Wyrmskinned

The Wyrmskinned The Wyrmskinned are a race of upright, lizard-like people bearing a proud resemblance to the ancient wyrms from whom they claim descent. Physically, they are tall and robust, with an innate muscular build. Gender differences manifest in a few key traits: Wyrmskinned women possess feathered tails, more slender frames, and curled, antler-like horns, distinguishing them clearly from their male counterparts.   As they age, all Wyrmskinned undergo a dramatic transformation - growing to immense proportions and taking on an increasingly wyrm-like appearance. Their tails elongate, horns twist and thicken, spines jut, and teeth grow long. This transformation, though physically cumbersome, brings great wisdom and strength, making elders respected as both warriors and scholars. Among them also exist rare variants more reminiscent of snakes or traditional lizards, adding further diversity to their kind.   The Wyrmskinned value strength, tradition, and legacy. However, this reverence does not preclude appreciation for art or personal expression. Their mantra - “Tradition is best preserved in stone” - is reflected in their architecture: fortress-cities of imposing stone, adorned with carved legends, ancestral statues, and engraved records of past glory.   Their society operates under a two-caste system: the noble-blooded and the common-blooded. These castes are symbiotic rather than hierarchical. The noble-blooded provide ancient knowledge, financial aid for public services, and weapons crafted through ancestral treaties. In return, the common-blooded maintain the trades, supply manpower, and pay taxes according to their means. Ownership is deeply respected—what one earns, crafts, or kills is considered theirs to keep, so long as it does not harm others.   Monarchy is held in high regard, especially in their homeland - the Empire of Mormiloa. The ruling Vaevnarierth bloodline has endured for centuries, its prestige immortalized in carvings across the land, from vine-choked ruins to the highest towers of cities like Myrvelier and Zaevelin.   Their military is structured into "Hydras," which divide into tactical branches:   The Scales are levied infantry, armed with large shields and long spears. A typical unit includes 15 warriors, plus an officer, a standard bearer, and a musician. Expeditionary versions often include a clerk to handle loot distribution and logistics.   The Maws are professional soldiers. A standard Maw unit of 10 is divided into: two fourths with halberds and greataxes, one fourth with small shields and falchions, and one fourth with bows or crossbows. Each unit also includes a veteran leader, a signal-bearing standard bearer, and a sapper for fortifications and engineering.   The Striking Tails are elite cavalry wielding generational heirloom weapons - maces, axes, or sabers - but all carry the signature lance of their order, forged with closely guarded techniques to withstand countless charges. Units comprise 20 riders, led by an Order Emissary and a standard bearer who may also act as musician in large-scale battles.   The Heads are commanders and advisors who oversee the battle from high ground, using signal banners to guide field officers while leaving much of the tactical execution to trusted troops.     Traditional equipment includes lamellar armor, though modern Hydras are increasingly outfitted with chainmail, plate, and closed helmets. Armor is frequently customized with paints, emblems, or sentimental additions—such as a husband wearing feathers from his wife’s tail in his helm or pauldron.   In colonies and border realms, where standardized armor may be impractical or too costly, troops receive a modest stipend to equip themselves. Though this results in a more eclectic appearance, the effectiveness of these forces remains high.   This structure has endured from the Era of Crowns into the present Era of the Withering Bloom. However, the growing presence of dukespowder is pressuring many generals to reconsider their battlefield doctrines and the future of their martial traditions.