One with Nature

Zygoleans are a relatively peaceful reptilian race, especially in comparison to the Yuan-Ti. They resemble chameleons of various sizes, their common significant features being their long curled-tail and their lack of orbital sockets allowing them to operate their eyes independent of each other. Their most significant feature, however, is their ability to camouflage into both nature and society. They may physically blend to a set of colours, or 'blend in' with the inhabitants of a settlement. A Zygolean has a natural skin colour: they often refrain showing this to anyone bar their mate. Some Zygoleans, especially those removed from their kin, change attitudes regarding their true skin colour and may openly flaunt it.

Society

Zygoleans live to serve their community. They achieve this by acting only instinctually: they believe that their instincts are there to protect them, so following them shows wisdom. Zygoleans do not understand the premise of 'home' outside of their "Leaf" which roughly translates as community. Zygoleans are born on the large jungle leaves in the lower canopies of ginormous jungle trees to protect them from predators, and so the leaf is highly symbolic to the Zygoleans. Zygoleans who threaten their leaf, via greed - the only shunned instinctual practice - or non-instinctual practices, are banished.

Names

Zygoleans do not grow up under their parents, instead being raised by the Leaf. For this reason, they are not given names but descriptors. That way one's name not only resembles them, but it can change to accommodate their behaviour. A Zygolean calls this name their 'Leaf Name'

Regular Names: One-Toe, Long-tongue, Dark-Eye



Heroic names: Cunning, Quiet-Toes, Wise



Banished Names: Greed, Heart-Head, Individual

Sometimes a Zygolean will use their Leaf name but often they decide to use the name of an individual they like, their adventuring party name, or just a word they liked the sound of. This way, they create a new Leaf of their own by becoming, and projecting, their groups personality and values.

Why Adventure?

Most Zygoleans yearn constantly for their Leaf. If a Zygolean isn't with their natural Leaf, they will actively make and encourage a new Leaf with people they like, or they will be in search of a Leaf. Zygoleans who are alone for any significant length of time become depressed and will stay in a state of permanent camouflage if left to their own devices. An adventuring Zygolean may have been separated from their Leaf or banished. Banished Zygoleans often yearn the comfort of their Leaf most of all, though evil Zygoleans are an exception, generally seeking the destruction of communities as a whole.

Zygolean Traits

Zygoleans come in many shapes and sizes, and for this reason, they have a wide variation of traits.

Zygoleans

Ability Score Increase: Your Wisdom score increases by 2.



Age: Zygoleans reach adulthood at the age of 5, but many live pass the age of 200.



Alignment: Most Zygoleans actively serve their Leaf but adhere to no strict moral code. They tend towards Lawful Neutral.



Speed: Your base walking speed is 30, and climbing speed is also 30.



Zygodactylic Feet: Thousands of years of hunting, climbing and sleeping in the tree tops and jungle fauna have provided you with some of the best footing in nature. You have proficiency in Athletics.



Zygolean Skin: Zygoleans adapted their skin over thousands of years, using magic, in order to grant them means of travelling unperturbed. Your skin may act as camouflage with natural surroundings, or you can change your appearance to that of another humanoid creature of your size with some effort. When you are camouflaged, you may use either Wisdom (Survival) or Dexterity (Stealth) to hide. If someone tries to search for you, they must make an Intelligence (Investigation) check with disadvantage. If you wish to turn into a humanoid, you may change your appearance as if using the Alter Self spell. However, a DC 12 Intelligence (Investigation) check will reveal the rouse. You can only use your Zygolean Skin when sunlight is available, or up to 30 minutes after your last contact with sunlight. Artificial light can not be used as a substitute.



Languages: You can speak, read and write Common. You can speak Zygolean, which is made of small clicks and rasping sounds.