<center>'''Racial Groups:''' {{RacialGroups}} </center> 
<center>'''Races:''' {{Races}} </center> 
<center>'''Reptilian Races:''' {{ReptilianRaces}} </center> 
<center>'''Custom Races:''' {{CustomRaces}} </center>
----

== PC Statistics ==

'''Ability Score Adjustments:''' None.

'''Special Abilities:'''
* [[NWN:Deflection bonus|Deflection Armor Bonus]] +1

'''Favored Class:''' [[Rogue]]

'''Notes:''' 
* Lizardmen have a static model. Regardless of what is chosen during character generation, all Lizardmen have the same appearance.
* The race should get [[NWN:Natural armor bonus|Natural]] Armor bonus but the current NWN implementation is Deflection. This may be revised in the future.

== Overview ==
[[Image:Shaahesk_pic.png|thumb|Example of a Shaahesk adventurer.]]
The '''shaahesk''', or lizard folk, are the evil creations of the god [[Aarilax]], who created them as extensions of his own diabolical intentions. They exist in a harsh society of cold cruelty and exotic reptilian quirkiness that would shrivel the heart of most mammals, providing a tasty treat for the shaahesk in the process. In the society of the lizard folk, might makes right. Those who are strong succeed, and those who are weak wind up as slaves or food. This interaction sets up an ever-changing hierarchy of despots and dictators that vie for control of land, money, and slaves while enforcing their will on the lesser populace of their swampy holdings.

== Personality ==

Shaahesk are cold-blooded creatures that do not seem to possess the warmer emotions of humanoids or other kinds of mammals. Their qualities are very basic: anger, fear, hunger, and greed. Complicated patterns of emotions are not seen in these psychologically primitive creatures, who are mainly driven by their desires for food, shelter, sleep, and achieving power. Feelings like comradery and friendship do not even extend to members of their own species, whom they see only as sources of tools for getting what they want. On the other hand, mistaking the shaahesk for being stupid creatures of habit is a fatal error. Members of this race can be extremely intelligent, cunning, and even wise, and when these qualities are combined with an uncomplicated emotional makeup, the results can be extraordinarily deadly.

==Physical Description ==

Shaahesk are tall reptilian creatures with grinning mouths full of sharp teeth, and scales ranging in color from dark brown, even black, to forest green. The scales on their stomach and chest can be lighter than those on the rest of their bodies, and occasionally markings of varying colored scales can be found. These creatures can reach heights as tall as 7 feet, though they average 6 to 6 1/2 feet, and there are no known height differences between male and female. Shaahesk have reptilian eyes with slit pupils and yellow, red, or violet shades. Streaks of other colors are often visible in their eyes, and these specimens are said to be lucky.

Shaahesk to do not find it necessary to wear clothing, but they will sometimes decorate themselves with sashes or trinkets. Their tough hides will deflect most minor cuts, scrapes, and projectiles, but they will sometimes deem it a necessity to wear armor when going into a particularly tough battle.

== Relations ==

Shaahesk have a very hierarchical society controlled by the strongest and most cunning members who can manage to stay on top of the pack. The actions of a given community are direct results of the wishes of its leader, and the numerous villages and groups are constantly at war with one another for control of larger pieces of power. As a species, the shaahesk view all other races as inferior and as food sources. [[Kobold|Kobolds]] are given second-class citizenship in their societies because of the similarities they exhibit to the lizard folk, but troglodytes and sahuagin are only tolerated in places where the shaahesk are not powerful enough to displace them.

Races that attempt to make their homes near lands claimed by the shaahesk always meet with constant resistance. This is the case with the [[Elf, Drangonari|drangonari elves]] who battle with them to maintain control of their home city-state of Grantir. Even races that innocently wander into shaahesk territory will meet with problems immediately, and often these problems are fatal. [[Elf|Elves]], [[Dwarf|dwarves]], and [[Human|humans]] are viewed as objects by the shaahesk, as opposed to being seen as other sentient races.

