Quendikin
Zcyrt'eks
Zcyrt’eks are semi-aquatic lizardfolk of the Rockcoln Bog Swamps, long descendants of dragonkin whose forms shifted over generations. Their thuriums, unlike those of true dragonkin, cannot commune with Ether, but instead resonate with low vibrations. This lets them sense movement through water and soil, detecting ripples, heartbeats, and footsteps long before prey or intruders draw near. Scaled and long-limbed with webbed claws, they are marked by distinctive blue feathers that shimmer in the swamp light, used both for clan display and to unsettle outsiders.
Organized into clans, Zcyrt’eks are cunning and resourceful, crafting weapons of sea shells, reed, and swampstone. They are largely pacifistic in heart, preferring negotiation to bloodshed, yet merciless when defending their territory. Hidden among reeds and murk, they strike swiftly with poisoned spears before vanishing again into the bog. Their silence is often mistaken for savagery, but the truth is harsher. Zcyrt’eks trust little beyond their swamp, and those who trespass without invitation seldom return.
"I bent down to pull a reed, and before I knew it a spear was at my throat. Scales shifted in the water, eyes staring right through me. They said nothing, just waited still until I dropped it and left.”
The Identity
When shaping the Zcyrt’eks, we aimed for a design that balanced land and water, something that felt both reptilian and uniquely adapted to the swamps. Inspirations ranged from the basilisk lizard to spinosaurids, with touches of raptors for agility. The long sail tails became a signature part of their form, flowing with movement, while feathers were introduced as a distinctive trait, bright blues standing out against their darker scales. Over time, we refined differences such as broader, heavier tails for males and more streamlined, wavy ones for females, grounding them as a natural yet diverse kin.
The Mood
Unlike other Quendikin that lean toward aggression, the Zcyrt’eks are watchful, intelligent, and more measured. For this reason, we leaned toward a calm and observant pose rather than an attack. They stand in silence, half-shrouded in reeds and mist, as though they are part of the swamp itself. This mood reflects their culture: guardians who watch first, act only when threatened, and always carry the weight of patience.
The Essence
To capture their semi-aquatic nature, we pushed the details of their environment. Mist coils above stagnant waters, humidity glistens on their scales, and the wet sheen of their bodies hints at their amphibious strength. Small cultural touches were added, woven ornaments, bone jewelry, and clothing of reeds or hides, to show not just survival, but intelligence and tradition. These final touches make them more than beasts of the bog; they are a kin, as much a part of the swamp as the roots and waters they guard.
Final Design
We hope you enjoyed this look at the Zcyrt’eks, the silent watchers of the marsh.
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