Page 16 - Serpent Kingdoms

YUAN-TI

vrael olo. Whether or not the Cabal is pursuing such a goal, A slave valued for diligent, long-term service becomes a sacrifi ce
and whether that goal is a good or bad one are matters of hot to the gods. One in disfavor usually becomes food after being
and frequent debate among vrael olo. Some yuan-ti feel that punished and then slain by other slaves. A captive or a slave of
Sseth’s priests have already lost power over the populace, since marginal status is often hunted for sport and casually maimed,
increasing numbers of yuan-ti see their personal faith in Sseth then sent to the stewpots or simply devoured alive.
as something that can be separated from obedience to clerics of Most yuan-ti consider it good form to anticipate what orders
the god. an elder plans to issue, and to read small clues of manner, tone
Although the Hooded Ones do seem to have particular ends of voice, and attitude so as to react accordingly before an order
in mind, the Cabal is by no means a monolithic organization is given. But only the most deranged priests of Sseth (and then
that unerringly pursues a single, coherent goal. Side intrigues only those in the temple hierarchy) expect other yuan-ti to know
fl ourish, and many seemingly unrelated projects are underway at what’s expected of them without being told, or try to punish
any given time. Some Cabal overhoods, for example, direct their those who don’t manage to read their minds.
underlings to slay and frustrate members of the Red Wizards of Orders are always given politely and quietly. An eye blink, tail
Thay and the Cult of the Dragon at every opportunity. Others tap, or nod indicates that an order has been heard. If no such
believe that those same organizations should be aided, strength- signal is forthcoming after a few moments, the order is repeated
ened, infi ltrated, and conquered from within. In this way, they just as politely, but often slightly more loudly, and usually from
can become great new “Dark Arms” with which the yuan-ti can closer range. Eye contact is established in conjunction with a
tame the teeming hordes of humanity. repeated order if possible.
The Coiled Cabal embraces a variety of behaviors as well as Pointed refusal to acknowledge orders is normally dared only
viewpoints. Some oumkathuss function very much like human by elders and yuan-ti who believe themselves of equal or superior
adventuring bands, while others more closely resemble secretive, rank to the issuer of the order. A yuan-ti may also be temporar-
tower-cloistered wizards conducting magical research. Many ily exempt from authority by virtue of cult membership, orders
Cabal members pursue small plots to enrich themselves, appar- from another, higher superior, or status as the emissary of a
ently with the tacit approval of their superiors. An exchange of temple or tribe.
threats often determines who holds superior rank when Cabal
members meet, but impostors pretending to hold overhood or ELDERS
greater overhood rank are rare, thanks to various scrying and Vrael olo households differ in how they treat ailing elders. Such
divination spells. family members are rarely attacked or slain, primarily because
doing so would establish a precedent for similar mistreatment
Households of the perpetrators in their dotage. Most yuan-ti households
ensure that such elders are properly fed and housed, and oth-
Yuan-ti live in ordered, hierarchical groups known as house- erwise simply ignore them—especially if they have shown a
holds, each of which is governed by a strict chain of command. tendency to bite when disturbed. A few entrust them with cer-
The members of a household are related by either blood or tain key family secrets, so as to keep ambitious younger family
mating. Any yuan-ti who breaks the chain of command—either members in check. Yuan-ti who need the favor of these failing
by defying orders or by reporting to a superior other than the elders to access family magic items or specifi c wealth tend to
one directly above him—is regarded with suspicion and distaste. become much more cooperative, resourceful, and respectful than
Such a transgression is usually accompanied by a formal loss those who do not. As an added benefi t, vrael olo who have cared
of status that results in a lower position on the chain of com- properly for an ailing elder can ensure the support of bloodkin
mand. Such a demotion may not occur if senior yuan-ti dispute outside the household in future disputes, whether that elder still
with each other over the issue at hand and a majority of their lives or not.
kin don’t strongly side with either one of them. Persistent Some yuan-ti plan for retirement well in advance, purchas-
breakers of the hierarchy, however, are cast out or even slain ing luxurious walled country estates in which they can live out
in “accidents” that everyone in the household knows were not their fi nal years. When they sense their faculties beginning to
accidents at all. fail, they relinquish their status within the household and take
Young and ignorant yuan-ti are permitted a few transgres- up residence in their own palatial manors, where they can rule
sions against authority, but they are sharply reprimanded and supreme over deferential human slaves and die slowly and peace-
punished by curbs on their behavior for such indiscretions. Heirs, fully. Elders who refuse to give up their positions to those more
lovers, and other favored yuan-ti who defy their elders are typi- able or who otherwise defy the authority of the ssrath are often
cally punished with dangerous missions. Those who return are seen as irritants. Rather than slaying them, however, their fami-
entirely forgiven until the next time they defy authority. lies often buy them out, settling them in comfortable retirement
For non-yuan-ti, breaking the chain of command means elsewhere. Families choosing this route usually either purchase
death, though its manner depends on the status of the individual. or seize a human dwelling of appropriate luxury.

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