{|border=1 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0
| "Shaahesk don't have weddings, marriages, or romance at all. They simply mate and leave. It's purely a lust/reproductive drive thing. That much is mentioned in their description, even. There's likely a tendency to want to mate with strong Shaahesk however. During reproduction is basically the only time what gender a Shaahesk is even comes up culturally...otherwise what gender you are simply never matters. Not even their names or clothing are based on gender." - [[PCs:Rhissaerk Jalesh|Rhissaerk Jalesh]]
|}
== Alignment ==

More often than not, shaahesk are evil and selfish to the core. They have little or no respect for laws, but they do not randomly go about their business in any sort of destructive fashion, as a chaotically-aligned individual would do. Shaahesk tend towards neutral evil alignment, and will work with others to achieve a goal, so long as that goal suits them. Once their objectives are met, those that were allied with them are no longer considered necessary and will be dealt with as needed.

== Shaahesk Lands ==

The lizard folk occupy their own conglomerate nation of Drotid on the southeastern portion of Negaria. It is a land of swamps, jungles, forests, and intricate underwater river systems and springs. Portions of this land are ruled by lords who have titles with unpronounceable names, but are roughly translated as "Boyar". The boyars answer to an overlord who is acknowledged as the most powerful individual in the country, with a title roughly translating to "Voivode". Boyars pledge loyalty to the Voivode to avoid being wiped out, but this loyalty only extends as far as necessary to keep the Boyars alive long enough to displace the other Boyars nearby in an effort to carve out their own large holdings and eventually replace the Voivode. Though there are few cities in Drotid because of the paucity of dry land, there is one settlement, which is the home of the Voivode that is larger than the rest and acts as a hub for the slave trade. Outsiders simply refer to it as "Drotid City" or "The Snake Pit" because they cannot pronounce the shaahesk name, which is SSsshhehaaheskiticliasss.

== Religion ==

The lizard folk see [[Aarilax]] as being their most powerful overlord, and they all pay some sort of homage to him in the form of offerings and prayer. In their world of might makes right, they go to great lengths to ask that Aarilax does not wipe out his creation, and that he give them more chances to prove their worth to him.

== Languages ==

Shaahesk speak their own language of hisses, creaks, and chirps. It is exceedingly difficult for non-reptilians to pronounce, and only a few can learn it. Some lizard folk can speak common, though they have difficulty and can only manage to communicate with a thick accent.

== Names ==

Shaahesk names are long, and contain hisses and chirps that are common in the shaahesk language. There is no distinction between first and last names, nor male and female names. Some have more than one name because they gained additional names through reputation from deeds accomplished in their lives. Clans and families do not play as big a role in shaahesk society as individuals do. Thus, there are no families that have better names than others, and group names have all but disappeared. When communicating with non-reptilian races, a shaahesk will often grudgingly give a shortened version of its name that the creature can pronounce.

== Adventurers ==

Shaahesk will rarely venture outside their home territory without a group of soldiers as backup, however there are a lot of cases where shaahesk that are kept as slaves will escape and leave Drotid in search of a better life. Escaped slaves are seen as weakness on the part of the master, who will be likely to dispatch other shaahesk to retrieve them.

== Midknight's ramblings on Shaahesk ==

Note that the following are my own and to an extent other player's extrapolations from the World Setting:

In general, keep in mind overall that the typical Shaahesk is ultimately, racially supremacist. All Shaahesk look down upon what they term "the warmbloods" - normally tending to lump them together in that single term.

Shaahesk, from the official info, are arranged into different tribal groups within Drotid, which actually gives you a lot of leeway in developing your own customs - I'm sure that each tribe would have somewhat divergent customs.

One unifying theme though is the Shaahesk opinion of death. Shaahesk philosophy applies a Darwinian theme of natural selection to all things, including their own lives. Thus, every life taken becomes a part of themselves. My own Shaahesk embodies this by ritually eating the heart of the worthiest foes he defeats. Alternately, some take trophies, such as a necklace of teeth, or other similar customs. It doesn't matter what form the ritual takes, so long as it is consistent. Other races, most particularly warmbloods, might see this as a desecration, but to the Shaahesk this is a proper and fitting display of respect.

