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Carani

Carani (s and pl) are a subgroup of Lizardfolk that are specialized to live in rivers and small bodies of water. They prefer amphibious environments, with plenty of (shallow) water but also hard ground, and will change their orientation among these with the temperature, becoming more submerged when it is hot and moving onto land when temperatures drop. Because of their territorial preference, they are more likely to serve as traders and farmers in Reptilian society, and are less frequently found in leadership positions. They are held to be more individualistic and lazy than their cousins, but many hold these as cultural stereotypes more than a physiological traits.   They have rounder and longer bodies than others of their kind, and thus are the tallest and heaviest, though they seldom stand with a straight posture, especially when submerged. Their thick fingers and toes have distinctive webbing.   Carani tend to live in small and loose-knit groups which are widely spread. In rural areas, an individual might not make regular contact with more than a dozen others over their lifetime. Even in areas of greater population density, they gather into small social units and avoid outside contact.  

Transformation: Undine

The rare Carani individual who exhibits superior poise and self-control may become an Undine, a spirit for whom a body of water is not an environment but instead an extension of their own will. Achieving the change is a feat of great introspection and focus of will, and those who manage it become leaders in their social circle, and will also hold great sway with any other Reptilians that they meet.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Grakimi is their most widely spoken primary language, with Drathi a close second. Additionally, most speak Common, Senyan, or Neglessese to facilitate trade.

Shared customary codes and values

Carani favor solitude and tend not to gather in large groups even when social necessity demands it. They are reticent with words and seldom speak their minds. They give little thought to history or distant events, but have a great interest in their interactions with the few people they do encounter on a regular basis, sorting others strictly into a personal pecking order based on that person's deeds with regard to themselves. Thus, swaying a group of Carani toward one cause is nearly impossible.

Common Dress code

Among themselves, because they spend so much time going in and out of water, Carani seldom wear any clothing, save perhaps for a belt or backpack carrying any tools or items they need, usually made from leather or woven reeds. In mixed company, they generally wear clothes in the Sahani style, or less often adopt Human fashions. During cold weather, they will wear heavy cloaks or ponchos providing more coverage than other garb.

Art & Architecture

Almost universally, Carani structures are built on water's edge. The ground within the structure will be dug out, creating a basin that can be filled with water (usually to ankle or knee depth) or emptied in accordance with changes in water temperature. Submerged rooms may be used as storage. Roofs are designed to be retractable so that rooms can be warmed by the sun but also sheltered from harsh weather. Where labor and materials allow, these will be made of sliding wooden slats, but otherwise a simple hide or cloth hung from the tops of the walls will suffice. If the structure is sufficiently sturdy, the upper portion will be used as a lounge for basking, and will be the primary area for recreation and accepting visitors.   Buildings tend to be very small, used only for storage and sleeping; as these are both needs which require great security, the buildings will always be guarded, by a member of the community who is assigned to the purpose. In towns which are larger or have valuable goods to keep, watchtowers may be made to aid this purpose. The buildings themselves are seldom very sturdy, as the Carani tend not to have access to superior materials.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Sleeping is generally communal, though Carani are more likely to live alone or in small groups than other Reptilian subgroups. Even when they form communities and towns, they tend to form intimate groups based on common occupation, each having a separate living space within the greater communal area.   Entertaining of visitors and ambassadors is highly informal, taking place in sleeping chambers or rooftops, without any particular ritual approach.

Major organizations

The strongest presence of Carani is in Grakim, where they make up 31% of the population, despite it being a desert, because most of its population centers are built near or on the great river. They also make up 27% of Drathis, 13% of the Central Subcontinent, 9% of the Mantle of Mehen and also the Conglomeration, and 3% of the Neglessi Collective and also of Senya, and about 1% of Kinteki.
Nicknames (Less to more pejorative):Wetscales, river-masters, swimmers, wetsnouts
Height: 1.9-2.3 m (5'4"-7'6")
Scale Colors: Green with yellow or brown tinge, with patches of brown, tan or gray
Eye Colors: Bronze, gold, brown or gray
Lifespan (Typical/Maximum): 90-155
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