Forest Baysaad

[Nazerine]

"Arise, my children. Claim the glory that is your birthright!" - Shelkhal Zeer, High Ascendant of the Sun Temple.

Name: Forest Baysaad. Pronounced 'Baey-saad'. Plural form:- Baysaad. Nicknames: Kthul, Lizards, Serpents, Raptors, Wyrms, Hunters. Lifespan: 300 - 500 years. Reputation: Spiritual and athletic. Common Classes: Warriors, Hunters, Shaman. Racial Gods: Ouroboros. Racial Attributes: +8 Strength, 2+ Constitution. * Gain regeneration, allowing them to heal wounds and recover stamina at an accelerated rate. * Slight resistance to heat. Capital: Chichenitza

Origins

The Baysaad are said to have been descendants of dragons. From the beginning, their presence upon Verenthia has been recorded, spanning back thousands of years, and even eras. The people lived in separate tribes throughout the Uktari ranges, their communities spread and each upholding different traditions and laws. Feuds and competition between the tribes were fierce as females were scarce, often prompting the males to fight for territory and mating rights. It was during the mating season that the battles were at their worst, with many hundreds dying or being forced to evacuate their territories.

Year after year the hostility intensified, cutting the numbers of the population down and leaving those whose tribes have been destroyed to exile. The leaders of the tribes saw the troubles that their race quarrelled over and eventually a cease fire was commanded on the word of the clan chieftains.

The leaders held a commercial meeting to discuss the prospects and futures of their people, and all agreed that it was a very dim future they faced if they all continued to be at war with one another. Peculiarly, each of the clan chieftains had received a vision during the past weeks, warning the destruction of their people should they continue to wage war. Within the prophecy, it told of a great city with towering monoliths of stone.

The tribal leaders spoke of this strange city, and later found out that it belonged to the elves of the wild whom had recently constructed it in the coming years. Each clan leader saw the great prophecy different than the next, though throughout their discussion, they all agreed that the city was an offering bestowed to them by their god, that they would need to take forcefully. Uniting under one banner for the first time, the baysaad tribes of the forest ambushed the elven city of stone in a force of superior numbers.

The battle for Chichenitza was a success, allowing the serpents to claim the city for their own. Though the tribes seemed vigilant in being scattered, they had unified to create a new home, a new capital for their species which went on to house the people of their race whom had previously lost their homes. To further encourage progress, the leaders decided the date of victory to be a day of celebration for all. A tournament was created upon that day, so that the people of the baysaad tribes could compete against once another without resorting to killing and merciless slaughter.

It was the dawn of a new age for the people, and those who yearned for a peaceful life away from tribal fretting came to seek solace within the stone pillars of the newly found capital. Presently, the capital still stands as the most densely populated area to uphold baysaad numbers. Most of the old forest tribes have faded out, leaving only a dominant few in command over the territories. Since the creation of the zenza tournament, many disputes have been laid to rest, leaving the tribal leaders and their people at neutral peace with one another.



Biology

The bi-pedal lizards are a large and athletically built race. Their scales sport a tropical palette colour range, consisting from red, green and cyan hues often complimented with black stripes or spots. The males present the most vibrant of shades; usually consisting of three or more hues during mating season. This is due to the hormones released during this period of time, making the males brighter and more impressive in appearance. This period lasts from 1-6 weeks, depending on the male and his levels of testosterone. The eyes of the forest baysaad are without any pupil, containing orange, red, yellow or white colouration of the entire eye.

The males of the species stand tall and proud with only their head craned slightly over, exposing their wonderfully strong necks. Males tend to possess spikes that frill out from the jaw line, either twisting into prominent feathers or dreadlocks of thick 'hair' that take on a rubbery consistency. Males with superior genetics have larger frills or feathers.

Their claws of a baysaad are defined and primal, especially the largest inner toe which curves like a sickle. These claws are long and sharp, though they can be used as natural weapons, their main use has been to help scale trees. Their scales are hardy, slightly and slightly shiny in appearance.

Their tail is long and serpentine, spanning out behind them a few metres and proven to be quite flexible. It is used as a means of balance and also as an extra appendage, allowing them to carry additional items or to swim with superior efficiently.

The females or the species are shorter in stature and display lumps upon the torso, defined as 'breasts' though they hold no milk glands. Their exact use is made apparent during mating season as the primary pheromone glands, secreting an intoxicating scent that drives nearby males into a frenzy.