Similarly, a Shaahesk warrior who falls in battle would rather have his corpse eaten or otherwise used (the hide for armor, or the teeth for darts, or the claws for a necklace, or so forth), as it represents the fact that their strength continues on, taken by another and is now a part of them, almost a form of reincarnation.

Note that while the Shaahesk are usually racist, they respect strength above all. The definition of 'strength' differs for each individual Shaahesk, but generally a strong will to live is a part of it.

Endeavour to give your Shaahesk his own personal uniqueness and depth of personality. Even with the upcoming dynamic models, most Shaahesk still look alike - make up for this with personality. Perhaps your Shaahesk is a more a sneaky, oily rogue. Perhaps he is a warrior who lives by an archaic code of honour. Even though Shaahesk are primarily evil characters, that doesn't mean they are all heartless Darth Vader type killers. Since Shaahesk are usually measured by a stereotype (being often found as an Avlis villain), a three dimensional PC shaahesk adds a lot of colour and leaves an impact.

At the same time, try to give your Shaahesk a measure of 'alien-ness' - they're coldblooded, both literally and metaphorically. They should be different in some way than an evil warmblood.

Shaahesk physiology is probably closest to that of a crocodile or alligator, for a real life analogy. Most players use hisses and accent their 's's to create a Shaahesk accent. Furthermore, if you need help thinking of a Shaahesk name, keep in mind that most of their jaw motion is vertical, with no lips. Try it yourself and see what kind of sounds you can make. (Thanks to Fuzz)

A slightly more radical idea is to try to trade entirely in gems or items other than gold - Shaahesk hands would seem a little clumsy for handling gold pieces. I don't really do as much of this myself anymore, as gold is just that much more convenient, but it can add some flavour. (Also thanks to Fuzz)

Finally, if you have another player you play somewhat regularly with and are both considering Shaahesk characters, consider a master and slave character instead. A traveling shaahesk and his slave is in some ways more realistic and immersive than two shaahesk traveling together. Have the shaahesk bring along his whip occassionally too... (Good slave races include kobolds, goblins, and gnolls - the other races tend to be either too strong to control or would raise a lot of uproar. A goblin slave attracts much less attention than a human one... but if you wanna go for it, it might be quite interesting.)

==See Also==

* [[Reptilian|Reptilian racial group]]
* [[Custom_Races|Custom Race System]]

[[Category:Custom Races]]
[[Category:Reptilian Races]]

File:Shaahesk pic.png

2022-10-16T21:28:07Z

Ronan: Example of a Shaahesk adventurer.

== Summary ==
Example of a Shaahesk adventurer.

2022-10-09T07:00:48Z

Ronan: Example of a gnome.

== Summary ==
Example of a gnome.

2022-10-02T02:38:35Z

Ronan: Ronan uploaded a new version of File:Ronan casting.png

== Summary ==
Image of Ronan Ceril.

2022-09-27T05:23:33Z

Ronan: /* Traditions */

<center>'''Racial Groups:''' {{RacialGroups}}</center> 
<center>'''Races:''' {{Races}}</center> 
<center>'''Human Races & Ethnicities:''' {{HumanRaces}}</center>
----

== PC Statistics ==

In NWN Avlis, this is a [[Human]] ethnicity. You can create a Human PC with this background. No need to specify subrace.

'''Favored Class:''' Any

'''Special Abilities:'''
* [[NWN:Quick to Master|Quick to Master]]
* [[NWN:Skilled|Skilled]]

== Overview ==

Not all [[Human|humans]] live under the feudalistic or parliamentary institutions of the great nations. A good number of them belong to tight-knit family and tribal groups that occupy the countryside, roaming around Avlis' diverse terrain in migratory fashion. The sheer number of tribes and groups that roam the lands are even more diversified than the lands themselves. However, the myriad of units and mobile nations can be grouped into three general categories: Romini, [[Human, Jechrani|Jechrani]], and [[Human, Tyeduan|Tyeduans]].

