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Zuigao Elf, High Elf
Bone Skink, Laghairt-bonn
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<blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council">
<blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council">
<p>Others will tell you that we are no different from them, in that we should demand no more respect and they should expect no less.</p>
<p>You want to know why we hate snakes?</p>
<p>This, however, is not the way of the Zuìgāo. We know that if your ancestors were not the best they could be, you would be Zuìxiǎo. However, look upon yourself — clearly, you are not! You are of better blood, superior in every way to them. You are one of us, one of the Zuìgāo. Take pride in this if you were not to do so in any other thing.</p>
<p>If you look at our history, you'd be surprised that we even had a chance to be this successful. We weren't the first to develop civilization on our world, that honor belongs to the Seannathair. They saw our ancestors as primitive beasts and savages. However, they lost their dominance when they botched some attempt to make this world better suited for themselves at the expense of all other life on this world... and our ancestors rose up and seized the opportunity. They've never forgiven us for that and have been haunting us ever since. We have a living, evil enemy that wants us all dead.</p>
<p>Remember, what the Zuìgāo seeks is in himself; what everyone else seeks is in found in others. We are the providence of the inferior, we are the eyes for the blind, strength for the weak and a shield for the defenseless. We will force them to remember this. For every commonality we may have, we will be the one thing they cannot: we will be Zuìgāo.</p>
<p>That, lad, is why we hate snakes.</p>
<cite>Qingmen the Greater's Speech to Gōngjiān Emissaries</cite></blockquote>  
<cite>Ramblings of Grizzwold the Bear-Eater</cite></blockquote>  


The Zuìgāo Elves have always considered themselves as the pinnacle of life on their world so the realization that they were not alone in the universe came as an unpleasant shock. They were one of the founding members of the Planar Council, though their reasons for doing so were not entirely pleasant — they felt that their presence was required for it to succeed.
The Bone Skinks are one of the original races of the Planar Council, having been members since its first incarnation and hold the honor of being the first species that [[Humanity]] encountered outside of their own plane. They are generally seen as a hard-working but carefree people which certainly can come across as contradictory to some. To them, successful and well-lived lives are one where they worked hard and enjoyed their free time as much as possible. "Work hard, play hard" is an adage that applies to most Bone Skinks, regardless of their upbringing.  


At one point in their evolutionary history, their ancestors split into two different lineages. The <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;The Highest&quot;">'''Zuìgāo'''</span> are lithe, more fragile but intellectually capable whereas the [[Zuìxiǎo Elf|Zuìxiǎo]] are more muscular and durable but still possess only a rudimentary level of intelligence. Through the years, the Zuìgāo have selectively bred their <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;The Least&quot;">'''Zuìxiǎo'''</span> cousins to be a labor force in addition to sweetening their blood. Zuìxiǎo blood is treated as a [[Gōngjiā|Gōngjiān]] delicacy but on other planes, it is viewed in a more depraved manner.
While the Bone Skinks are now the primary sophonts on [[Sgèileàite]], that was not always the case. Thousands of years before they evolved into their present form, the plane was ruled over by a sentient race of serpents the Bone Skinks refer to as the "[[Flora and Fauna of Sgèileàite#Seannathair|Seannathair]]". If it wasn't for the actions of these serpent-men, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Lizard Foot&quot;">'''Laghairt-bonn'''</span> wouldn't exist today.


<h1 class="race_physiology_header">Physiology</h1>
<h1 class="race_physiology_header">Physiology</h1>
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== Anatomy ==
== Anatomy ==


Despite being synapsidal, Zuìgāo physiology is nearly identical to most other bipedal mammalian species. Their body consists of the legs, the torso, the arms, the neck, and the head.
Like with nearly all sophonts found on other worlds, most aspects of Bone Skink physiology are closely homologous to corresponding aspects of animal physiology. Their body consists of the legs, the torso, the tail, the arms, the neck, and the head.


Development of muscle mass is diminished when compared to other sophonts causing the Zuìgāo to have more sinewy builds than bulky ones. Visual muscle definition is decreased as well, causing Zuìgāo that exhibit more physical traits to still appear puny in stature. The Zuìgāo instead are built to focus more on agility, reflexes, and mental development.
Bone Skinks are slightly sexually dimorphic with the males having larger heads while the females have slightly elongated torsos. The generally accepted theory for this has to do with their ancestors using their neck frills as a way to attract mates whereas the extra room in the torso was to assist in the carrying of eggs.  


The cerebral cortex of the Zuìgāo is larger than typically found with other sophonts, leading to increased mental capabilities. Their frontal lobe specifically seems further developed, giving them enhanced functionality in areas such as problem-solving, judgment, organization, attention, concentration, planning and emotional expression. This can be reflected in many of the cultures the Zuìgāo developed on Gōngjiā and the desirability some have for Zuìgāo in certain careers and positions.
The largest deviation from their ancestors is that the Bone Skinks are mesotherms and not ectotherms like most lizards found on the planes. This allowed their ancestors to survive the colder temperatures due to an increased capability of regulating their own body heat and promoted sociable behavior. Another adaptation in this regard is a much thicker layer of scales and dermis which helps insulate Bone Skinks and further improves their capabilities of surviving in colder climes.


The common ancestor of the Zuìgāo and Zuìxiǎo was an ape-like synapsid that existed in both plains and dense forests. Those that continued to evolve in the plains developed bodies more designed for running and mental faculties for communicating in social groups and outsmarting competing predators and prey. It is thought that this was also when they started developing habits and physiology of opportunistic hematophagy, or the ability to digest blood as a foodstuff. While the Zuìgāo started to take on more mammalian traits, Zuìxiǎo development leaned more towards reptilian ones.
Though originally quadrupedal, they are now bipedal. The evolutionary move to bipedalism has changed the overall structure of the Bone Skink over time. The tail of the Bone Skink is large and muscular, its primary purpose being to provide balance, a remnant from their ancestors. Their claws have shortened and their teeth have become more adapted to an omnivorous diet.


A Zuìgāo's skin tends to be very pale which sometimes leads to it being confused for albinism. Though some variation exists based primarily on geographical location, it is a much narrower gamut of colors than some other sophonts. The eyes of Zuìgāo are unique as the sclera and iris are the same, solid color which gives their eyes a unified look.
The scales of Bone Skinks vary in color but tend to hover towards paler, bone-like colors which are the primary factor for their given xenonym. There is some variation in color in regions that would normally be associated with the underbelly, but it is not prominent enough to garner attention.  


Averaging 6 feet 3 inches in height, even the shortest Zuìgāo at around 6 feet can stand over most, with the tallest of them being measured at 6 feet 6 inches. Both male and female Zuìgāo average 195 lbs. in weight.
Bone Skinks tend to average 5 feet 4 inches in height, the tallest of them slightly larger than 6 feet while the shortest is under 5 feet. Females tend to be slightly taller than males on average. The average weight is around 260lbs.


=== Life Cycle ===
=== Life Cycle ===


Reproduction starts with internal fertilization and the formation of a single embryo, though in rare occurrences up to three may develop simultaneously. Zuìgāo pregnancy lasts typically for ten months, after which the female will give birth to her young.
Reproduction starts with internal fertilization and the formation of 1 to 5 eggs, though clutches more than 3 eggs at a time are uncommon. The internal growth of the eggs is around four months, after which the female lays them for the final stretch of their development. The ancestors of the Bone Skinks would lay their eggs under decaying plant matter for warmth and protection, though in more modern times specialized furniture and coverings are used instead.


The newborn will be completely reliant on their parents for one year before being able to start to walk on their own. During the toddler phase, the Zuìgāo will become more mobile and independent, as well as learning to express their emotions and communication skills.
Six months later, the eggs hatch with the hatchling phase being very similar to human babies and toddlers. They continue to grow until reaching sexual maturation at around 14 to 18 years of age. Typically the Bone Skink lifespan can be broken down into several periods: egg, hatchling, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, adulthood and old age. The lengths of these stages, however, have varied across cultures and time periods. Compared to other lizards, Bone Skinks experience an unusually rapid growth spurt during adolescence, where the body can grow 25% in size.
 
Zuìgāo children develop slower than some other sophonts and exhibit more childlike tendencies for up to ten years after their toddler phase. During this time their unique personalities develop and they become more familiar with their physical selves, developing their sense of balance and knowledge of their physical limitations. Throughout adolescence, the Zuìgāo physical development will finalize ending with sexual maturation. Adulthood can last for up to 75 years before the body starts exhibiting signs of aging into elderhood.


