Homebrew Darklake Lizard (NEW) Species Details

"I hear they're actually quite docile." -- Illithid Slaverick, who obviously hadn't read 'SCALES OF FURY'.

 

Darklake Lizards

 

Victims of Underdark magic, Darklake Lizards are transformed Lizardfolk that roam the world of the Underdark in search of treasure, prey, of knowledge.

 

Surface Origins

 

All Darkelake Lizards were once Lizardfolk. Through some means or another, a Lizardfolk will travel to the Underdark and be changed by its magic. These Lizardfolk often try to leave, but the Lizardfolk's new link to the Underdark makes that extremely hard. If a Darkelake Lizard tries to leave, a strong wind only it can feel pulls it toward the exit. This wind only occurs if the Lizard is within a mile outside the entrance. A lessor restoration or remove curse spell can end this effect for one week.

 

Metamorphasis

 

 When Lizardfolk stay for extended periods of time in the Underdark, they undergo a transformation. When nearly a month exposure has passed, the Lizardfolk will begin to experience wild hallucinations and fits of mad ramblings. While it is unknown why this happens, some believe that Lizardfolk are vulnerable to Demogorgon's influence. This might also be an explanation for a Darklake Lizardfolk's unnatural strength and resistance to necrotic energy. Several days after the first hallucinations, the Lizardfolk will enter a coma-like state. The Lizardfolk will then start to change shape, becoming larger and bulkier , and its scales turning to a dark gray color. 

Darklake 

 

Darklake is the network of lakes and rivers slithering through the Underdark, and the home for many varieties of races and monsters, including the Darklake Lizards. The only Darklake Lizard settlement is Vuthavyth (Black Armor) located under Darklake, at a depth of about 100 feet, and notably close to the Koa-Toa settlement Sloobludop. The Lizards' hardiness and their ability to hold their breath for extended periods of time allow Darklake Lizards to be one of the few sentient races that can survive Darklake. Nearly 300 Lizards are currently living in Vuthavyth.

 

Prized Slaves

 

A Darklake Lizard's brawn and susceptibility to psychic manipulation make them prized targets of the Underdark's Illithids. A single Lizard can do the work of 4 other humanoids (Duergar, as an example), and a colony of Illithids that capture a group of Lizards almost always flourish. When a new colony of Mind Flayers is being created, one of the largest factors for location are entrances to the Underdark Lizardfolk are known to come through. Colonies without a steady source of Lizards almost invariably have the Lizard thralls guard the Elder Brain. Due to the Mind Flayers' infatuation with Darklake Lizards, the Lizards swear to never reveal the location of Vuthavyth at all costs, and would rather become a thrall than give up the secret. Darklake Lizards are also targets of Duegar and Drow attacks, but can live somewhat peacefully in Deurgar citys. 

 

Insane Allies 

 

While being a very isolated race, the Darklike Lizards make an exception with the Koa-Toa. The Lizards have an arrangement with the Koa-Toa. In exchange for protection from the monsters of Darklake, the Koa-Toa give supplies to Vuthavyth, and are surprisingly tolerant of Lizards who choose to live in their city, Sloobludop.  Through (somewhat) coordinated efforts with the Koa-Toa, nearby Drow and Duergar outpost can be dealt with before they become a threat. 

 

Darklake Lizard Names

 

Like Lizardfolk, Darklake Lizards take their names from the Draconic Language.

 

Darklake Lizard Names: Achuak (green), Aryte (war), Baeshra (animal), Darastrix (dragon), Garurt (axe), Irhtos (secret), Jhank (hammer), Kepesk (storm), Kethend (gem), Korth (danger), Kosj (small), Kothar (demon), Litrix (armor), Mirik (song), Othokent (smart), Sauriv (eye), Throden (many), Thurkear (night), Usk (iron), Valignat (burn), Vargach (battle), Verthica (mountain), Vutha (black), Vyth (steel) Shrek (Memelord)

Darklake Lizard (NEW) Traits

Your Darklake Lizard character has the following racial traits.

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and darkness as if it were dim light.

Dark Energy Resistance

Your body has soaked up massive amounts of dark energy, giving you resistance to Necrotic damage.

Dark Strength

You have strength from a magical source. Your carrying capacity acts like your a large creature.

Hold Breath

You can hold your breath for up to half a day.

Natural Armor

When you are not wearing armor of any kind, you armor class is equal to 13 + your dexterity bonus. You can have a shield and still gain this effect.

Tainted Minds

Due to over exposure to Underdark Magic, you are vulnerable to psychic damage.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Darklake Lizards can live to over 150 years.

Alignment

Most Darklake Lizards are neutral. They see the world as a place of predators and prey, where life and death are natural processes. They wish only to survive, and prefer to leave other creatures to their own devices.

Size

Darklake Lizards have much bulk and generally stand nearly half a foot taller than humans. Your size is medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet and you have a swimming speed of 20 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Undercommon and Draconic.