Owing allegance to no nation or people, the '''Romini''' are the oldest and supposed favorite mortal creation of the god [[Mikon]]. The first humans to appear on Avlis were the ancestors of the Romini, created directly by Mikon. When created, Mikon commanded them to spread over the planet and bring balance to the world. They were told to be free, yet fair, and to call no one place their home, but rather many places.

== Personality ==

All three tribal peoples have basic personality traits that belie their rural upbringing and codes. Superstition is a mainstay of their cultures, and all of them have rich oral traditions dealing with daily life events and how a person meets and participates in life's joy and pain. This proximity with the primal forces of existence gives them an inner peace and happiness, even at the same time that it toughens them to the elements and the cruelty that life can sometimes pose.

[[Mikon]]'s greatest gift to the Romini was the freedom to choose their life paths on an individual basis. He did not restrict them to the ways of good or evil, nor law or chaos. He simply told them to be. He told them that they must do what the moment requires and not to worry about past or future, but rather to exist as needed for the immediate time period. Much to Mikon's pride, his creation took his words to heart and did exactly as he bade them. The Romini spread throughout Avlis and adopted whatever personalities suited their cause. In addition to possessing the inner joy that nomad people often have, the Romini are crafty and cunning. No matter what their philosophy in life, they refuse to be oppressed and will strike back at oppression with eerie effectiveness, grace, and subversiveness.

Although they are often berated for being loyal to no one, Romini are actually intensely loyal to each other. A Romini will not kill or harm another Romini unless it is totally necessary, and even then they will seriously consider not doing it. Whenever a Romini finds another of their kind in trouble, they will always find the best way to aid them when possible. Though they are diverse and scattered throughout the world, they have a tremendous sense of their own unity and culture. Even a Romini born in [[Tyedu]] who meets a Romini from [[M'Chek]] will converse as if they were brothers who have known each other their whole lives. It is this closeness that has allowed them to survive as a people and not become so scattered that they are forgotten. If one is Romini, they are part of the overall Romini identity... one of them. If one is not, they are georgio, the most commonly used term for a non-Romini. ''(See [[Human, Romini#Language|Language]], below)''.

== Physical Description ==

For tribal humans, physical features are largely dependent on region. Romini tend to occupy the middle ranges between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 feet for males, and 5 to 5 1/2 feet for females.

Skin and eye color also vary with region. The Romini tend to have olive, even black, complexions and brown eyes.

It is said that Romini stock is the purest form of tribal human that has undergone the least amount of interbreeding, and possesse the features closest to what Mikon created.

Variations in dress are too numerous to describe here. Not only do they vary with major tribal category, but they also vary with individual tribes. Romini folk often make clothing out of homespun material.

== Relations ==

Nearly all human tribes are viewed with suspicion by their more civilized counterparts. The feeling is mutual, for tribal societies tend to be very superstitious and slow to trust an outsider. For the most part, tribal humans do not concern themselves much with non-human affairs. Tribes will often war amongst themselves, or with neighboring groups of nationalized humans over land rights and natural resources, but rarely do they get involved with the affairs of the wider world.

The Romini as a people are on tolerable terms with all races and nations, though on a societal level they are seen as thieves and troublemakers whenever they roll into town. City-folk often have stories about being cheated or kidnapped by the Romini.

== Alignment ==

Tribal humans have no particular majority when it comes to following morals or ethics. Their philosophies on law and chaos as well as good and evil vary by tribe and by individual. Among all the races, they deviate from their creator's alignment the most often.

== Romini Lands ==

After creation by Mikon, tribal humans collected in the areas all over the continent of Negaria. Some went northward and formed the Romini tribes that eventually became the [[Kurathene|Kurathene Empire]] and the clans of Tyedu. The largest and most populous group stayed in the area of M'Chek, which was supposedly the site of Mikon's prison when he was kept by the [[Negerai]] during the early days of creation.

The Romini are true wanderers, not settling anywhere for very long, and ranging very widely up and down the continent throughout their lifetimes.

