Homebrew Oltec Species Details

INTRODUCTION
The term “Oltec” refers to both the culture and race of the people who live in Tikal, an island defined by its verdant jungles, active volcanoes, and towering mountains. The ancestry of the Oltec people is complex, and there is notable phenotypic variation within the Oltec population. Outsiders have described them as dragonborn with tails, or lizardfolk. In ages past, the Oltec flourished, constructing a civilization that surpassed contemporary societies in magic, technology, artistry, and institutional complexity. However, their once-mighty society crumbled, leaving behind a modern population bereft of advanced technology and intricate social structures. Now the Oltec live primarily as hunter gatherers, living in close-knit tribal groups. Only fragments of the once resplendent Oltec culture remain, but those remnants contain untold power.

FEATURES
Variation. There is significant phenotypic variation among the Oltec. Prominent scholars speculate that the Oltec are the descendants of multiple species; they have been described as having characteristics of humans, dragons, serpents, crocodiles, geckos, axolotls, and birds/theropods. Blue scales and feathers are prized by different Oltec subcultures.

Body Structure. While possessing the general physique of dragonborn, the Oltec are lithe and agile, eschewing the heavily built nature often associated with dragonborn. Their bodies exhibit a wide array of adaptations, including venomous and snakelike forms, amphibious characteristics, birdlike features with hollow bones, and crocodilian attributes. These characteristics are not evenly distributed among the Oltec, resulting in certain subgroups with distinct attributes. Most notably, some Oltec possess the ability to jump long distances using their powerful legs and or vestigial feathers. This ability may be traced back to theropod or dragon ancestors. Additionally, some Oltec excel in swimming, drawing upon their aquatic lineage to achieve rapid bursts of speed underwater.

Tails. All Oltec sport tails, a distinctive trait that sets them apart from typical dragonborn. These tails vary in appearance, reflecting the diverse ancestry within the Oltec lineage.

Magical Affinity. Many Oltec are born with magical abilities due to their ancestry. Precious and semi-precious stones are a key element of Oltec magic culture. When an Oltec comes of age, they bond their soul to a precious or semi-precious stone. This “Soul Stone” is a both a symbol of status and a useful magical implement. Soul stones serve to both concentrate and direct the magic of the wielder, enabling precise control of spells and incantations. Although the loss of a Soul Stone won’t permanently cripple a bonded Oltec, it is viewed a mark of shame and can cause debilitating pain in the short term.

Metabolism. Despite their varied appearances, the Oltec share a metabolism akin to humans. Oltec lead active lives, so finding foods with high caloric content is a necessity. Some Oltec can enter a temporary sedentary state to conserve energy if needed.

Diet. The Oltec are omnivorous, consuming both plants and animals. The former staple crop was borum, a kerneled cereal with a high protein content. In modern times, the Oltec practice horticulture instead of intensive agriculture, so borum only makes up a moderate part of their diet. Favorite foods of the modern Oltec include fruit, tubers, peppers, root vegetables, birds, giant capybaras, fish, crustaceans, theropods, and wild hogs.

Intelligence. Highly intelligent, the Oltec created a technological civilization without peer. Their current state of technological regression is unrelated to their intrinsic potential. Underestimating their abilities, intelligence, and general sophistication could prove fatal.

CULTURE – GENERAL FEATURES
Tribal Structure. The Oltec form close-knit communities organized around familial connections. The tribes uphold a collective spirit deeply rooted in tradition and shared values. Each tribe operates as a self-sustaining unit, governed by a council of elders who pass down ancestral wisdom and maintain cultural continuity. Rituals and ceremonies, such as the Soul Stone binding ritual, play a central role in reinforcing the bonds between tribe members. These Oltec tribes view themselves as extensions of a larger cosmic order, with each individual contributing to the harmony of the whole. Mutual cooperation, respect for nature, and a strong connection to their ancestors shape the fabric of these close-knit communities, ensuring the survival and prosperity of the Oltec tribes in the face of challenges. Scarification, tattoos, piercings, and ornamentation can indicate status within a tribe or be used to establish tribal identity.

Language. The modern Oltec speak a dialect called Jukk. Jukk contains elements of both draconic and an ancient human language. The Oltec script is composed of syllabic glyphs: each symbol corresponds to a specific combination of consonant and vowel sounds, creating a syllable. However, the modern Oltec are no longer able to read or write in the glyphs of their ancestors.

