Snakefolk
Shut away in the muggy jungles that cover southern Ceren and Mahaad, the creatures who call themselves Yuan-Ti have become a constant source of strife and conflict for the "civilized" peoples of Orbith. Indoctrinated to serve an evil deity and corrupt at their very core, few snakefolk are regarded as good people, with even fewer being allowed to publicly accept such praise.
To make matters worse, both "Yuan-Ti" and "snakefolk" are simple catch-all terms for a diverse group of sentient creatures, ranging from simple humanoids to horrific snake-human abominations. This article focuses on the race as a whole, and covers their larger customs and history. Article on the individual varieties can be found beneath.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Snakefolk are bred for a variety of societal functions, with each "breed" having a unique anatomy. However, they typically resemble a standard humanoid, with stronger individuals losing legs in favor of large, serpentine tails.
Genetics and Reproduction
All forms of snakefolk start life as eggs, birthed by specialized malisons and protected within the large temples they call home. Only malisons and abominations are deemed "holy" enough to impregnate the others. Approximately five months after being lain, the eggs will hatch and reveal the form and breed of their inhabitants, which are then separated and raised in a manner befitting their station.
Growth Rate & Stages
Regardless of their form, snakefolk reach maturity by the age of 10, aging at twice the speed of the average human. From this point, snakefolk age differs from caste to caste, with the higher classes having longer, stronger lives in comparison to their weaker kin.
Ecology and Habitats
Snakefolk are most often found in hot climates found in the southern half of Orbith. Their cities are usually hidden away within large jungles or tropical forests, as their cold-blooded biology prefers warm, humid environments.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Snakefolk are carnivorous by nature, and see all creatures not of their kind as potential food. Within their cities, lower-ranking malisons or purebloods are tasked with providing food for the settlements, usually way of trapping and hunting the local fauna.
Biological Cycle
While active all year long, snakefolk are known to shed their skin 2 - 3 times per year. While this is not dictated by the seasons, most snakefolk have one shedding in the month of Primeset, usually as part of a ritual to Saint Anguis.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Snakefolk exist in a caste-based society, with those closer to their vision of perfection occupying higher stations.
The lowest caste is the Servant Caste, reserved for humanoid slaves and broodguards. These are the creatures who are not considered good enough to be a part of their society, with the cast-down broodguards being given a place slightly above slaves.
The second caste is the Pureblood Caste, those individuals who remain primarily human, but still show signs of their serpent blood. This is the largest class, and it's members function as the backbone of snakefolk society. They act as servants, raise the young, maintain the cities, and are often tasked with infiltrating humanoid settlements to acquire slaves and sow discord.
The third caste is the Malison Caste, snakefolk with a greater connection to the serpent blood than the Purebloods. Malisons are the most varied species, with most taking one of three forms. Beyond this, malisons are tasked with breeding and producing snakefolk young, educating them, keeping religious records and services, and bridging the gap between the higher and lower castes.
The fourth and final caste is the Abomination Caste, the smallest and strongest of snakefolk society. These are the individuals who are born resembling the "ideal" form, and as such are placed in positions of leadership. City-Planners, High-Priests, and Generals are always Abominations, with the leader of each city being a special breed of Abomination known as "the Anathema."
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Whether they have the means to use it or not, all snakefolk have a specialized poison gland in their throats. When a snakefolk dies, it is customary to remove these glands for use by the remaining population, as the poison is potent and can be kept in a usable state for some time.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
All snakefolk are based in the warmer climates of southern Orbith, with a natural predisposition for the vast jungles of Mahaad and southern Ceren.
Average Intelligence
As part of their culture, all snakefolk are given a relatively fair amount of education. Even the lowest pureblood tends to be clever by human standards.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
All snakefolk are possessed with improved senses, with being able to see in the dark and most having tuned senses of smell and hearing. In regards to magic usage, their magical nature allows snakefolk to use both arcane and divine magic in equal measures.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Snakefolk names are a mixture of Egyptian and Mesoamerican in style. Often, those of the higher castes will have longer names or titles denoting their elevated status. Beyond these boundaries, anything flies.
Gender Ideals
Beyond certain malison positions being held by specific genders as part of tradition, very little is done to separate genders among snakefolk society.
Courtship Ideals
There is no form of courtship in basic snakefolk society, as there are no marriages and all forms of breeding are treated as sacred practices done only by the upper castes. Relationships occasionally form between members of the same caste, but these are usually hollow imitations of human emotion and connection.
Average Technological Level
Snakefolk cities are fairly backward, with tools being basic and "machines" being limited to wheels and other simple mechanics.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
While they have no language of their own, snakefolk use Abyssal as their preferred tongue, primarily due to their history with the lower planes. However, this dialect is unique in that it is written using a Draconic lexicon, rather than the traditional Infernal. This makes the language almost impossible to read to those who do not understand both. Beyond this, they speak Common and Harelian frequently when interfacing with other races.
Historical Figures
The greatest hero of snakefolk society is Saint Anguis, the first Yuan-Ti. Chosen by the goddess Pestyl to embody her ideals of poison and cold perfection, Anguis saw snakes as the ideal form of creature to match his powers. It was he who created and lead the first cults that blended human and serpent flesh, culminating in him "ascending" to the ideal form of Great Serpent. It is this form that all snakefolk desire to embody, though none have managed to replicate the process.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Snakefolk almost never have relationships or breed with other races, as doing so would lower their status as "superior" beings.
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Monstrum Anguis
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