So... the Lizard. In our everyday world, it's one of the closest things we can get to a dragon, but in the realm of fantasy where dragons are (often) commonplace, the good old reptile seems to be of little interest to anyone.
As is the case with all (okay, most) normal animals present in the Bestiary, one might find it somewhat challenging to use a lizard as an interesting plot point. That is when it's time to stretch your worldbuilding muscles. The Bestiary gives some good pointers on that front; a great example, Giant Geckos might be used as mounts by societies that would value their impeccable climbing skills over the sturdiness of the Horse™. Some folk might see the Frilled Lizard as a sacred beast of their ancestors, while others may find the Monitor a delicacy. So, open your herpetology textbook and spice your world up with some scaly critters.
- Max
Hook 1 (Max) - The Lizard Wizard
The wizard in ornate robes paces around the room, visibly annoyed.
"Lost his mind, he has!" he murmurs to a cloaked figure sitting at a nearby table. "This is preposterous!"
"Calm down, old man, it's just a lizard."
"That's the thing!" the mage shouts, fury evident in his voice. "A stupid lizard! And he listens to it as if it speaks gospel, only it doesn't even speak! I fear for the kingdom, it will not take long for the news to spread. Ridicule is sure to follow, but that we can manage... But it won't take long for some of our neighbors to seize the opportunity. Can you imagine what will happen if a mindless reptile is put in charge of all defenses?"
The hooded man scowls. "A massacre, surely." He sits upright, pressing his chin against folded hands. "I assume you have a solution in mind?"
A wolfish grin sets about the old man's features. "That I do, my old friend. It is quite obvious, honestly. We need to get rid of that gods-damned lizard before the king does something truly foolish; fortunately, it just so happens that a band of famed mercenaries is in the capital. I think they might be up to the challenge..."
Hook 2 (Nemanja) - The Greatscale Hunters
The archipelago of Zablaii is home to no mammals other than halflings.
Nevertheless, when contact was made with the Nordlands and their knightly traditions, the island kings fell in love with the concept of Grand Hunts.
To that end, over the years they have domesticated the massive dragon-lizards that make the archipelago their home. Now, these majestic creatures follow them in their campaigns over land, sea, and air.
Hook 3 (TJ) - A Giant Headache
"You ev-" smack "you ever notice how-" Lillania said, before being cut off as the large reptilian beast slammed into her. She grunted, shoving it back a few paces before turning back to her companion again.
"I just think it's funny how every time-" She danced to the side as it charged by her, grabbing it by the tail as it lunged for Vincent. "-every time we're called to take care of an animal, it's always GIANT. Have you noticed that?" With all of her strength, she pulled on the enormous lizard. The beast attempted to scramble toward Vincent again, its tail popping free into Lillania's arms.
A bead of sweat dripped down his face as Vincent attempted to finish the spell, backing up and circling as the lizard charged him. The arcane drawing following his finger flashed as he connected the last line. As the spell came to completion, the lizard decreased in size rapidly. After a moment, it came to rest on the dirt between them, a normal-sized gecko once more. He picked it up and placed it in a small enclosure. Lillania gestured at him with the still-enormous tail. He shrugged as she slung it over her shoulder.
"I have noticed. I think it's time we start asking some more pointed questions. There has to be a connection."
"Really?" She asked, giving the tail a few test swings. "Usually you think I'm being paranoid."
"Yes, well. That was a close one." The mage gestured to the large claw still stuck in his outer robe. "Also, I'm running out of cages."
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