The yuan-ti are a race of snake-like humanoids that inhabit various regions of the world, often in warm and tropical climates. They are known for their cunning, cruelty, and ambition, as they seek to overthrow other races and ascend to godhood. The yuan-ti have a complex society that is divided into several castes or breeds, each with different degrees of reptilian features and abilities. Some of the most common types of yuan-ti are the purebloods, the halfbloods, and the abominations.
The Origins of the Yuan-Ti
The yuan-ti are not a natural race, but a product of a twisted and ancient history. They were once a human civilization that worshiped a fallen god named Zehir, the god of darkness, poison, and snakes. Zehir promised them power and immortality in exchange for their devotion and sacrifice. The humans agreed, and began to perform dark rituals and experiments to transform themselves into snake-like beings. They also bred with snakes and other reptiles, creating new and horrific hybrids. Over time, the humans lost their humanity and became the yuan-ti, a race of serpentfolk that despise all other races and seek to restore Zehir’s dominion over the world.
The Society and Culture of the Yuan-Ti
The yuan-ti have a complex and diverse society that is divided into several castes or breeds, each with different degrees of reptilian features and abilities. The most common types of yuan-ti are the purebloods, the halfbloods, and the abominations.
- The purebloods are the lowest caste of the yuan-ti, and the most human-like in appearance. They have only minor snake-like traits, such as slitted eyes, forked tongues, or patches of scales. They are often used as spies, infiltrators, or diplomats by the higher castes, as they can easily blend in with other humanoids. They are also adept at manipulating and deceiving others, using their charm and cunning to further their goals.
- The halfbloods are the middle caste of the yuan-ti, and the most diverse in appearance. They have a mix of human and snake-like features, such as arms, legs, tails, heads, or torsos of snakes. They are usually the warriors, hunters, or guards of the yuan-ti society, as they have enhanced strength, speed, and senses. They are also more loyal and obedient to the higher castes than the purebloods, as they have less free will and individuality.
- The abominations are the highest caste of the yuan-ti, and the most snake-like in appearance. They have almost no human features left, resembling giant snakes with arms or multiple heads. They are the leaders, priests, or sorcerers of the yuan-ti society, as they have the most powerful magic and psionics. They are also the most devoted to Zehir, and seek to emulate his form and power. They are feared and respected by the lower castes, who obey their commands without question.
The yuan-ti society is based on a strict hierarchy that values power, cunning, and ruthlessness. The higher castes have more privileges and authority than the lower castes, and can treat them as they please. The lower castes can rise in rank by proving themselves worthy or by eliminating their rivals. The yuan-ti have no concept of morality or compassion, and view other races as inferior or prey. They only cooperate with each other for mutual benefit or survival, and often betray each other for personal gain.
The yuan-ti culture is centered around their worship of Zehir, who they believe is the true god of creation and destruction. They perform rituals and sacrifices to appease him and gain his favor. They also seek to learn his secrets and mysteries, such as how to create new breeds of yuan-ti or how to achieve godhood themselves. They have a rich and ancient history that spans thousands of years, and a vast and hidden knowledge that covers many fields of magic and science.
The Magic and Abilities of the Yuan-Ti
The yuan-ti are adept at using various types of magic, such as psionics, innate spellcasting, and alchemy. They also have some unique abilities that make them formidable foes or allies. Some of the most common magic and abilities of the yuan-ti are:
- Psionics: The yuan-ti have a natural talent for psionics, which is the manipulation of mental energy and reality. They can use their psionic powers to communicate telepathically, create illusions, read minds, control emotions, or influence actions. The abominations are the most skilled in psionics, and can even create powerful psionic storms that can devastate their enemies or alter the environment.
- Innate Spellcasting: The yuan-ti have an innate ability to cast spells without using any components or tools. They can cast spells that are related to their snake-like nature, such as poison spray, animal friendship, suggestion, or polymorph. The halfbloods and the abominations are the most proficient in innate spellcasting, and can cast more spells and at higher levels than the purebloods.
- Alchemy: The yuan-ti have a keen interest in alchemy, which is the science and art of creating potions, elixirs, and other substances. They can use their alchemical knowledge to create poisons, antidotes, explosives, or enhancers. They often experiment with different ingredients and formulas, sometimes using their own blood or flesh as components. They also trade their alchemical products with other races or factions for money or information.
- Poison Immunity: The yuan-ti are immune to poison damage and the poisoned condition. They can ingest or inject any kind of poison without any harm. They can also use their poison immunity to their advantage, such as pretending to be poisoned to deceive their enemies or allies, or coating their weapons or tools with poison to increase their effectiveness.
- Shapechanging: The yuan-ti can change their shape to assume the form of a human or a snake. They can use this ability to disguise themselves as other races or creatures, to escape from danger or confinement, or to access places that are otherwise inaccessible. The purebloods are the most adept at shapechanging, as they can change their appearance at will and without any limit. The halfbloods and the abominations can only change their shape once per day and for a limited duration.
- Hypnotic Gaze: The yuan-ti can use their eyes to hypnotize or charm other creatures. They can use this ability to persuade, intimidate, or manipulate others, or to make them do their bidding. The hypnotic gaze only works on creatures that can see the yuan-ti’s eyes and that are within 30 feet of them. The creature must make a wisdom saving throw or be affected by the hypnotic gaze for one minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
These are some of the most common magic and abilities of the yuan-ti. There may be other types of magic and abilities that are unique to certain individuals or groups of yuan-ti, depending on their origin, culture, or goals.
The Goals and Plans of the Yuan-Ti
The yuan-ti have a sinister and ambitious goal that drives their actions and motivations: to overthrow the other races and ascend to godhood. They believe that they are the chosen ones of Zehir, and that they have the right and duty to rule over the world. They also believe that they can achieve the ultimate power and perfection by becoming like Zehir, or even surpassing him. To accomplish their goal, the yuan-ti have devised or participated in various schemes and plots, such as:
- Infiltrating Human Societies: The yuan-ti use their shapechanging and hypnotic abilities to infiltrate human societies and influence them from within. They often pose as nobles, merchants, priests, or adventurers, and use their charm, wealth, or magic to gain favor or control. They also spread their cults and followers among the humans, and recruit or convert them to their cause. They seek to undermine or overthrow the human governments, religions, or organizations, and replace them with their own.
- Creating New Breeds of Yuan-Ti: The yuan-ti are constantly experimenting with their own genetics and magic to create new breeds of yuan-ti that are more powerful or adaptable. They also try to crossbreed with other races or creatures, such as dragons, demons, or elementals, to create new hybrids that have unique abilities or traits. They often use their alchemy or psionics to manipulate or enhance their creations, and sometimes sacrifice them to Zehir for his blessing.
- Awakening Ancient Evils: The yuan-ti have a deep connection with the ancient evils that once plagued the world, such as the aboleths, the krakens, or the elder evils. They seek to awaken or ally with these entities, and use their power or knowledge to further their plans. They also try to find or recover the relics or artifacts that are related to these entities, such as the Eye of Zaltec, the Crown of Fangs, or the Codex of Infinite Planes.
These are some of the most common goals and plans of the yuan-ti. There may be other goals and plans that are specific to certain individuals or groups of yuan-ti, depending on their origin, culture, or personality.