The Zadotek
The First Enlightened
Scaled-things (by the Daevites)1234
Lizard-things (by the Daevites)56
Kutzubold
Species of Interest #6425 (by The Jailers)
Lizardfolk (by Wizards of the Coast)
Conspectus
Before primates rose as the undisputed masters of the world, the earth belonged to those clad in scales. Although the mighty dragons of old are often put in the spotlight when this claim is made,7891011 it is important to remember that they were far from the only intelligent species that walked the globe during this period. The so-called Zadotek are another race of reptile-like beings that existed alongside their winged peers of myth and fable, and yet could not be more different from them.
Knowledge
Traits: The Zadotek stand on two feet and are humanoid in overall silhouette, though they can adopt animalistic stances more reminiscent of wild reptiles if they so wish. While specific measurements are unclear, it is a fact that adults are taller than humans on average. Their legs are digitigrade, and their balance is aided by a long, muscular, and prehensile tail that ends in a pointed tip.
Their bodies are fully covered in scales, the texture and thickness of which vary greatly depending on their location. For example, the chest and spine are protected by large, sturdy scales, while the abdomen and neck are covered in smaller, more flexible ones. The colors of these scales span a wide range but tend toward earthy and muted tones, with the most common colors being shades of green, brown, gray, and red. These colors are often broken up by mottling or striping. Their abdominal scales are typically paler and smoother than those present on their backs and limbs.
Their heads, contrary to the popular belief held by those unaware of the true nature of existence, are not human-like in structure or appearance at all.14 Their snouts are short to moderate in length and are similar in shape to that of a Blue-tongued Skink. Their eyes are forward-facing, and their pupils are black, vertical slits surrounded by a milky white sclera. They lack external ears, instead having auditory openings behind their eyes. Their nostrils are also slit-shaped and placed at the tip of their snouts.
Sexual dimorphism is minimal, and it manifests primarily as differences in height (with males being larger than females), scale coloration (with females possessing more vivid tones compared to males), and builds (females are thinner than males). Male and female Zadotek seem otherwise equivalent in most other physical aspects.15
Though the extent of their diet is poorly documented, we do know that the Zadotek are omnivores with an apparent preference for meats. This preference likely has its roots in their culture.16171819
As expected of their reptilian physiology, the Zadotek are an oviparous species. The specifics of their reproductive cycle or system are a well kept secret however.202122
Nature: Unfortunately, not much is known about Zadotek culture given how far back their history extends. Although books detailing their customs and past surely exist somewhere within the Library's infinite vastness, locating even one would be a monumental task that borders on the impossible. Sadly, whether by chance or destiny, all the Zadotek within this particular timeline cluster share a similar fate, and there is no guarantee that they would resemble (or even exist) in other timeline clusters.2324
That said, we are not entirely in the dark here. Strange as it may sound, we have to thank their deeply intertwined relationship with the Daevas for the existence of certain records about the Zadotek that are indispensable for our research on this species.25
According to many Daevite sources, the Zadotek tribes encountered by them during their early history were worshippers of the old god "Khárak," known today as the Scarlet King – a deity associated with conflict, conquest, blood, sacrifice, and a sworn enemy of the Serpent Nakash, from whom the entire Library originated. In fact, it is safe to say that the Daevites became followers of the King after being exposed to his image by the Zadotek.2627
Although this paints a rather unpleasant and bloody picture of Zadotek culture, this does not necessarily mean that they were directly responsible for the modern Daevas as we know them,28 or for their atrocities. Belief is a very mutable thing, after all, and the Daevites themselves admit that the Zadotek were "weak" or unworthy followers of the Scarlet King, all but implying that they were, at the very least, not as brutal or bloodthirsty as the Daevites themselves and other future followers of the King. Even still, acts such as sacrifice, demonstrations of strength, and conquest were common occurrences among the Zadotek in the distant past, and likely still are today.2930
History & Associated Parties: As with their culture, the history of the Zadotek has largely been lost to time, and the few glimmers of their past to which we have access are far from sufficient to construct even a decent timeline.
To begin with, we know they existed alongside dragonkind on earth approximately 350,000 years ago. And just like dragonkind, large numbers of their population mysteriously disappeared following the fall of the Fae Courts 290,000 years ago, an event brought about by the deaths of the sisters Mab and Aurora, leaving only a handful of draconic and Zadotek survivors on earth.31323334 After this event, Zadotek society regressed into tribalism and nothing truly noteworthy occurred until the 45th century BC, when certain Zadotek tribes came into contact with proto-Daevite groups who eventually wiped them out (though it is speculated that the Zadotek repeatedly attempted, unsuccessfully, to form a structured civilization during that time period).353637
The Zadotek have a surprisingly close relationship with the merchant guild known as Marshall, Carter & Dark38 thanks to the simple fact that the Deathless Merchant of London, Percival Darke, took a Zadotek as his wife.3940414243 Although the results of this union are a mystery, it is undeniable that it led to the creation of "Enda'Magila," a closed microcosm (or pocket universe) where the remaining population of Zadotek on earth is presumed to reside in.44
Approach: Please do not attempt to open a Way to Enda'Magila. It is not only incredibly difficult due to its unknown location, but the Zadotek living there are also not fond of intruders.454647
Other Detail: Needless to say, the Zadotek are in no way related to the so-called "Reptilian conspiracy theory" promoted by certain human groups. They hold no position of influence on earth (save for a singular exception), and the basis for said "theory" are rooted in wildly different subjects.