Age and Reproduction

Bayaad reproduce once a year during the mating season though called 'Zen-za' in native tongue. It is the hottest and more humid time of the year, and as such, causes the lizards to become energetic. Males grow increasingly colourful, until they seem almost iridescent. Females exhibit a 'heat' period, resorting to release an intoxicating pheromone that encourages males to her and which also acts as an aphrodisiac. The male to female ratio is 3 to 1, meaning competition to claiming a mating partner can be fierce. Zenza is welcomed and celebrated in an abundance of festivities and events, including tournaments in which the males compete for mating rights.

If a male is victorious and passes the competition, he is gifted with a female which he will perform coitus with for a series of days. Once impregnated, the female's belly swells. During this period, she is aggressive and often recluses to an area where she can brood her eggs alone. The gestation period lasts for about 4 weeks until she finally gives birth in a nest. The nest is often made by matrons; other females who visit the mother-to-be and prepare her for birth.
Once 6 weeks have passed, she begins to lay. The process may take from 2 - 3 hours, where the female lays 6 - 12 eggs, the size of which congenial to that of a football. The eggs are then covered and left for another 6 - 8 weeks. Usually the nest is guarded by the mother and her matrons at all times. Males are not welcome to visit.

Upon the given day, the eggs are hatched. The hatchlings break their way out and into the world, often greeted by the mother or if she is absent, her female helpers. Being fully capable of walking, feeding and fending for themselves, they are then taken to a elder who tutors them in the way of hunting, religion and other important traditions. Both male and female are equal in hunting rights. Contact with parent/s is minimal. After growing quickly and reaching a foot tall after a few weeks, they are then sent to hunting trials.

The hunting trials is the most vital challenges in coming of age, but is not the only one required to master and learn. Both males and females are taught to cook and prepare food and skins for wearing, and also taught the art of chipping bone to craft armour.

After they have proven themselves worthy of defending themselves to the elders, they are given blessing and are allowed to continue into a profession of their choice to support the tribe and community. Each new adult is promoted into a trade of their choice, depending upon their natural talents and skills. Here, they work to benefit the community, either by weaving, hunting, crafting, studying or otherwise.


Social Structure

Baysaad live in tribes, large communal groups that work toward a common goal. The Baysaad that inherited Chichenitza do not belong to any tribe and declare themselves as neutral at the request of their spiritual leader. The strongest warrior and most efficient shaman head the city, yet, in the forests, the region is claimed by five separate groups, each with their own agenda.

• The Zlaanesh Tribe
  
  The dominant tribe of the Uktari region. Their numbers plentiful and their tribe is claimed to have the most successful birthrate. Hunters and athletes alike are the common aspirants to rise within the tribe ranks.
  
  
• The Kezaii Tribe
  
  The matriarchal Kezaii Tribe holds the title of having the highest female to male ratio, with females outnumbering men three to one. However, their numbers are small compared to the other tribes, forcing them to be self reliant. Their female leaders are generous and powerful but consider mankind with contempt and suspicion.
  
  
• The Orkoros Tribe
  
  Merciless and sadistic, the Orkoros Tribe are known to take no prisoners when it comes to war. They pride themselves in their ability as warriors with small factions within the tribe selling themselves off as mercenaries and swords for hire.
  
  
• The Uktari Tribe
  
  Having the region named after them, the Uktari Tribe are the oldest and most ancient tribe in the region. This history spans back centuries, leading many to believe they were the first sentient group of creatures to inhabit Verenthia. The tribe is known to possess key artifacts and knowledge which are only seen by the highest regarded. Their martial warriors, appropriately named Dragon Warriors, are the elite of the Baysaad and the pride of their race.
  
  
• The Sydzakan Tribe
  
  Having a friendly relationship with the wild elves near the border, the Sydzakan tribe are the most friendly and open of all. Having integrated their culture with the elves for years, many have opened up farms to promote a more plant-based diet. Their people are well known beast tamers, with many baysaad claiming a beast as their companion.
  

Psychology

Despite their savage appearance, the Baysaad are intelligent and spiritual people. Their minds take a more mystic path, relying on consulting to the spirits or ancestors for guidance than seeking answers from a political figure. They will tolerate other races as long as they and their land are not negatively impacted.

