“…and what now of our false masters? What now of their pride? Too long did they close themselves to Him. He showed them signs, but they did not see. The winds carried his message, but they would not listen. He flowed in the water, but they tasted nothing. For, trapped in the dreams of their own reflections, they could feel naught else. And so, in His infinite kindness, did He take away those things ‘til only the dust remained. For all is dust next to Him, the dust that blows on the path to Salvation…”

- Anamas Meldruke, the Celestial Church

“…Ware the serpent peoples, for they are the messengers and heralds of the gods, both old and new. They are wise, and ancient, and offer us the guidance and wisdom of the ages. Their importance is clear, as the high priest of Qualatopec is second only to the emperor…”

Huey Tlatoani, the Tezcatax people

Before the ape, there was the snake.

Once there was Order.

Once there was Glory.

Once there was Empire.

Once.

Now, there is only dust, and the few who survived the Fall.

It is believed by scholars that long ago, the Saurians (or ‘Snakes’, although this is a mildly derogatory term), had an empire that spanned the known world. Even now, Saurian artefacts can be found, particularly in the City-States in the South where every noble villa lies upon Saurian foundations. Amongst these are murals that suggest why many feel anxious or humble around Saurians; pictures of humans in thrall to their former masters.

Little is known of the fate of this empire, although Tezcata lore suggests that it was dramatic.

In practice, its effect was to fragment this once proud race into much smaller, nomadic communities. Due to a combination of their magical heritage and longer lifespan, some Saurians are recruited by Noble & Merchant Houses within the City-States to act as advisors, tutors, and magicians. Others have settled amongst the Tezcatax people, where they are revered as powerful spirits. Yet another group has chosen to wander the known world as vagrants, often skilled healers who charge little or nothing for their assistance. The generosity of this last group help to explain why despite their past, Saurians are still treated with respect by most they meet.