In the beginning, the world was a harsh and unforgiving place, filled with danger and strife. The Gonid, an offshoot of Lizardfolk who they lived among, lived on the fringes of society, struggling to survive in a world that did not understand them.
The Gonid were a strange and misunderstood people, with abilities and talents that set them apart from others. They were skilled craftsmen, able to create beautiful and useful objects from even the most mundane materials. But their talents were often viewed with suspicion and fear by the other races, who saw the Gonid as outsiders. Despite this, the Gonid remained a proud and resilient people, determined to prove their worth and earn their place in the world. They wandered the land, offering their skills and services to anyone who would listen, and slowly but surely, they began to win over the hearts and minds of the other races.
Gonid's reputation grew, they were welcomed into towns and villages, and their skills were greatly sought after. They became an integral part of society, respected and valued for their skills and contributions. And so, the Gonid have remained to this day, a proud and respected race, remembered for their determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. They continue to use their skills and talents to create and build, leaving a legacy of beauty and innovation wherever they go.
However, the transition was not completely without struggle. In the beginning they often had trouble communicating with the people around them due to the fact that their worldview was very different from the people who they met in towns and cities. Their culture has always valued merit, one can prove themselves by being the best at what they do. This has manifested itself in the understanding that no one is born with inherit value greater or lesser than another, and they often pride themselves in teaching their work to apprentices as to extend the life of their work. Over many generations, the townsfolk and gonid learned to understand each other.
Despite the recent trend of lizardfolk integrating into civilized society, there are still a number of tribal groups that roam the lands of Ylvestra, comprising both gonid and lizardfolk. These tribes often consist of roughly one gonid for every five lizardfolk. However, as more and more lizardfolk opt to leave the tribal life behind, the number of these traditional groups has dwindled significantly. The collective term for these tribal groups comprising both lizardfolk and gonid is '
Scale Tribes,' but each tribe has its own self-proclaimed name and is generally referred to by that name when spoken about.
Gonid are a race of humanoid geckos who are typically 5 to 6 feet tall. They have a slender, agile build with long, powerful legs that allow them to move quickly and nimbly. Their body is covered in small, matte scales that come in a wide range of colors, from sandy beige to deep, rich reds, greens and yellows. These scales are typically arranged in patterns that are unique to each individual, much like fingerprints in humans and as they age the color of their scales also tend to fade into a muddy brown or green. One of the most distinctive features of the Gonid is their detachable tails. These tails are long and flexible, and when threatened they can use them as a last line of defense to absorb a blow. With a heavy enough blow the tail will most likely detach, though as long as they eat and drink the tail will grow back over some time. They use their tails for balance and as a means of storing food and water. Their tail incidentally swells up when they are well fed and hydrated, as it also shrinks thin if they are malnourished or dehydrated.
The gonid have sharp, pointed teeth that they use for catching and eating insects, as well as for self-defense. They also have long, agile tongues that they use to catch insects and other small prey.
Overall, the Gonid are a physically imposing and formidable people, with a combination of speed, agility, and strength that makes them well-suited to their nomadic life. They are also highly adaptable and able to thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them a resilient and resourceful people.
Gonid have a unique naming tradition that is closely tied to their specific skillset. Each gonid is given a name that reflects their talents and abilities, and this name is considered an important part of their identity. For example, a gonid who is skilled in the art of forging might be given the name "Anvil," while a gonid who is a talented healer might be called "Medicine Man." Other names might reflect a gonid's natural abilities, such as "Runner" for a Gonid who is particularly fast, or "Tracker" for a Gonid who is skilled at finding their way through the desert.
Overall, the Gonid's naming tradition is an important part of their culture, as it reflects their identity and their place within the tribe. A gonid's name is something that they carry with pride and respect, and it is an important part of how they are known and remembered within the tribe.
Trivia
- Gonid were often the diplomats of their tribes, as they had a better way with words and often looked less threatening to townsfolk.
- The Gonid are known for their love of storytelling, and they have a rich oral tradition of tales and legends that are passed down from generation to generation.
- Gonid are skilled at camouflage, and they are able to blend in with their surroundings to avoid detection. They are often able to sneak up on their prey or enemies without being seen.
- The Gonid have a keen eye for detail and are able to spot even the slightest discrepancies in their craftsmanship. This attention to detail is what sets their work apart from that of others.
- The Gonid are skilled at adapting to their environment and are able to thrive in a wide range of conditions. They are able to find shelter and sustenance even in the harshest of environments.
- The Gonid have a strong sense of tradition and place a great emphasis on preserving their cultural heritage. They are proud of their history and pass on their traditions and customs from generation to generation.
- Gonid have a strong sense of community and are known for their generosity and hospitality. They are always willing to share their resources and help those in need.