Common Names or Actual Name: Wurmriders. Lizard-lovers.

Form: A loose confederation of individuals who have in common that they've been accepted by the mother Wurm.

Typical Homeland: Morbek Highlands

Cultural Context: Among the Murlogi, membership distinguishes one as a power -- this bring the full range of reaction: respect, hatred, fear, greed and challenge. There are elite military units composed solely of Wurm Riders and their servants. Outside of the Murlogi cities, membership is too irregular to define a typical role and reaction -- Non-Murlogi Wurm Riders probably tend toward asociality.

Ideology:

Look and Feel: Riders of the Wurm mount a surprisingly fast six meter long lizard that can bite through the skull of an elephant. They tend to make travel clothes and armor from the shed skin of their mount which varies from green to black in color. In order to have joined the hero band, these people have demonstrated considerable drive and self-sufficiency.

Purpose: Protect the mother lizard and her children. Find new nesting grounds for other queens.

Headquarters: A high crag in the Morbek Highlands.

Reactions: (See cultural context above.)

Resources

Leader: The Mother Wurm is a member of the band herself, technically, and if there's a leader, she's it.

Renowned Members: Illgik Iceveins, a rider capable of death-defying feats of lizard riding.

Membership: Mostly Murlogi warriors, but with a sprinkling of members from other cultures and races.

Other Contacts: Some of the Scorpion Dragons.

Organization

There is basically no organization. The queen sends out lizard children paired with riders who have been deemed worthy companions and protectors. If there is a threat to the queen, or to other near by pairs, members will know and come to assist.

Membership Keyword

Membership Requirements: Prospective members must provide a sentient sacrifice to an unbonded pup who devours the sacrifice's being and becomes semi-intelligent. Just getting to the den of the queen is a trial. Getting there with a living sacrifice is a trick. And doing anything wrong during the process will get you eaten by the queen.

Skills taught: (not really taught, but discovered)

• riding
• mounted combat
• herpicare

Typical Personality Traits:

• brave
• antisocial
• robust

Magic:

Guardian

The Queen Wurm is huge. She doesn't fly or breath fire. But otherwise, she's a dragon. And she's smarter than you.

Method: Manifestation

Form: A big female land-drake.

Communication: The mother speaks to the riders through her kin in a language they can all understand, no matter their native tongue.

Guardian Requirements: Care for their mount. Respond with full vigor to the infrequent distress call.

Functions

• navigation
• unimpeded by terrain
• vengence of the loyal lizard