Serpent Dominion

Government

• Caste-based feudal monarchy/aristocracy.
• Phraya rules, with Phra and other lower nobles below.
• Towns ruled by nobles or their chosen governors.

Peoples

• Fang-kin humans (35%)
• Fang-kin half-elves (25%)
• Ophidians (35%)
• Sena'ka (5%)

Religion

Fang-kin are devout worshipers of the Queen Ascendant, as are more "civilized" ophidians. They do not acknowledge the authority of the priests at Ar Salem Dolem and have their own hierarchy. "Wild" ophidians practice kami-veneration.

Culture

• Closest to "traditional" Stone Throne society
• Highly caste based, but ophidians now can rise to any level.
• Caste promotions based on merit.

Capital

See Kel'al'ar.

Economy

Exports

Fish, dye, spices

Imports

fibers (especially cotton and wool).

International relationships

• Generally good, but limited.
• Only major contact is with the Ship People--they've developed a detente.

Leadership

The current Phraya (King, roughly) is Isal Hvang Srey. Adopted daughter of the former Phraya, Isal Sat'psa Balin, she was victorious in the selection competition that ended at the time of the Battle of Kel'al'ar in 211 AC. Now in her mid 70s, she hasn't softened much. She still rules with an eye to practicality and profit. Her heir is her second daughter, Hvang Puo.

The other contestants that survived the selection competition have since passed away--two from natural causes (Isals Sat'psa Dara and Sat'psa Vanna) and Isal Sat'psa Leng who was executed for leading the Devil's Rebellion in 211 AC.

Time of Troubles

The Serpent Dominion fared very well (relative to other nations) during this period. Ahzekiel Cai'Valur was named heir in 254 AC and Isal Balin abdicated peacefully (and voluntarily) in 258 AC. Phraya Cai'Valur has since marched his army north to quell the chaos in Asai'ka, leading to the absorption of that nation (other than Ar Salem Dolem, which remains independent and under priestly rule). It's no secret that he intends to eventually absorb the Sha'slar Autonomous Zone, but that nation so far has remained stubbornly resistant to any discussions, and Cai'Valur is not minded to go to war anytime soon.

Early in the Time of Troubles, a trade route was established around Cape Dread (the southern tip of the Blood-thirst Wildlands) to Byssia; additionally, efforts by Dilligas Husty and others have led to peaceful relations and tighter trade ties with Sentinel Island and even an initial shipment from the Soefran nation of Ikela in late 259 AC.