=== Diet ===
=== Diet ===


The Zuìgāo evolved with an omnivorous diet, allowing them to take full advantage of their surroundings. Though they had a large variety of things available the Zuìgāo prefer simplicity when it comes to their diets.
Ancestors to the Bone Skinks were distinctly insectivores, though as they evolved and required more energy for their growing minds their dietary needs changed. Now omnivorous, Bone Skinks can eat a wide variety of things to sustain themselves.
 
Like other sophonts, diets vary on a regional and cultural basis. Zuìgāo stomachs are very efficient and so have no problems adapting to foods found on the other planes.  


Gōngjiān Zuìgāo will imbibe the blood of Zuìxiǎo regularly and is a regular part of their diet. While many enjoy it fresh, it is often fermented and made into a type of alcoholic beverage. It is also used regularly in cooking. While digesting their blood is acceptable, even the Zuìgāo will not eat their flesh in any way.
Primary dietary composition varies based on culture and locale with diets ranging from nearly entirely herbivorous to others being entirely insectivorous or carnivorous. Like all other sophonts, dietary restrictions can lead to deficiency diseases but Bone Skinks have adapted to many dietary patterns through both genetic specialization and cultural conventions to use nutritionally balanced food sources.


=== Biological Variation ===
=== Biological Variation ===


The Zuìgāo exhibit many biological differences from individual to individual, some being based on climate. Skin color, blood type, eye and hair colors are the most obvious though variation in facial shape, hair length and height typically vary as well.
While no two Bone Skinks are genetically identical, there is seemingly not as much biological variation that is visibly obvious when compared to other sophonts. There is little to no color variation based on inhabiting other climates, though it can affect the stockiness of their build with Bone Skinks in color climes bulkier than their cousins in more temperate or arid conditions.  


Many of these features have a genetic basis and members of family units will often have similar appearances to their relatives. Another trait that does seem to vary that isn't genetic however is hematophagic tendencies — some Zuìgāo are more willing to engage in the practice than others with Zuìgāo raised off-world sometimes completely lacking the need or urge to engage in it.
Most variation occurs in things such as cranial features, blood type, eye color, color and type of pattern on their neck frill and heights and builds being things that vary across the planes.


<h1 class="race_history_header">History</h1>
<h1 class="race_history_header">History</h1>
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== Evolutionary History ==
== Evolutionary History ==


Evolutionary progression on Gōngjiā leads to a fundamental understanding of a lot of Zuìgāo culture. One can easily see where a lot of the culturally inherited arrogance comes from.
The Bone Skink's evolutionary history can be traced back to species that despite being numerous, did not make headway until the great extinction event that was caused by the Seannathair.
 
Before this great event, the world was predominantly filled with varieties of serpents, insects, and fungi. Reptiles, plants, and couatl also existed but were simple creatures at best. It should be noted that the difference between serpents and other reptiles was immense, existing in entirely different biological kingdoms. Though snakes would evolve later on, their biology is different and is a case of convergent evolution.


The Zuìgāo refer to their ancestors in all their forms as <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;The Firstborn&quot;">'''Chángnǚ'''</span>. Synapsid life blossomed and spread on Gōngjiā without much competition, allowing it to develop into a lot of niche roles. At their earliest, the Chángnǚ was an omnivorous quadruped that also engaged in opportunistic scavenging, roaming plains in great numbers.
At their earliest, the Bone Skink's ancestors could be found as a variety of small quadrupedal reptiles with insectivorous diets, thriving in colder environments as the serpents and their kind found it more difficult to exist there. Even at this time, the Seannathair could only exist comfortable within the confines of the equatorial belt and a small distance beyond — a relatively small space given that the planet was warmer then.


The Chángnǚ existed in this way until the world became hotter and drier. This led to the growth of deserts and drier climates and the decline of the primary areas they resided. During this time, the Chángnǚ form began to change into a bipedal one which allowed them to be able to climb in search of food, heightened their endurance and increased their survival rate. The change was gradual but ultimately what allowed them to survive this time of change on Gōngjiā.
After the climate changing event (which is known as "<span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Age of Cold&quot;">'''Aois-fuar'''</span>" amongst the Laghairt-bonn), the forms of life synonymous with the warmer temperatures fell into decline with many eventually going extinct. As the planet cooled, the available range to their ancestors expanded and the newfound holes in nature provided new opportunities for them to explore.


Larger beasts would often take to the remaining forested areas the Chángnǚ were found in and sleep during the day, waiting for the cooler nights to hunt for prey or find food. At some point the opportunistic nature of the Chángnǚ must have allowed them to develop hematophagic tendencies, possibly to supplement their diets as food would become more scarce.
<blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council" >
<p>It's fascinatin' ta think our warld used ta be sae different, dorn't ye think? Ye can still fin' ancient' crittahs 'at thrived befoh th' Aois-fuar but they ur few an' far 'atween. Ah fin' myself wonderin' what it woulds have bin lik' back when we wer' naethin' more than simple liza'ds runnin' aroond eatin' bugs.</p>
<cite>Robaidh Mac a' Ghille Bhàin, Hemotheurgic Researcher</cite>
</blockquote>


The few remaining forested areas served as their home until the plane once again began to cool; the deserts began to recede and plant life again spread beyond the wooded areas. It was at this time the Chángnǚ split into several different lineages of which two remain, the Zuìgāo and Zuìxiǎo.
With new options open to them, several species found more success living out of the trees and on the forest floor. Over time, their gaits changed, their hind-limbs moving from the side of their bodies and their fore-limbs becoming larger and starting to develop grasping digits. Due to an abundance of fruit, many species changed from being primarily insectivorous to having omnivorous diets, increasing caloric intake which also led to developing more powerful brains.
 
Eventually, a few species of proto-Laghairt-bonn started to leave the jungles and wander the sparsely wooded savannahs. It was around this time that the primitives that would eventually become the Bone Skinks started to gain prominence, being the earliest to start developing paleolithic stone tools.


== Pre-History ==
== Pre-History ==


The proto-Zuìgāo would leave the forests once again and form large social groups that relied on each other to survive. In this environment they would hunt larger creatures which increased their caloric intake, promoting the growth of their mental faculties. These early nomadic groups would discover tool usage, securing their place towards the top of the food chain.
In their earliest days, there were several subspecies of the proto-Laghairt-bonn whom all had varying degrees of luck in the world — a greater number of them were still bound to the forests that were slowly creeping towards the equator but the most successful few resided primarily in the open stretches of plains and savannahs. One even managed to survive in the fungal forests that still maintained a presence along the equator, but their existence was short-lived and still remains shrouded in mystery.


Simultaneously, the proto-Zuìxiǎo would remain in the older forests that survived the warm period in Gōngjiān history. This provided them security and ample food, but the lack of any challenge in their domination of this environment stunted their mental development. Though they would become smarter with time, even the current Zuìxiǎo are far more simple and animalistic than the Zuìgāo.
Though these variants of the proto-Laighairt-bonn coexisted together for some time, such simultaneous existence was not meant to last. Through a combination of superior genetic features and the development of primitive tools, one species came out ahead of the others. Though there was some cross-species reproduction, their fates were ultimately sealed to become nothing more than cousins in the fossil record.


== Finality of Form ==
== Finality of Form ==


The proto-Zuìgāo eventually would discover the benefits of agriculture and slowly shift away from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They would eventually come back into contact with the proto-Zuìxiǎo that hid in the forests and thinking of them as novel things, barely pay them any heed. At some point however it was discovered that proto-Zuìxiǎo blood was sweet tasting and that they could be taught simple tool usage and labor.
With no direct competition and finding themselves in the relatively safe spot of the top of the food chain, the proto-Laghairt-bonn were able to not only survive but thrive as the climate continually got colder. As they moved from being ectotherms to mesotherms the primitive lizardfolk were able to spend more time being active which lead to the pursuit of activities beyond their basic instinctual needs.


Large numbers of proto-Zuìxiǎo were rounded up from the forests and from that point on, found at any proto-Zuìgāo settlement, whether the remains of a single-family home or in larger, abandoned living areas. As the proto-Zuìgāo continued to mentally develop and rely on the proto-Zuìxiǎo for physical labor and activities, their evolutionary forms would begin to reach their present-day equivalent.
The final evolutionary changes to the proto-Laghairt-bonn would ultimately slim them down due to better insulation and make them capable omnivores.


