Chameleon Skink
Chameleon Skinks are a stealthy subspecies of Skink distinguished by a number of characteristic peculiarities. [1a][2a]
They are more aggressive than other Skinks, and their role centres on scouting, infiltration, concealment and hunting. They are great hunters, capable of following prey or an intruder without it even noticing. This is made possible by their ability to change their skin colour and texture in a heartbeat, allowing them to perfectly blend in to their environment.[1a]
Unlike most Skinks, the Chameleon Skinks do not dwell in the cities but rather make their home in the jungles - some roaming whilst others claiming and guarding a home territory. When war or invaders threaten, they put themselves at the disposal of the Skink Chiefs acting as scouts and assassins. [2a]
Contents
Appearance
Chameleon Skinks have large, protruding eyes that can move independently, allowing them to see all around them while remaining perfectly motionless. Their eyes additionally have telescopic abilities, enabling them to greatly focus on their chosen targets. Indeed, they have been known to stay unmoving for hours on end, awaiting the perfect moment to launch an ambush.[1a] [2a]
History
Chameleon Skinks are an unusual spawning that were originally spawned only in the sacred Spawning pools of the Temple-City of Pahuax. The breed almost died out after the city was destroyed soon after the fall of the Polar Gates in the Battle of Blood Ravine. [2a]
In 2517 IC Oxyotl returned from the Realm of Chaos and since then Chameleon Skinks have again started to spawn in several of the spawning pools at Pahuax and across Lustria and the Southlands.[1a][2a][2c][2d]
Their return has been interpreted by Skink Priests as a part of the Old Ones' Great Plan. Some claim that this is due to the Chaos threat growing, or because the Old Ones saw that the Lizardmen race needs to expand its borders. Either way, the return of the Chameleon Skinks is a great sign for the Lizardmen.[1a][2a]
A group of just seven Chameleon Skinks wiped out a horde of 5000 Savage Orcs of Warboss Grak Beastbasha of the Red Snakes Tribe who had marched on ruins of the temple-city of Itza Chiquita by leading them to monsters and using their poisoned blowpipes. [2a]
Abilities
Chameleon Skinks are ultimate ambush warriors. With their innate abilities they are able to sneak within arms lenght of an enemy. From their well-camoflaged they fire incredibly accurate blowpipe darts tipped with venomous secretions from Lustrian tree frog before slinking back into jungle. [2a][5]
Notable
- Oxyotl He That Hunts Unseen: legendary Chameleon Skink from Coming of Chaos. [2d]
- Eyes of the Canopy: Joined the Red Host of Tehenhauin in the End Times. [4]
Religion
They revere Conalxa in hidden shrines. [3a]
Weapons and Equipment
- 6th Edition: Blowpipe, Hand Weapon. [1b]
- 8th Edition: Blowpipe, Hand Weapon. May have Stalker. [2b]
- TOW: Hand weapon, blowpipe and calloused hide (light armour). May have Patrol Leader. [5]
Gallery
Eyes of the Canopy
Chameleon Skinks in Total War Warhammer II
Skink Warriors and Chameleon Skink
Miniatures
Chameleon Skinks
Quotes
| Yenial insisted we were quite safe to rest for a moment. After all, what crude Lustrian creature could catch a troop of Shadow Warriors unawares? The keenest eyes in Ulthuan watched the treeline and saw nothing. Yet moments later, Yenial had half a dozen feathered darts in his neck and one in each of those beautiful grey eyes. |
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Lizardmen (6th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Lizardmen (8th Edition)
- 3: WFRP Lustria
- 4: Warhammer: Thanquol, The Red Host, pg. 24
- 5: WTOW Lizardmen Legacy, Lizardmen Army List, pg. 7
- Warhammer Armies: Lizardmen (7th Edition), Needs Citation
