Merrshaulk Empire



The Merrshaulk Empire was home to the reptillian Yuan-Ti race, a mysterious and warlike people said to be descended from humanity. Once serious rivals to the Holy Kingdom of Ormindreal they had fallen into decline. Though no longer a major player in Alterias affairs, the Merrshaulk were still considered extremely dangerous.

History
Once they were merely human, but faith and time are a dangerous combination. In the early days of civilization, the Merrshaulk flourished and their fledgling empire spread throughout the swamps, jungles, and deserts of the world. From those earliest days, the Yuan-Ti revered the snake for its ability to survive all climes, to wait patiently for weeks without food, and to subdue and consume creatures several times their size. In this worship, the Yuan-Ti preached a philosophy that valued stoicism and poise combined with a deadly, calculating violence when necessary.

While these attitudes and beliefs led to great achievements and wealth, it also poisoned and corrupted. The Yuan-Ti priests and sorcerers further adopted the ways of the snakes, including cannibalism, and practiced alchemy with the poison and bodies of serpents. Eventually, they came to mingle with the form and spirit of these totemic animals and the mysterious gods who favored them, becoming more snake than man. The “chosen” members who successfully transformed turned against those who could – or would – not, drastically reducing the number of their own kind for the sake of “purification.” In this reduced state, the Yuan-Ti empire became susceptible to their enemies, forcing a retreat into only the most secluded and remote towns and temples. These remaining cults worship and experiment with renewed focus and dedication, not merely to return to their former glory but to surpass and become more than men, more than even serpents, but gods instead.

A remnant of a once great civilization, the Merrshaulk are alongside the elven Ormindreal Kingdom the only other faction to have existed in previous ages though unlike their ancient rivals their power has long since diminished. They exist now as religious zealots and an empire in name alone.

Politics
Whilst masked in mystery, it was known the Merrshaulk followed a God Emperor from the capital Shalkashlah.

Geography
Whilst sizeable in land, the Empires strength had diminished significantly over the years. Arid, desert lands made up the home of the Yuan-ti.

Notable Merrshaulk Members
- Emperor Takssial 14th