<h1 class="race_society_header">Society</h1>
<h1 class="race_society_header">Society</h1>
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== Pre-Civilization ==
== Pre-Civilization ==


Zuìgāo groups would wander as hunter-gatherers for an extended period due when compared to the developmental history of other planar sophonts. With the Zuìxiǎo being used to hunt and gather for them, the Zuìgāo were able to start specializing before the advent of agriculture and livestock.
As with most species, before the development of sustainable food sources, the Laghairt-bonn existed as wandering hunter-gatherers.  


The Zuìgāo developed animal husbandry earlier than agriculture due to their experience with the selectively breeding the Zuìxiǎo and maintaining their population. As various grains, fruits, vegetables, lichens, and vines entered their diets however it did not take long for agriculture to develop and become a mainstay.
Before the widespread development of tools and weapons, Bone Skinks would primarily collect seafood, eggs, mushrooms, nuts, and fruits — only really scavenging meat when found on carcasses of animals killed by predators or that had died of natural causes. As time progressed some of these hunter-gatherers groups began to specialize, concentrating on hunting a smaller selection of (often larger) game and gathering a smaller selection of food. This specialization of work also involved creating specialized tools, like fishing nets and hooks and bone harpoons.


As tools began to be developed, even more specialization would occur. Small tribal bands would increase in number, claiming land for themselves. The Zuìgāo would continue to live better lives than the Zuìxiǎo.
Bone Skinks would stay together as family units with some more numerous ones forming entire clans. This change of priority from a more individualistic lifestyle to a collectivist one helped the early Bone Skinks protect themselves against the Seannathair to ensure continued existence.


== Transition to Civilization ==
== Transition to Civilization ==


With their numerous forms of livestock, growing numbers of Zuìxiǎo and more and more Zuìgāo being able to dedicate themselves to specialized roles, they found themselves starting to live more sedentary lifestyles. The Zuìgāo's path to tribal-grounds giving way to the first permanent settlements developing came about rather naturally.
It is commonly believed that it was the pastoral lifestyle that led to the first progress of civilization developing versus agricultural ones found elsewhere. Tending to grazing animals, early Bone Skinks found that they had more success when they were able to have several close pastures instead of following their animals on sometimes lengthy migrations.


As Zuìgāo settlements increased in number, the Zuìxiǎo form would find itself being reshaped. Writing systems, husbandry science and growing needs would allow the Zuìgāo to continue increasing the capabilities of their evolutionary cousins. However, this also came at a cost of causing the Zuìgāo to question the state of their own existence. With their eyes turned inwards, an explosion of Zuìgāo philosophical thoughts and practices arose which started a surge of self-realization and self-improvement. Meditation and martial arts were seen as ways a Zuìgāo could reach the pinnacle of their physical and spiritual forms as well as securing their place above the Zuìxiǎo. This desire to separate themselves as much as possible from the Zuìxiǎo was one of the reasons for the Zuìgāo embracing mental activities more so than physical ones.
While the pastoral lifestyle led to settling down in areas instead of constantly wandering, the Bone Skinks developed fungiculture and mycoforestry long before they started dabbling in agriculture and forest farming. Though the tropical bands were receding, the surviving species of various fungi there were hearty and found to be easily grown and harvestable. It was the trading of resources between different regions that facilitated the creation of early cities and nations — some of the greatest cities were centers of trade, people bringing species of fungi from the tropical regions to trade for meat, skins and other trade goods produced in the more temperate and colder regions.


Almost arising as a counterpoint to self-improvement came the dualistic philosophical tenet that a Zuìgāo owes it upon himself to improve society. Developments lead to early forms of bureaucratic institutions being established. To reward diligence, loyalty, and hard work these systems developed a merit system. This ensured that members could increase their standing based on their ability to perform a job, rather than on their political connections. The effectiveness of the system would enter every part of Zuìgāo society causing comprehensive increases in areas such as education, law, the military, magic, and government.
Agriculture wasn't nearly as widespread until the discovery of various plants on other continents on Sgèileàite was made. It's not that agriculture didn't exist, but the known cereals were seen primarily as feed for animals and the available vegetables were seen as more of a novelty than a staple. The majority of the discovered crops were more suited for growth outside of the equatorial belt so they spread quickly which had a considerable effect on Sgèileàiten population levels. Newly available cereals, vegetables, and fruits also improved general levels of health and led to the development of alcohol.


The Zuìgāo strive to be the best amongst the best. Though many of their nations would have rigid and extensive legal and social requirements, by enforcing these upon themselves the Zuìgāo have found themselves more capable of recovering from every instance of war, famine, plague, and pestilence in their history.
Though at a severe disadvantage against the remaining Seannathair, this also led to the Bone Skinks having something to unify against which nearly eliminated the types of early violence you tend to find in burgeoning sophont societies. It is generally theorized that the constant fear of the Seannathair also prompted an early interest in various forms of entertainment and why alcoholic beverages were so quickly integrated into society.
 
The early focus on trade to help spread valuable resources, entertainment to delight people normally having to live in fear and the need to defend against the Seannathair led to major city centers developing and helped usher in the transition into modern society.
 
<blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council">
<p>Well sure, a large piece of feòil-buachrach will fill me up, but where's the ale?!</p>
<cite>Overheard in a random Bone Skink tavern</cite>
</blockquote>


== Ethnicities ==
== Ethnicities ==


Though there are a variety of other ethnic groups that originated on other worlds, there are a few that are known to have developed originally on Gōngjiā and thus hold a special, historical status to the Zuìgāo as a people.
Though there are a variety of other ethnic groups that originated on other worlds, there are a few that are known to have developed originally on Sgèileàite and thus hold a special, historical status to the Laghairt-bonn as a people.


<xh3> Dàimǎ De Fěnsī </xh3>
<xh3> Daoine Le Casan </xh3>


Those Zuìgāo Elves who either don't belong to a cultural group or wish to not be associated with one are known as <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Followers of the Code&quot;">'''Dàimǎ De Fěnsī'''</span>. This is the assumed cultural group a Zuìgāo Elf belongs to unless otherwise stated.
The most numerous of all the Bone Skink ethnic groups, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;People with Feet&quot;">'''Daoine Le Casan'''</span> can almost be considered to be the default cultural group unless otherwise stated.


<xh3> Cōr Zún </xh3>
<xh3> Balg-bhuachair Laghairtean </xh3>


Originating from the land around Cōr and its river delta region, also known as the "Thousand River Land", the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;People of Cōr&quot;">'''Cōr Zún'''</span> are a prolific people, hearty and resolute. Originally sailors of the Cōr river, they became astute traders and masters of mercantile.
One of the groups of Laghairt-bonn that developed in the fungal forests that are constrained to the tropical regions, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Toadstool Lizards&quot;">'''Balg-bhuachair Laghairtean'''</span> are known for their work ethic and focus to more land-based enterprises.


Moving beyond simple riverboats, they took to the sea in attempts to further the reach of their merchant guilds and trademasters. Despite this, they never fancied being explorers, instead hoping to take advantage of opportunities laid bare instead of creating them themselves.
Balg-bhuachair Laghairtean are known to be slightly taller and slimmer than other Bone Skinks, with their scales running paler than normal. Having lived in areas that are warmer and more humid has made their faces more broad and flat to allow them to more easily retain moisture.


The Cōr Zún are typically shorter but wider set than other Zuìgāo, with a darker complexion being common. Darker hair colors are typically found and their bodies having lighter amounts of body hair. They tend to be more adept at absorbing nutrients from food, with their opportunistic hematophagy coming into play with fish.
Their environment being an important part of their cultural identity leads to them having respect for the land and the bounty it can provide.


<xh3> Yěshòu Bàojūn </xh3>
<xh3> Tobhta Mhuinntir </xh3>


One of the several steppe peoples on Gōngjiā, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Beast Tyrants&quot;">'''Yěshòu Bàojūn'''</span> pride themselves on their nomadic lifestyle. Tough, durable and proud, they value simplicity, decisiveness, and the lives of their animals highly.
There are entire regions where Seannathairic ruins litter the landscape, long abandoned by their old ophidian creators and left to rot. The Laghairt-bonn who developed here are known as <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Ruin Folks&quot;">'''Tobhta Mhuinntir'''</span> and have a deeper respect and understanding for the Seannathair than most.


The Yěshòu Bàojūn tend to be tall and brawny but lighter in both skin tone and hair colors. They are known for being hairier than others, with extensive facial hair being common. Being around a variety of animals constantly has increased their resistance to disease and general hardiness.
Tobhta Mhuinntir have stocky, shorter builds and tend to have larger eyes. The areas they lived in ran the gamut between desolate and pleasant as there were numerous Seannathair ruins everywhere. The ruins could be anything from old farmland to massive, dead cities.


