Troglodyte

Basic description:

Reptomammals, have small rituals that can hurt and heal

Physiology:

The troglodyte resembles humans from a distance, except they look like what humans would probably be if they were reptiles instead of humans perhaps. Often with green to gray skin but other colors seen as well, they have fins, scales, spines, spikes, etc. It's difficult to place where the troglodyte exists genetically though. While they have reptilian morphology, they are also warm blooded, give 'live' birth, and can produce milk. Genetic analysis shows both reptile and mammal DNA markers; with human, turtle, alligator, snake, rodent, and strangely also fungal DNA matches been seen. A troglodyte's blood and magical energies they have can also be combined to make weak rituals they use.

History:

As the Changes happened, people entering into sewers or underground areas reported having come into contact with "green people under the ground". Most of this contact was fleeting with little violence recorded, one traveling merchant even said when he found shelter during a radiation storm, he was able to sell his wares with the people he encountered there and emerged a rich man. It wasn't until some time later that the Troglodyte existence was confirmed. It is believed they originated in one small area and then spread their population in a rather interesting way, that they used the services of at least one Traveler Psychic to move groups to new areas underneath cities all across Merika.

Culture:

Despite their name that indicates some sort of primitive nature, troglodytes have repeatedly shown themselves to be a crafty and cunning race, between their initial spread to the recent times where governing officials are not the strongest but usually the craftiest and most efficient builder and maintenance worker.

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Some people consider elves to be the #1 threat to humanity, however some others hold troglodytes in this position instead... often with little reason, as troglodytes with few exceptions are not hostile to humans. They are a common sight under cities though, acting as caretakers and these humans don't know that troglodytes often keep the cities running or even preventing them from collapsing. Where one may find Troglodytes, they may also find Waterfings nearby, and the two races are generally allied with each other.

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Unless they are wearing armor, troglodytes love showing off their upper bodies, believing a covered upper body to be a sign of hiding something, of shame, or illness. This means that they, both male and female, will go about their business naked above the waist. Even with the lessened taboos on nudity, it may still be surprising to some to find entire villages that are topless.

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Troglodytes had their own god, Lord, originally. Lord has since extended His protection to Familiars, Waterfings, and the Vermin. Lord seeks to promote these non-humans and protect them from the aggression of humans, mutants, and elves. However, Lord and these worshipers see to it that humans and even elves who respect Lord and the people under his protection are honored guests in His domains.