#deepwash

The City of Lizards lies on the northern shore of the Deepwash, in the shadow of the Deepwing Mountains. Although Surkh maintains cordial relations with the Emerald Enclave, Lachom (an agricultural community between the Deepwash and the Vilhon Reach), Lheshayl, and Nimpeth, it remains largely isolated from its neighbours.

Surkh’s inhabitants make their livings by fishing in the Deepwash, and they fear only the ancient dragon turtle that dwells in the depths.

The lizardfolk of Surkh have attained a degree of civilization unmatched by their kindred elsewhere in Faerûn. Despite their isolationism, however, their practice of eating both humanoids convicted of serious crimes and the losers of deadly gladiatorial battles engenders fear among the Scaleless Ones in the surrounding city-states.

Surkhites evince a high degree of loyalty for their monarch, King Griss’tok.

Griss’tok remains an enigma to outsiders because he receives nonlizardfolk visitors only if they speak Draconic, and then only rarely. A council of tribal chieftains advises the king, but since he can promote or demote them as desired, they usually accede to his will.

Although traditional clan and tribal distinctions remain in force in Surkhite society, Griss’tok actively discourages such loyalties, regularly issuing edicts that force various clans and tribes to unite or divide to weaken their importance. Surkhites are expected to settle their individual and collective differences through ritualized gladiatorial combat at the Arena of Scales.

Gladiators can be hired to serve as proxies for one or both parties to a dispute, but the battle’s outcome must be honoured whether or not the principals physically participate.

Most Surkhites dwell in houses fashioned of baked mudbricks that are built around shaded, communal pools.