Known for being capable riders, their skills in raising, training and using various beasts allowed them to make their mark on Gōngjiān history. Relying on their own hands and the work of the beasts they control, the Yěshòu Bàojūn don't think much for politics or religion.
As a cultural whole, they tend to have a fascination with serpents instead of an aversion.


<xh3> Tǎ Jiànzhú </xh3>
<xh3> Tràigh Laghairtean </xh3>


Hailing from a cold and mountainous region, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Tower Architects&quot;">'''Tǎ Jiànzhú'''</span> are well known for their incredible architectural works. Architects of massive and sprawling castles, fortress and towers high above the mountain peaks, they are often thought of being the ones on the crown of the world.
Along the coasts, numerous fishing cultures developed as they do on many worlds. The <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Beach Lizards&quot;">'''Tràigh Laghairtean'''</span> as a people have a far deeper connection to the sea than others.


The Tǎ Jiànzhú tend to be thin and lithe, relying more on endurance than outright power to survive. Thinner air has caused their bodies to become better at using oxygen, increased blood flow and higher capacity for exercise.
Tràigh Laghairtean tend to have darker scales and webbed digits are more commonly found amongst their lineage. Short but thin, they have chests that are more broad to fit their larger lungs. They also are found to have narrower, longer skulls. Given the number of venomous sea serpents and snakes, they are more averse to encounters with said creatures.  


A very spiritual people, meditation and self-reflection are major parts of the Tǎ Jiànzhú culture. A Tǎ Jiànzhú proverb is: "Your home and body are one." They take great pride in cleanliness, maintenance, and self-expression, often decorating their homes and bodies to a great extent.
With an innate love of swimming and boating, they fall into roles of exploration and mercantilism.


<xh3> Fěicuì Mù </xh3>
<xh3> Slugaidh Nathraichean </xh3>


Named after the birthplace of their culture, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Emerald Wood&quot;">'''Fěicuì Mù'''</span> are recognized for having closer ties to nature. Coming from a region filled with dense forests dotted with lakes inspired them to admire the beauty around them and how to best utilize it without destroying it.
A far more basic and primitive people known for their aggressiveness and loathed for their acceptance of eating other intelligent beings, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Devour Snakes&quot;">'''Slugaidh Nathraichean'''</span> have come to also be known as the "Snake Eaters".


With extensive pursuits in forest farming, agroforestry and navigating through rough terrain, the Fěicuì Mù are known for making some of the best scouts, pathfinders, and explorers on Gōngjiā. Though many have adapted to living around others, a hermit with a Fěicuì Mù upbringing surprises nobody.
Slugaidh Nathraichean are definitely amongst the most hearty of the Laghairt-bonn, having more muscular, bulky bodies. They seem to have a harder time with the cold in comparison to other Bone Skinks, which may be due to them being slightly more primitive evolutionarily-wise.


The Fěicuì Mù tend to be average-sized in both weight and height, though they may be typically darker-skinned. They tend to have lighter hair colors and quite a bit more hair than others. Though unsure of the genetic significance, it isn't uncommon for those with Fěicuì Mù heritage to be double-jointed or contortion like flexibility.
Compared to other planes, they can be seen to fill the niche of primitive barbarians, in this case also being cannibalistic.


<xh3> Zhīzhūchī </xh3>
<xh3> Fhàsach Cinnidhean </xh3>


Originally a derogative term, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Spider Eaters&quot;">'''Zhīzhūchī'''</span> embraced the term and made it their own. Growing out of a tropical region that includes jungles, island chains and more than a few volcanoes, these Zuìgāo have lived in one of the more harsh yet biodiverse regions on Gōngjiā.
Though they are small in size, certain Laghairt-bonn gathered and developed societies in the deserts of Sgèileàite. The <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Desert Clans&quot;">'''Fhàsach Cinnidhean'''</span> are a hardy people who are often seen with darker scales than other ethnic groups.


Having to survive in this region of their world has led the Zhīzhūchī to adapt things that other Zuìgāo may consider primitive. It has also granted them an extensive amount of poisons and herbs which, in a combination of having to traverse quietly through the jungles of their homelands has made them stealthy and excellent guerilla fighters.
Fhàsach Cinnidhean are small in number due to the amount of warmer deserts found on Sgèileàite, as they culturally are known to be rather isolationist. They are known for persistence hunting, using their endurance and will to chase down prey to the point of them being too tired to run any longer. They are slimmer than other ethnicities but still hardy.


Leaning towards being shorter than other Zuìgāo, the Zhīzhūchī also tend to be the most inclined towards being muscular and having thicker frames. Culturally no certain hair colors or skin tones seem to be prevalent. Zhīzhūchī do still live up to their name and will generally eat things that other Zuìgāo wouldn't touch.
Family and clan have been extremely important to the Fhàsach Cinnidhean throughout the years, and they place a lot of value on family and those they decide to trust.


<xh3> Liúdònluò </xh3>
<xh3> Dorcha Cnàmhan </xh3>


Home in a land of steppes, barrens, and tundras, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Roving Tribes&quot;">'''Liúdònluò'''</span> are known for following migrating herds of beasts throughout the Gōngjiān year. This has caused them to have less access to features more commonly found in stationary settlements, giving them a less civilized demeanor.
Some primitive societies embraced magic far before it had become more widespread and understood. The <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Dark Bones&quot;">'''Dorcha Cnàmhan'''</span> are a scarred people with an interesting anatomical distinction — their bones are black.


Living simple, tough lives have seemingly tempered their minds as Zuìgāo who are members of the Liúdònluò are more likely to develop latent psionic abilities. They uniquely have the trait of producing the most psionically capable Zuìgāo. Tied with strong survival sense and wilderness survival skills, more than a share of noble houses have tried to have Liúdònluò in their courts and armies, despite them being less civilized than other cultures.
One of the smallest of the Laghairt-bonn ethnicities, the Dorcha Cnàmhan are known for their sickly, blistered looking skin that albeit being healthy gives them a wan and ghastly appearance. Generally looked down upon, the Dorcha Cnàmhan have had to historically fight to keep themselves in existence. Though accepted now, they still face stigma in modern times.


Coming from a colder climate, the Liúdònluò are naturally more inclined to have more body fat and thus be slightly larger, though they also tend to be more short and squat. It is very uncommon for them to have hair colors outside of blacks and browns. They also do well in both hot and cold climates, though their native lands are definitely on the colder side.
Given their nature, it should come to no surprise that they excel in many magical arts, some even picking up divine and psionic craft easily.  


<xh3> Wūshīmen </xh3>
<xh3> Dh'itheas Gual </xh3>


A people without a specific homeland, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Wizard Peoples&quot;">'''Wūshīmen'''</span> have claimed their place as being more inclined to intellectual pursuits and a preternatural mastery of the arcane arts. Accepted everywhere and commonly found in the libraries of kings, universities of empires or their own place of study.
In the southern most regions, sprawling mountains are covered with snow and hidden temples. The <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Eats Coals&quot;">'''Dh'itheas Gual'''</span> are known as a shorter, hardier people when compared to other Bone Skinks.


When the Zuìgāo discovered arcane magic it was something they as a people seemed to adapt to naturally, but certain groups of people pushed themselves and their offspring to be better, smarter and more capable than the common man. To achieve these goals these groups of people banded together and formed the first Wūshīmen conclaves, leading to the first instances of their culture developing.
Dh'itheas Gual are an odd reclusive group of Laghairt-bonn, having found their existence in the higher, now cold regions of Sgèileàite. Riddled with ancient abandoned Seannathair temples led the Dh'itheas Gual to develop a more curiosity based look at the ancient serpentine creators than the fear that was common amongst their kind.


While they are the frailest of the Zuìgāo, they also tend to have the least amount of body hair and complexion. Simultaneously being amongst the tallest and the thinnest Zuìgāo leads them to have very gaunt appearances. The Wūshīmen also tend to have the most desire for Zuìxiǎo blood in their diets with many claiming that it is vital to their health and vitality.
Hearty, large and having an easier time in higher altitudes, the Dh'itheas Gual earned their name for eating charcoal which helped them survive with the abundance of low-level toxic plants that grow in those climates.


