Bakali

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Ben Thompson

The Bakali are a breed of lizard-folk that generally dwell in the remote swamps of Ansalon. Despite being a savage, brutal, and uneducated race, they are quite intelligent. Bakali are very cunning and adapt to situations quickly and do so within their limitations.

Personality: The Bakali tend to be very suspicious and distrusting by nature. They keep to themselves and very rarely leave their homeland. They seem savage and they are usually observed as crueler beings than they really are. This attitude is a stereotype; but it is not entirely unwarranted. The Bakali have no problems or moral compunctions against violence, although individuals may have more tolerant or peaceful views. The Bakali have no fear of death. Such displays of courage may have others believe that they are foolish, however that is not the case. Not fearing death aside, they have a passion for life. The Bakali are particularly skilled at war, using guerilla tactics of deception and ambushes. They will also retreat and not consider it cowardice if the battle cannot be won. Within the Bakali culture, everything to do with war is considered to be courageous.

Physical Description: Bakali are generally six to eight feet tall and very broad due to their massive strength. The hide of a Bakali ranges in color, most commonly seen is yellow-green to a sort of blotchy brown with profound plating. Their long, powerful tails whip about and can deal some sever punishment to those who are not careful. They have almost a dorsal ridge running the length of their back, along the spine. It runs from the back of the skull all the way down the back, tapering off about midway down the tail. The hands and feet of a Bakali are webbed. Their feet have talons and are about to use them like fingers. The hands have vestigial claws. These claws do little in combat except intimidate their foes.

Relations: The Bakali generally dislike strangers. They do not trust those they are unfamiliar with, and sometimes those they are. The humans of Nordmaar are an example. Centuries of poor relations have caused a rift between the two and there is no trust left. Because of those very humans the Bakali have labeled all humans as lying, thieving, greedy, murderous cutthroats. The Bakali accept very few humans, but it rarely happens. This is due to the fact that the Bakali adhere to alliances and friendships they have with other races. The Bakali are often unreceptive to humans, they are not without honor. Having long memories of both the good and bad that has befallen them. If a human acts in an honorable manner towards a Bakali, even if he is an enemy, the Bakali will return the show of respect with the same. If someone outside of the Bakali manages to befriend one, the Bakali will honor such a bond until death or betrayed.

Alignment: Bakali are almost always chaotic neutral in nature, though few of them have been tainted and gone down the path of evil.

Bakali Lands: The Bakali are native to the swamps of Northern Ansalon.

Religion: The Bakali religion is of a non-destructive nature. The chief gods of the Bakali are Sirr'ushush, an incarnation of the deity, and Sirrion Krik'k lettz, an incarnation of the deity of nature, Chislev. The Bakali worship in a very primitive, almost savage way, they are generally preparing meal in a ritualistic manner.

Language: Bakali speak a tongue similar to that of Draconic, using roughly the same script. It is unique to their race consisting of growls, smacks, and hisses of varying length. There is no formal written script, as most of them are uneducated.

Bakali Racial Traits:

• +2 Constitution, —2 Charisma. Bakali have a muscular build with an appearance that resembles a Lizard-Man.
• Medium-sized creatures. As Medium-size creatures, there are no special bonuses/penalties based on size.
• +3 Natural Armor class from their tough hides. Any other armor must be especially made for the Bakali due to their awkward body structure.
• Vulnerable to Cold. Bakali take an additional 1 damage per damage roll on all cold-based attacks.
• +1 racial bonus to any saving throw against blinding or daze-like effects, due to an innate ability to shield their eyes from harm.
• Bakali base speed is 20 feet.
• Bakali unarmed attacks deal 1d4+(STR MOD) points of damage.
• Bakali are never "unarmed" due to their fangs and claws, so they do not provide their opponents with attacks of opportunity due to unarmed attacks.
• Bakali can choose to do subdual or normal damage with their fists.
• +2 racial bonus to Swim checks, and Bakali swim at a speed of 30 feet.
• Automatic Languages: Bakali, Common
• Bonus Languages: Ancient Elvish, Draconic, Kothian, Nordmaarian.
• Favored Class: Barbarian (see Players Handbook, page 56, for more details on Favored Class.).

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