== Religion ==

The Romini people have a great love of Mikon and his ideals of balance and choice. They are not the lawful adherents to faith like the humans found living in [[Mikona]], nor are they zealots of balance in its aspects of give and take. Romini live by the flow of the water in the rivers, and the smell of the air in the breeze. They do what is needed, when it is needed, and never any other time.

== Language ==
''Main article: [[Romini language]]''

The language formally known as the Common Tongue was given to the first humans when Mikon created them. Since then, the language has remained largely unchanged, and it has been adopted as the universal language of Negaria by all races. Nevertheless, dialects of this language exist. Romini speak a dialect called "Flare." This language has become a way for all Romini to be able to converse with one another, and to keep their unique culture alive.

== Names ==

Most tribal humans have a common tradition of being able to change one's name during their lifetime due to some great (or infamous) deed that they committed. Romini often take first names that are popular in the area where they live. Their last name depicts who their father was, and they may have a clan designation after that.

=== Male Names ===

Dimitri, Nicholai, Pieter

=== Female Names ===

Demetria, Josalina, Vera

=== Clan Names ===

Johnsking, Trenson, Rikonovich, Lowara, Aurari, Usari, Sinti, Kaldervich, Nawari, Domari

== Adventurers ==

Tribal humans value their home lives tremendously. After coming of age, they will rarely wander away from the tribe they are dutifully bound to protect and serve. However, many tribes have tests that require young tribal members to take long journeys of self-discovery by themselves. These can often lead to many new and interesting experiences. Other causes for leaving may include playing on their strong sense of duty and collectivism.

== History and Culture ==

'''The Romini''' are the oldest and supposed favorite mortal creation of the god Mikon, owing allegance to no nation or people. They have a great love of Mikon and his ideals of balance and choice. They are not the lawful adherents to faith like the humans found living in Mikona, nor are they zealots of balance in its aspects of give and take. Romini live by the flow of the water in the rivers, and the smell of the air in the breeze. They do what is needed, when it is needed, and never any other time.

When it is time to wander, a Romini will go. When it is time to settle, a Romini will stay. But they form no attachments to what they do. If a camp is needed they will camp. Some of those camps can become semi-permanent places of settlement, although the inhabitants that live there are seldom the same from one year to the next. Romini are fond of moving around the world and experiencing their freedom. They can be found in every nation making their camps, some temporary, some not.

No nation in the world will refuse the Romini entry either. They never participate in the affairs of the nations. They only exist to exist, and thus are considered harmless by their hosts. They do not partake of wars or national struggles, even if it concerns their patron god Mikon. They choose not to.

Romini will make their living any way they can. Some are accomplished craftsmen who sell their wares. Others are singers or entertainers, and some even make their livings at others' expense. Romini can range the whole gamut of the spectrum between pleasant and downright nasty. Nations will not refuse them, but individuals will often be wary of them for their diversity in world views on making a living.

Although they are often berated for being loyal to no one, Romini are actually intensely loyal to each other. A Romini will not kill or harm another Romini unless it is totally necessary, and even then they will seriously consider not doing it. Whenever a Romini finds another of their kind in trouble, they will always find the best way to aide them when possible. Though they are diverse and scattered throughout the world, they have a tremendous sense of their own unity and culture. Even a Romini from Tyedu who meets a Romini from M'Chek will converse as if they were brothers who have known each other their whole lives. It is this closeness that has allowed them to survive as a people and not become so scattered that they are forgotten. If you are Romini, you are Romini... one of them. If you are not, you are georgio, the term for a non-romini.

Because the Romini don't make their own cities, they do not have any use for governments. All of their society is one big extended family. The father is the head of the immediate family, and his brothers are the uncles and their children are cousins, etc. If a number of related families wind up travelling togethor a lot, a single man will often be chosen as the leader of the troop, sometimes it may even be a wise old woman. Whomever it is, the leader will make the decisions on where the group goes, though no one is obligated to follow. They are free to decide for themselves. However, the group often does as the leader asks.