<xh3> Gēhésī Chóu </xh3>
<xh3> Ciste-cadail </xh3>


A numerous people that originally thrived in a region of Gōngjiā consisting of plains, swamps and forests, the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Silk and Song&quot;">'''Gēhésī Chóu'''</span> were the first to master sericulture and are known for producing the best Gōngjiān silk. Elaborate decorations and garments play an important part in their culture.
Before interacting with Humanity directly, a similar condition to what Humanity refers to as "vampirism" developed in an isolated community, spreading too close but equally isolated towns and villages. Eventually the disease passed, but the <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Coffin Sleeper&quot;">'''Ciste-cadail'''</span> are the remnants of those who were changed and formed their own societies.


A tall and lithe people, the Gēhésī Chóu work hard to not be physically weak with meditation and martial arts playing a more important role in their culture than other Zuìgāo. Red hair tends to be common amongst their number and to many is a mark of someone being one of the Gēhésī Chóu.
Ciste-cadail are the least numerous of the Laghairt-bonn, still existing primarily in tight-knit enclaves over mingling with the rest of their kind. This gives the darker skinned and pupil-less Ciste-cadail a very mysterious reputation even if it is one born of ignorance.


Though not violent by nature, their pursuit of martial arts makes them well respected and it is not unusual for a Gēhésī Chóu to be sought out to lead a kwoon and become their shifu. Art is also a highly respected pastime with many Gēhésī Chóu practicing some sort of artistic craft. Gēhésī Chóu designers often are the setters of popular fashion amongst the Gōngjiān rich and elite.
Though their ancestors had conquered the disease that changed them, the Ciste-cadail still tend to enjoy fresh meat and have a far keener sense of smell than others amongst their kind. With a natural sense of celerity, they are known for being quick on their feet.


<xh3> Hushā Zún </xh3>
<h1 class="race_culture_header">Culture</h1>
 
== Language ==
 
=== Body Language ===
 
<div class="h4text">
==== Physical Contact ====


The Hushā lands are made up of a region of intense volcanic activity, making their lands both very dangerous and having some of the best soil for farming. The <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;People of Huīshā&quot;">'''Hushā Zún'''</span> are known for being ample farmers and rugged survivalists.
As mesotherms, Laghairt-bonn aren't fully dependant on the environment for their body heat like other reptiles. Due to this, culturally they are known to be fond of physical contact, especially hugs and full body embraces where they can enjoy the warmth of the other person they are interacting with. Physical contact is common when a Laghairt-bonn is comfortable with their surroundings.</div><!--class="h4text" H4 Text-->


Used to having to rebuild in their lands, the Hushā Zún have less attachment to the material things of the world, instead focusing on meditation, devotion to the Divine Children and philosophy. They are also known for having the most remembered storytellers through Gōngjiān history. Being considered the best farmers on Gōngjiā, their treatises and theories on the subject are highly valued.
<div class="h4text">
==== Gestures ====


Short, muscular and wide, the Hushā Zún are also known for their darker complexions and more exotic hair colors. It isn't uncommon for some Zuìgāo to actively despise the Hushā Zún due to their more egalitarian views of their Zuìxiǎo, but that doesn't mean they are less likely to have them work their fields.  
Given that the Seannathair are capable of detecting movement in a manner similar to serpents and snakes, it would make sense that the Laghairt-bonn developed language in a way that tried to minimize body language and movement. Those raised around Laghairt-bonn tend to develop this trait as well and people who are unaware of it can sometimes find Bone Skink's lack of gestures "creepy" in a sense.</div><!--class="h4text" H4 Text-->


<xh3> Example Ethnicity Fake Header </xh3>
=== Slurs ===
<xh3> Example Ethnicity Fake Header </xh3>


<h1 class="race_culture_header">Culture</h1>
Cultural Laghairt-bonn slurs tend to involve serpents and snake-like qualities. Common terms for people themselves or their actions include "anguilline", "anguine", "aspine", "colubrine", "crotaline", "elapine", "serpentine", or "viperine". "Ophidian" is seen as generally crueller than the latter collection.
 
<blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council" >
<p>You and your aspine works aren't worth my time.</p>
<cite>A Bone Skink scribe overheard quitting their job</cite>
</blockquote>
 
=== Volume and Tone of Voice ===
 
Saying Laghairt-bonn are loud typically is an understatement. Boisterous and wild, even when they need to quiet they tend to fall on the louder side.
 
=== Accent ===
 
Picked up from their native languages, the best comparison to their Allspeak accent would that of the residents of Scotland.
 
== Religion ==
 
=== Explanation Myths ===
 
Being more familiar with their past than other sophonts, the Laghairt-bonn never developed extensive creation myths. Serpents have always had an extensive connection with fear, evil and the past — most likely due to the [[Flora and Fauna of Sgèileàite#Seannathair|Seannathair]].
 
== Food ==
 
=== Taboos ===
 
As one could expect of the Laghairt-bonn, most of them, including ones not raised in their culture, will not eat snakes.
 
== Economics ==
 
=== Amenities ===
 
A proper Bone Skink will tell you that life without alcohol isn't worth living.
 
=== Perception of Ownership ===
 
The Laghairt-bonn have a harder time with the idea of "individual" ownership, as Sgèileàiten Bone Skinks view things belonging to them on a family and clan level before an individual one. Metropolitan Laghairt-bonn view this as a sign of naivety and the worst of them will use it to take advantage of their more rustic brethren.
 
== Cultural Norms ==
 
=== Important Values ===
 
Laghairt-bonn take immense pride in a successful day of hard work as well as the capability of being able to relax with no attached burdens. Those seen without a proper work ethic or capability to enjoy themselves are seen as odd and troubled.
 
As part of their important values of being able workers, Bone Skinks believe that forming solid and lasting relationships with those that they work with is important.
 
=== Popular Culture ===
 
<div class="h4text">
==== Counter Culture ====
 
In a variety of places, Laghairt-bonn are born where they are not able to experience the Seannathair first hand and only hear stories, some of which have started to drift into the realm of fairy tale and myth. At the extreme, some of these feel that the hatred and fear of all things serpentine is an overreaction and instead try to view them with interest and sometimes worship. These beliefs aren't widespread at all, but are common enough that Laghairt-bonn know some of their kind are like this.</div><!--class="h4text" H4 Text-->
 
=== Careers ===
 
<div class="h4text">
==== Work Ethic ====
 
<blockquote class="zak_blockquote zak_blockquote_council" >
<p>Us Laghairt-bonn have been extremely lucky wit' the fact that we've never 'ad to take ourselves too seriously.</p>
<cite>Councillor Effie Dòmhnullach</cite>
</blockquote>
 
It is a core tenet of Bone Skink society that you work as hard as you can so that you can enjoy your free time with no feelings of guilt.  Those who don't have a solid work ethic and spend a lot of their time relaxing are looked down upon. This can sometimes make culturally raised Bone Skinks difficult to work with when working with other sophonts.</div><!--class="h4text" H4 Text-->
 
=== Attitudes Towards ===
 
<div class="h4text">
==== Children and Elders ====
 
Families and clans have been part of the Laghairt-bonn existence since before even some of the proto-Laghairt-bonn walked  on Sgèileàite. As this is a genetic trait for all Bone Skinks, in places where clans may not exist, communities or even entire towns may take their place. Children and elders are seen as needing to be protected, with children being encouraged to help adults work or watch to learn skills and the elderly being able to enjoy their last years free of worry or care.</div><!--class="h4text" H4 Text-->
 
<div class="h4text">
==== Undesirables ====
 
One of the downsides of a clan based social structure is that if you are an outcast, the entire clan will generally treat you as one.</div><!--class="h4text" H4 Text-->
 
<div class="h4text">
==== Nature ====
   
The Laghairt-bonn don't have as strong a reverence for nature in their culture as one may expect, but this due to them treating it with more of a respectful, cautionary way.</div><!--class="h4text" H4 Text-->
 
<div class="h5text">
===== Econatural versus Supernatural Creatures =====


Refer to [[User:Zakharov/Cultural Details|Cultural Details]]
As Sgèileàite doesn't have any supernatural creatures beyond iconic, individual beings, the Laghairt-bonn evolved in a world were the flora and fauna came about naturally. Due to this, they have an instinctive distrust of supernatural beings.</div><!--class="h4text" H5 Text-->


<h1 class="race_amongst_header">Amongst the Planes</h1>
<h1 class="race_amongst_header">Amongst the Planes</h1>


== General Acceptance ==
== General Acceptance ==
Bone Skinks are generally beloved and venerated across the worlds of Planar Council as people have an easy time relating to dichotomy that is inherent to their kind — working hard and playing hard. Most can appreciate one side, but those who can embrace the dualistic nature that most Bone Skinks have find them as wonderful friends, workers and allies.
As they were one of the species that contributed to the formation of the [[Planar Council|Planar Alliance]] during the [[First Age]], many of the newer races see their kind as a core component to the Planar Council which leads them to have an aura of respect in certain instances.


