The Saurus are a fearsome and enigmatic race of reptilian humanoids that once ruled vast swathes of Osira, particularly the Jungles of Tigre and the now lost Somerset Island. Believed to be the descendants of the Ancient Old Ones, titanic reptilian deities of Khaos and elemental fury, the Saurus embody raw, primal power and an unyielding will to survive. Their robust scales, towering forms, and glowing eyes reflect their storied lineage, a living testament to a time when the world was untamed, and the elements ran wild.
Once a dominant force during the Second Age (Twilight of Creation) and Third Age (Age of the Elves), the Saurus carved their legacy in blood and stone. They built grand monuments like the Temple of the Drowned Moon or the Temple of the Old Ones in honor of their dark gods, wielding power and savagery to enforce their dominion. Though their civilization has faded into obscurity, remnants of their influence can still be found in ancient ruins and whispered legends.
Origins and Heritage
The Saurus trace their lineage to the Ancient Old Ones, colossal reptilian titans believed to have emerged during the primordial chaos of Osira’s formation. These gods of destruction and renewal were revered as progenitors of the Saurus, their bloodline imbued with the elemental power of fire, earth, and water.
The Saurus evolved as warrior-servants of the Old Ones, designed to enact their will upon the land. Adapted to harsh environments and imbued with a predatory instinct, they thrived in the dense jungles and volcanic islands, becoming apex predators in both might and intellect.
During the height of their civilization, the Saurus united under Unknown the Drowned, a warlock believed to be the living avatar of the Old Ones. Zythrozal’s reign was marked by brutal conquests and the construction of monumental temples, including the Temple of the Drowned Moon, where countless sacrifices were offered to appease their gods. His downfall at the hands of Rozan, the first Avatar of the Sun, marked the beginning of the Saurus’ decline.
Physical Traits
Saurus are covered in thick, iron-like scales that grant them natural armor against attacks. Their coloration ranges from verdant greens to volcanic reds, often reflecting their environments.
Saurus warriors exhibit a wide variety of forms, from hulking, Tyrannosaur-like behemoths to swift, raptor-like skirmishers. Each subspecies is uniquely adapted to fulfill a role within their society, whether as frontline warriors, scouts, or hunters.
Inherited from their godly progenitors, Saurus possess natural resistance to fire, extreme heat, and certain elemental magics. This makes them uniquely suited to the harsh environments they inhabit.
Society and Culture
Saurus society is structured around strength and martial prowess. The strongest warriors rise to become chieftains, while the cunning and magically gifted serve as shamans or warlocks. Their hierarchy is fiercely meritocratic, with leadership earned through trials of combat or acts of dominance.
The Saurus were relentless conquerors, driven by an innate desire to expand their territory and honor their gods through bloodshed. Their war-cries were said to echo through the jungles like thunder, instilling fear in all who opposed them.
Saurus religion centered on the Ancient Old Ones, with Zythrozal acting as their intermediary. Sacrifices, often in the form of captured enemies or their own kin, were a cornerstone of their worship. These rituals were believed to strengthen their gods and ensure the prosperity of their people.
Fall of the Saurus
After the fall of Zythrozal and the destruction of their connection to the Old Ones, the Saurus civilization began to crumble. Weakened by internal strife and external pressures, many tribes splintered and retreated into the deepest parts of the jungle or vanished entirely.
Legends state that Zythrozal’s spirit remains bound to the Temple of the Drowned Moon, waiting for a blood-moon to rise and awaken his people. This prophecy has kept fear and intrigue alive, with whispers of dormant Saurus tribes awaiting their god’s return.
Legacy
The Saurus are now considered a lost race, their once-mighty empire reduced to ruins and their people scattered. Yet, their legacy endures on Somerset Island and in the Jungles of Tigre, where their massive temples, weapons, and artifacts remain as testaments to their ferocity and dominance. Modern adventurers and scholars alike seek these relics, both for their historical significance and the immense power they are rumored to hold.
- The Saurus constructed monumental temples such as the Temple of the Drowned Moon, infamous for its sacrificial altars and labyrinthine depths.
- Some believe the Saurus were more than warriors—they were the chosen stewards of the Old Ones’ will, tasked with preserving their divine influence in the mortal realm.
- While most Saurus tribes have disappeared, rumors persist of hidden enclaves in the darkest parts of the jungle or beneath volcanic islands. These tribes are said to guard ancient secrets and await the return of their god-king.
The Saurus remain a symbol of Osira’s primal past, their feral strength and savage traditions evoking both fear and awe. Though their civilization lies in ruin, the echoes of their war-cries and the shadow of their warlock-god continue to haunt the world, reminding all of the untamed power of the Ancient Old Ones.