Contrary to what some people like to claim, there is actually very little evidence to suggest that the "Lizardfolk" from the TTRPG Dungeons & Dragons were directly inspired by the Zadotek. There is, however, evidence which suggests that David "Zeb" Cook was an occultist, and may have been a member of the Hand at some point in his youth, so this rumor is not entirely unfounded.4849505152
Observations & Stories
1And it came to pass that Ion and his Klavigars arrived at Eskiera, leading the armies of Halkost and those whom they had freed. And wherever they went, the fires of liberation followed closely after them. 2And the slaves within the city did rejoice when they heard the good news come from the cowering mouths of their masters. 3But not all were eager to share in the enthusiasm of the freedom that was to come.
4For among the scaled people of the southern district there was no rejoicing, nor were there tears of gratitude. They gathered instead near the most prominent temple to Khárak and spoke of the imminent arrival of Ion. 5And some said: "Who are these pale men who would steal from us our chains? Do they not know that bondage is the way of things?" 6Nevertheless, they remained on the sides as witnesses to this insurrection, for it was written in their laws that violence and domination were good. 7But when word reached them that Ion named Khárak his adversary, and spat upon his mark, and defied his laws, their eyes burned with abject hatred.
8And thus they took up spears and blades and daggers and shields, and stood beside their oppressors. 9And when the armies of freed men and women arrived at Eskiera's southern district, they did so expecting praise, yet found only scorn. 10For the scaled ones fell upon them not with rejoicing, nor as brethren united in shared suffering, but as wrathful defenders of their god. 11And so the streets ran red that day, yet not only with the blood of tyrants, but with that of the blind and the oppressed.
12And Ion beheld this and wept, for he had not yet understood that some chains are worn willingly.
"Dear [Illegible],
I write to you being the bearer of good news: our negotiation with Sir Darke has been nothing short of a great success.
Truly, I wish you had been there, for though no doubt Her Majesty’s festivities are magnificent in their own right, they cannot, I fear, measure up to the one I just partook in. The wine, the food, the women, it was something else entirely. Do appoint me, I pray you, to future diplomatic occasions with the merchants' guild.
Having said this, there is a matter I wish to discuss. As you and I are well aware, Sir Darke is a man of very particular predilections; even then, I was wholly unprepared when a most unusual presence did interrupt our talk. Her appearance was not altogether unlike those flying, scaled beasts that terrorise our countryside, but her body was fashioned in the likeness of yourself or myself. She both spoke and walked as any other man might, though she was most clearly no such thing.
You may well imagine the silence that followed, which grew more prominent when Darke then present her to us as his wife.
I am not one for gossip, so I shan't delve into the details, but I must say that my composure was sorely tested. Of all the peculiarities one learns to tolerate in men of power, must he truly collect every possible one? I confess, dear friend, that in that moment I found myself wondering why Sir Darke could not, for once in his life, content himself with a wife of a more… ordinary constitution.55 Wealth, influence, and now this. It truly does seem that excess follows him as faithfully as his shadow.
Leaving that behind, I can write with confidence that our business flowed smoothly, and no more complications should present themselves anytime soon. (…)"
"(…) and on the seventh day of my stay, I was met with a most curious spectacle.
The artificial sun that lit up the entire place had begun to set over the horizon half an hour earlier, and I was busy writing that day's entry when my concentration was disrupted by a loud, rough sound outside my temporary residence. Naturally, I left my dwelling and headed toward the source of the noise, meeting Darke along the way. I asked him what it was, and he told me it was a call for assembly. When I asked him what for, he looked at me with a sly smile and said, "You'll see."
We arrived soon enough, finding several dozen reptilian men and women already gathered in a large circle around a bonfire made of what I assumed to be wood and bones. The elder of the tribe was robed in ceremonial attire and held a large staff crowned with the skull of some horned beast as he stood before the burning monument, chanting hymns in a language my mind could not make sense of. This went on for a good few minutes, until he struck the base of the staff on the ground thrice, silencing the murmurs that had formed among the growing crowd.
It was then that two younger reptiles walked in from opposing sides of the circle. One was a tall male with broad shoulders and scales the colour of deep olive, mottled with brown. The other was a female with muted crimson scales; though smaller and more slender than her counterpart, she was by no means less imposing. Both were completely bare, wearing only markings that had been painted onto their bodies with the blood of what I presumed to have been some previous sacrifice.
