The Lizardfolk of Gharana
The Lizardfolk are a solitary people originating from the marshlands and deserts of Gharana. they are often regarded as unfriendly by other races due to their brutal bluntness and almost aggressive disinterest in the affairs of others. They prefer simple, straightforward solutions to their problems and are not interested in arguments; This results in them being a quarrelsome bunch. There is no such thing as a minor disagreement when it comes to Lizardfolk.
If two parties disagree, it almost without fail leads to a literal butting of heads. Lizardfolk are seen as warlike because of this, but it is not out of bloodlust. To them, a fight may just seem like the simplest way to resolve a problem. These fights mostly keep between Lizardfolk Clans, be it for resources, land or even principles, but unfortunately also seeps into their interactions with the rest of the world--with one exception; Lizardfolk have a unique relationship with the orcs they share their lands with. In stark contrast to the peaceful orcs, Lizardfolk are fighters by nature, but their shared affinity with nature and strong shamanic ties keep the two races on friendly terms.
Lizardfolk have mostly remained aloof from the more notable issues of the world, always kept busy by their own and sometimes petty squabbles. However, Lizardfolk mercenaries are always sought after and they've always had a part to play - however minor. These days you can find Lizardfolk through most of the known world, save for the coldest of places, and they maintain strong ties with the Orcish Tribes and the Lands of Iron in particular. Lizardfolk also make for wonderful companions in many ways, despite their quirks. Being painfully blunt, trustworthy and naturally robust, Lizardfolk are often employed as bodyguards, quartermasters, gamekeepers, foremen and other such roles where less respectable people might take advantage of their position.
Lizardfolk have a variety of different scale colors, and also colorful feathers that adorn their necks and back of their heads, in varying lengths. These features often, though not always, distinguish Lizardfolk between clans.
Culture
Lizardfolk society is made up of Clans and each Clan is a tight knit community that considers itself as a family. A slight against a member of your Clan is like a slight against a sibling. These Clans are prone to fighting amongst each other and only the existence of the Council of Elders prevents the Lizardfolk from killing each other off. Clans are usually led by their most respected members, be it a skilled hunter, a fearsome warrior or a wise Shaman and those in charge only keep their positions for as long as they have the Clans trust. Intrigue and subterfuge play very little part in Lizardfolk society, and any internal issues among Clan members are dealt with publicly.
The Council of Elders, located in their capital city, Sszal’kith, known in common as The Great Hollow, is the only form of recognizable government for the Lizardfolk. Clans happily handle their own affairs for the most part, sometimes even in the bounds of the law of whatever nation they’ve chosen to settle in, but when either severe Clan infighting or other notable events occur in the world, all Clans turn to the wisdom of the Council, sending their representatives on a pilgrimage to their ancient home to make their case. Though the Council rarely comes to an actual resolution, the proceedings tend to quell Lizardfolk tempers and at the very least return things to a status quo - at least among the Clans.
Lizardfolk make for excellent herbalists and apothecaries due to their deep, almost spiritual understanding of nature and Lizardfolk hunters are among the best in the world - from the pelt to the bone marrow, Lizardfolk have a use for everything. This also makes them uniquely talented craftsmen, being able to make surprisingly much with extremely little and most Clans are completely self sufficient. They also make for fearsome warriors, obligated by tradition and all too willing to fight for their Clan. Though the Lizardfolk are a rather secular people, they share - and owe - their practice of Shamanism to the Orcs. For as long as anyone can remember, the two races have shared a close bond due to Shamanism and it is unclear how the practice came to be absorbed by Lizardfolk culture. The lack of early written history by Lizardfolk doesn't help in this regard.
There is very little in the way of 'arts' in Lizardfolk society, with very simple clay, mud, or pelt huts; However, you will find some very unique and beautiful jewelry and wooden carvings in some clans. They are a very ascetic and utilitarian people.
Lizardfolk appreciate honesty, bravery, decisiveness and companionship. You will never meet a Lizardfolk who’ll lie, cheat or manipulate. They are courageous almost to a fault, seeing it as a duty to face down danger, however remotely they may or may not be connected to it.
Lizardfolk language is very complex, mostly because almost every clan has its own unique dialect. You may be able to get by knowing the general language, but details and specifics may be lost on you from clan to clan.
Today, a couple dozen Lizardfolk families can be found building minor Noble houses in The Lands of Iron, abandoning the old ways in favor of a more civilized lifestyle; with difficulty.
Clans
Lizardfolk
Kingdom | Gharana |
Capital | Sszal'Kith (The Great Hollow) |
Aliases | Scales, Liss’K’Ra (Lizardfolk), Skar'thar (Dwarvish), Sythr (Elvish) |
Common Languages | Zhar'Tik, Common, Orcish |
Lifespan | 300-400 years |
Average Height | 5'4 - 6'8 |
Present Day Allegiances | Orcs, Elves, Gharanian Humans |
Elemental Proficiencies | Water, Earth, Lightning |