Most people think of the land of Casgalias as little more than disgusting swamps, large ziggurats containing cannibalistic snake-people, and tribes of bloodthirsty lizardfolk. The Swamptongues know that there is so much more to this dangerous and beautiful nation. The Naga cities contain organized, powerful, and efficient systems of governance. Their caste system makes sure that nothing goes to waste and the goals of the leaders are achieved effectively. The Makao'an travel in migratory tribes, collecting rare herbs, fresh meat, and other useful resources for both themselves and for trade. In the past, these two species engaged in long and bloody wars over territory, resources, and simple hatred for each other. Now, having been allies under the banner of the Volum Empire, they have found a way to coexist and even cooperate peacefully: by never interacting with each other.
Even today most Naga and Makao'an would kill each other on sight. They see each other as the epitome of everything sacrilegious. Above all else Makao'an honor courage, fair battle, and respect for the dead. Naga regularly employ sabotage, espionage, poison, and other underhanded tactics to succeed. They would rather flee a tough fight than risk death, and they sacrifice the dead for profane rituals to their serpentine gods. Makao'an believe the Naga caste system is a way for the weak to gain power over the strong, rather than a true test of strength.
These two divergent species cooperate only through the work of the Swamptongues. This organization is made up of many species, including a few Makao'an and Naga that no longer hold onto historical prejudices. The Swamptongues act as messengers, spies, merchants, and trackers for both the Makao'an and Naga. Only they know how to locate the Makao'an tribes, and only they are allowed into Naga cities, besides other Naga. These couriers know how to handle dealing with both species effectively, which is quite a difficult task.
The Swamptongues are only very loosely organized as a collection of teachers and apprentices. Some of these work for a specific, powerful Naga or Makao'an tribe, while others wander between the communities searching for tasks as needed. Either way, all denizens of Casgalias know to respect and honor the Swamptongues, because they are the only source of news, outside resources, and the latest technology for the community.
No one understands the delicate balance of peace in Casgalias better than the Swamptongues. Their diplomatic skills are impressive, and it takes many years of learning and practice before an apprentice earns their "tongue." In addition to the study of the two species, Swamptongues must also be very familiar with navigating the dense swamps via canoe, sailing ships across the Core of Bruidan, and surviving the many threats present in both locations. Once a teacher deems that an apprentice is ready, the apprentice ceremonially splits their tongue, and then ventures off to find their own tasks. Few would be willing to partake in the training if not for the rich rewards Naga and Makao'an offer to these vital messengers. Many of the wealthiest individuals in Uthal, Speydom, and Ethax first earned their wealth as Swamptongues. The swamp-dwellers have access to many resources highly valued by people of the West.