Homebrew Argonian Species Details

Alien Ancestry

The argonian's reptilian nature comes through not only in their appearance, but also in how they think and act. The other races mistake them to be cold and calculating, but that is mostly because their physiology lacks the ability to express emotions in a noticeable way to non-argonians. They are, however, capable of displaying aggression and fear in an obvious manner by narrowing their eyes or showing their teeth.
Although their physical appearance is reptilian, they are much more amphibious in reality. They have small gills behind their ears, instinctively swim in a the same style as an eel, and are capable of growing feathers. Their females have mammalian breasts, although they lay eggs. Even their genders are confusing to humans and elves. It is rumored that an argonian can change it's sex in a time of need.
They owe their strange lifestyles to their connection to the Hist, a sentient tree that is believed to be one of the original lifeforms of Tamriel. Most argonians are born with a connection to the hist, able to feel their presence in their minds at all time. It is said that an argonian that is connected to the Hist have unique souls that set them apart from men and mer. Argonians born without this connection are looked at as disadvantaged by other Argonians.

Cautious and Loyal

Because they are hard to understand, humans and elves treat argonians as cold-blooded in nature. Although this is physically true, argonians create deep and long lasting bonds with their own people and allies. Part of this misunderstanding is in part attributed to their emotionless demeanor, which makes them nearly impossible to get to know. They are also notoriously slow to trust outsiders.
At their core, argonians are fiercely loyal allies, making the difficulty of learning their ways and getting to know their tribes well worth the effort. Allied argonians will fight to the death to protect anyone they deem to be family or friend.

Distrustful and Isolationist

History has not always been kind to the argonian people. The ancient Chimer of Morrowind first utilized the Lizard Folk as slaves centuries before their Dunmer ancestors would do the same. Imperial forces have made several attempts to break through the thick swamps and jungles of the Black Marsh and had set up bases around the coastlines, essentially annexing their culture from the rest of Tamriel.
Over time, the argonians fought back, largely through the use of guerrilla warfare, defending their borders across countless centuries. In recent years, they have broke free from their slavers and have claimed independence from the Empire.

Argonian Names

Argonians take their names either from Jel, their native tongue, or from the common human language. They use simple descriptive names, usually based on an individual's notable deeds, actions, or appearance. For example, an argonian traveler may be
called Nhakik, which translates as “wander”, or an argonian who is a notable swimmer may be called Swims-with-haste, in Tamrielic. Both their Jel names and their common names are frequently hyphenated, but not always.

Male Jel Names: Ah-Ra, Asheeus, Bar-Neeus, Chanka, Deeh, Geel, Jee-Tah, Motuu, Nexith, Oosh, Pad-Ei, Resari, Skeehei, Tanaka, Teeka, Uta-Ra, Vara-Zeen, Wanum-Neeus, Xal-Geh, Yelus
Female Jel Names: Am-Eepa, Asska, Beek-Ja, Churasu, Dakee, Deel, Ei-Ei, Geeh, Heek-Sa, Jukka, Kal- Mei, Leetu, Meerana, Nam-Ja, Pekai-Vilax, Reesa, Sisar, Tulut, Wih-Jat, Xula
Tamrielic Names (gender neutral): Black-Scale, Cuts-with-Words, Deepswimmer, Dusty-Claws, Eyes- like-Night, Follows-the-Sun, Juggles-Scorpions, Keen- Eyes, Purple Plumes, Sings-to-Lions, Walks-in-Ash

Argonian Traits

Argonians share certain racial traits as a result of their reptilian decent.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

An argonians life is usually met with hardship and because of this, their lifespan is typically shorter than it should be. On average they live to 75 years, but living to 200 isn't unattainable.

Alignment

Most Argonians are neutral good. They often see themselves as protectors and guardians.

Size

Argonians are about the same size as humans, averaging around 6 feet tall, but their frills and feathers make them appear larger. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. As an Argonian, you are a naturally gifted swimmer which grants you a swimming speed of 40 feet.

Argonian Combat Proficiency

You have proficiency with scimitars, shortswords, and spears.

Argonian Resilience

Your Argonian bloodline grants you advantage against saving throws to resist disease.

Bite

Argonians have very sharp reptilian teeth lining their mouths which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with this attack, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.

Histskin

You can invoke the power of the Hist to quickly recover your injuries. When your current hit points are less than half your hit point maximum, you can use an action to immediately expend any number of your Hit Dice and regain hit points equal to the result. Once you use this trait, you must complete a long rest before you are able to use it again.

Protective Scales

Your thick hide provides a natural armor. When you are unarmored, your AC is equal to 12 + your Dexterity modifier.

Water Breathing

Argonians are able to breath underwater indefinitely.

Tool Proficiency

You gain proficiency with alchemist's supplies.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Tamrielic and Jel.