Humanity: The Serpent Pact

The Serpent Pact is one of Almira's most secretive human tribes. Often trained in assassination, stealth, and theft, citizens of the Serpent Pact lives in hidden cities within Tai Ke, the Endless Desert. Members of the Serpent Pact often worship Alquatl, and their divine casters are well trained in his deific style. Members of the Serpent Pact who take animal companions often train cobras to work with them, as the cobra is the sacred animal of Alquatl, and the venom of the cobra is especially potent.

​Rashid ibn Nazareth, born of the Serpent Pact and scout for the armies of Tzalandar, raised his spyglass to the horizon. The wind of the desert whipped his cloak, drawing a hiss from his companion. Shamshir, Rashid’s cobra companion, wrapped himself tighter and flared his hood.

A crashing sound echoed before them, and the gargantuan div lifted itself from the sands. Black cloaked and red eyed, the thing scanned the desert with knowing eyes, and began to advance on Rashid’s position with slow deliberate steps.

“Time to go!” whispered Rashid hurriedly, and slid down the dune to his waiting mare. “We may need some backup.” Whispering spells of speed and concealment, he lowered himself over the horse’s neck and sped off towards Tzalandar.

The Serpent Pact has no specific agricultural or trade practices. However, these masters of of stealth and theft are well known for their forays into the Palace of Sin to steal food and supplies. Those who have been to their hidden cities note that they are well stocked with items like water, food, weapons, and medicines. Sick soldiers and the families of the fallen will often find mysterious gifts on their doorsteps, expensive medicines, food, or bags of coin with the symbol of the Serpent Pact prominently displayed.

The hair on the back of Kaela’s neck stood up straight as she walked carefully to the door. Two days ago, Rhys had answered the door for a stranger and a Div had slain him on the spot. Now a widow and single mother of three children, she did not want to take such risks. Peering through the curtained window, she saw naught but an empty courtyard.

Gingerly, she walked to the door and opened it. On the doorstep was a small basket covered with a cloth. Peeling back the covering revealed a sight that made Kaela’s jaw drop. The basket held a small fortune in gold coins and three loaves of freshly baked bread. There was also a small piece of paper with a note

“Our condolences, may the blessings of Alquatl follow you always”
-Rashid ibn Nazareth, Khan of the Serpent Pact

The following archetype, the Cobra Khan, represents the skill set of a raid leader within the Serpent Pact. Khans direct the hunters and assassins of the Pact against specific targets, delegating jobs such as gathering provisions for non-combatant members and assassinating potential threats. On missions of great importance, the khans lead their troops themselves, striking down enemies before they can sound an alarm.