Lizardmen (Warhammer)

Lore & Background

The Lizardmen were created by the Old Ones, star-traveling gods responsible for the creation of most of the setting's sentient races. After the Old Ones were brought low by daemonic forces unleashed by the collapse of their Warp Gates, the Lizardmen were left to fend for themselves. The Slann, who act as leaders and priests, now lead the Lizardmen blindly, via ancient prophecies containing almost incomprehensible instructions left by the Old Ones.

The Lizardmen rise from spawning pools, each subspecies made to perform certain tasks. The Skinks are craftsmen, spellcasters, or scouts. The Saurus are the warriors, and Kroxigors serve as builders as well as heavy troops. The Lizardmen are one of the factions created by the Old Ones, alongside Elves, Dwarfs, Humans, Ogres, and Halflings.

Reader's Guide

The Lizardmen represent a unique faction in Warhammer Fantasy, blending a prehistoric reptilian aesthetic with Mesoamerican cultural motifs. Their backstory as creations of the Old Ones ties them directly to the setting's central mythology, explaining the presence of many fantasy races. The Lizardmen's reliance on ancient, cryptic prophecies for guidance underscores the theme of a fallen creator race and the struggle to interpret lost knowledge. Their presence in Lustria provides a distinct geographical and cultural contrast to the Old World's human nations, and their rigid caste system—with Skinks, Saurus, and Kroxigors each fulfilling specific roles—offers a structured society within the chaotic Warhammer world. The Lizardmen's significance lies in their role as guardians of the Old Ones' legacy and as a force of order against the corrupting influence of Chaos, though their methods are often inscrutable to other races.

Did You Know?

• The Lizardmen were created by the Old Ones to aid in their great works.
• The Slann lead the Lizardmen via ancient prophecies left by the Old Ones.
• Lizardmen rise from spawning pools, with each subspecies made for specific tasks.
• Their culture and aesthetic are heavily inspired by those of the Aztec and Mayan cultures.