Yuan-Ti
A wise and generous folk with magic in their cold blood.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Yuan-ti may be shaped differently, with a few known forms that appear regardless of parentage. Most commonly, yuan-ti look almost human. However, some have serpentine heads, others have a powerful tail instead of legs, and the rarest yuan-ti type is scaled all over, with a snake's head and tail. The egalitarian culture of Stheno makes no distinction between these, but outsiders sometimes use the terms "humanesque", "scalebearer" and "serpentine" for their convenience.
Biological Traits
All yuan-ti have magical powers, but the rarer forms have stronger magic. Every yuan-ti can mesmerize small animals, sense the presence of poison, and transform into a snake. Scalebearers and serpentines can shift the color of their scales to blend in with their surroundings, and can produce acid on their fangs or bodies. Their magic includes more enchantments and the power to neutralize poison. Finally, the serpentines have magic to transform others into snakes, and can create an overwhelming sense of fear.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Once, the yuan-ti were wandering hunters in the desert. They ate mostly animals they caught. Now, however, vegetables, fish, and grains form more of the yuan-ti diet as they take advantage of the river's bounty.
Yuan-ti eat rarely, and will have a large meal that they digest for anywhere between a day and a week.
Yuan-ti eat rarely, and will have a large meal that they digest for anywhere between a day and a week.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Yuan-ti hardly ever leave the warmth of the desert. Their trade delegations are usually made up of warm-blooded folk.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Yuan-ti rely on hearing more than sight, and can move well in conditions of low visibility.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Stheno is the renowned capital of the yuan-ti. From this, their City of the Sun, they count most of the Desert of Serpents within their sphere of influence.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Yuan-ti have one language, called Yuan-ti. As former subjects of the Evil Empire, their grammar and many words have evolved, making their speech part of the Common language family. Words for agriculture, faith, and possessions might require explanations in a conversation with other speakers of Common languages.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
The yuan-ti are proud of their harmonious lands and prosperity, which leads some to act a bit condescending to folk from other lands. But a halfling or Dwarf living in Stheno and participating in daily work and life is afforded full respect as a fellow citizen.
Lifespan
100 years
Average Height
Depends on the form. Humanesques are 5.5 ft tall on average, scalebearers are 6.5 ft tall, and serpentines are up to 8 ft tall. Note that this is head height while walking or standing, and does not take full tail length into account.
Average Weight
Humanesques and scalebearers - 170 lb. Serpentines - 400 lb
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The skin tone of the yuan-ti is similar to their neighboring humans and halflings in the Desert of Serpents - bronze to dark brown. Their scales can be all sorts of colors, usually resembling the pattern of an actual snake.
Geographic Distribution
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments