Lycror

The Lycror (Homos Lacertus Deserti) are a reptilian humanoid race which evolved from lizards that inhabited the desert of Limuria, and are the national race of Altryae. They tend to have significantly longer lifespans that most humanoid species, most living to be 300-400 years old. Altough there are rumors that they could've evolved from the Drakaen, very little similarities are present between both species. Lycror are known for their exceptional skills as merchants, attributed to their ability to navigate vast deserts with ease, due to their adaptations to hotter climates.

Biology
The Lycror have many traits often seen in lizards and other sorts of reptiles, such as that they are coldblooded, tails and multiple eyelids. they also have horns which have a double function, intimidation and to aid in heat dissipation. The horns and Tails fall off during the hotter seasons, since they adapted to hot climates and need to have a way to prevent overheating. The eyelids are too protect the eyes from harm such as scorching temperatures, this in turn also improves their vision, but has the downside that they degrade over time causing poor vision in older Lycrorians. the Lycror are omnivores and opportunity hunters, which makes them more agile. Since their average lifespan is 300-400 Eldham years, the older members of their race can recall very ancient tales, wars and events.

The average Lycronian grows to be between 5'4 and 5'8. The Lycronian mature around the age of 20, and are considered middle-aged at 80 years old, when most Lycronians start developing poor eyesight. Similar to most reptiles, Lycror are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs to reproduce. Interestingly, female Lycror do possess traces of mammary glands, although these glands do not produce any milk.

The Lycror typically possess human-like skin that ranges from red to dark gray, although a few individuals may have scales. Their hair commonly appears in shades of white, black, or yellow, and its darkness tends to correspond to their skin tone (with Lycror possessing darker skin often having darker hair). Notably, black hair is more commonly found in female Lycror. Additionally, the color of their tail usually matches their skin color.

Origins
Legends say that, in a distant past, a remarkable transformation took place in the deserts between Mosir-Sumari, Gardenia, and Skjoldrbrodir. A series of extraordinary events took place deep within the desert, where only a few species existed, and gave rise to a brand-new race: the Lycror. A meteor shower is said to have fallen from the sky, filling the barren desert with magical energy, evolving the existing lizard species. Each lizard underwent a profound metamorphosis as the celestial fragments ingested themselves into the reptilian creatures. Scales shimmered, and the skin changed, taking on a human form and becoming conscious. As a result, the first Lycror, a hybrid of humans and desert lizards was created.

Most historians believe the Lycror emerged from an unusual mix of a sentient reptilian species, most likely derived from desert lizards, and a human with dragonblood ancestry. The presence of mammary glands and their cold-blooded feature implies a considerable hybridization between mammals and reptiles, although the origins and nature of this hybridization are still unknown.

Modern history
The lycror despite having been around since the dawn of time haven't ruled themselves until recently, when the Lycror women known as Kayeda Sylvoka rebelled against the Verenigde Vrijmasten Raden, the lycror nation lasted only a couple decades before being invaded and annexed by the VVR. Kayeda alongside a lot of Lycror fled the region towards the Drakaesland where they later help found Zie Western Drakaes, Decades after this war they returned to their homeland when a rebellion occured, to their horror they discovered that the VVR was committing genocide, so when they lost at the battle of Hovyete, they evacuated all their fellow lycror. this war will be remembered in Lycror history as "The war of the left behind". The discovery of the attempted genocide made the remaining Lycror very paranoid and xenophobic, so when the VVR experienced a civilwar, the Lycror that could fight threw themselves into the fray to retake their homeland and make the old enemies of the VVR pay for their crimes.

Culture
The Lyror have developed a strong merchant culture based on their ability to traverse long deserts with ease. They primarily trade in spices, which are easy to carry, durable, and unaffected by the desert's heat. Consequently, the Lyror place great importance on strength, good mercantile skills, and the ability to withstand various weather conditions.

Foods
The traditional Lyror meals are composed of a mix of small animals, red meat, and a variety of spices. Their involvement with spice trading is so significant that many spices of different colors have been attributed qualities such as strength, love, and good luck. Each household has its own secret recipe, passed down from generation to generation, with each new generation adding a different ingredient. This has resulted in an enormous variety of traditional dishes. Some spices are more popular than others, with the most popular ones being: Paprika (Red), Turmeric (Yellow), Sumac (Deep Red), Annatto (Orange), Cinnamon (Brown), Cardamom (Green), Beetroot Powder (Purple), Matcha Powder (Green), Sichuan Peppercorns (Pink), Ground Mustard Seeds (Yellow), Pepper (Black), Garlic Powder (White), and Salt (White).

Clothing Style
The Lyror wear fine silk clothing, which they buy with the money they make from spice trading, since it helps them stay cool in the desert and also serves as a symbol of their success as merchants. It is not uncommon for a husband to spend a significant portion of his earnings on the finest silk clothing available, especially for his wedding attire.

Richer Lycror will adorn their clothing with gold ornaments to showcase their status, and will often wear complementary items such as hats and canes.