Physiology
Velizar are reptilian humanoids broken into three distinct tribes. Each is defined by biological traits and cannot interbreed.
Ezgo
The Ezgo are a gecko-like tribe that are short (avg. 4’6″) and slight in build. They have larger eyes than other tribes, as well as soft features and a pointy snout. Ezgo also have sticky toes that enable them to crawl on vertical surfaces.
Nogan
The Nogan are lizard-like and are medium height (avg. 5’2″). Most often they have a lean, athletic build. They may have any number of distinguishing features, including frills, spines, and horns. Nogan can also detach their tails in a pinch, though they will regrow in time.
Cool water can disrupt their internal body temperature regulation. For this reason, the Nogan are wary of dipping into water unless they are sure it is warm.
Garlak
The Garlak are a crocodilian tribe. They are tall (avg. 5’8″), often with a very muscular build. Long, powerful snouts dominate their short faces, and thick tails make them competitive swimmers.
Habitat
Velizar are native to forests, swamps, and deserts, though they are able to live anywhere that doesn’t get too cold. They are avid builders with a unique sense of architectural beauty, often constructing complex, multi-tiered settlements. Their architecture features many bridges and ladders. Stairs and ramps are uncommon, unless they live among other races.
Sociology
These reptilians are predominantly group-oriented. Loyalty to the group is an especially important trait. With no concept of individuality, everything they do is for the benefit of the community.
Although tribes cannot interbreed, crossmating is common. Velizar can reproduce asexually if necessary, so there is little pressure to find a “viable” mate. As such, their society embraces an openness of sexuality inclusive of interracial and queer relationships. In addition, they embrace polyamory as a way to strengthen their intimacy. It is also important to note Velizar usually mate for life.
Ezgo
Ezgo are often inclined toward curiosity, which frequently leads them toward intellectual pursuits. Within society, they are commonly found in such roles as scribes, scholars, and teachers. However, some Ezgo prefer to indulge their curiosity with a more hands-on approach, taking on duties as scouts or spies.
Nogan
Nogan are often either creative or task-oriented. They typically work as crafters or in civil affairs. In addition, the Nogan are the most common tribe among Velizan shamans and healers.
Garlak
Typically, Garlak are strong and exceptionally fast swimmers. Within society, they are often seen working as warriors, guards, or hunters. Some, however, feel more productive in the civil arena as builders or merchants.
Spirituality
Velizar have no formal religion. Although their spiritual beliefs do not include deities, some Velizar communities will adopt the deities of neighboring cultures if their tenets do not conflict with their own.
A dualistic notion of mind and body sits at the heart of Velizan spirituality and philosophy. Their fundamental belief is that the mind and body are one—both must be cared for in order for the individual to remain healthy. Therefore, Velizan remedies for physical maladies are centered on sharpening awareness and clearing the mind. Such practices include meditation and aromatherapy. Likewise, prescriptions for for mental and emotional ailments involve physical efforts, such as exercise or manual labor.
Odd numbers invite good karma. They also believe even numbers represent immaturity and invoke the malice of the spirits. As a coming-of-age ceremony, young Velizar will remove one of their teeth or scales to leave an odd number behind. They wear the odd-numbered relic as a totem of good will.
Politics
Internal Affairs
Velizar power is decentralized, spread across three aspects of life: spirituality, civil affairs, and foreign affairs. Shamans of spirituality will serve as physicians and philosophers, in addition to overseeing the spiritual wellness of their community. Those in charge of civil affairs will manage all the day-to-day minutiae of communal life, including hunting, scouting, logistics, and interpersonal mediation. The shamans who administer foreign affairs handle any interactions with other communities. They also preside over the trials of trespassing cases.
One or more shamans lead each pillar. This odd-numbered group of ruling shamans is collectively known as the Circle. No single shaman holds any more power than any other, so any decisions that affect the community as a whole are brought to a vote. Only unanimous votes pass.
Velizar will sometimes live in settlements governed by other races. In these cases, they will usually form cloisters of their own folk unless they have strong ties to an external organization. These cloisters will still appoint a small Circle who will act as liaisons in any official business with the rest of the settlement.
Foreign Affairs
Each settlement of Velizar has its own Circle. Settlements view each other as equals, regardless of apparent size or influence. As such, there is no overarching body governing multiple Velizan settlements.
Although territorial, Velizar are not isolationists. They are wary of uninvited guests within their borders, though, especially if trespassers are of different races.
Velizar are rarely hostile toward other peoples, unless provoked. However, their carnivorous nature and often intimidating appearance is often enough to set other races on edge.