Players starting off their careers in the Republic may choose to play troglodyte characters. This variant of the lizardman is fairly common in the Republic, and is treated pretty much the same as one would treat an elf or dwarf.
Troglodyte characters usually have pebbly skin with a gray coloration, but may opt for a different skin color. Blue, red, and green are all not unusual, but such variations in color are more often highlights to the baseline gray of the troglodyte's skin. All troglodytes have a fane on the top of their head. For males, this fane is large and brightly colored to attract a prospective mate. Female fanes are usually small and dull in color. As lizards, troglodytes also have a thick, heavy tail. This tail keeps the troglodyte balanced on two legs, but could be used as a weapon. A troglodyte tail swipe causes d6 points of damage if it connects.
Troglodyte characters are not easily excitable. Most are uninterested in many things that humans find fascinating. Things that rise the interest level of troglodytes include food, hunting, and discovery. They are fascinated by gemstones, but more for the play of light over the facets rather than for monetary value.
Characters of this race may be clerics (maximum 9th level), fighters (maximum 12th level), rangers (maximum 11th level), mages (maximum 7th level), shaman (maximum 12th level), and thieves (maximum 9th level). Clerics are usually of Solran, but there are a few that devote themselves to Crecus or Isha. Clerics to Bast or Ptah are extremely rare, but not completely unknown. The mages are usually specialized water mages; earth and air mages are extremely rare and fire mages are unknown. Troglodytes cannot multiclass.
Troglodytes have their own language which cannot be learned by humans. Troglodytes can learn the common language, but have troubles with it. They always speak with a heavy accent, and many words they simply cannot pronounce. Other languages that troglodytes commonly learn are lizardman, elf, and dwarf. They do not usually speak more languages than that because of a lack of exposure to those languages. The maximum languages that a troglodyte can learn is determined by his intelligence, but if he can learn more languages than those available to troglodytes, he may opt to exchange them for non-weapon proficiencies.
The hide of a troglodyte is very sturdy, granting them a natural AC of 5. If they wear armor that is of worst protection than their natural AC, it gives them a +1 bonus to their AC. Better armor affects the troglodyte as normal. However, as the heaviest armor in the Republic is studded leather, troglodytes rarely gain any significant benefits from wearing armor. Warriors either wear leather armor and carry a shield, or fight stripped nearly nude. Troglodyte armor costs double that of normal armor because of the odd fit and the extra effort it takes to make it.
Troglodytes have a natural camouflage ability, allowing them to hide in natural surroundings. When in natural surroundings, they can hide with a 90% chance of remaining undetected, so long as they do not move. The bonus is lost if the character is moving faster than a rate of 1. This ability is spoiled by artificial surroundings such as buildings or dungeons. They have weak infravision, extending only 30'.
Despite myths and wives' tales, troglodytes do not eat humanoids. Instead, they prefer a diet of giant insects, particularly dragonflies. The flesh of humanoids is hard for them to down, as they cannot easily chew, and it gives them terrible digestion problems besides. The like to eat insects raw, but some cook their meals.
Troglodyte characters can attack with their sharp claws, inflicting 1-2 points of damage per hit, and a tail swipe that inflicts 1-6 points of damage if it hits. However, a tail swipe requires the character to make a swift, 360 degree spin that can leave the character's back exposed to attack. If the victim of a tail swipe still has an attack available when the troglodyte attempts a tail swipe, he can attack the troglodyte's back with all the benefits of a rear attack. Lastly, twice per day, a troglodyte can use a spit attack of stomach acid, which has a range of 10' and causes 2d4 points of damage. Troglodyte characters usually prefer to wield weapons. Spears, javelins, short swords, cutlasses, and daggers are most popular. Troglodyte characters gain a +3 bonus to their attack rolls when throwing javelins, which inflict 2d4 points of damage. Metal javelins are extremely popular.
Troglodytes do not suffer the movement penalty that lizardmen have, and have a standard movement rate of 12. They can swim just as fast as lizardmen, using their tails as powerful rudders. Troglodytes don't like to swim when fully dressed.
Troglodytes are stronger than humans, receiving a +1 bonus to the strength scores, but are not as wise, receiving a -1 penalty to their wisdom scores. A character with sufficiently high ability scores can receive the experience bonuses that all characters gain in their classes.
Racial Ability Requirements STR 8/18 DEX 3/18 CON 7/18 INT 4/17 WIS 3/16 CHA 3/14 Average Height and Weight Height in Inches Weight in Pounds Base Modifier Base Modifier 60/60 2d12 200/170 3d10 Age Starting Age Max. Age Range Base Age Variable (Base + Variable) 14 2d4 350+5d10 Thieving Skill Racial Adjustments PP OL F/RT MS HS DN CW RL -5% -5% ------ -5% +10% +5% +10% -5%
