Cult of Ygg, the Serpent God

Scourged Lands of Valenor    Religions    Gods & Cults      The Ancient Myths      Ygg, the Serpent God      Cult of Ygg, the Serpent God

Priestess of the Serpent God

Culture

Sacred Books

### 1. **The Cosmic Serpent**

* **Contents:** This book contains a complex and detailed cosmology, describing the universe as a giant cosmic serpent, of which Yig is the beating heart. It explores the cycles of creation and destruction, the role of serpents in evolution, and the divine nature of all living things. * **Purpose:** It serves as a guide for priests who wish to understand the mysteries of the universe and their place within it. It offers a cosmic vision of worship, connecting Yig to the fundamental forces of nature.

### 2. **The Words of the Serpent**

* **Contents:** This book contains a collection of prophecies, oracles, and teachings attributed directly to Yig. The words are often cryptic and require deep interpretation. They offer advice on how to live a life in harmony with nature and how to access divine powers. * **Purpose:** This is a fundamental text for priests and initiates, who use it as a guide for rituals and to interpret divine signs.

### 3. **The Book of Changes**

* **Contents:** This book describes the processes of transformation and rebirth, both individually and collectively. It explores the concept of changing, understood as a passage from one state to another, and the rituals associated with this process. It contains spells and rituals to facilitate changing and to transform living beings. * **Purpose:** This is a fundamental text for those who wish to deepen their connection with Yig and obtain supernatural powers. It offers a guide for initiations and transformation rituals.

Mythology & Lore

**The Lost Origins:**

• Before Valenor: It is said that Ygg existed before the creation of Valenor, a primordial being born from chaos.
• The Creation of the Serpents: According to So'Slith legends, Ygg created the first serpents as his companions and messengers, granting them wisdom and the ability to shapeshift.
• The Fall from the Heavens: Some legends say that Ygg was once a celestial deity, but due to his arrogance or some cosmic conflict, he was cast down to Earth, where he bonded with the land and the serpents.

**Legends and Stories**

• The Forbidden Garden: It is said that Ygg had a secret garden, a place of beauty and power forbidden to the other gods. Anyone who entered would be corrupted by his magic and transformed into a reptilian creature.
• The Curse of the Serpents: Legend has it that a hero dared to challenge Ygg and, as punishment, was cursed to transform into a giant serpent.
• The Serpent Warriors: Some So'Slith warriors are able to transform partially or fully into serpents, gaining superhuman strength and agility. They are said to be direct descendants of Ygg.
• The Witch Priests: Priests of Ygg are often gifted with magical powers, able to summon serpents, control the weather, and communicate with the spirits of the land.

Cosmological Views

• Mother Earth: For the followers of Ygg, the Earth is a living deity called, the mother of all creatures. Ygg is her protector and the guardian of her secrets.
• Cycle of Life and Death: Ygg is associated with the continuous cycle of life and death. Death is seen as a return to the mother earth and a new beginning.
• Serpents as Messengers: Serpents are considered divine messengers and incarnations of Ygg. They are venerated and protected by the followers of the cult.

Tenets of Faith

• Connection with Nature: The followers of Ygg live in harmony with nature, respecting all living creatures.
• Veneration of Serpents: Serpents are considered sacred and are bred and protected.
• Sacrifices to the Earth: Sacrifices of food and blood are offered to the earth to thank Ygg and ensure his protection.
• Fertility Rites: Rites related to the fertility of the earth and procreation are practiced.
• Secrecy: The cult of Ygg is often secret, feared and persecuted by followers of the New Gods.

Ethics

**Cultural Influences**

• Floating Islands: The Kamamaya archipelago includes artificial islands, built from tree trunks and roots, similar to the houses of the Udai Puri in some Indian legends.
• Pyramid-Shaped Temples: Temples dedicated to Ygg are often built in the shape of a stepped pyramid, inspired by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
• Art and Symbolism: Kamamaya art is rich in symbols related to serpents, dragons, and nature. Temple murals often depict mythological scenes recounting the exploits of Ygg and the other Old Gods.

Priesthood

• Shamans: Shamans are the spiritual leaders of the cult. They have the power to communicate with Ygg and heal the sick.
• Sacred Serpents: Certain particularly large and wise serpents are considered incarnations of Ygg and are venerated as deities.
• Temple Guardians: Temple guardians are warriors trained to protect the sacred places of the cult.

Granted Divine Powers

The priests of Ygg in Kamamaya, thanks to their deep connection with the serpent god, can obtain a wide range of supernatural powers. Some of the most common include:

• Shape-shifting: Some priests can partially or fully assume the form of a snake, gaining agility, strength, and deadly venom.
• Snake Control: They can communicate telepathically with snakes and control their movements, using them as spies or weapons.
• Healing: Through rituals and spells, priests can heal wounds and illnesses, even the most serious.
• Poisons and Antidotes: Thanks to their knowledge of the properties of poisonous plants and snakes, they can create powerful poisons and antidotes.
• Divination: They can predict the future through the observation of snakes and stars.
• Spirit Communication: They can summon the spirits of ancestors and communicate with the spiritual entities of nature.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The cult of Ygg in Kamamaya is not immune to political intrigue and power struggles. Different factions within the cult compete for influence and control over the temples and shrines.

