The Bestiary of Khorinis III

Volume III: Natural Armor & Protection

Among all creatures, none display nature's defensive adaptations as impressively as the lizard. The body of this reptile is covered with bony scales, more precisely: scutes of natural armor that line their spine and flanks. Most distinctive are the dorsal scales, which form a pronounced ridge along the back. Each plate is individually anchored, thus providing both protection and flexibility.

The green-scaled lizard shows this trait most clearly: its overlapping scutes form a natural armor, discernible by its gleam reflected in sunlight. Yellow eyes and prominent teeth reflect the lizard's territorial nature, though it rarely strays far from its resting spot, which is usually sunlit and near water.

A far more dangerous relative, the razor, possesses a significantly more advanced defense system. The razor is clad in dark, interlocking plates that form a full-body armor. Most notable is, again, the pronounced dorsal ridge, where the plates develop sharp, blade-like projections. Combined with its sturdy build and aggressive disposition, the razor makes for a considerably more fearsome opponent than its relatives.

When properly harvested, pieces of the razor's natural armor find eager buyers among both armorers and alchemists.