kobolds, sexual dimorphism is significantly less pronounced in Lizardfolk than their mammalian counterparts. Females forgo breasts for natural armor and feature robust musculature comparable to that of males. It is very difficult for outsiders to distinguish male from female lizardfolk by their faces alone.
Subraces
Crocodilian : An offshoot of Lizardfolk that hunts and thrives in the coastal regions of Eglain.
Culture
Lizardfolk are a race of proud hunters. Since their diet consists almost entirely of wild game, infants learn the taste of meat from day one.
Society
Lizardfolk live in scattered tribal units. Oftentimes these tribes will go to war with each other to decide ownership of land and resources. However, war between Lizardfolk takes a much different form than most other cultures. Theirs is a war won by posturing, showmanship, and pitched one-on-one combat. While not unheard of, death is the exception, rather than the rule when two tribes take arms. That being said, not all tribes are considered equal and generally take two forms.
Whelpry : All tribes have to start somewhere, usually arising from a splinter group of another tribe. The goal of a whelpry is to maximize birth and expand rapidly. As such, whelpries closely resemble the structure of other races. Females are expected remain in the den to lay eggs and care for the young. Males spend most of their time hunting and repelling competing tribes. While this tribal structure is undoubtedly effective, Lizardfolk culture looks down on whelpries and considers it a weakness of spirit. Once a tribe reaches a certain prominence, they tend to change their strategy.
Exaltim : This is the true pride of Lizardfolk society. In exaltims all members, including the females, are expected to hunt and fight. Only those few who prove themselves in combat, and are recognized by the tribe as fearless, are allowed to breed. Those that fail this test are relegated to childcare and manual labor. Many of these disaffected Lizardfolk leave to form their own whelpries. Naturally, this process contributes to a decline in overall population. Life for the Lizardfolk has an ebb and flow. They must become fewer so that they may remain strong.
