Timeline of Rytiss
Age of the First Tribes (c. 1500 BCE)
The earliest known tribes of Rytiss began to form in the dense jungles of the island, long before the rise of the dragonkin. These early tribes were scattered throughout the island’s vast swamps, marshes, and coastal plains. The reptilian peoples—lizardfolk, kobolds, and troglodytes—were isolated from one another, each culture developing its own unique traditions, beliefs, and customs.
During this time, the powerful Vhazrith, a lizardfolk chief of great strength and wisdom, rose to prominence. Vhazrith, an elderly male with deep green scales and piercing yellow eyes, was renowned for his connection to the primal spirits of the jungle. His deep-set eyes, a constant reminder of the jungle’s vast age, and his great tusks, curved and sharp, were symbols of his ancient power. His knowledge of the land allowed him to forge alliances between the isolated tribes, uniting them for the first time under a shared respect for the jungle’s mysteries.
Vhazrith’s leadership was marked by rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the primal spirits, and he led the First Tribes in an early effort to honor the land’s ancient forces. He held the belief that the jungle and its beasts were sacred, and that all who lived on the island must live in balance with its forces. Vhazrith’s influence would help solidify the early foundation of Rytiss’ tribal society, but his death marked the beginning of a series of conflicts that would shape the island’s future.
The Dragonrise (1500 BCE to 1000 BCE)
The arrival of the First Dragon Cult marked a pivotal shift in Rytiss’ history. The dragonkin, led by Eshkar the First, a half-dragon warlord, came from the mainland of Hyebrenia and quickly began to dominate the island. Eshkar, a tall and imposing figure with silver scales, large amber eyes, and a serpentine tail, arrived on Rytiss with his followers, seeking to spread the influence of dragons over the jungles and marshes. Eshkar’s draconic powers made him both a powerful leader and a symbol of divine strength to the native reptilian races.
Eshkar
Under Eshkar’s rule, the lizardfolk, kobolds, and troglodytes were drawn into his vision of a dragon-worshipping society. Many of the native peoples accepted his leadership, drawn by his charisma and the awe-inspiring presence of his dragon heritage. Eshkar established the First Dragon Cult, a religious order that revered the power of dragons as both deities and rulers. It was during this period that many tribes began to adopt draconic customs, and Rytiss became home to several dragonkin enclaves that spread across the island.
Yvot
However, not all the tribes were so eager to accept dragon worship. Yvot, the Shaman of the Green Isles, a powerful lizardfolk mystic from the far southeastern swamps, stood in direct opposition to Eshkar. Yvot was a figure of great wisdom, with dark scales and bright green eyes that reflected the spirit of the jungle. He argued that the jungle was sacred and that no one should rule over the land. Yvot’s rebellion against the dragonkin spread to several tribes who had resisted the cult’s influence, leading to years of guerilla warfare in the jungles.
Eshkar, meanwhile, focused on consolidating his power. His strength and intellect enabled him to defeat Yvot’s rebels, though it came at the cost of a bloody civil war. Despite this, by the end of this period, Eshkar solidified his rule, establishing a draconic empire that would shape Rytiss for centuries to come.
The War of the Swamps (1000 BCE to 500 BCE)
As Rytiss became more entrenched in the dragon cult, a new conflict arose from the growing presence of human kingdoms. Expanding trade routes and the thirst for exotic resources led human explorers to discover Rytiss and its rich jungles. This contact marked the beginning of the War of the Swamps, where human settlers, traders, and adventurers sought to exploit the island’s resources, drawing the reptilian tribes into a bitter war for survival.
During this time, the island’s most famous warleader, Vuurith of the Marsh, rose to prominence. A mid-aged lizardfolk, Vuurith had light brown scales with dark green markings, and his bright yellow eyes were filled with determination and strategy. Vuurith led a coalition of tribes, rallying them against the encroaching human forces. Under his command, the reptilian forces employed guerrilla tactics, using the swamp’s treacherous terrain to their advantage.
While Vuurith’s tactics were successful in holding off human advances in several key areas, the sheer numbers of the human forces eventually overwhelmed the reptilian resistance. Despite this, the War of the Swamps would have lasting effects on the island’s politics and culture. The arrival of humans altered the balance of power, and after the war, Rytiss was divided into several factions, some seeking to peacefully coexist with humans, while others sought to expel them from the island entirely.
The Rise of the Scaled Tyrant (500 BCE to 0)
Following the chaos of the War of the Swamps, a new figure emerged: Trovik the Scaled, a ruthless and ambitious lizardfolk warlord. Trovik, known for his brutal tactics and fearsome combat prowess, sought to unify the island under his rule. His black scales and crimson eyes made him a striking figure, and his growing army of followers quickly turned him into a fearsome tyrant. His rule was marked by a series of brutal campaigns, wiping out rival factions and consolidating his power through terror and bloodshed.