MODERN MATERIAL CULTURE
The Soul Stone. The Soul Stone is an integral part of Otlec material culture. When an Oltec comes of age, a ceremony is held in which a precious or semi-precious stone is bound to his or her soul. The stone is surgically implanted (mounted) in the subject’s body, most often on the face or in a tooth. The placement of the stone is significant: it can indicate social status, martial rank, enhance beauty, or intimidate adversaries. The traditional stones are quartz, jade, amethyst, pyrite, obsidian, ruby, and turquoise. Each type of stone corresponds to a different magical affinity, allowing the wielder to channel and focus magic of the corresponding type.

Weapons. Although the Oltec once crafted weapons from advanced composites and metal alloys, their contemporary implements are much simpler. Although modern Oltec have been known to craft ornaments and tools from gold and silver, they currently lack the sophistication to smelt iron or copper. As a substitute, they use obsidian to form the blades and tips of their weapons. In rare circumstances, they employ fragments of advanced alloys from ancient times in their weapons. The macuahuitl, an obsidian tipped club, has special ceremonial and religious significance for the Oltec. For ranged attacks, the Oltec typically use spears, arrows, or darts coated with poisons and magic tinctures.

Armor. Although their scales provide natural protection, many Oltec supplement their defense with armor made from leather, displacer beast skins, or advanced alloys from former times.
Clothng. They typically wear sparse clothing, roughly woven by hand from reeds and fibers native to Tikal. Occasionally leather armor is used to complement their naturally tough hides.
Vessels. Their pottery is simple and utilitarian; their active lifestyle and mobile camps limit the utility of heavy vessels.
Soul Stones and their Magic Affinity

Soul Stone
Damage Type
Quartz - Force
Jade - Radiant
Amethyst - Psychic
Pyrite - Thunder
Obsidian - Necrotic
Ruby - Fire
Turquoise - Poison

Sands of Time
Over the course of history, the material culture of the Oltec civilization has experienced profound transformations. In its earlier epochs, it flourished with splendor and intricacy, showcasing a richness unparalleled in Primordia. However, contemporary material culture of the Oltec is a pale reflection of its former grandeur. However, remarkable continuity endures in the form of the Oltec artistic style, which has survived periods of collapse and change. The creativity embedded in Oltec creations is a testament to their unique outlook.

RELGION
The Oltec, follow two distinct religions: Chaacism and Quetzalism. The followers of these religions are known as the Chaaci and the Quetzals.

Chaacism.
Deity. Chaac, the god of storms, water, and earth, is the central figure in Chaacism. Worshipers believe that Chaac created the world and shaped humans from borum, a staple crop similar to maize.
Creation Myth. Followers of Chaacism hold that their patron god is responsible for the creation of the seas and the sky. The narrative involves Chaac forming the world and populating it with humans derived from the essential crop, borum.
Tikal. Chaaci followers contend that Tikal was once a giant turtle who met its demise at the hands of Chaac. This event plays a significant role in their religious lore.
Symbolism: Chaaci emphasize blue features, such as certain scales, often using blue pigments to accentuate their connection to the god Chaac.

Quetzalism.

Deity. The Quetzalcoatl, the god of fire, wind, and poison, is the focal point of Quetzalism. Adherents believe that the Quetzalcoatl is the creator of the world, and all people on Earth are considered his descendants.

Creation Myth. Quetzals believe that their god, the Quetzalcoatl, is responsible for the creation of the world and the sun. followers hold that the Quetzalcoatl crafted the universe and is the progenitor of all life.

Tikal. Quetzals contend that Tikal was once a giant turtle who met its demise at the hands of the Quetzalcoatl. This event plays a significant role in their religious lore. This version of the story differs from that of Chaacism.
Symbolism. the Quetzals emphasize their links to the Quetzalcoatl by accentuating their natural feathers and supplementing them with ones collected from native birds

Conflict.
Warfare. The adherents of Chaacism and Quetzalism engage in constant warfare, fueled by the belief that the other god committed a heinous and unjust act against their own deity.
Misdeeds. Both religions maintain that the other god is evil and responsible for some grave transgression, further intensifying the animosity between Chaac's Chosen and The Children of the Quetzalcoatl.

