Sith-makar
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The sith-makar are one part of the Children of the Flame, and have been isolated from the world until recent history. For most of their history, they lived on Am'shere, a jungle located on the unknown continent of Jammur. Am'shere itself is as beautiful as it is dangerous. No few tales of the tribal Fire share stories of the hatching who was snatched from its caretaker's arms.
While the exact origins of the Children of the Flame remain shrouded, their shamans tell of a legend where the first sith-makar was spun from the blood of evil dragons. Smaller than their progenitors, they were were used as slaves and foot stoldiers by dragon overlords during the early years of the Second Age, after the passing of the Time of Glaciers.
In those days, it is said that the good dragons grew sympathetic to the plight of their children. These dragons, led by the Great Silver (whose name is whispered in reverence as Alumivoritax) spirited the Children to a hidden enclave, in the furthest reaches of the Great Continent. Not all survived the journey, and it is sometimes whispered that from their ashes were born great trees that thickened Am'shere's growth. Regardless of its truth, today Am'shere is a thick and bloody jungle region in the deeps of the largely unexplored sub-continent of Jammur. It is also the main reason the Children survived to present day, hidden largely from the eyes of the world.
Since the legend of Alumivoritax, the Children devolved into various branches: the Ko-jodakh or Troglodytes, the Nar-sektoth or Sahuagin and the Sith-makar the Lizardfolk. Draconic territoriality and Am'shere's bloody environment led these tribes to war with one another. It is possible other branches exist, as well, as the Children have survived in Am'shere for some time. Today, these varied branches compete for territory, although when threatened by outsiders, they have been known to band together in lethal force.
Of all the Children of the Flame, the sith-makar retained the greatest belief in their draconic heritage. It is the sith-makar who held sacred the Memory of Blood and Mysteries of Fire. Though unconfirmed, their tale-keeper caste shares the story of a great hero who rewoke the Blood. In whispers they speak of a sacred ritual, enacted with the aid of dragonkind and of great sacrifice. However, if they know more, the sith-makar are not talking--recent events have made them reticient of sharing certain details. Perhaps due to this, or their own lack of certainty, details are scarce and uncertain at best, especially outside of Am'shere.
It is this new breed, these "dragon-touched," who are available for play here on Ea.
The Children would have remained unknown in Am'shere, if not for the acts of Charn. Nearly one hundred years past, scouts from that empire encountered the tribes. Charn's actions would set the Children's view of "softskins" for years to come. Charn used Am'shere as harsh training grounds. They saw untapped natural resources, and began razing the jungle, and attempted to enslave its inhabitants. The Children united briefly, and fought them back, though suffered great losses.
That may have been the end of it. However, by accident the Charnese discovered the Children's latent heritage. This has prompted a number of blood experiments by that nation, as well as unscrupuluous wizards. As the young are easier, they tend to prey upon them, which has not soften the Children's view towards these groups--most particularly the sith-makar, among whom the heritage is strongest.
During these years, the tribal shamans would discover several portals leading from Am'shere back to the Great Continent. Cautious, they sent envoys of their own, brave sith-makar who would leave on journeys. While they avoided the cities at first, they began to find allies among druidic circles. Eventually, they would make contact in other areas. They began to seek metal, trade and exploration. The sith-makar in particular are making their presence known in scattered parts of the world.
Today, sith-makar trade caravans, settlements and even members of the adventuring community have become a rare but accepted sight. Their primary point of contact with the world is through Alexandros. Here, a heavily guarded portal connects their distant land with Alexandria. Druidic forces on either side ensure guard the portal with fervor.
The outside world has remained unknown for generations.