Trovik’s cruelty and unyielding nature earned him the title of “the Scaled Tyrant,” and he reigned over Rytiss with an iron fist. While some of the island’s tribes found prosperity under his rule, others were crushed underfoot. The troglodytes, kobolds, and even some of the more warlike lizardfolk tribes served him, though many resented his dominance. His reign was one of absolute control, and any who opposed him were met with swift retribution.
However, Trovik’s reign would not last. His insatiable desire for power led to the eventual betrayal of his own allies, and after a series of bloody battles, Trovik was overthrown and killed. His death signaled the beginning of a new era of instability for the island, but it also paved the way for a more peaceful age of diplomacy.
The Council of Scales (0 to 500 CE)
Following the death of Trovik, Zarraeth the Wise, an ancient lizardfolk matriarch, rose to power. Zarraeth, whose golden-brown scales shimmered like the sun over the marsh, and whose jade-green eyes saw through the chaos of Rytiss’ past, sought to bring peace and cooperation to the island’s fractured tribes. Under her leadership, the tribes were united under the Council of Scales, a body dedicated to diplomacy, negotiation, and mutual respect between the island’s reptilian peoples.
Zarraeth was known for her wisdom, her calm demeanor, and her belief in balance. She was instrumental in establishing Thurmu, a grand city at the heart of Rytiss, built among the trees and marshlands. The city, constructed from woven reeds, branches, and leaves, became a symbol of the unity Zarraeth sought to foster. Thurmu stood as a beacon of peace, where the various tribes—kobolds, lizardfolk, and troglodytes—could coexist under a shared vision of harmony.
Under Zarraeth’s guidance, the island flourished. Her diplomatic efforts allowed Rytiss to rebuild, and for the first time, the island’s inhabitants worked together in a peaceful coexistence. Her influence lasted for many decades, and her legacy is still felt in Rytiss today.
Current Events: The Changing Tides of Rytiss
Rytiss, the jungle isle of the Wyrm Sea, has long existed as a wild and untamed land, isolated from the wider world. For centuries, the reptilian tribes—lizardfolk, kobolds, troglodytes, and their kin—carved out a life amidst the dense swamps and lush jungles, sheltered from the reach of distant kingdoms and foreign ambitions. The tranquil isolation was shattered in recent years, as shipping routes began to navigate the treacherous reefs surrounding Rytiss, bringing with them both opportunity and chaos.
The Surge of Shipping Through the Reefs
The reefs around Rytiss have always been notorious for their danger, jagged rocks lying hidden beneath the surface, capable of tearing apart any ship that strays too far from the safe passageways. For centuries, the reefs served as a natural barrier that kept the island largely untouched by foreign powers. However, with the rise of new navigational techniques, the reefs have become a double-edged sword—once a barrier, now a gateway to lucrative trade routes through the Wyrm Sea.
New shipping lanes have opened between the human kingdoms of the mainland of Hyebrenia and the other islands of the Wyrm Sea. This has resulted in a steady stream of ships, trading goods such as rare spices, medicinal plants, and exotic woods from the jungles of Rytiss. These goods—sought after by humans, elves, and dwarves from across Hyebrenia—have created a demand that the tribes of Rytiss are increasingly eager to meet.
Vessels now frequent the island’s harbors, bringing not only trade goods but also settlers, merchants, and adventurers. The settlements along the coast have expanded as human, halfling, and dwarf colonists attempt to stake a claim in the rich land, establishing settlements on the outskirts of the marshes. While the island offers abundant natural resources, the native reptilian inhabitants find themselves grappling with the intrusion of outsiders into what they have long considered their sacred land.
A Clash of Cultures: Lizardfolk Xenophobia and Hostility
For the lizardfolk of Rytiss, the arrival of these foreign visitors has ignited long-standing fears and prejudices. Having lived in isolation for millennia, the lizardfolk view the sudden influx of humans and their allies as a threat to their way of life—a danger to the balance they have so carefully maintained within the jungles and swamps of Rytiss. Their xenophobia, deeply rooted in their culture, stems from a long history of defending their land from invaders, whether human or beast.
At the heart of this cultural clash is the island’s delicate ecosystem. The lizardfolk see the jungle as a living entity—sacred and untouchable. They have always lived in harmony with the jungle, hunting only what is necessary and taking care not to disrupt the natural order. The presence of foreign settlers, with their insatiable desire for resources and expansion, threatens this harmony, and the lizardfolk are quick to view any foreign intrusion as sacrilege.
The lizardfolk’s hostility toward outsiders is not just cultural—it is survivalist. Outsiders come with their foreign diseases, new crops, and dangerous trade practices that threaten the delicate ecological balance. To the lizardfolk, it is clear: these newcomers must either adapt to the ways of the jungle or be driven out.
