Selvans
The Selvans are a striking race, evolved from lizards and other reptiles that endured the same cataclysmic events that reshaped the world. Their scaly hides shimmer with colors tied to the elemental breaths they wield—fiery reds and oranges for those who exhale flames, icy blues and whites for frost-breathers, earthen greens and browns for those attuned to stone, and so forth—each hue a testament to their primal power. They speak Pythrakis, a guttural, hissing language that echoes their reptilian origins, rich with sharp consonants and rolling sibilants. Unlike the forest-dwelling Resho, the Selvans construct sprawling, ostentatious cities of stone and metal, filled with towering buildings and opulent homes that reflect their insatiable greed and technological prowess. Greed is not merely a trait but a virtue they celebrate, driving their relentless pursuit of wealth and innovation. Their society is a rigid monarchy, ruled by a bloodline of elemental sovereigns; should the royal line falter, leadership passes to the highest-ranking
official in their intricate government, often a cunning technocrat or treasurer. Their economy glitters with the fruits of their primary industry—jewelry and gold—crafted into elaborate, element-infused pieces that showcase both their artistry and their avarice.
Culturally, the Selvans view their elemental coloration as a mark of destiny, with each breath type forming tight-knit clans that compete for dominance and riches. Their grand festivals, called Hoardmoots, are lavish displays of wealth where gold is piled high, and artisans unveil dazzling creations to curry favor with the monarch. Technology is revered almost as a religion—steam-powered machines and elemental forges hum in their workshops, blending ancient reptilian instincts with modern ingenuity. They adorn themselves with their own jewelry, scales glinting with gold chains and gem-encrusted rings, a public boast of personal success. Disputes are settled in "Scalecourts," where eloquence in Pythrakis and bribes of treasure often sway judgments more than truth. Their greed fosters a cutthroat ambition, yet it also fuels remarkable advancements, from gilded war machines to intricate timepieces. Despite their avarice, Selvans honor their reptilian heritage with shrines to the First Scaled, a mythical ancestor said to have breathed all elements, symbolizing the unity beneath their fractious society.