• Temple Guardians: These fierce warriors protect the cult's sacred sites and are often involved in clashes with other factions.
• Spice Merchants: Some priests have formed alliances with the merchants, using their influence to control the spice and drug trade.
• Politicians: Some priests have infiltrated Kamamaya's politics, manipulating the rulers to further the cult's interests.
• Followers of the Darkest Dungeon: As you mentioned, this faction is particularly violent and misogynistic. They believe that only through the sacrifice of women can Ygg be appeased and his favor gained.

**The Cult among the So'Slith:**

• The Serpent Queen: The queen of the more traditional So'Slith is considered a direct descendant of Ygg and is worshipped as a deity.
• The Rites of Shedding: The So'Slith perform rituals related to the shedding of their skin, symbolizing rebirth and transformation.
• The Sacred Serpents: Each So'Slith tribe in the Prefecture of Epicurus has a sacred serpent, considered a messenger of Ygg.
• The Legends of Kamamaya: The island of Kamamaya is also considered a sacred place for the So'Slith of Epicuros, where ancient ruins and temples dedicated to Ygg are located.

**The Cult in the Kukulkan Swamps:

• The Influence on the People of Kukulkan: The cult of Ygg influenced the people of the ancient civilization that arose in Kukulkan, giving rise to the cult dedicated to Ygg, the shape-shifting serpent.
• Human Sacrifices: In ancient cultures, the cult of Ygg was associated with human sacrifices, offered to appease the god and ensure his benevolence. Today, it seems that these sacrifices are performed in secret temples deep in the swamps.

**The Cult of Ygg in Kamamaya**

• Ygg as a Deity of Fertility: In Kamamaya, Ygg is worshiped not only as the Father of Serpents, but also as a deity associated with the fertility of the land and the growth of crops. This syncresis with the primordial agricultural deities has led to rituals and sacrifices tied to the seasonal cycles.
• The Nagas of Kamamaya: Nagas, mythical creatures that are half-human and half-serpent, are especially venerated in Kamamaya. They are used as guardians of Ygg's temples, keepers of ancient secrets, and powerful magicians.
• The Sacred Serpents: Each village in Kamamaya that worships Ygg has a sacred serpent, raised and worshipped as an oracle. These serpents are considered messengers of Ygg and are often consulted in making important decisions.
• The Underground Temples: Temples dedicated to Ygg in Kamamaya are often built underground, in caves or ancient pyramids, reflecting the subterranean and mysterious nature of the serpent god.
• Rites of Passage: Young Ygg worshippers in Kamamaya must undergo initiation rites related to the cult of Ygg, such as tests of courage and tests of physical endurance, during which they come into contact with the wild nature and the spirits of their ancestors.
• Shaman Medicine: Kamamaya shamans often use poisons and antidotes obtained from snakes and other poisonous creatures to cure the sick and perform magical rituals.
• Snake Dance: A ritual dance, performed during religious festivals, is dedicated to Ygg. The dancers, wearing snake masks and shaking rattles, symbolize the life energy of nature and the power of Ygg.

Sects

In addition to the Followers of the Darkest Dungeon, other sects and factions have emerged within the cult of Ygg:

• The Keepers of Nature: This faction focuses on protecting nature and preserving ecosystems. They see Ygg as a guardian of the earth and oppose any form of environmental exploitation.
• The Seekers of Knowledge: These priests are interested in arcane knowledge and the mysteries of the universe. They seek to decipher ancient texts and discover the secrets of creation.
• The Followers of the Cosmic Serpent: This faction believes that Ygg is actually a cosmic serpent that encircles the world and that their task is to free him from his prisons.

Sacred Weapons

• Serpent Staff: A gnarled staff, sometimes woven from roots or bone, that ends in a carved serpent's head. It could be a versatile melee weapon, but also a tool for casting spells and establishing a connection with the natural world. The serpent's head might contain paralyzing venom or serve as a focus for healing rituals.


• Ceremonial Dagger: A dagger with a curved, sinuous blade, decorated with serpent-like symbols. It might be used to offer sacrifices, cut medicinal herbs, or deliver precise blows. The blade might be laced with venom or have magical properties, such as the ability to inflict wounds that do not heal easily.


• Serpent's Head Shield: A sturdy shield, decorated with the head of a fire-breathing or venomous serpent. In addition to providing protection, the shield might intimidate enemies and serve as a symbol of power. It might also be enchanted to absorb damage or repel attacks.

Cult of The Serpent

Symbol	A Coiled Green Snake
Favored weapon	Staff, Shields, Daggers
Deity Domain	Serpents Domain Earth Domain Healing Domain
Rituals	The cleric will perform a special dance, along with one or more snakes, all the faithful present will be in a trance for the duration of the dance. For the next 24 hours no snake will attack those who witnessed the ritual and the faithful gains Advantage on all saving throws against poison.
Granted Powers	See text
Holy Items	The Holy Symbol of the Snake God is a triangle with a reptilian eye inside.

Type

Religious, Cult

Alternative Names

Children of the Snake

Permeated Organizations

• Cities of Kukulkan
• Khedrim of Kamamaya
• Prefecture of Epicuros

Deities

• Ygg, the Serpent God

Related Ethnicities

• Aj'Snaga Serpents
• First People / Rake / Draconian
• Khedrim Rodhian Human
• Sivasni Plainsman
• Soslith Lizardfolks
• Velshadir Shadow Elves
• Wild Tribes Human