Megalon

City Description

Population: ~1700

Founded: Unknown

Deep in the dark of Unguis Jungle lies a city seemingly forgotten by the outside world, and perhaps even time itself. The only known stronghold of the Lizardfolk of the Arrowhead Isles, Megalon has stood for longer than any pirate or Tabaxi knows. Being incredibly xenophobic, Megalon has a population consisting entirely of Lizardfolk unlike most cities in Vault. Their culture, values, and daily lives differ from most in the Isles, especially considering the Lizardfolk's widely accepted disregard for sea travel.

To understand Megalon, one must first understand the Lizardfolk. Their one drive in life is to continue their existence through whatever means necessary. This is not to say they are in danger of dying out. Quite the opposite. While no race is a wholly uniform, Lizardfolk have a culture focused entirely on the simplest of primal initiatives: survival. No moral code, governing law, or religious tenant stands paramount to this drive. The accumulation of wealth transfers no status, positions of leadership have no power; all that is done is done in the name of surviving, either as an individual or as a group.

Knowing that, most peoples of Vault are hard pressed to coexist with Lizardfolk. They largely show no loyalty, keep no promises, and will easily kill anyone if it means bettering their own chances to live on. This includes what many consider cannibalisms. Lizardfolk are known to have no issue with eating others.

That being said, Megalon stands as a testament to the amazing contributions Lizardfolk could give to the world if they cared to. Located in and around the gargantuan skull of some long dead titan, they work with bone as skilled artisans. Art, tools, and weapons are extracted from bone the way a smith might work with metals. Part of their creative process involves a magical ritual which hardens the bone to nigh unbreakable durability, and it can be worked to a wicked sharpness. The titan skeleton in which they reside is surely the reason Megalon sprung up as a stationary site for a civilization.

While they are mistrusting of outsiders, travelers are not forbidden. Beside the titan's skull, there are many other wonders to see within the city. City-wide feasts happen nightly during which Megalonians ingest the nectar from a jungle flower, named Slansh, that provides vivid visions of spiraling colors and dreamlike scenarios. They consider these to be important indicators of future events to better prepare for their survival.

Ritualistic sacrifice is also a deep-rooted tradition in Megalon. Within the titan's skull is gorgeously decorated altar used to sacrificing living beings, the more powerful, the better. While they will not sacrifice friends or those they've deemed allies, the Lizardfolk have been known to raid the cities of the Arrowhead Isles for those they can kill in this magical ceremony. It is said that if the sacrifice follows the guidelines of the ritual, the community grows stronger in some way. But this is a closely guarded secret.

Megalon is seen as a stain on the Arrowhead Isles by many of the newer inhabitants, but no one has the power to do anything about it. And there are some who realize that Megalon has stood for far longer than any other city that may take issue with it.

City Landmarks

Slansh Preparatory: where the Slansh flower nectar is prepared for the evening feasts, as well as where the communal food for the feasts is gathered. Megalonians take turns serving here in order to feed the community, hunting the food for the feasts, and decorating for the feasts. There is no king or power structure, so everyone does their fair share without having to be told to do so.

The Altar: the most revered spot in the city, the Altar is where Megalonians sacrifice individuals captured from outside the city. Since the sacrifices strengthen the community, killing those within the community does not make sense. There is an ancient magic that takes place during the ritual that arcane scholars have never had the chance to witness except through second-hand accounts and rumors. It's said that the way in which a community is strengthened is directly tied to the power of the individual sacrificed.

The Cold Place: Megalonians, and many Lizardfolk not a part of the city, ride ancient beasts known as Cold Ones. These vicious reptiles are as quick as horses, surefooted as mountain goats, and lethal as jungle cats. They are however never fully tamed. Each ride is a gamble as to whether a Cold One will follow direction or eat its rider. Still, Megalonians keep them penned in the city and are expected to be able to ride one into battle at an early age.

Ishk Ka-Nar: the gorgeously decorated feasting grounds of Megalon where its citizens gather to share in community, entertainment, and food. Events of every sort are celebrated including successful hunts, births, deaths, and sacrifices. Guests are encouraged to attend feasts to better become friends and allies.

Izzlas Dre-Not: the skull at the heart of Megalon existed before the city sprang up around it and most theorize has existed since the Constellation War. It is truly massive, and the head of a skeleton buried deep in the Unguis Jungle. That skeleton has provided Megalonians and other Lizardfolk with material for hundred and maybe even thousands of years. But the skull is kept intact. Many brave Megalonians sleep within it, and most spend their time within the hollowed remains. It is considered sacred; a gift from higher powers.

People of Note

Megalonians have no leaders of any kind, and no one is considered any more important than anyone else