Persecution. War captives are often enslaved or sacrificed to the gods. Exploitation and persecution are an intrinsic feature of traditional Oltec warfare.

CONCLUSION
The Oltec, a captivating and varied race, amalgamate features of dragons, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and humans. Their diverse physical attributes, magical inclinations, and intricate lineage set them apart from all other races. Their presence in this era holds significance as the relics left by their ancestors possess the potential to permanently alter the balance of power in Primordia.

Oltec Traits

Your ancestry manifests in a variety of traits you share with other Oltec.

Bite and Hungry Jaws

Bite. You have a fanged maw that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with it, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage or the damage
type associated with your Soul Stone, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. This damage increases by 1d6 when you reach 5th level (2d6), 11th
level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6).

Hungry Jaws. You can throw yourself into a feeding frenzy. As a bonus action, you can make a special attack with your Bite. If the attack hits, it deals its normal damage, and
you gain temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses
when you finish a long rest.

Ancestral Diversity

Due to the diverse ancestry of the Oltec, you may choose one of two traits that are granted by your lineage: Vestigial Feathers or Aquatic Adaptations. 

Vestigial Feathers. You can call upon your ancestry to jump a remarkable distance, using your vestigial feathers and/or your exceptionally powerful legs to propel you. You can, as a Bonus Action, jump a vertical or horizontal distance of up to 5 feet + 5 × your dexterity or strength modifier (for a maximum of 30 feet).
You can use this trait twice per day, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Dex/Str Mod	+0	+1	+2	+3	+4	+5	+6
Jump Distance (ft)	5	10	15	20	25	30	30 (capped)

Aquatic Adaptations.
You gain a swim speed of 20 feet.
You gain the ability to hold your breath for 10 minutes underwater.
You can as a Bonus Action call upon your ancestry (crocodile/axolotl) to gain a burst of speed while swimming. You use your tail and/or the fins on your appendages to propel yourself a vertical or horizontal distance of up to 5 × your strength or dexterity modifier, for a maximum of 20 feet. You can use this trait twice per day, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Dex/Str Mod	+0	+1	+2	+3	+4	+5	+6
Swim Burst Distance (ft)	0	5	10	15	20	20 (capped)	20 (capped)

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Young dragonborn grow quickly. They walk hours after hatching, attain the size and development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 3, and reach adulthood by 15. They live to be around 80 unless disease or violence claims their life first. 

Size

The Oltec are varied in build and size. Most are taller and heavier than humans, but lighter than typical dragonborn. They all sport tails and many have the characteristics of jungle creatures, reflecting their varied ancestry. Some boast vestigial feather and exceptionally strong legs, allowing them to jump long distances. Others boast features that make them adept in aquatic environments. 

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Soul Stone

You have implanted a Soul Stone somewhere within your body. Choose one type of Soul Stone from the table below. Your breath weapon, bite, and damage resistance are determined by your affinity for a type of Soul Stone, as shown in the table.

Draconic Magic

SOUL STONE	DAMAGE TYPE	BREATH WEAPON	BITE
Quartz	Force (Wind/Water)	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)	5 ft.
Jade	Radiant	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)	5 ft.
Amethyst	Psychic	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)	5 ft.
Pyrite	Thunder	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)	5 ft.
Obsidian	Necrotic	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)	5 ft.
Ruby	Fire	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)	5 ft.
Turquoise	Poison	15 ft. cone (Dex. save)	5 ft.

 

Breath Weapon

Breath Weapon. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation of magical energy in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in
that area must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC = 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus). On a failed save, the creature takes 1d8 damage of the type associated with your Soul Stone. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage. This damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8). You can use your Breath Weapon a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Damage Resistance

You have resistance to the damage type associated with your Soul Stone.

Languages

You can speak Common, Draconic, and Jukk (the native dialect of the Oltec). Jukk contains elements of both draconic and an ancient human language and is characterized by its hissing sounds. The Oltec script is composed of syllabic glyphs: each symbol corresponds to a specific combination of consonant and vowel sounds, creating a syllable. However, the modern Oltec are no longer able to read or write in the glyphs of their ancestors. You may read and write in the foreign languages of Draconic or Common only if you have studied these languages (as part of your backstory). *Note you must choose Jukk as your "rare language."