== Racism ==
== Racism ==
Like any species, there are some that view their kind with disdain. Common criticism and insults generally focus on hyperbole with their carefree attitude or determined work ethic and the common slurs regarding their physical form. Insults regarding scales, tails, laying eggs and their "oddly shaped heads" are common.


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|factioncolor          = #598CBF
|factioncolor          = #598CBF
|bgcolor                = #77BBFF
|bgcolor                = #77BBFF
|xenonym                = [[Has racial xenonym::High Elf]]
|xenonym                = [[Has racial xenonym::Bone Skink]]
|autonym                = <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;The Highest&quot;">[[Has racial autonym::Zuìgāo]]</span>
|autonym                = <span class="tooltipcursor tooltip" title="&quot;Lizard Foot&quot;">[[Has racial autonym::Laghairt-bonn]]</span>
|status                = Member of the Planar Council {{#set:Has racial alliance=Member of the Planar Council}}
|status                = Member of the Planar Council {{#set:Has racial alliance=Member of the Planar Council}}
|homeplane              = [[Gōngjiā]] {{#set:Has racial homeplane=Gōngjiā}}
|homeplane              = [[Sgèileàite]] {{#set:Has racial homeplane=Sgèileàite}}
|type                  = [[Has racial type::Synapsidal Biped]]
|type                  = [[Has racial type::Reptilian Biped]]
|lifespan              = Average: [[Has racial average lifespan::200]] Years
|lifespan              = Average: [[Has racial average lifespan::80]] Years
<hr style="border-top: 1px solid #697060; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<hr style="border-top: 1px solid #697060; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 90%;"><i class="fa fa-circle"></i> '''Pregnancy:''' ''10 Months''<br/>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 90%;"><i class="fa fa-circle"></i> '''Pregnancy:''' ''4 Months''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Infant:''' ''1 Year''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Egg:''' ''6 Months''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Toddler:''' ''3 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Hatchling:''' ''2 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Child:''' ''10 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Child:''' ''5 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Adolescent:''' ''15 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Adolescent:''' ''10 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Adult:''' ''75 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-chevron-circle-down"></i> '''Adult:''' ''60 Years''<br/>
<i class="fa fa-dot-circle-o"></i> '''Elder:''' ''90+ Years''</p>
<i class="fa fa-dot-circle-o"></i> '''Elder:''' ''50+ Years''</p>
|height                = [[Has racial average height::6'3"]] Average
|height                = [[Has racial average height::5'4"]] Average
<hr style="border-top: 1px solid #697060; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<hr style="border-top: 1px solid #697060; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<i class="fa fa-arrow-up"></i> 6'6"<br/>
<i class="fa fa-arrow-up"></i> 6'2"<br/>
<i class="fa fa-arrow-down"></i> 6'0"
<i class="fa fa-arrow-down"></i> 4'8"
|weight                = [[Has racial average weight::195]] lbs. Average
|weight                = [[Has racial average weight::260]] lbs. Average
<hr style="border-top: 1px solid #697060; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<hr style="border-top: 1px solid #697060; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<i class="fa fa-arrow-up"></i> 210 lbs.<br/>
<i class="fa fa-arrow-up"></i> 325 lbs.<br/>
<i class="fa fa-arrow-down"></i> 180 lbs.
<i class="fa fa-arrow-down"></i> 195 lbs.
|skintype              = Skin
|skintype              = Scale
|skincolors            = Porcelain, Ivory, White, Alabaster, Cream, Amber, Olive, Copper, Brown
|skincolors            = Bone, Ivory, Cream, Porcelain, Beige, Alabaster
|hairtype              = Hair
|hairtype              = Frill
|haircolors            = White, Black, Silver, Raven, Snow, Jet, Brown, Tan, Blonde, Red, Auburn, Pink, Pale Pink, Pale Blue
|haircolors            = Solid Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Indigo, Violet in Solid, Striped or Spotted variations
|eyecolors              = Solid  Red, Solid  Gold, Solid  Blue, Solid  Green, Solid  Gray, Solid  Purple or Solid White
|eyecolors              = Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Blue
|distinctions          = [[Has racial distinction::Opportunistic Hematophage]], [[Has racial distinction::Physical Frailty]], [[Has racial distinction::Enhanced Frontal Lobe]]
|distinctions          = [[Has racial distinction::Mesotherm]], [[Has racial distinction::Thick Skin]], [[Has racial distinction::Frill on Back of Head]]
}}
}}
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Revision as of 13:03, 18 July 2019

Bone Skink, Laghairt-bonn

You want to know why we hate snakes?

If you look at our history, you'd be surprised that we even had a chance to be this successful. We weren't the first to develop civilization on our world, that honor belongs to the Seannathair. They saw our ancestors as primitive beasts and savages. However, they lost their dominance when they botched some attempt to make this world better suited for themselves at the expense of all other life on this world... and our ancestors rose up and seized the opportunity. They've never forgiven us for that and have been haunting us ever since. We have a living, evil enemy that wants us all dead.

That, lad, is why we hate snakes.

Ramblings of Grizzwold the Bear-Eater

The Bone Skinks are one of the original races of the Planar Council, having been members since its first incarnation and hold the honor of being the first species that Humanity encountered outside of their own plane. They are generally seen as a hard-working but carefree people which certainly can come across as contradictory to some. To them, successful and well-lived lives are one where they worked hard and enjoyed their free time as much as possible. "Work hard, play hard" is an adage that applies to most Bone Skinks, regardless of their upbringing.

While the Bone Skinks are now the primary sophonts on Sgèileàite, that was not always the case. Thousands of years before they evolved into their present form, the plane was ruled over by a sentient race of serpents the Bone Skinks refer to as the "Seannathair". If it wasn't for the actions of these serpent-men, the Laghairt-bonn wouldn't exist today.

Physiology

Anatomy

Like with nearly all sophonts found on other worlds, most aspects of Bone Skink physiology are closely homologous to corresponding aspects of animal physiology. Their body consists of the legs, the torso, the tail, the arms, the neck, and the head.

Bone Skinks are slightly sexually dimorphic with the males having larger heads while the females have slightly elongated torsos. The generally accepted theory for this has to do with their ancestors using their neck frills as a way to attract mates whereas the extra room in the torso was to assist in the carrying of eggs.

The largest deviation from their ancestors is that the Bone Skinks are mesotherms and not ectotherms like most lizards found on the planes. This allowed their ancestors to survive the colder temperatures due to an increased capability of regulating their own body heat and promoted sociable behavior. Another adaptation in this regard is a much thicker layer of scales and dermis which helps insulate Bone Skinks and further improves their capabilities of surviving in colder climes.

Though originally quadrupedal, they are now bipedal. The evolutionary move to bipedalism has changed the overall structure of the Bone Skink over time. The tail of the Bone Skink is large and muscular, its primary purpose being to provide balance, a remnant from their ancestors. Their claws have shortened and their teeth have become more adapted to an omnivorous diet.

The scales of Bone Skinks vary in color but tend to hover towards paler, bone-like colors which are the primary factor for their given xenonym. There is some variation in color in regions that would normally be associated with the underbelly, but it is not prominent enough to garner attention.

Bone Skinks tend to average 5 feet 4 inches in height, the tallest of them slightly larger than 6 feet while the shortest is under 5 feet. Females tend to be slightly taller than males on average. The average weight is around 260lbs.

Life Cycle

Reproduction starts with internal fertilization and the formation of 1 to 5 eggs, though clutches more than 3 eggs at a time are uncommon. The internal growth of the eggs is around four months, after which the female lays them for the final stretch of their development. The ancestors of the Bone Skinks would lay their eggs under decaying plant matter for warmth and protection, though in more modern times specialized furniture and coverings are used instead.

Six months later, the eggs hatch with the hatchling phase being very similar to human babies and toddlers. They continue to grow until reaching sexual maturation at around 14 to 18 years of age. Typically the Bone Skink lifespan can be broken down into several periods: egg, hatchling, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, adulthood and old age. The lengths of these stages, however, have varied across cultures and time periods. Compared to other lizards, Bone Skinks experience an unusually rapid growth spurt during adolescence, where the body can grow 25% in size.

Diet

Ancestors to the Bone Skinks were distinctly insectivores, though as they evolved and required more energy for their growing minds their dietary needs changed. Now omnivorous, Bone Skinks can eat a wide variety of things to sustain themselves.