Integrated into the Baysaad psyche is the constant pursuit for sport. They are highly competitive and take great joy in proving their superiority over another ether by athletic prowess, hunting practices or a endurance tests.

They are declared as neutralists, ones who do not bother to settle the disputes of others nor get into situations where their presence is not required. Solidarity is an important aspect in all baysaad lifestyles, declaring that individuals spare at least a few hours a day meditating or coming to peace within themselves.

They are not ones for mercy either. If one does wrong in their society, the punishment is severe and has life-long consequences. So does it apply to those whom do wrong against them. They are known to take no prisoners, and will only make compromise if their opponent shows wisdom or any other honourable trait deemed worthy of second thought.


Racial Traits

Their link to the dragons has enabled the Baysaad to grasp a curious power. Unlike elves or humans, if a Baysaad loses a limb, it is possible to regrow, though it may take months for it to recover back to normality. However, they are not able to recover organs, such as an eye, or liver. This heightened regeneration also allows them to heal and recover much more quickly, able to sustain an admirable amount of endurance and stamina.

They are nimble and are considered expert climbers. Baysaad can scale walls and uneven terrain on all fours, using their claws for traction. They can even crawl vertically, giving them a superior advantage over ground-dwellers. Their tails can act as a counter-balance, allowing them to steer even on the thinnest of branches or walkways with ease.

But unlike the fleshy mortal races, the baysaad require sunlight to fuel their energy. It is a must that one must gather enough sun throughout the day to work into the night. Baysaad can be found sunbathing often, or standing in rays of light often, usually without consciously knowing of it. With depression of sunlight, any baysaad will be found lazy and struck with constant fatigue.


Art, Clothing and Industry



Baysaad specialise in soft metal jewellery that can double as armour. Usually it carries a serpentine quality that weaves around or over parts of the body while maintaining enough space between the coils to allow the scales room to manoeuvre. The more exquisite pieces are embedded with stones or gems. Though allowing movement and flexibility, the metal can be snapped, broken or crushed if enough pressure or damage is applied.

Baysaad weapons and armour are crafted from bones, usually hunted from large and impressive beasts. Bone is chiselled and carved into geometric plates or can be left organic to be added to chiselled bone for decorative pieces. The weight of baysaad weapons and armour is quite heavy, offering sufficient protection against even metal weapons. Axes are the most popular weapons though swords, halberds, spears, bows and staves are also considered highly sought after.

Generally, Baysaad prefer as little clothing as possible to counteract against the humidity while retaining enough bare scales to harness the sun's rays for energy. Garments made of dried leather and skins are usually wrapped around the waist as a means of privacy. Females may also wrap their upper torso, depending upon personal choice.

Rings and loops are often worn on the toes, fingers and hair. Piercings are considered a sign of religious devotion, and it is not common to see rings embedded into the lips or brows of devoted warriors and shaman.

Skinning is considered an art-form and represents the hunters ability to succeed. Flaying a kill is required as soon as possible to the death to keep the skin in good condition. Once the skin has been dried, it can be crafted into clothing, stretched across drums or used as internal decoration to a den.


Religion

Their belief system manifests around the idea that their sun god, Ouroboros, is the physical form of infinity. Ouroboros is depicted in several mannerisms. Sometimes it is represented as an eye, encased in a ring of flame. Another depiction shows a serpent or hydra eating it's own tail. Other forms depict it with many wings or legs.

Ouroboros is a symbol circling in endless time. Such is the nature of the sun rising and falling each day, only to complete it's circuit the next day and so forth. Baysaad believe the sun is the eye, body and egg of Ouroboros. It's light provides them the energy they require to live and full fill each day.

Baysaad are firm believers in reincarnation and infinity. Their ideals suspend upon a reality which energy is borrowed, not taken. High spiritual leaders are often reincarnated forms of old, souls whom have tread the earth for countless of years and hold immense knowledge. Whether there is proof of such, has yet to be finalised.

Death of a member is celebrated rather than mourned. Often the body of a fallen Baysaad is lain at the top of one of the temples and adorned with gifts held dear in their life. Then, the body and the possessions are burnt until they become ashes and bone. The ceremony prolongs for hours, consisting of a grand feast and dance to celebrate the life of that which has passed and encouraging the soul to transcend into the new. Usually the dead are gathered to be burnt all at the same time at a communal pier.