If a leader comes into control of a particularly large group of extended family, they will sometimes be dubbed as a Romini King. Kings are really just older men who are recognized by a lot of families as being pretty good at deciding where to go and how to run daily affairs. At any time, there are tens of Romini Kings on the continent, each presiding over an independent large group of travelling or camped Romini. The title is more of an affectionate designation given by the members of the bunch as a sign of respect and trust. It is not passed down through heredity or any other means. It can only be earned by wise deeds.

As mentioned, smaller groups of Romini do not need these types of elders because the father of the bunch is enough to run everything. The size of the band is what determines how it is run.

== Traditions ==

Romini refer to non-Romini as "georgio". It is a somewhat derogatory term, depending on how you put it in context. In any context, it is generally not incredibly nice.

Never greet another Romini before washing in the morning.

A woman can scare away evil spirits by waving one of her skirts in the air. She can also touch a male she is extremely displeased by with her skirt. This way they are cursed and NO male can talk to them until they have been cleansed by the Krisatora (a gathering of 'judges' from different Romini tribes).

Note: The Krisatora is not called specifically for this purpose, it is called to settle disagreements
between the Romini in general.

A child is only Romini if the father is.

There is a bride price and marriage occurs between age 18-25.

Physical appearance is least important in selecting a bride. The prospective brides are judged on their merits, such as health, stamina, strength, dispositions, manners, and domestic skills. The character of the girl's family, as well as their prestige in the community, is also taken into account.

There are many superstitious omens of death, the most common of which is the cry of the owl at night.

There must be no danger of a lingering hidden envy or secret resentment on the part of those who are about to begin a journey to the world of the dead.

The dying Romini must never be left alone. This is not only out of compassion for his condition, but also for fear of possible anger.

He or she must not die in his or her habitual place.

When death finally comes, the lamentation increases. From that time until the burial, certain traditional customs are observed. Above all, there is total absorption in the mourning, with no distractions or activities. There is no washing or shaving or combing of the hair. No food is prepared. Only the drinking of coffee, brandy, or other liquors is permitted. Mirrors might be covered and vessels containing water emptied.

Some tribes may plug the nostrils of the deceased with beeswax or pearls to prevent evil spirits from entering the body.

An important step is the gathering together of those things that will be useful to the deceased during the journey from life to be placed in the coffin. These can include almost anything, such as clothing, tools, eating utensils, jewelry, and money.

The color worn by mourners at Romini funerals, until recent times, has traditionally been white or red.

The Romini believe that the soul of the dead might be reincarnated in another man or animal.

The posessions of the deceased may be sold, buried or burned but never kept.

There are fortune tellers, spirit healers (advising) and people able to bestow curses.

Good luck charms, amulets, and talismans are common and carried to prevent misfortune or illness. Some carry bread in their pockets.

== Sayings ==

It is easier to milk a cow that stands still.

Bury me standing. I've been on my knees all my life.

With the ears, and not with the eyes. (Often said when looking for a wife)

Beauty cannot be eaten with a spoon. ''Divan na pe xaljo peska jehk koutak.''

One madman makes many madmen and many madmen makes madness.

There are lies more beleivable than the truth.

This song was offered as a gift to worthy men.

In the village without dogs the farmers walk without sticks.

The law is a rule to a fool, but a guide to the wise.

A bird does not sing because it has an answer - it sings because it has a song. ''Jehk desteredre pe kerel na gilyavel omiral pe isnan jehk dook - pe gilyavel omiral pe isnan jehk gili.''

Of course one has to go out on a limb - after all, that is where the fruit is.

A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses. ''Jehk zuvindi peska jubisarel peisido kanro niste, per jehk zuvindi na peska jubisarel peisido na rusjija.''

A thousand roads mean a thousand new ways to follow the wind. ''Jekh milya drom, jehk milya dromoi nevi denedìnav o braval.''

A man is not where he lives, but where he loves.

== See Also ==

* [[Human|Human Racial Group]]
* [[Romini language]]
* [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?t=13120 Source article]

[[Category:Human Races]]

Kobold

2022-09-25T22:07:49Z

Ronan:

File:Kobold pic.png

2022-09-25T22:06:51Z

Ronan: Portrait of a kobold.

== Summary ==
Portrait of a kobold.