Page 11 - Serpent Kingdoms

YUAN-TI

a land that has been emptied of other life. Sseth teaches that the Social Hierarchy
yuan-ti are destined to rule all—not slay all.
In general, the more snakelike features a yuan-ti possesses, the
Older yuan-ti tend to be more interested in the diversity of
higher its status in vrael olo society. Abominations have the
the creatures found on Faerûn than their younger counterparts,
highest status, followed by halfbloods, and fi nally purebloods.
but less tolerant of religious differences and circumstances that
Mageslayers and holy guardians invariably hold high positions
might suggest a change in yuan-ti practices. Younger yuan-ti are
in yuan-ti society, ranking either above or below abominations
usually disgusted by direct dealings with other races—particu-
depending on the proximity of temples and the perceived local
larly when touching is involved—but more tolerant of proposed
threat of magically empowered Scaleless Ones. Within their sub-
changes in yuan-ti customs than their elders are. Furthermore,
races, yuan-ti are ranked by achievements and the demonstrated
the younger the yuan-ti, the more interest it is likely to exhibit
favor of Sseth.
in different worldviews held by other creatures. Only rarely does
Individual yuan-ti can sometimes increase their social status
a yuan-ti of any age regard differing worldviews as in any way
by acquiring more serpentine features through grafts (see the Ap-
correct, but the younger ones fi nd them interesting and often
pendix) and other magical means. But such an advance in status
useful in manipulating other races.
also requires moving to another geographical area, forsaking kin
Yuan-ti tend to be more fatalistic about death than humans
and tribe, and adopting a new name and a new identity. Such an
are. They recognize that all living things die, and that death can
altered yuan-ti typically does not gain as much status as a native
come swiftly despite safeguards and scheming. Finite lifespans,
member of the desired subrace would have because the duthrael
however, are no excuse for undue haste or abandonment of the
in the new location invariably regard her as a stranger—most
Sacred Way of Sseth. Dying in battle is always honorable, but
probably a spy for a rival tribe. Coupled with the loss of familial
a long life is also admired, provided that much has been ac-
support and known contacts and sources, this natural mistrust
complished during that time. To say that a yuan-ti has lived an
ensures that most yuan-ti avoid such drastic moves.
empty or worthless life is a grave insult.
Purebloods are the exception to this rule, since they fl our-
ish best when “hiding in plain view” among humans in human
Self-Improvement cities. They often move about to follow trade and pursue oppor-
tunities, just as humans do. Thus, they are the least likely to be
Most yuan-ti consider the variances among the subraces (from
closely tied to a tribe and the most likely to seek grafts and other
near-human to almost wholly serpent) to be part of Sseth’s
serpentine augmentations to increase their status. They typically
divine plan. Yuan-ti who embrace this philosophy believe that
choose snakelike features that can be hidden from humans under
each individual should make the most of the particular form he
clothing but quickly revealed in moments of threat or crisis.
was given, striving only to improve his magic, his wisdom, and
his own creations (lesser creatures he has bred or augmented).
To meddle with his own body is a sinful act, since it is already Relationships
perfect for its purpose.
Even though yuan-ti need not love or even like their mates, they
Other yuan-ti seek to augment or alter themselves directly with
are capable of forming strong (though never quite trusting) re-
grafts and powerful spells. They view such immediate betterment
lationships with others of their kind. The usual yuan-ti term of
as their deity’s true plan for their race and view yuan-ti who shun
endearment (which translates into human vocabulary as a fondly
such practices as lazy, unworthy cattle that deserve to be dominated
spoken “dear” or “dear one”) is t’iss’tess. This address is reserved
and defeated by their wiser and more powerful fellows.
for a yuan-ti’s intimates—other vrael olo to whom she feels es-
Debates on such matters have raged for centuries and show
pecially close. Her family bloodkin are her aha’ss, the individuals
no signs of abating, since the opposing views are tied to deep
she dwells and works with compose her ssrath (lesser tribe), and
religious divisions in this essentially devout race. But as the infl u-
the members of her greater tribe are her ha’srammass.
ence of the yuan-ti widens, so too do their views. Over time, they
have become more and more like the divided, self-interested,
infi nitely adaptable humans they so despise. Life Cycle
Yuan-ti Society Yuan-ti hatch from eggs in chambers monitored by broodguards.
The hatchlings are always curious and eager to explore. They
seek food immediately and may eat each other if sustenance
Yuan-ti call themselves vrael olo (favored ones). This phrase is
is not at hand. Their initial training is provided by the brood-
usually shortened in daily use to vrael and can be modifi ed to
guards that watch over the hatcheries. Vrael olo are trained in
auvrael (friendly or known yuan-ti) and duthrael (unfriendly or
the use of their powers almost from hatching. When the young
unfamiliar yuan-ti).
yuan-ti see danger or hear a warning, they turn into Tiny vipers
and slither under the nearest cover.
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