Base Requirements

• Races: Human, Kobold, Lizard-man
• Classes: Any
• Ability Requirements: none
• Alignments: Any
• Starting Cash: 6d4 x10gp
• Bonus Languages: Sespechian, Yuan-ti
• Recommended Languages: Chondathian, Turmic, Chessic, Telpi, Shaartan, Bullywug, Firenewt, Lizard Man, Troglodyte

Proficiencies

• Weapon Slots: +1 slot
• Non-weapon Slots: By class
• Available Categories: By class
• Bonus Proficiencies: Soothsaying
• Required Proficiencies: none
• Recommended Proficiencies: none

Overview: The fabled City of Serpents, Hlondeth, is a majestic place that has grown wealthy through overland and maritime trade. Over the centuries, however, the yuan-ti have spread themselves through the city, infiltrating even the bloodline of the ruling family. All people from this realm have also been touched by the spread of the yuanti, although they are still quite human.

Description: All of the people of the Vilhon Reach accept the practice of marking their foreheads with small dots of colored chalk. One dot means the character can read, two
dots mean they can write, and three dots mean they can use magic.

Hlondethans always make an effort to look their best. Their armor, helms, and shields are constantly kept polished and mended, their edged weapons’ blades are keen, and their clothing is impeccable. Small polished pieces of green marble are set in armor, shields, helms, and the pommels of weapons.

The architecture of Hlondeth is rich and extravagant, often featuring murals and mosaics that venerate the snakes and serpents of the world. The flowing colors of these masterpieces are depicted in the dress of the people there. They favor flowing silks of bright scarlet, rich emerald, and deep azure.

Jewelry, primarily gold, is commonly worn by the folk of Hlondeth. Bracelets, necklaces, and torcs of serpentine gold links are favored above all else, especially those items with magical properties. Emeralds are the gemstones of choice for those who can afford to use them as jewelry and decorations. A favored item is a brooch that resembles two serpents coiled and intertwined in a circular pattern. It is made of gold, and it is often used to fasten the green cloaks that are so popular among these people.

Role-Playing: The people of Hlondeth are rather tolerant of snakes and other reptiles. In general, the Hlondethans are prosperous and easy-going. They are also accustomed to very little interference in their lives from rulers, as Hlondeth is ruled with a light hand.

The people of Hlondeth are considered by many to be a cunning and predatory lot. These folk recognize the value of intelligence and careful thought. When confronted with a difficult situation or a potential enemy, the Hlondethan will spend as much time as possible in quiet contemplation of the subject. No action is taken rashly unless circumstances absolutely dictate otherwise. “Careful and calculating” might be a better way to describe Hlondethans, for they are predatory only when eliminating their enemies. As allies, they are true and loyal.

Special Abilities:

• The adventurers of the Vilhon Reach are so skillful at predicting the outcome of political struggles, military conflicts, and other contests that they have acquired quite a reputation for soothsaying. This knack gives them a -2 bonus to all initiative rolls.
• Hlondeth is a prosperous, lightly governed city. All initial equipment purchased is at a 10% discount.
• All Hlondethans have a psionic wild talent (determined randomly).
• The wizards of Hlondeth have learned something of the yuan-ti spellcasting methods. Hlondethan spellcasters gain access to the Path of the Yuan-ti as a bonus path. These characters may learn and cast the spells from that path regardless of any normal limitations on their allowed schools of magic (such as from specialization).

Special Disadvantages:

• There are many folks outside the Vilhon Reach and the Old Empires regions that are leery of dealing with folks who are ruled by the yuan-ti, an evil serpent race. When interacting with NPCs beyond the Vilhon Reach/Old Empire areas, NPC reactions suffer a -2 penalty.
• The inability of these folk to commit to anything other than a quest for more profits is not particularly inspiring. Characters built with this kit suffer a -1 penalty to their starting Leadership scores (minimum 3).
• The yuan-ti have not been idle in Hlondeth. Over the years they have gradually been working to assume control of the city. They have focused their knowledge toward making the people of the city mentally pliable and receptive to psionic domination. In game terms this weakness manifests itself whenever the character is attacked with any spell from the Enchantment school or the priestly Charm sphere. In either case, the victim suffers a -4 penalty on any saving throw that he is allowed to make.
• Perhaps it is due to the yuan-ti rulership or the serpent influence on the city’s ancient history, but Hlondethans have an irrational fear of birds, especially birds of prey or giant versions of common birds. Around normal birds (crows, sparrows, pigeons, doves, seagulls), Hlondethans experience an uneasiness that translates into a -1 penalty on attack rolls and initiative rolls.
  When a Hlondethan is within 60-ft. of a bird of prey (eagle, hawk, falcon), or is in sight of a giant species of bird (such as a roc), he must make a saving throw vs wands or suffer the effects of a fear spell. This effect lasts 2d4+2 rounds or until the bird leaves.

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