Primary dietary composition varies based on culture and locale with diets ranging from nearly entirely herbivorous to others being entirely insectivorous or carnivorous. Like all other sophonts, dietary restrictions can lead to deficiency diseases but Bone Skinks have adapted to many dietary patterns through both genetic specialization and cultural conventions to use nutritionally balanced food sources.

Biological Variation

While no two Bone Skinks are genetically identical, there is seemingly not as much biological variation that is visibly obvious when compared to other sophonts. There is little to no color variation based on inhabiting other climates, though it can affect the stockiness of their build with Bone Skinks in color climes bulkier than their cousins in more temperate or arid conditions.

Most variation occurs in things such as cranial features, blood type, eye color, color and type of pattern on their neck frill and heights and builds being things that vary across the planes.

History

Evolutionary History

The Bone Skink's evolutionary history can be traced back to species that despite being numerous, did not make headway until the great extinction event that was caused by the Seannathair.

Before this great event, the world was predominantly filled with varieties of serpents, insects, and fungi. Reptiles, plants, and couatl also existed but were simple creatures at best. It should be noted that the difference between serpents and other reptiles was immense, existing in entirely different biological kingdoms. Though snakes would evolve later on, their biology is different and is a case of convergent evolution.

At their earliest, the Bone Skink's ancestors could be found as a variety of small quadrupedal reptiles with insectivorous diets, thriving in colder environments as the serpents and their kind found it more difficult to exist there. Even at this time, the Seannathair could only exist comfortable within the confines of the equatorial belt and a small distance beyond — a relatively small space given that the planet was warmer then.

After the climate changing event (which is known as "Aois-fuar" amongst the Laghairt-bonn), the forms of life synonymous with the warmer temperatures fell into decline with many eventually going extinct. As the planet cooled, the available range to their ancestors expanded and the newfound holes in nature provided new opportunities for them to explore.

It's fascinatin' ta think our warld used ta be sae different, dorn't ye think? Ye can still fin' ancient' crittahs 'at thrived befoh th' Aois-fuar but they ur few an' far 'atween. Ah fin' myself wonderin' what it woulds have bin lik' back when we wer' naethin' more than simple liza'ds runnin' aroond eatin' bugs.

Robaidh Mac a' Ghille Bhàin, Hemotheurgic Researcher

With new options open to them, several species found more success living out of the trees and on the forest floor. Over time, their gaits changed, their hind-limbs moving from the side of their bodies and their fore-limbs becoming larger and starting to develop grasping digits. Due to an abundance of fruit, many species changed from being primarily insectivorous to having omnivorous diets, increasing caloric intake which also led to developing more powerful brains.

Eventually, a few species of proto-Laghairt-bonn started to leave the jungles and wander the sparsely wooded savannahs. It was around this time that the primitives that would eventually become the Bone Skinks started to gain prominence, being the earliest to start developing paleolithic stone tools.

Pre-History

In their earliest days, there were several subspecies of the proto-Laghairt-bonn whom all had varying degrees of luck in the world — a greater number of them were still bound to the forests that were slowly creeping towards the equator but the most successful few resided primarily in the open stretches of plains and savannahs. One even managed to survive in the fungal forests that still maintained a presence along the equator, but their existence was short-lived and still remains shrouded in mystery.

Though these variants of the proto-Laighairt-bonn coexisted together for some time, such simultaneous existence was not meant to last. Through a combination of superior genetic features and the development of primitive tools, one species came out ahead of the others. Though there was some cross-species reproduction, their fates were ultimately sealed to become nothing more than cousins in the fossil record.

Finality of Form

With no direct competition and finding themselves in the relatively safe spot of the top of the food chain, the proto-Laghairt-bonn were able to not only survive but thrive as the climate continually got colder. As they moved from being ectotherms to mesotherms the primitive lizardfolk were able to spend more time being active which lead to the pursuit of activities beyond their basic instinctual needs.

The final evolutionary changes to the proto-Laghairt-bonn would ultimately slim them down due to better insulation and make them capable omnivores.

Society

Pre-Civilization

As with most species, before the development of sustainable food sources, the Laghairt-bonn existed as wandering hunter-gatherers.

Before the widespread development of tools and weapons, Bone Skinks would primarily collect seafood, eggs, mushrooms, nuts, and fruits — only really scavenging meat when found on carcasses of animals killed by predators or that had died of natural causes. As time progressed some of these hunter-gatherers groups began to specialize, concentrating on hunting a smaller selection of (often larger) game and gathering a smaller selection of food. This specialization of work also involved creating specialized tools, like fishing nets and hooks and bone harpoons.

Bone Skinks would stay together as family units with some more numerous ones forming entire clans. This change of priority from a more individualistic lifestyle to a collectivist one helped the early Bone Skinks protect themselves against the Seannathair to ensure continued existence.

Transition to Civilization

It is commonly believed that it was the pastoral lifestyle that led to the first progress of civilization developing versus agricultural ones found elsewhere. Tending to grazing animals, early Bone Skinks found that they had more success when they were able to have several close pastures instead of following their animals on sometimes lengthy migrations.

While the pastoral lifestyle led to settling down in areas instead of constantly wandering, the Bone Skinks developed fungiculture and mycoforestry long before they started dabbling in agriculture and forest farming. Though the tropical bands were receding, the surviving species of various fungi there were hearty and found to be easily grown and harvestable. It was the trading of resources between different regions that facilitated the creation of early cities and nations — some of the greatest cities were centers of trade, people bringing species of fungi from the tropical regions to trade for meat, skins and other trade goods produced in the more temperate and colder regions.

Agriculture wasn't nearly as widespread until the discovery of various plants on other continents on Sgèileàite was made. It's not that agriculture didn't exist, but the known cereals were seen primarily as feed for animals and the available vegetables were seen as more of a novelty than a staple. The majority of the discovered crops were more suited for growth outside of the equatorial belt so they spread quickly which had a considerable effect on Sgèileàiten population levels. Newly available cereals, vegetables, and fruits also improved general levels of health and led to the development of alcohol.

Though at a severe disadvantage against the remaining Seannathair, this also led to the Bone Skinks having something to unify against which nearly eliminated the types of early violence you tend to find in burgeoning sophont societies. It is generally theorized that the constant fear of the Seannathair also prompted an early interest in various forms of entertainment and why alcoholic beverages were so quickly integrated into society.

The early focus on trade to help spread valuable resources, entertainment to delight people normally having to live in fear and the need to defend against the Seannathair led to major city centers developing and helped usher in the transition into modern society.

Well sure, a large piece of feòil-buachrach will fill me up, but where's the ale?!

Overheard in a random Bone Skink tavern

Ethnicities

Though there are a variety of other ethnic groups that originated on other worlds, there are a few that are known to have developed originally on Sgèileàite and thus hold a special, historical status to the Laghairt-bonn as a people.

<xh3> Daoine Le Casan </xh3>

The most numerous of all the Bone Skink ethnic groups, the Daoine Le Casan can almost be considered to be the default cultural group unless otherwise stated.

<xh3> Balg-bhuachair Laghairtean </xh3>

One of the groups of Laghairt-bonn that developed in the fungal forests that are constrained to the tropical regions, the Balg-bhuachair Laghairtean are known for their work ethic and focus to more land-based enterprises.

Balg-bhuachair Laghairtean are known to be slightly taller and slimmer than other Bone Skinks, with their scales running paler than normal. Having lived in areas that are warmer and more humid has made their faces more broad and flat to allow them to more easily retain moisture.

Their environment being an important part of their cultural identity leads to them having respect for the land and the bounty it can provide.

<xh3> Tobhta Mhuinntir </xh3>

There are entire regions where Seannathairic ruins litter the landscape, long abandoned by their old ophidian creators and left to rot. The Laghairt-bonn who developed here are known as Tobhta Mhuinntir and have a deeper respect and understanding for the Seannathair than most.

Tobhta Mhuinntir have stocky, shorter builds and tend to have larger eyes. The areas they lived in ran the gamut between desolate and pleasant as there were numerous Seannathair ruins everywhere. The ruins could be anything from old farmland to massive, dead cities.

As a cultural whole, they tend to have a fascination with serpents instead of an aversion.

<xh3> Tràigh Laghairtean </xh3>

Along the coasts, numerous fishing cultures developed as they do on many worlds. The Tràigh Laghairtean as a people have a far deeper connection to the sea than others.

Tràigh Laghairtean tend to have darker scales and webbed digits are more commonly found amongst their lineage. Short but thin, they have chests that are more broad to fit their larger lungs. They also are found to have narrower, longer skulls. Given the number of venomous sea serpents and snakes, they are more averse to encounters with said creatures.