The Tragedy of Misunderstandings: Eaten by the Jungle
The interactions between the native peoples of Rytiss and the newcomers have not always been peaceful. There have been numerous reports of merchants and settlers being attacked by the reptilian tribes, sometimes without warning, and often with little provocation. These violent clashes have become known as “the Eaten by the Jungle” incidents—tragic episodes where visitors to the island find themselves at the mercy of the local wildlife, or worse, the reptilian inhabitants themselves.
Many of these incidents occur when foreign ships, unfamiliar with the customs of the island, dock along the shores without permission or simply venture too far inland. The dense jungle is home to fierce predators—massive crocodiles, venomous snakes, and large carnivorous plants—yet it is the lizardfolk who pose the greatest danger. They view the arrival of outsiders as a direct threat, and in the heat of the moment, they act with swift and deadly violence.
It is not uncommon for a trade party to land on the shores of Rytiss and, unaware of the customs, make their way into the jungle to collect goods or explore the land. Often, these parties are met with ambushes from local lizardfolk, who see their actions as invasive and disrespectful. These attacks, while rarely coordinated, often result in the brutal deaths of the trespassers. The lizardfolk do not see these visitors as mere travelers or trade partners—they view them as predators, threatening the very land they hold sacred.
The lizardfolk’s philosophy of survival has led them to interpret the presence of outsiders as a call to arms. Whether driven by desperation or a deep-seated instinct to protect their territory, the reptilian peoples have no qualms about defending their land with lethal force. The result is often catastrophic for those ill-prepared to deal with the dangers of Rytiss.
The Political Ramifications: Fear and Diplomacy
The increase in violent encounters has sparked a series of political ramifications both on Rytiss and abroad. The newcomers—humans, elves, and dwarves—are beginning to rally against the lizardfolk, demanding retribution for lost trade partners and travelers. In the capital city of Thurmu, the leaders of the lizardfolk face mounting pressure to manage relations with the outside world. The Council of Scales, still led by Zarraeth’s descendants, struggles to maintain control as factions within the council push for harsher responses to the growing influence of outsiders.
The Humans
On the human side, there is a growing demand for military action. Trading companies and merchant guilds send emissaries to Rytiss, seeking compensation for lost goods and lives. Some have even suggested the establishment of a permanent military presence to “keep the peace.” This has caused a growing sense of unease among the lizardfolk, who feel that their sacred jungles are being encroached upon. Even as they try to negotiate with the newcomers, there are those within the tribes who advocate for the complete expulsion of foreign influence, even at the cost of war.
Some human leaders advocate for understanding, arguing that peaceful coexistence is still possible if both sides can bridge the gap of cultural misunderstanding. Merandiel of the Harbor, a half-elf diplomat with a quick wit and deep empathy, is one of the few individuals working tirelessly to mediate between the conflicting factions. Merandiel, with his elven grace and olive skin, is the key negotiator between the human settlements and the tribes of Rytiss. Despite the growing tensions, he believes that diplomacy is the only way to avoid a full-scale conflict that could devastate both sides.
The Lizardfolk
In response, leaders like Iruvas the Bold, a young but charismatic lizardfolk chieftain from the northern marshlands, have risen to the forefront of the resistance against foreign influence. Iruvas, a green-scaled lizardfolk with pale yellow eyes and a sharp, angular snout, is known for his fervent belief in the superiority of Rytiss’ way of life. He believes that the island’s sovereignty must be defended at all costs. Iruvas’ influence is growing rapidly, and he speaks passionately about the preservation of the island’s purity—denouncing the idea of trade as a corrupting force that threatens the way of life the lizardfolk have long maintained.
The Future of Rytiss: Changing Winds
The future of Rytiss remains uncertain. The lizardfolk’s xenophobia continues to simmer beneath the surface, and the constant stream of outsiders may either force them into submission or drive them to more violent extremes. The tension between the desire for peace and the primal urge to protect their sacred land is at a boiling point, and it is unclear whether the island’s indigenous inhabitants will be able to find a way to coexist with the influx of foreign settlers, traders, and adventurers.
The dramatic change in Rytiss’ way of life is undeniable. Where once the island was a remote paradise of isolation, it is now caught in the grip of global trade and imperial ambition. How the lizardfolk adapt—or fail to adapt—will determine the future of this wild isle, and whether the newcomers will one day be driven away or allowed to settle and become a permanent part of Rytiss’ changing landscape.
As the island stands on the edge of this new era, the seas remain as treacherous as ever. The reefs still threaten ships, and the jungle continues to claim those who venture too far. Yet, in the growing presence of trade, politics, and conflict, Rytiss finds itself teetering between its wild past and a more uncertain future.
