Fiction:The Firmament/Lizardfolk

The lizardfolk are a race of humanoid reptiles native to the Sea of Sand, the great desert of central Dryadala. A shrewd and clever folk, they rule over the nation of Merovaren and possess the most extensive trading network in the known world, making them one of the more powerful cultures of the eastern continent.

Biology
Lizardfolk superficially resemble humanoid skinks, generally standing up to 1,7 meters tall and weighting 60 kilograms. Their scales come in several shades of brown and yellow with black markings across the sides and a small pair of horns growing from the sides of their skulls. Their hands and feet end in claws which can deliver nasty scratches, and their fairly long tails generally drags through the ground unless they need to run. Male lizardfolk tend to be bulkier in frame than females, being otherwise identical in appearance.

History
The origins of the lizardfolk are a matter of discussion. Some scholars say they descend from the crocodilians who inhabit the rivers of the desert, but the two races share no kinship and indeed, see each other as rivals in most cases. Tribes of lizardfolk existed through the land which would become Merovaren until they were united under the rule of an individual named Marigrax, who would lead them into founding the Dynasty of the Sands seven hundred years in the past. Quickly expanding their influence through the decades, caravans from the capital of Sohitaria begun spreading across the continent, soon enough creating a great network of trade routes which many other nations begun using as well; these would become known as the Sandy Roads, which pass through the four corners of the continent and converge all on Merovaren.

Culture
Often boasting that their coffers are the most full of all empires in the land, the lizardfolk are well known as shrewd merchants and traders who possess a natural skill in bartering and craftsmanship, valuing personal skill and wisdom above all other virtues. Possessing the most extensive trading network in the known world, many nations make deals with the lizardfolk to some extent, as their caravans are perhaps the best way to obtain certain exotic goods only found in certain distant regions of the continent. Not all lizardfolk are keen on trading, however, with many displaying interest in military, scholarship and magic that rivals the enthusiasm of races like humans and elves.

Religion
Most Lizardfolk worship Almonohuim, the god of serpents, sands and treasures whose lair is located in Merovaren. Temples dedicated to the Golden Serpent are common through their settlements, and as a form of respect, they leave him and his serpentfolk servants alone under most circumstances. Other deities worshipped among the lizardfolk include Aldirei, Aether and Skasdrumri, though their followings are considered niche.

Language
Lizardfolk speak Merovaren, a language descended from Draconic which shares many similarities with the crocodilian dialect of the latter. Almost all lizardfolk are bilingual, however, and speak Common regularly in order to better interact with outsiders.

Relations with other races
As they base themselves on trading, the lizardfolk prefer to keep on the good graces of other nations whenever possible. Their trading partners include Humans, Elves and Dwarves in their home continent, and their ships regularly visit the west. They do not deal with peoples considered hostile, dangerous or unreasonable, and as such avoid places like Skitterfall, Ruscland and Duskwood whenever possible.

Notable Lizardfolk

 * Dynasty of the Sands
 * Sultan Megrovaz II - Current ruler of Merovaren
 * Earath Mileoveraz - Mercenary and adventurer


 * Historical figures
 * Sultan Marigrax I - Founder of Merovaren