Troglodyte

Troglodytes are 6-foot reptilian humanoids with rough leathery scales and toothy lizard heads. A finned crest along the head and neck marks the males. They can shift skin color like a chameleon, though grayish brown is usual. Most wear only a leather weapon belt, maybe with a pouch of going-off meat, and leaders hang bits of steel on theirs as badges of power. They see 90 feet with infravision and speak only their own tongue.

Half a war party fights with tooth and claw. Of the other half, 25% carry two troglodyte javelins, 10% stone morning stars, 10% stone battle axes and 5% swords. Those heavy darts strike at +3 when a troglodyte throws them, reflecting real skill, and deal 2d4.

Ambush is the favored tactic. The band blends into the rock beside a busy trail, lets fly with javelins as victims pass (a -4 surprise penalty, first round only), throws a second volley, then charges. Anger or melee makes them exude an oil revolting to humans and demihumans; anyone failing a save vs. poison loses 1d6 Strength for 10 rounds.

Clans follow a chieftain, usually the largest and scariest, plus subchieftains who proved themselves in war. Squabbling is constant, and a chief keeps power only while everyone eats. Each 10 troglodytes include a 3 Hit Dice leader, each 20 two 4 Hit Dice subchieftains, and groups of 60 or more bring the chieftain himself: 7 feet tall, 6 Hit Dice, guarded by 2d4 warriors of 3 Hit Dice.

Lairs are big caves near human or demihuman settlements, with side chambers for females and hatchlings. Females equal the males in number, have 1+1 Hit Dice and fight to the death for the young; hatchlings number half the males and do not fight. Steel serves as both javelin stock and currency. Individuals carry nothing of worth, but raid loot lies strewn about the lair among scraps of food. On moonless nights parties of 50 or more set out after steel and food, usually against human towns where infravision and camouflage give them the edge.

Troglodytes hate humans above all creatures and prefer their flesh, though they eat nearly anything, other clans included. Little hunts them, since they reportedly taste worse than they smell.