Appearance
Vaskesh is a hardy, battle scarred lizardman, who has survived countless conflicts with trolls, orcs and even the occasional dragon. He is tall and lean, tough as old boot leather, and a veritable engine of destruction when his ire is aroused. Vaskesh’s scales are a dark olive green, and his draconian snout is lined with needle-sharp teeth that project from his mouth even when his jaws are closed. He often wears little more than his armor and a harness for his weapons, relying on his scaly skin to protect him from the elements.

History
Vaskesh is somewhat of a legend in his area of the swamp. Rumors abound in the outlying human settlement of a friendly lizardman that will render aid to those lost in the mire. The rumors are of course true, and Vaskesh has guided many beleaguered travelers to safety, gaining a well-deserved reputation in the process. He rarely enters any human settlements, as his bizarre appearance can cause quite an uproar, but has enough contact with civilization to find work as a guide or scout on occasion.

Vaskesh is from a tribe of Lizardfolk wiped out years ago by a rampaging band of trolls. He and some of the other young males were away hunting when the massacre happened, returning to find the slaughtered bodies of their kinfolk rotting in the noonday sun. The incident was a defining moment for the young lizardman, and he harbors a deep hatred for trolls and giants in general to this day.

Bereft of his culture and people, Vaskesh has turned to others that share his views for companionship. He has befriended the local human druids and rangers, who know him as an honorable protector of the swamp and a trustworthy ally. Vaskesh finds human customs and philosophies strange and confusing, and often poses blunt and sometimes embarrassing questions to his human companions.

Playing Tips
Vaskesh is unsubtle and coarse. He prefers direct methods in both combat and dealings with other races. In a fight Vaskesh prefers to use his trident and hand axe to his natural weapons, relying on his teeth and claws only when he has no other choice. He will attack giants and giant-kin over all other foes, although he will not needlessly endanger himself or his companions to strike at his hated enemy.

Although crude and uncivilized, Vaskesh is a noble and kindhearted creature. He enjoys the company of humans and other races, finding their strange ways intensely fascinating. Vaskesh has a special fondness for bards, as his people have no music of their own. He will often accept songs and music as payment for his services as a guide, and has even attempted to learn to sing himself, with dismal results.