Page 12 - Serpent Kingdoms

YUAN-TI

In the prime of their lives, yuan-ti scheme, breed, and work Organization
on behalf of their tribes. Breeding with the “right” mates
The yuan-ti of Faerûn are divided into seven great tribes (called
throughout life so as to produce even greater yuan-ti is a holy
houses) and one intertribal, not-so-secret society. The allegiance
act for vrael olo, especially those who believe in the perfection
of any particular yuan-ti is based primarily on blood ties but can
of their own forms. Two prospective partners coldly measure
be modifi ed by deliberate choice.
one another’s abilities and fi tness for furthering the race,
Charismatic local leaders like to gather their own ssrath.
and if both agree that the match is promising, they usually
Most such lesser tribes consist primarily of outcasts from other
mate, even if they personally dislike each other. After mating,
tribes and individuals who are in disfavor with nearby families.
yuan-ti females lay their eggs in brood chambers, marking
Members of such a group rarely move from one house to an-
each clutch with its parentage, then abandon them to the care
other, but they may drop out of contact with their home tribes
of the broodguards.
to operate independently, and occasionally they join with other
Many yuan-ti grow lazy when they reach great age, sleeping
ssrath to form new tribes.
or lying in torpor for longer and longer periods—fi rst for days,
Over the centuries, various greater tribes have risen and
then weeks, then seasons at a time, and fi nally years upon years.
fallen. At the present time, seven yuan-ti houses fl ourish in
At last, they fail to wake at all, and their bodies rot and then
Faerûn, along with a society called the Coiled Cabal. This orga-
mummify where they lie coiled.
nization is quite different in both nature and origin from the
Some aging elders grow irritable and bite anyone who awak-
greater tribes, but it functions almost like one of them.
ens or disturbs them. A very few choose to go on a last great
adventure, feebly seeking some thrill guaranteed to slay them.
HOUSE ESELEMAS
Most, however, seek to die in peace and luxury—preferably
Members of this house, known as Eselemaa, are known for their
in walled country estates that they have purchased or seized,
jungle stealth and battle-prowess. Those who hunt regularly pos-
waited upon by deferential human slaves. Elderly yuan-ti are
Illustration by Dennis Crabapple by their more vigorous, younger fellows even after sinking into weapons with them for this purpose.
sess the Prehensile Tail feat and are accomplished at wielding and
respected for their wisdom, and they aren’t spurned or savaged
hurling weapons with their tails. Such hunters always carry extra
slumberous dotage.
House Sauringar
emblem House Hss’tafi
emblem
House Se’Sehen
emblem
House Sseradess
emblem

House Extaminos
emblem

House Jennestas
House Eselemas
emblem
emblem

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