Developed centuries ago, Yama was a wolf pack started by large wolves- measuring nearly four to five feet at shoulder height- who lived in hostile, icy environments. They possessed some magic-type powers, mostly gained by the attributes implanted within their DNA, but grew to be strictly ice and snow based with exposure to the climate and natural selection.
When Croton gathered his crew, they built a ship - The Levyathan Serpent. After making a vast treasury, they settled in the Port City of Argôn. They seized control and since then, the city became a harbour for villains and illegal activity (similar to Tortuga in Pirates of the Caribbean, only not so wild). People still join Captain Croton's Crew, after hearing tales of his glorious victories.