Essari

Essaris are swamp-dwelling Avistani lizardfolk who are most closely associated with their broader ancestry by other Avistanis.

Appearance

Essari scales tend toward darker mottled blues or greens that then gradually pale with age. While they otherwise resemble their neighboring Ikelek kin, Essaris are most clearly distinguished by their large dorsal fins, which run from the top of their head along their spine. Most favour simple combinations of loincloths, tabards, arm wraps, or cloaks as clothing.

Culture

Essaris live in swamps across the continent of Avistan with most concentrated in the western reaches. In ancient times their iruxi kingdoms covered much of the continent, but the vast majority of their territory has since been lost to more recent ancestries.

Families and ancestor worship are integral to Essari clans; every Essari can recite their lineage and has a profound spiritual connection with their predecessors. They also often reinforce their homes with the bones of their deceased ancestors.

Essaris hold a deep distrust of the rising nation of New Thassilon as their cultural memories stretch back to ancient Thassilon and the horrors its Runelords and giant servitors inflicted upon the world.