Scalykind
Scalykind, reptilian and amphibious sophonts, live throughout the world, despite their natural cold-blooded physiology. Thanks to modern magitech, they now thrive beyond their traditional warm climates. In the Kirinal Concordance Zone, they're well represented and respected, especially in the Northeastern Tortoise Slice.
The gatormen from Bluestar are some of the toughest old boots that I've had the pleasure of fighting beside! And kappa warriors? You ain't seen nothin' until you've seen a walking rock cartwheel into combat! Imagine turtle warriors flipping into combat with numchucks and sais!
Scalykind is a broad ethnic umbrella that includes sentient reptiles and amphibians from a range of species. They include Dragonborn, yuan-ti snakefolk, lizardfolk (gators, iguanas, and monitors), kappa (turtles and tortoises), and kobolds. Though technically scaleless, amphibious frog-, toad-, and Dula-dulas axolotl-folk are included under the term due to shared heritage and physiology.
They originate in equatorial regions across the world, hailing from both wetlands and arid regions. Historically, they were feared for their raiding culture and their pragmatic outlook towards corpses. Where many other mortals saw the honored dead, scalykind saw their next convenient meal.
In the Kirinal Concordance Zone, scalykind are legally equal and considered just another type of mortal. As long as they follow the dictates of the Secretary of Sophont Detection.
Despite official policy, scalykind still face lingering stereotypes. Stories of yuan-ti cultists and cannibal crocodilemen remain popular in Copper Chronicles pulp fiction and other sensationalized media depictions. Unfortunately, the real presence of extremist groups like the Primacy of Scales continues to fuel distrust and makes full acceptance of scalykind an uphill climb.
Scaled Society
The dragonborn are the most prominent and widely accepted of all scalykind. Their blood ties to dragons gives them a cachet that cannot be denied. Despite the well-documented habit of dragons eating mortals, dragonborn somehow avoid the stigma and mistrust that follows their scaled cousins.
Lizardfolk warbands can be found fighting with Winter's Horde, and a kappa admiral is in charge of the Kamera, a flying dreadnaught of the Hex Crystal Battalion. Yuan-ti mages serve prominently in the upper echelons of the Magister's Dominion. Most notable is Magister Lynexia, a yuan-ti abomination who commands the elite Mages Marfan.
The amphibious sophonts, frog-, toad-, and axolotl-folk, have developed a reputation for haute couture and refined etiquette. They dress in elegant waterproof waistcoats and flowing gowns designed for their humid homes. These garments look just as fabulous soaked as they do dry. The Bog Ball, held in the shadow of Menelost Telperion, is one of the highlights of the social season.
I am glad to see scalykind take their place at the seat of power. I have seen the dragon and giant empires fall. I have watched the humans fight for respect, and orcs and goblins turn from raiders to allies. Now, the lizard and snake folk come not as plunderers, but as people who want to build and belong. It makes my oak heart glad to see them stand beside their brothers and sisters.
Nyxek: Spreading his species throughout Erathia since 2023!
Are you petitioning for a Nyxek article? Because that one prompt is just screaming Nyxek at me. But... his story is still unfinished!!
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That is completely up to you, but he does definitely fit the bill!
Unfortunately, he already has his article! But maybe I can work him into the eventual progenitor-of-many article.
Nyxek the Resplendent
A crystal dragaonborn cleric of the Dragon Empire, an Inquisitor of the Red Dome of Heaven, Commander of Station Desolation and one of the few to accomplish the "Doctrine of Eight."
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