Nikaal

These lizard-like humanoids stand 5 to 6 feet and weigh 150-250 pounds. Their faces are nearly human, but fine purple scales and serpentine eyes mark them. The scales regulate heat and seal in moisture, so they need half a human's water and have double the endurance in the desert sun. Some believe their unknown homeland lies beyond a nearby mountain range.

Traders first, they dodge needless fights but turn savage when provoked. Armor spoils their temperature control: any armor doubles water needs and metal quadruples it, so they wear only hide or wooden breastplates, if anything, plus a small or medium shield.

They favor blowguns, spears, javelins, clubs, swords and polearms, above all the tkaesali, a ring-bladed, jagged polearm (12 lbs., size L, type S, speed 8, damage 1-8/1-12) reserved for honored warriors, elders and shamans and hung with totems and trophies. Losing one means exile until it is recovered, by single combat if an outsider has it.

Unarmed, a nikaal claws twice for 1d4 each, and every third round it can also spit acid for 2d4, halved by a save vs. breath weapon.

Nomadic tribes of 10-100, led by elder councils, trade between the great cities. Per 10 members there is a 5 HD elite warrior; tribes of 30 or more add a 7 HD, AC 5 captain. Shamans are clerics of an elemental plane, usually 5th level at most and never past 8th.

They live about 50 years and seldom camp longer than a week, save in a crisis such as naming a new elder.