Den Lithewind

Lithewind, the largest yuan-ti den in the Bongani region, rests along the humid shores at the top of the Greensea Gulf. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, said only to trace back some seven centuries to a great prophet of Muleem. For seventy years, the city languished in decay under a self-imposed isolation, its splendor fading into shadow. Now, under the rule of Abomination Utsi, Lithewind’s gates stand open once more—its serpentine streets stirring with cautious hope as trade, faith, and ambition begin to slither back to life.

Description

History

Like most yuan-ti settlements, Den Lithewind was founded in the wake of the great schism—when the serpentfolk of Al'Taj abandoned the demon prince of serpents and turned their devotion to Muleem. Guided by a great prophet of the new faith, they settled in the humidity-heavy lowlands that gave the city its name “thin wind.” For centuries, Den Lithewind prospered, becoming a beacon of yuan-ti culture and faith.

Roughly seventy years ago, Abomination Zhuiklal attempted the impossible—ascension into an anathema, the ultimate form of yuan-ti evolution. The ritual failed catastrophically, leaving Zhuiklal’s body and mind broken and forcing the den into total isolation. Decades of decay followed, the once-proud city withering as its people were forbidden to leave, its gleaming towers fading into ruin and its faith fracturing under the weight of despair.

In 1447, the Cabal of Blood exploited this weakness, promising Zhuiklal the strength to complete his ascension in exchange for corpses to fuel their undead armies. When the yuan-ti Utsi escaped the isolation and sought the aid of the Delver’s Guild, a brutal battle followed—Zhuiklal was slain and the Cabal expelled. In the aftermath, Utsi took on the curse of abomination himself to stabilize the city, taking the first step to ending its isolation by joining the Central Al'Taj Alliance. Under his watch, Den Lithewind now claws its way toward renewal, a city scarred yet unbroken.

Government

Den Lithewind functions as a stratified theocracy, where faith and form determine status—those with the most serpentine traits are revered as closest to Muleem and granted greater authority. The priesthood oversees every aspect of life, from governance and trade to defense, with Abomination Utsi presiding at the pinnacle of this hierarchy. Though his rule has lifted the long-standing ban on non-reptilian residents, deep-rooted prejudice still coils through the city’s streets, where scales remain the true measure of worth.

Economy

Before its isolation, Lithewind was renowned for its prosperity and openness. The den maintained free trade with many neighboring yuan-ti settlements, dealing primarily in rice, potions, timber, and iron. When isolation began, these trade networks collapsed—artisan lineages faded, and once-bustling mines fell silent. Now that the seclusion has ended and yuan-ti have begun returning to the den, its leaders are striving to rekindle old agreements and restore Lithewind’s place in the regional economy.

Climate

Den Lithewind's territory is hot and humid, and consists largely of jungle, wetlands, and coastline. It features heavy rainfall during the spring and summer months, and is teeming with wildlife.

Population

Primarily Yuan-ti.

Districts

Lithewind lacks any 'hard' districts due to yuan-ti tradition, and is built in a way that's ironically serpentine and confusing. The main 'city' is large and built on the coast, with the Obsidian Palace being where the Abomination spends much of their time. Beyond the main city area is a series of farms and mines, encompassed in an impressive white marble wall that marks the den's territory.

Factions

Priesthood of Muleem: The main and only faction within the city, devoted to the city's governance. Recently the priesthood has entered somewhat of a schism between those who worshipped the previous abomination and a more progressive faction of Utsi's supporters. No war has broken out between them yet, but the temple of Muleem sees significant debate each night because of them.

Trivia

The character creation guide for Al'Taj originally referenced an 'unknown' yuan-ti city located somewhere deep within the Bongani region. Once Lithewind was liberated and made public, the document was changed to reflect this.