Lizard Folk

The Squamassa are perhaps the oldest race of those who inhabit Sarnesse, though their ancestors were a far cry from the lizardfolk of today. During the world’s turbulent infancy, the great inland ocean of Devonia became the crucible of life. Many misguided forms collapsed dragging themselves out onto its shores, unfit for life under the new sun. A race of hexapods dug deep into the sea floor and uncovered the secrets of stone. Coating themselves in molten stone, the scaled bodies of the early Squamassa were the first to colonize land.
As the ages progressed and the sun moved further from Sarnesse, more forms of life were able to cling to the land and spread far and wide. The Squamassa in large part remained near Devonia, for they knew it contained the secrets of life. The same essence that gave rise to them still lingered in its waters and was amplified by their increased concentration. New civilizations of Squamassa would rise from the depths of Devonia to settle on its shores. It was found that the introduction of essence from other species could also grant the Squamassa a mix of their characteristics, giving rise to many forms and morphs of the species.
When the cataclysm upheaved the lands of Sarnesse, the great ocean of Devonia seeped into the cracked land. Faced with near extinction, the Squamassa no longer reigned supreme over the pools which were left and again life began to rise out of them in great variety. Overtime this area became known as the Devethys Swamplands, a secluded and dangerous area filled with many unique creatures. The remaining Squamassa vied for control of the pools, but what began to emerge out of them was vastly different than before. Walking upright, four limbed, more intelligent, exhibiting tactile finesse. The lizardfolk emerged into Sarnesse, and with the unexpected evolutionary advantages they brought with them, the Squamassa again controlled what remained of their ancient home.

Additional Information

Social Structure

As the living template for the lineage of the chiefdom, the eldest member rules as chief. Many skirmishes have been fought over which chief represents the most basal form, with many chiefdoms upholding their own as The First Form. In times of crisis, the 13 predominant chiefdoms will hold counsel to determine the best route forward for Devethys. Within the territories held by chiefdoms, Squamassa often form tribes centered around shared characteristics.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

The 13 Chiefdoms

Although not necessarily politically aligned, the chiefdoms are often grouped by what additions they often favor to their lineage.

The Beastly Chiefdoms

Yu-Terra - beasts of land

Yu-Aura - Beasts of sky

Yu-Aqua - beasts of water

Yu-Mera - a grab bag, why be picky with nature’s bounty

The Monstrous Chiefdoms

Malfestant - fiendish

Malabrant - aberrations

Malcordis - monstrosities

Malabis - pursuant to The First Form, the few lizardfolk born from the pools will live lives of servitude

The Chiefdoms of Lizardmen

Pangrumeso - humans and elves

Kron-Obgul - orcs, goliaths, bugbear

Avorrun - halfing, gnome, dwarf

Pandecium - it’s the smarts that matter

The Chiefdom of Many Forms

A unique religious group that believes in the sanctity of all Squamassa forms both extant and extinct. Often try to recreate storied forms but throwing creatures into primordial soup isn’t an exact science.

Social Upheaval

While the genesis of the lizardfolk has made the Squamassa a formidable force in Sarnesse, their penchant for higher levels of individuality have proven foreboding for the status quo. Many set off to humanoid lands for self fulfillment and personal gain rather than for the enrichment of their chiefdoms. Some question the wisdom of their elders in favor of more intellectually straightforward solutions. At the last summit of the chieftains, the Yu-Aura, Malfestant, Pangrumeso, and Pandecium chiefdoms chose not to make an appearance. This has caused many to question the abilities of the chieftains to keep a unified Devethys and whispers of a possible civil war pass along its waters.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Religion
The predominant religion in Squamassa society is a type of ancestor worship known as The Forms. This practice venerates the progressive evolutionary steps the ancestors took to achieve the lineage of each chiefdom. The greatest forms of worship include the proper observance of cultural customs and the realization of a grand purpose. As the culmination of the greatness put forth by the strides of the ancestors, achieving something grand pays homage to those who came before. The greatest honor for many Squamassa is to be buried within their spawning pool, so that their essence may contribute to the form of the next generation

History

Gone are the grand cities of the Squamassa. Now vying chiefdoms compete for control of the remaining spawning pools. While the emergence of the lizardfolk has secured Squamassa control over the Devethys Swamplands, it has also caused great social upheaval.