While it's been stated that this group is full, I'd like to include myself as an alternate, or perhaps an NPC. I know he conflicts pretty directly with the direction in which this adventure is heading, but that might just make it more interesting.
Susurruss, Male Poison Dusk Lizardfolk Druid 3
Alignment: Neutral
Historical synopsis: Born on a small tributary of the languorous Crimson river, Susurruss learned at an early age that he couldn't count on anyone but himself. Born the runt of his egg clutch, he had to fight the other hatchlings for every scrap of food. Beaten and pushed aside by the larger black scale lizardfolk, he would spend long stretches of time in the deep shadows of the local jungle, drinking from foul pools of water and living-off of any creature which was slower than him.
In his ninth year, all of this changed. Cornered by a ravenous clawfoot, unable to flee, he employed the only tactic still left to him; he began to negotiate. He pointed to a nearby river rat which was desperately trying to blend into the river's edge, and was able to convince the dinosaur that not only would the rat taste better, but it would be much easier to catch.
After this event, he began attempting to communicate with the other creatures of his forest home, and soon found that they could understand him more often than not. The other lizardfolk began whispering about him, saying that he had been touched by the Great Mother. Eventually, the elder poison dusk priest of his tribe took him in as an apprentice, and began teaching him the care of his people, and the land on which they lived.
From his master Sussuruss learned a deep appreciation for the subtle, interconnected harmony which underlay the seemingly harsh "law of the jungle". He saw that what looked like the chaotic cycle of "kill or be killed" was actually a much more intricate and delicate process that included every single animal, plant and spirit which made its home here.
Upon reaching maturity, the young priest was given charge of a distant tribe of lizardfolk living in the northern jungles of Q'barra, in the caves of Vinecliff hill. Unfortunately, Susurruss was still young, and spent much of his time gathering strange plants and animals that might be of benefit to his people. The strange beauty of this new part of the jungle left him so distracted, that he did not notice the hunting party of Talenta halflings astride their dinosaur mounts, tracking him home. Susurrus had grown up among the poison dusk and black scales, and new little of the ways of those outside the deep jungles of his homeland. Although the lizardfolk put up a valiant defense of their lair, they were no match against the organized and battle-hardened halfling riders and their ferocious reptile companions. In the end, only a handful of young and females survived to flee deeper into the jungle.
Susurruss could not take the shame of his defeat and what he believed was his betrayal of his tribe, and was close to taking his life, when he had a realization. In order to protect the lizardfolk from the other races, he would have to learn more about his adversaries.
Seeing his new mission in life, he gathered a few belongings and headed away from the lizardfolk settlements of Ka'rhashan and Haka'torvah, toward the city of Newthrone.
