Pythons
The Pythons are the political representation of the church of Khoreg and the only faction to believe in a theocracy. Staunch followers of the god Khoreg, the interpreted will of Khoreg rules all of their decisions. If it is believed that Khoreg agrees with the choice of monarch, or city ruler then they will follow them relentlessly. No other church lays claim to such an influential political presence.
They are extremely skilled in the art of war and often were the front line in any attack/defense of the nation, when not at the front line, they would generally stand as the monarch’s most loyal servants and bodyguards. The Python Paladins were the most feared warriors in the land.
The Python philosophy is one of a military theocracy. They believe that dutiful obedience to the teachings of the god Khoreg help to guide the nation. Noble and commoner alike are expected to accept responsibility and serve the best interests of the Nation no matter their station. Even death is not seen as an excuse.
Pythons favour strong military leaders who they see embody aspects of Khoreg. Many Python leaders have been military figures and their battlefield acumen has been unquestionable. Pythons prefer heavily armed direct confrontation to stealth but are not above using every advantage they can muster. Python leaders have at times been deemed as over confident in their capabilities but this is most likely linked to their belief that with the greatest of devotion to Khoreg it is possible to return from beyond death. It is also in this regard that their opponents have observed an almost complete lack of fear in the face of certain death. Python military units are renowned for their resilience and steadfast nature. It is extremely rare that a Python would question the orders of a superior in battle. Python politicians tend to be insightful allies who berate their opponents with the unwavering weight of scripture. If it is possible then they will utilise the Word of Khoreg into any order or argument.
They are extremely skilled in the art of war and often were the front line in any attack/defense of the nation, when not at the front line, they would generally stand as the monarch’s most loyal servants and bodyguards. The Python Paladins were the most feared warriors in the land.
The Python philosophy is one of a military theocracy. They believe that dutiful obedience to the teachings of the god Khoreg help to guide the nation. Noble and commoner alike are expected to accept responsibility and serve the best interests of the Nation no matter their station. Even death is not seen as an excuse.
Pythons favour strong military leaders who they see embody aspects of Khoreg. Many Python leaders have been military figures and their battlefield acumen has been unquestionable. Pythons prefer heavily armed direct confrontation to stealth but are not above using every advantage they can muster. Python leaders have at times been deemed as over confident in their capabilities but this is most likely linked to their belief that with the greatest of devotion to Khoreg it is possible to return from beyond death. It is also in this regard that their opponents have observed an almost complete lack of fear in the face of certain death. Python military units are renowned for their resilience and steadfast nature. It is extremely rare that a Python would question the orders of a superior in battle. Python politicians tend to be insightful allies who berate their opponents with the unwavering weight of scripture. If it is possible then they will utilise the Word of Khoreg into any order or argument.
Culture
Pythons accept that nobility has an established place within the nation. As devout Khoregates their outlook is very often a military one that respects structure and discipline. Wealth and status are respected but heresy and actions that threaten the Nation are treated with violent contempt. Many Pythons masqueraded as Vipers for generations and it is not uncommon for them to now be members of the nobility. Pythons fight for the collective good of the nation and in that see strength. They are open to both Viper and Cobra ideologies but their overriding dedication is to Khoreg and the Nation. Courtesy and etiquette are seen as useful tools as much as battle, revelry and worship and are to be enjoyed and practiced in equal measure. Some commoners view the Pythons warily given recent events but never has their resilience been questioned. It is said that to speak against a Python you had best be very sure who you are talking with lest you find yourself surrounded and crushed.
History
The Python party grew from the church of Khoreg's warrior caste. Seeing that the leaders of the Nation required loyal, strong defenders they grew from a handful of dedicated knights into a group dedicated to ensuring that the leader of the nation was not only favoured by Khoreg but defended by her greatest and most devout warriors. Training to be a Python Paladin was arduous and lethal and their reputation in battle was legendary. Pythons have never vied for leadership of the Nation instead seeing it as their duty to throw their military support behind the one chosen by the Gods (and therefore Khoreg) to lead. This has lead to them supporting both Cobra and Viper monarchs.
In 411, King Rienhart II courted the Wolf nation into helping quash a small revolt near Riga in the north; in return they were given lands. This incensed the Pythons so much that bodyguards assassinated the king and the high council. This led to the second snake war and the eradication of the Python faction, after which the worship of Khoreg was outlawed and their reputation marred. Despite persecution many Pythons remained loyal to their beliefs and hid for generations among Viper families.
Several hundred years later, the followers of Khoreg returned with General Hagen Hagenson. Placing their Raven banner under the banner of the Vipers, they called themselves Ravens but still held the original beliefs of the Python faction: distrust of other nations and a staunch belief that Khoreg is always right and to be followed even after death.
Albert Von Wolfsburg survived the eradication of the Pythons and raised an army against The Empress Callista Aurelia in 1112. He was eventually defeated in 1114 at Tal Teutoberg and his forces scattered. Being a Python was once again declared illegal though this order was later rescinded in the name of uniting the nation once again.
In 411, King Rienhart II courted the Wolf nation into helping quash a small revolt near Riga in the north; in return they were given lands. This incensed the Pythons so much that bodyguards assassinated the king and the high council. This led to the second snake war and the eradication of the Python faction, after which the worship of Khoreg was outlawed and their reputation marred. Despite persecution many Pythons remained loyal to their beliefs and hid for generations among Viper families.
Several hundred years later, the followers of Khoreg returned with General Hagen Hagenson. Placing their Raven banner under the banner of the Vipers, they called themselves Ravens but still held the original beliefs of the Python faction: distrust of other nations and a staunch belief that Khoreg is always right and to be followed even after death.
Albert Von Wolfsburg survived the eradication of the Pythons and raised an army against The Empress Callista Aurelia in 1112. He was eventually defeated in 1114 at Tal Teutoberg and his forces scattered. Being a Python was once again declared illegal though this order was later rescinded in the name of uniting the nation once again.
Type
Political, Faction / Party
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