LIZARDMAN: THE LIZARDMAN RACE

There are normal lizardmen (lizardfolk, page 128 monster manual), but then there is a more evolved race of lizardmen which humans have recently come to know. This race owes this distinction from their lesser brethren mostly to their higher intelligence. Whether this mutation arose naturally or as a result of outside interference is open to speculation, but it must have happened within the last few hundred years as this race is quite young.

They call themselves the Slee, or Sleeshiss, which roughly means Lizards of god, or the chosen lizards of Semuanya, depending on who you ask. They have their own hissing language that no human has been able to learn fluently, but this race of lizardmen has been able to learn Common. Though less intelligence than Man, on average, the Slee are more intelligent than their lesser cousins.

An adult Slee stands between 6.5 and 7.5 feet in height, weighs about 250 pounds, and has a thick, green hide of scales. Their tails are 3 to 4 feet long and are not prehensile. The males and females look virtually the same, though the females change color to a darker green once a year during mating season. After mating, they typically lay 2 to 3 eggs that will hatch in about 35 days. These eggs require virtually no care during this time, but once they hatch, the young must be tended to for the first year before they can take care of themselves. They reach majority in a scant 10 years and typically live to about 60 or so. Some as old as 80 have been known.

The Slee prefer to dwell in air-filled, underwater caves along the coast of inland seas or along the ocean's coast. Normally, one has to swim to gain access to such caves. But they've also been known to make their homes on the edges of swamplands, living in crud huts.

The Slee's diet consists mostly of fish and other aquatic prey, small reptiles, and most small creatures found in swamps. They have been known to eat human flesh, but generally dislike the idea of eating other intelligent beings (though they will make an exception when it comes to orcs or half-orcs, they're so tasty). Humans who have tried Slee flesh and eggs describe them as inedible and a horrible affront to one's palette.

The Slee make excellent guides into vast swamplands, or sometimes-extensive underwater expanses in the underdark. Fresh or salt water, it matters not to them as they may drink both, the excess salt being processed and exuded through sweat and urine. Though they do not breath water, they can hold their breath for over 20 minutes (if they engage in light activity such a swimming, or 10 minutes if they engage in more strenuous activity such a combat).

Slee PCs are generally liaisons between their race and others, often smoothing the way and making it clear they are not like their cousins, who often seem to enjoy killing men and eating human flesh. The Slee have recently discovered, however, they have a taste for pork - which is their favorite food if they can get it - and love to buy pigs and work with or trade with human pig farmers. Slee liaisons, however, are usually more intelligent, stronger, and more experienced than the rest of their own race. They may be exceptional warriors, most often using spear and shield, or they may be clerics, worshiping Semuanya. Though other classes are possible, they are rarer.

LIZARDMAN RACIAL TRAITS
(Add these if your PC's race is LIZARDMAN)

+2 STR
-2 INT
Medium Size
Base Speed 30 feet

Base AC 15 (natural body armor is +5 to AC). Armors that offer better protection than AC 15 might be used, but their natural body armor and scales only add +1 to their AC then above what the armor affords. Armors that offer lesser protection than AC 15 do no good. Slee may also use shields that will help as normal. However, they typically shun armor and prefer to wear only belts, sashes, and loincloths.

TOUGHNESS (1) They have this feat for free (+3 to hit points), but may take it again (but must pay for further advances if they do).

Slee heal faster than any other PC race - in fact, twice as fast, or 2 HPs/level/day of rest. They also regrow lost limbs, though this may take a year or so for a leg or arm or tail, or just a month or two for a finger or toe.

SWIM They have this skill for free.

LIZARDMAN CULTURAL TRAITS
(Add these if your PC grew up in a LIZARDMAN culture)

FISHING: They have this profession for free.

They are well versed in spear and shield work, having weapon focus in both. They get +1 to attack with spear and +1 to AC beyond what the shield normally affords.

TRACK: The have this feat for free, but only if in swampy areas, and do not incur most penalties for such poor terrain as even a ranger would in a swamp.

Wilderness Lore: They have this skill for free, but only for swampy terrain.

Languages: In addition to knowing Sleeish and Common, they might know the following: Various languages of swamp creatures, or draconic, the lesser language of dragons (the DM may make this color specific for dragons, in which case, it is most likely green or black dragon).

Favored Class: +500 XP to the class of FIGHTER or CLERIC at 1st level IF this is their first class.

© February of 2002
by
James L.R. Beach
Waterville, MN 56096