With an innate love of swimming and boating, they fall into roles of exploration and mercantilism.

<xh3> Slugaidh Nathraichean </xh3>

A far more basic and primitive people known for their aggressiveness and loathed for their acceptance of eating other intelligent beings, the Slugaidh Nathraichean have come to also be known as the "Snake Eaters".

Slugaidh Nathraichean are definitely amongst the most hearty of the Laghairt-bonn, having more muscular, bulky bodies. They seem to have a harder time with the cold in comparison to other Bone Skinks, which may be due to them being slightly more primitive evolutionarily-wise.

Compared to other planes, they can be seen to fill the niche of primitive barbarians, in this case also being cannibalistic.

<xh3> Fhàsach Cinnidhean </xh3>

Though they are small in size, certain Laghairt-bonn gathered and developed societies in the deserts of Sgèileàite. The Fhàsach Cinnidhean are a hardy people who are often seen with darker scales than other ethnic groups.

Fhàsach Cinnidhean are small in number due to the amount of warmer deserts found on Sgèileàite, as they culturally are known to be rather isolationist. They are known for persistence hunting, using their endurance and will to chase down prey to the point of them being too tired to run any longer. They are slimmer than other ethnicities but still hardy.

Family and clan have been extremely important to the Fhàsach Cinnidhean throughout the years, and they place a lot of value on family and those they decide to trust.

<xh3> Dorcha Cnàmhan </xh3>

Some primitive societies embraced magic far before it had become more widespread and understood. The Dorcha Cnàmhan are a scarred people with an interesting anatomical distinction — their bones are black.

One of the smallest of the Laghairt-bonn ethnicities, the Dorcha Cnàmhan are known for their sickly, blistered looking skin that albeit being healthy gives them a wan and ghastly appearance. Generally looked down upon, the Dorcha Cnàmhan have had to historically fight to keep themselves in existence. Though accepted now, they still face stigma in modern times.

Given their nature, it should come to no surprise that they excel in many magical arts, some even picking up divine and psionic craft easily.

<xh3> Dh'itheas Gual </xh3>

In the southern most regions, sprawling mountains are covered with snow and hidden temples. The Dh'itheas Gual are known as a shorter, hardier people when compared to other Bone Skinks.

Dh'itheas Gual are an odd reclusive group of Laghairt-bonn, having found their existence in the higher, now cold regions of Sgèileàite. Riddled with ancient abandoned Seannathair temples led the Dh'itheas Gual to develop a more curiosity based look at the ancient serpentine creators than the fear that was common amongst their kind.

Hearty, large and having an easier time in higher altitudes, the Dh'itheas Gual earned their name for eating charcoal which helped them survive with the abundance of low-level toxic plants that grow in those climates.

<xh3> Ciste-cadail </xh3>

Before interacting with Humanity directly, a similar condition to what Humanity refers to as "vampirism" developed in an isolated community, spreading too close but equally isolated towns and villages. Eventually the disease passed, but the Ciste-cadail are the remnants of those who were changed and formed their own societies.

Ciste-cadail are the least numerous of the Laghairt-bonn, still existing primarily in tight-knit enclaves over mingling with the rest of their kind. This gives the darker skinned and pupil-less Ciste-cadail a very mysterious reputation even if it is one born of ignorance.

Though their ancestors had conquered the disease that changed them, the Ciste-cadail still tend to enjoy fresh meat and have a far keener sense of smell than others amongst their kind. With a natural sense of celerity, they are known for being quick on their feet.

Culture

Language

Body Language

Physical Contact

As mesotherms, Laghairt-bonn aren't fully dependant on the environment for their body heat like other reptiles. Due to this, culturally they are known to be fond of physical contact, especially hugs and full body embraces where they can enjoy the warmth of the other person they are interacting with. Physical contact is common when a Laghairt-bonn is comfortable with their surroundings.

Gestures

Given that the Seannathair are capable of detecting movement in a manner similar to serpents and snakes, it would make sense that the Laghairt-bonn developed language in a way that tried to minimize body language and movement. Those raised around Laghairt-bonn tend to develop this trait as well and people who are unaware of it can sometimes find Bone Skink's lack of gestures "creepy" in a sense.

Slurs

Cultural Laghairt-bonn slurs tend to involve serpents and snake-like qualities. Common terms for people themselves or their actions include "anguilline", "anguine", "aspine", "colubrine", "crotaline", "elapine", "serpentine", or "viperine". "Ophidian" is seen as generally crueller than the latter collection.

You and your aspine works aren't worth my time.

A Bone Skink scribe overheard quitting their job

Volume and Tone of Voice

Saying Laghairt-bonn are loud typically is an understatement. Boisterous and wild, even when they need to quiet they tend to fall on the louder side.

Accent

Picked up from their native languages, the best comparison to their Allspeak accent would that of the residents of Scotland.

Religion

Explanation Myths

Being more familiar with their past than other sophonts, the Laghairt-bonn never developed extensive creation myths. Serpents have always had an extensive connection with fear, evil and the past — most likely due to the Seannathair.

Food

Taboos

As one could expect of the Laghairt-bonn, most of them, including ones not raised in their culture, will not eat snakes.

Economics

Amenities

A proper Bone Skink will tell you that life without alcohol isn't worth living.

Perception of Ownership

The Laghairt-bonn have a harder time with the idea of "individual" ownership, as Sgèileàiten Bone Skinks view things belonging to them on a family and clan level before an individual one. Metropolitan Laghairt-bonn view this as a sign of naivety and the worst of them will use it to take advantage of their more rustic brethren.

Cultural Norms

Important Values

Laghairt-bonn take immense pride in a successful day of hard work as well as the capability of being able to relax with no attached burdens. Those seen without a proper work ethic or capability to enjoy themselves are seen as odd and troubled.

As part of their important values of being able workers, Bone Skinks believe that forming solid and lasting relationships with those that they work with is important.

Popular Culture

Counter Culture

In a variety of places, Laghairt-bonn are born where they are not able to experience the Seannathair first hand and only hear stories, some of which have started to drift into the realm of fairy tale and myth. At the extreme, some of these feel that the hatred and fear of all things serpentine is an overreaction and instead try to view them with interest and sometimes worship. These beliefs aren't widespread at all, but are common enough that Laghairt-bonn know some of their kind are like this.

Careers

Work Ethic

Us Laghairt-bonn have been extremely lucky wit' the fact that we've never 'ad to take ourselves too seriously.

Councillor Effie Dòmhnullach

It is a core tenet of Bone Skink society that you work as hard as you can so that you can enjoy your free time with no feelings of guilt. Those who don't have a solid work ethic and spend a lot of their time relaxing are looked down upon. This can sometimes make culturally raised Bone Skinks difficult to work with when working with other sophonts.

Attitudes Towards

Children and Elders

Families and clans have been part of the Laghairt-bonn existence since before even some of the proto-Laghairt-bonn walked on Sgèileàite. As this is a genetic trait for all Bone Skinks, in places where clans may not exist, communities or even entire towns may take their place. Children and elders are seen as needing to be protected, with children being encouraged to help adults work or watch to learn skills and the elderly being able to enjoy their last years free of worry or care.

Undesirables

One of the downsides of a clan based social structure is that if you are an outcast, the entire clan will generally treat you as one.

Nature

The Laghairt-bonn don't have as strong a reverence for nature in their culture as one may expect, but this due to them treating it with more of a respectful, cautionary way.
Econatural versus Supernatural Creatures
As Sgèileàite doesn't have any supernatural creatures beyond iconic, individual beings, the Laghairt-bonn evolved in a world were the flora and fauna came about naturally. Due to this, they have an instinctive distrust of supernatural beings.

Amongst the Planes

General Acceptance

Bone Skinks are generally beloved and venerated across the worlds of Planar Council as people have an easy time relating to dichotomy that is inherent to their kind — working hard and playing hard. Most can appreciate one side, but those who can embrace the dualistic nature that most Bone Skinks have find them as wonderful friends, workers and allies.

As they were one of the species that contributed to the formation of the Planar Alliance during the First Age, many of the newer races see their kind as a core component to the Planar Council which leads them to have an aura of respect in certain instances.

Racism

Like any species, there are some that view their kind with disdain. Common criticism and insults generally focus on hyperbole with their carefree attitude or determined work ethic and the common slurs regarding their physical form. Insults regarding scales, tails, laying eggs and their "oddly shaped heads" are common.

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