The Race (Worldwar)

The Race (also known as "Lizard" by humans) is an alien reptilian race that invade Earth in 1942 during the WW2 in the Harry Turtledove series "Worldwar".

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Characteristics
They are a reptilian race, advanced for the human standard of the WW2 but with weapons and technology only partially superior to the human one of XXI century. They have features that resemble the chameleons, including eyes that move independently. They have however a stubby tail and their height is same of an human child. The Race doesn't use clothes, but the members feature a complicated system of hierarchical tattoos, to indicate the military rank. A significant difference from the human race it's the lack of family bonds: the Race experiences mating seasons and no familiar bonds are created between males and females.

Culture and behavior
The society is highly organized and their culture is slow to changes and innovation. They are ruled by an emperor that is perceived as a semi-divine being. The Race has already conquered two worlds before attacking Earth: such invasions are motivated by strong ethnocentric beliefs. The members of the Race have rooted feeling of obedience, trust in the long-term planning and the right of the Race to expand its rule. Individually, protagonists of the Race has shown a general contempt toward the human race and the Earth itself as planet (their home-world is desert, and the northern regions of Earth are considered too much cold and wet places). Captured lizards show no sign of resistance toward their captures (if they receive a good treatment) and are prone to obey the orders at the point to reveal strategically secrets and technologies. Despite being ruthless soldiers in war, they've proved to be respectful of truces. Captured aliens in the hands of humans has proved to be able to interact amicably, even humorously, with the humans.

History
The Race has been a stable empire for millennia: when their satellites observed Earth during the Middle-Age, an expedition was planned and the developments of the human race has upset all the aliens plans of invasion. Being a slow race, they were shocked to discover the humans in the middle of the WW2, with dangerous weapons and studies to produce even more advanced ones (rockets, jets, nuclear etc...). The Race quickly conquered Africa and South America, but the advance in North America, Europe and Asia was faced with strong resistance from the Axis Powers and the Allies: the humans nations put aside their conflicts to make a united front against the invasion. The conflicts turned ever more bloody once both sides started to employ nuclear weapons: a number of historical cities of the Earth were destroyed by nuclear attacks launched from both sides.

Finally a truce was established, leaving an uncertain future for both the Humans and the Race.