YUAN-TI

Yuan-ti were originally humans who transformed themselves into serpent folk through ancient rituals. Most yuan-ti were corrupted into monsters by those rites, but some yuan-ti instead became a new people who mix characteristics of humans and snakes.

!WARNING!:

If you enter the Underdark Lolthite Temple or the surface Shevarash Temple as someone against their dogma and get caught, it will be considered NVL.

Exceptions exist if there is a DM or event that invites player to these places

In general, the more serpentine features a yuan-ti possesses the higher its status in yuan-ti society. Abominations are at the top of their society, followed by halfblood, and finally purebloods. Within their subraces, yuan-ti are ranked by achievements and the demonstrated favor of Sseth.

Yuan-ti culture centered around their temples, which often were found in ancient ruins or hidden deep underneath human cities. The locations of these were well-guarded secrets.Outside their temples, they usually only appeared in small groups of less than five.

Yuan-ti found the body odor of humans repulsive, so much so that in areas controlled by yuan-ti, humans wore perfume to conceal their body odor.

The abominations ruled over the other breeds of yuan-ti, leading from the temples.Purebloods, being the most human-like, were the caste involved in negotiations with outside races.

The yuan-ti were devout demon-worshipers. Their worship often involved bloody sacrifices. Most worshiped Sseth, with other serpentine deities that some have worshiped over the years either being masks worn by Sseth or a false deity of the Scaleless Ones. All yuan-ti must act in accordance with the Sacred Way of Sseth - that is, subtly. Whenever possible, yuan-ti choose manipulation over open confrontation, the whisper over the fang. Followers of the Sacred Way of Sseth know their foes, think ahead, and plan forward.

Biological Traits

Build: Slender and agile.
Eye Color: Often reptilian in appearance, with slit pupils, and shades of yellow, amber, or red.
Hair Color: Dark, ranging from black to deep green or brown.
Skin Color: Scales cover their bodies, with colors ranging from dark green to gray or even purple hues. Their scales may shimmer in dim light.
Distinguishing Features: Yuan-Ti possess serpent-like features such as forked tongues, reptilian eyes, and sometimes even fangs or small horns. Their movements are often graceful and serpentine, reflecting their reptilian heritage.

Lifespan: Yuan-Ti mature at the same rate as humans but have a longer lifespan, reaching up to 250 years.

Height: Medium. Yuan-Ti range from 160 - 190 cm tall.

Alignment: Yuan-Ti are usually neutral evil, driven by ambition, cunning, and a desire for power. Some individuals may lean towards lawful evil or chaotic evil alignments.

Languages: Common, Abyssal & Draconic

Speed: 4 tiles

Racial Traits

Forgotten Realms site

PERKS

Specialist: Choose one from these and increase it by +1:
- Intelligence
- Charisma
Darkvision:
- You can see in the dark (unless source of light is present, you see shades of grey)
Innate Spellcasting (Yuan-Ti Magic):
- You know the poison spray cantrip. You can cast animal friendship an unlimited number of times with this trait, but you can target only snakes with it. Starting at Novice level, you can also cast suggestion with this trait. Once you cast it, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Poison Immunity:
- You are immune to poison damage and the poisoned condition.
Magic Resistance.
- You have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Positive Views on other races

Snakes and Serpents: Yuan-Ti often form bonds with snakes and serpentine creatures, using them as guards, scouts, and allies in combat.
Cultists of Merrshaulk: Followers of Merrshaulk share the Yuan-Ti's reverence for serpents and poison, making them natural allies in pursuit of power and influence.
Arcane Practitioners: Yuan-Ti who specialize in magic may seek alliances with wizards, sorcerers, or warlocks who can offer arcane knowledge and power.

Negative Views on other races

Paladins and Clerics: Divine champions devoted to justice, righteousness, and the eradication of evil often see Yuan-Ti as abominations to be purged.
Adventurers: Yuan-Ti are frequently targeted by adventurers seeking to cleanse the land of their dark influence or to plunder their ancient temples for treasure.
Lizardfolk and other Reptilian Races: Rivalry and territorial disputes often lead to conflicts between Yuan-Ti and other reptilian races in the wild or in the depths of ancient ruins.

Common Gods

Merrshaulk
- The primary deity worshipped by Yuan-Ti, Merrshaulk is a serpent god associated with poison, fertility, and cunning. He embodies the Yuan-Ti's values of manipulation and power.
- Domains: Trickery, Knowledge, Poison
Dendar the Night Serpent
- A malevolent deity revered by some Yuan-Ti, Dendar represents darkness, nightmares, and destruction. Worshippers of Dendar often seek to spread fear and despair.
- Domains: Death, Trickery, Darkness
Sseth
- A deity of magic, poison, and serpents, Sseth is worshipped by Yuan-Ti who value arcane power and secrecy. He embodies the mysteries of the arcane and the serpentine.
- Domains: Arcana, Trickery, Poison

Note for clerics:

- Due to the limited amount of subclasses in the server, the domain of the worshipped god does not need to perfectly match up. Make sure it makes sense!

Roleplaying Tips

Yuan-Ti are cunning and manipulative, often using charm, deception, and their innate magical abilities to achieve their goals. They may harbor a deep-seated ambition for power and dominance, seeking to expand their influence through political intrigue or outright conquest. Their serpentine nature influences their behavior and demeanor, making them appear aloof or mysterious to others.