The Sa Mac

The Sa Mac are an offshoot of the original Lacertians, sometimes called Lizardfolk or Lizard People.  Finding their original homelands too cold and wet, they left their cousins ages ago to seek out climates that fit their unique physiology better. Groups of these folk have made their way to various deserts and out of the way locales that others usually find too hot and too inhospitable.  Not only were they able to survive in these places but have been thriving for several generations in their new homelands.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Sa Mac are taught to read and write the basic Lacertian language as well as their own dialect of Sa Mac. Those that show an aptitude for reading and writing are additionally taught Common and other local languages of the area.

Culture and cultural heritage

These are a deeply religious and spiritual people who have great love and respect for their desert homelands.  Their daily decisions are based not only on what is best for the tribe or how it honors their deities, but also on how they will be affected by the desert itself.  They often see the desert as a spiritual family member or tribal ancestor and take care to learn from it and respect it.

Shared customary codes and values

The lizardfolk live by a strict set of values that place their tribe's wellbeing above everything else. All decisions are made in the context of what is best for the tribe and therefore the continued existence of its members. The good of the tribe comes first, then the importance is placed on the tribal elders (who will lead the tribe), then the children (the tribes future), and finally the adults (expendable and easily replaced).

Average technological level

Despite being considered a primitive species by many others, the lizardfolk are quick learners and have mastered many of the common skills and technological advances as the other races. However, they often choose not engage in those advances and instead focus on the skills that help them survive in their immediate area and current needs. It is also not uncommon to encounter Lacertian druids, shamans, clerics, sorcerers, witches, bards, rangers, fighters, blacksmiths, and apothecaries, among others.

Common Dress code

Very little clothing is needed or worn by the Sa Mac. Most lizardfolk wear simple loose-fitting skirts, loin cloths, wrap-around sarongs, and large shirts with bare feet. These are all made out of natural plant fibers or animal skins. Their jewelry and adornments are often made out of carved bone or worked precious metals and occasionally fine gemstones. Designs and images are often a reflection of the plants and animals of the desert.

Art & Architecture

All architecture is made from the natural materials of the desert. Building are very simple structures of hides, wood, stone, or mud. Most homes are dome shaped structures made of local materials. The more important and permanent building are usually raised and constructed of mud bricks or stone blocks.
Their artwork is usually made from carved stone, wood, or bone and naturally occurring metals.  They often take the form of magnificent desert animals or images of their deities. Precious metals and gemstones are not usually found in the desert, but they can be traded for or acquired and then repurposed into their own artwork or jewelry.

Coming of Age Rites

As the young Sa Mac apply for adulthood, they must undergo The Burning Journey ritual.  Success means that they have become a full adult, failure means that they must shamefully wait until the next year in order to try again.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Each Lacertian ethnicity has slightly different funeral and death customs, but they all have a similar theme.  Upon death the surviving tribe members will sing songs celebrating the deceased, pray to the deities, return the body to the land, and hold a feast in their honor. 
The Sa Mac hold what they call sky funerals.  They take the body to a sacred site, lay the body on the ground, build a low wall of rocks around the body, recite prayers to their patron deities, and leave it for the environment and animals to reclaim.  They believe that this is the best way for nature to collect and reuse the body and it allows the spirit to be incorporated into a larger assortment of nature.

Common Myths and Legends

All Lacertians believe that they were created and placed upon the world by their most revered deity, Lacerta, The Swamp Mother. Even though the Sa Mac have left their cousins and now reside in the desert, they have great love for her and still worship her on a daily basis.
The lizardfolk also know the famed story of Stellio, The Star Lizard and his journey that made him a deity. He is their second most important god and they pray to him as well.

Historical figures

All Lacertians and the various offshoot ethnicities share common kinship, whether hereditary or spiritual to the deity, Stellio, The Star Lizard.  He is sometimes remembered as The Starlight Hunter, who was once one of them, but ascended to godhood.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

The lizardfolk have no preset roles or ideals for the different genders, but common circumstances often dictate what each individual will be doing to help provide for their mate or offspring and for the tribe as a whole.  Male and female elders are in natural positions of leadership and make the decisions for the tribe.  Single adult male and female individuals will take on any of the responsibilities required by the tribe.  However with mated pairs, the pregnant female or mother will be home preparing for the family due to her limited mobility and the father will be required to do the tasks that involve long distances, strength, or movement.  Male and female children will undertake various chores depending on each ones age, skill level, and talents.

Relationship Ideals

Throughout their lives the Sa Mac will have several relationship partners, but they only court with one other lizardfolk at a time.  When courting they will stay together for at least one season to see how their relationship progresses.  If no offspring occur then they will usually separate and look for new mates.  If offspring do occur, then the pair will stay together and raise the children until they reach maturity.  They will then look for new mating partners or retire and become tribal elders, forsaking all future mates.

Encompassed species

• Lacertian

Related Locations

• The Rimal Suhra Desert

Pantheon

While the Sa Mac pray to many deities, they are most influenced by and worship:

• Lacerta, The Swamp Mother, goddess of swamps and Lacertians. 
• Stellio, The Star Lizard, god of nocturnal activities.
• Dykuma, Goddess Of The Desert
• Raksturs, God Of Nature

Most have rejected and no longer worship Ssarpele, The Black Serpent Of The Dark, and his demigod offspring, Nyoka, Ukame, Se’em Kohltul, and The Dark Serpent.