The elder spoke a few words, then retreated a respectful distance, leaving them to each other. Without further proclamation, the two combatants advanced towards each other, armed only with their claws and teeth, clashing the moment they closed the distance. The male struck with the heel of his palm, aiming for his opponent's throat, but the female moved aside with a serpentine grace and answered his impatience with a lash of her tail. The sound it made when the hit connected was indistinguishable from a cracking whip.
As the fight formally began, Darke leaned toward me and explained that this was a rite of sorts. A symbolic contest held prior to every winter meant to demonstrate strength and endurance.
"One represents the past and the other represents the future. You can usually tell which is which by how they fight," he said, pointing at the female. "She is more methodical and defensive, for she represents tradition and experience. He is bolder and more aggressive, embodying ambition and youth, you see?"
As this was revealed to me, my mind immediately jumped to conclusions and assumed the worst. My initial reaction was to ask whether it would be considered rude for me to leave and return to my quarters. My week in this place had taught me that the rites of these people unequivocally ended in bloodshed, and though my many travels have cultivated in me a high tolerance for such things, I do not wish to bear witness to them if I can help it.
At this, Darke discharged a chuckle, and he shook his head. "Blood may be spilled, but there won't be any death today, my friend. Their god finds delight in struggle, so a struggle is what they will give him, nothing more and nothing less."
I must admit that I remained hesitant for a few moments, but ultimately decided to stay. Despite all his moral shortcomings as a man, "unreliable" is not a term I would use to describe Percival Darke.
The confrontation continued uninterrupted, and as blows were traded, blocked, or dodged, it dawned on me that what I was witnessing was, in truth, something closer to a high-stakes chess match between two professionals rather than a simple skirmish between two frenzied beasts. The more I observed, the more it became clear to me that very movement, every parry, every counterattack… all of them were millimetrically planned and carried out with the intention of provoking a reaction from their opponent, and they adjusted their next move based on that in the time it takes an eye to blink.
In retrospect, I suppose it was dense of me to have such a reaction when I first realized it. The lives of these people revolve around strength; it would only be natural for them to have an otherworldly affinity for the art of combat. Though it did make me wonder: how many Zadotek could Phillip and the boys back in England take head-on? I'm sure they would love the idea of hunting prey as proficient as this.
I am getting sidetracked.
The duel lasted for approximately half an hour, I believe. It came to a sudden end when the male made a misstep that was quickly capitalized on by the female. She ensnared one of his legs with her tail and yanked it, causing him to lose his balance for a few moments that were more than enough for her to lunge forward, grab him by the throat, and slam him to the ground. He, of course, struggled initially; a futile effort in the end, for she had already completely subdued him. With no option left but surrender, the male Zadotek opened his palm and struck the ground three times to signal his defeat.
A low murmur passed through the crowd. The female, seeing that she had won, released her grip and stepped back, giving her opponent space to stand. The male remained where he had fallen for a breath or two, then rolled onto his side and pushed himself upright without assistance. Blood dripped from his jaw, and his expression carried a quiet resignation, but he stood firm and without difficulty.
The elder approached the young combatants once more, raising his staff high into the air. He spoke, and although I still could not comprehend a word he said, I knew his tone was triumphant. When he was finished giving his speech, he struck the ground again, prompting the entire crowd to cry out and celebrate in unison. The two former enemies then turned to one another and, to my surprise, pressed their foreheads together for a brief moment before parting together. Whatever animosity had been conjured by their struggle seemed to have dissolved as swiftly as it had formed.
The events that transpired after this are a mystery to me. I remember there being a proper festivity to celebrate the female Zadotek's triumph, and the sacrifice of quite a few cows to feed the entire village. I also remember Darke bringing his wife along and offering me a cup of some dark liquor that I, against my better judgement, accepted. And that is when my memories become fragmented.
In any case, that was the last ritual I had the privilege to partake in before departing for the motherland. While I cannot claim to fully understand these people, it would be dishonest of me to say that it was not an enlightening journey from beginning to end. I will have to thank Darke for giving me the opportunity to explore this strange world of his when I get the chance to see him again."
— Journal entry, Lord Theodore Thomas Blackwood5859
Doubt
In my eyes, the biggest source of doubt are the foundations of this entire entry.
Nearly every substantial claim made here regarding the Zadotek originates from records written by the Daevites – a people who were notorious for rewriting their own past just to flatter themselves. Just take a look at their accounts of the mass slave revolt led by Grand Karcist Ion, it'll be more than enough to comprehend how disconnected their tall tales were from reality.
And while yes, Lord Blackwood's journal entries do confirm certain claims, they also contradict others (for example, a scroll suggesting the idea that Zadotek blood possessed exotic properties that enhanced rituals, which appears to be false). Who is to say that the Daevites' records of the Zadotek are not filled with lies and fabrications intended to embellish their own past?
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