Homebrew Argonian Species Details

This reptilian race, well-suited for the treacherous swamps of their Black Marsh homeland, has developed a natural resistance to diseases and the ability to breathe underwater. They can call upon the Histskin to regenerate health very quickly. Argonians are possessive of a cool intellect, and are well-versed in the magical arts, stealth, and the use of blades. They are also guerrilla warfare experts, long accustomed to defending their borders from invaders.

Amphibious Lizardmen

Argonians, also known as Saxhleel in their homeland, look very much like lizards standing on two hind legs. Their faces and heads almost always bare horns of some kind, horns that can vary from a small spike on their noses to entire frills circling their entire face to ram-shaped horns protruding from the top of their heads. They seem to grow leaves and mosses where other races grow hair, though not all Argonians share in this bizarre "hair". All Argonians have tails that strongly resemble that of a crocodile's, a snout and jaw filled with sharp teeth, and gills to allow them to breathe underwater. Their color can vary drastically, but most Argonians seem to be muted, dark shades. Greens, browns, blacks, whites, and very dark pinks seem to be the most common colors. Their hands and feet are sharply clawed.

Despite their clear resemblance to reptiles, Argonians are the most aquatic race in Tamriel by far. They are just as happy sleeping in the mud of a swamp as they are curled in the silken sheets of a noble's bed. An average-sized race, Argonians tend to average between five to six and a half feet tall and weigh about 150 pounds.

 

A Hidden Culture

For the majority of the modern era, precious little has been gleaned about Argonians or their mysterious homeland of Black Marsh. They are simply the only race in Tamriel that are capable of survival in the swampland. The difficult terrain within the Black Marsh, coupled with the apparent isolationist policies of the Argonians, renders this largely a mystery. It is known that great emphasis is placed upon the Hist, the strange trees that are abundant in the Marsh. Even what little is known about the Hist is the subject of much rumor and speculation. It is believed that the Argonians are somehow co-dependent upon the trees, and that the Hist forms some sort of hive-mind. 

The part of their culture which is fully known to any outsider of Black Marsh, is the Argonian's expertise in guerrilla warfare. Centuries of cruel Dunmer slavery has caused the Argonians to rebel many times. Though Argonia as a whole throughout most of its history could never enter a full war with the Dark Elves, they have mastered the way of ambushes and hit and run tactics to achieve their political aims. 

 

Argonian Names

Generally, Argonians utilize two types of names from different languages: Jel and Tamrielic.

Jel names: Chukka-sei is an Argonian traditional Naming day, which comes in the Argonian season of Hist-Dooka (Second Seed). On that day, a young Argonian licks the Hist sap and receives their name. It is not clear whether the young Argonian's name is granted by their elder tribesman or by the Hist itself, but the name is definitely obtained through a Hist, hence native-born (born and raised to maturity in Black Marsh) Argonians that had successfully passed their Chukka-Sei would receive their aborigine name in the native Argonian language of Jel. Most likely this name is what they reference to outsiders as their "Black Marsh name".

Tamrielic names: Obtaining a Tamrielic name for an Argonian may vary between individuals. Sometimes, the Tamrielic name is a direct translation of their Jel name. While in other cases the Tamrielic name appears to have no apparent connection to the Jel name. It is possible that the Tamrielic name may be used preferentially when the Argonian's Jel name is considered unpronounceable, unnecessary, inappropriate or unsuitable. It's also possible that non-native born Argonians may not receive an aborigine name at all, thus obtaining a name on completely independent circumstances.

Male Names: 

• Single-word names: Deekus, Derkeethus, Madesi, Neetrenaza, Usha, Veezara
• Two-part names: Beem-Ja, Gajul-Lei, Gulum-Ei, Ilas-Tei, Jaree-Ra, Talen-Jei, Teeba-Ei
• Tamrielic: Deep-In-His-Cups, Scouts-Many-Marshes, Stands-In-Shallows, Watches-The-Roots

Female Names: 

• Single-word names: Deeja, Keerava, Shahvee, Wujeeta, Puyatha, Raleetal
• Two-part names:  Ah-Seeba,  Muz-Muz, Na-Kesh,  Lara-Geel, Neeta-Li,  Peek-Majin,
• Tamrielic: From-Deepest-Fathoms, Takes-In-Light, Argues-with-Frogs,  She-Who-Gleams, Sheathed-in-Silk, Grins-At-Cats

Argonian Traits

While they can vary in color and appearance as drastically as a frog can, all Argonians are children of the Hist and share key traits in common with one another.

Scaled Hide

Your body is covered in thick scales, providing natural armor. You receive an automatic +1 to your AC.

Amphibious

Argonians are well-adapted to life in and around water. Your gills give you complete immunity to drowning you have a swimming speed of 60, and you have advantage on perception and investigation checks while underwater.

Poison Immunity

Black Marsh's bogs and swamps have made Argonians resistant to certain illnesses. You are completely immune to poison. 

Ability Score Increase

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

Histskin

Once per long rest, you may call upon your connection to the Hist to strengthen your regenerative capabilities. Starting at level 1, you may add 1d4+your Constitution modifier to any healing roll. This may be done after the roll is attempted and the effectiveness increases with power at your level increases. 

Level 5: 2d4+your Constitution modifier

Level 10: 3d4+your Constitution modifier

Level 15: 4d4+your Constitution modifier

Level 20: 5d4+your Constitution modifier

Age

Argonians hatch from eggs and mature quickly. An Argonian is considered an adult at 15 years old but their lifespan averages around 150-200 years.

Alignment

An enigmatic people, Argonians tend to keep to themselves and mind their own business, making most of them lean toward a Neutral or Chaotic alignment. Argonians usually have a reason for being forced into certain actions. What those actions are is up to the individual, but they are almost never an inherently Evil people. Lawful Argonians are possible but rare, mostly because they often find a hard time finding a "place" outside Black Marsh, forcing them into the lifestyles of thieves, mercenaries and assassins.

Size

Argonians are about the same size as humans, averaging about 5-6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You have a swimming speed of 60 and a climbing speed of 15.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Aquan, the language of Water.

Darkvision

You can see in darkness (shades of gray) up to 60 ft.