Wad-Thet

## Description:

The Wad-Thet are a diverse race of ancient reptilianfolk, initially derived from the same species as the Dero and Lizardfolk, that come in many shapes and forms. The Wad-Thet prefer warm climates with access to sources of water for cooling, and are known to make their homes in jungles and deserts across the globe. Since Wad-Thet come in so many shapes and sizes, a single height and weight range would be inaccurate, and as such all common forms are described below. Most Wad-Thet are naturally muscular, and physically superior to humans by at least a slim margin, but some can become immensely powerful.

Even the most human of Wad-They have yellow eyes that give off a slight glow, particularly in darkness, and vertical irises identical to those of the snakes with whom they share so many traits. Wad-Thet rarely have hair, although those few that do usually possess shades of brown or black. Wad-Thet skin comes in various colors, ranging from browns and tans to pitch black, shades of green and blue, and even red; commonly, even the most humanlike of Wad-Thet would have some form of scales for outer flesh to replace skin, although the more humanlike variants often had very fine scales that were barely noticeable, even from up close.

To other races, even the most humanlike of Wad-Thet are seen as abominations, monsters, and evil signs of disaster and corruption. Even the Dero and Lizardfolk who previously originated from the same parent species dislike the Wad-Thet, and often engage them in combat if spotted.

Wad-Thet are naturally far more intelligent than most other races, particularly when it comes to manipulation, Magic, and cunning; this is believed to originate from their evolution and the effects their god had on their development over time. Wad-Thet are forced to develop this intelligence at a young age in order to survive. The wisdom of the Wad-Thet is similarly beyond that of normal humans, with their worship of their betrayer god granting them knowledge and wisdom forbidden to other races. Despite their intelligence, the Wad-Thet's innate aptitude for magic and the worship of their god has kept their level of technology relatively low in exchange for a heightened grasp on magic that has surged them beyond what most races are capable of.

Wad-Thet reproduce sexually via internal insemination and the laying of large clutches of eggs in a manner equivalent to those of mundane snakes. Wad-Thet clutches of eggs are large, but only occur once a year, and are considered to be a vital part of their society and are protected with ferocity. Eggs are seen as untapped potential for creating new prophets and demigods, or chances to receive further aid and blessings from their god, and as such are valued very highly. Children in Wad-Thet society take several years to develop into a more normal shape and form, and the first several years of their life are spent acting only on the animalistic instincts of a large snake; while children are protected, their training and education does not start until this development is complete.

Wad-Thet have an average lifespan of around 75 years, and a maximum lifespan equivalent to that of a human at 100 years. Wad-Thet commonly extend their own lives beyond the normal maximum through magic or favor from their god; they do not possess any means of extending life through conventional means.

### Personality:

The goal of every Wad-Thet is to bring about the destruction of the world and all the races that inhabit it through any and all means available. A Wad-Thet will attempt to avoid open conflict, but will still seek to kill as many other sentient beings as possible in order to appease their god and leaders. The Wad-Thet believe that, through ritual sacrifices and the killing of sentient races, they will gain the true favor of their god and he will allow them to take revenge on the other gods of the world for the treachery and hardships the Wad-Thet faced previously in their history.

Wad-Thet are usually not hot-tempered individuals, but are known to possess a sense of superiority over anyone who shows fewer blessings of Yid'Sseht than them, especially other races. The cunning and advanced tactical minds of Wad-Thet mean that they are slow to jump into open combat, and while they never forget an insult or assault, it may take months or years for them to retaliate with a complex and destructive plot.

The Wad-Thet are infamous slaveowners and kidnappers, who are known to be equally likely to kill a man as they are to take him prisoner for their eldritch experiments and evil tortures. Wad-Thet are also not above taking other Dero and Lizardfolk as slaves or workers, often manipulating them into a situation from which they cannot escape easily. Wad-Thet keep their slaves until they find an excuse to ceremoniously sacrifice or eat them; slavery under the Wad-Thet is known to be full of manual labor, groveling to remain alive, and physical and mental abuse, as well as magical experiments and forced mutations at the hands of their masters to test new possible paths for the blessings of Yid'Sseht. Normal Wad-Thet citizens are ranked by their physical resemblance to snakes, with abominations being at the top of the chain as prophets and leaders.

Wad-Thet are not known to be overly hedonistic, save for the inbred mutant abominations that call themselves prophets and living gods, who live in the absolute lap of luxury with all needs met as often as possible. Wad-Thet priests are also known to live luxuriously and near the top of their society. Most forms of art are used by the Wad-Thet to praise and worship their deity, although the most common forms come as statues or as instrumental music; murals and mosaics are rarer but not uncommon, and usually reserved for the larger temples.

Wad-Thet are highly anxious and very paranoid of other races, and are known to set deadly traps all around their temples and villages to ensure no unwanted visitors make it past the front gate. They are inherently hateful and distrusting towards other races, and rarely interact with those of other races unless absolutely necessary.

### Abilities:

Physically, most Wad-Thet are naturally superior to human beings, at least in most fields. While not so strong or fast as Elves, Wad-Thet are known for their agility, speed, flexibility, and dexterity, as well as their combat prowess created over a lifetime of training. Wad-Thet senses are known to be heightened beyond those of humans as well, with the snakefolk possessing natural Night Vision, an advanced sense of smell, and excellent hearing designed to aid them in stealth and hunting.

Wad-Thet tend not to possess innate Magic abilities, although the [ABOMINATIONS] are known to possess a greater connection to their god and possess blessings which often manifest as Pantheonic Magic.

Wad-Thet weaknesses come in the form of their egos; the Wad-Thet see themselves as superior to all other races, making them overconfident and arrogant. Additionally, Wad-Thet vision is better adjusted for darkness than light, and their lack of brute strength allows them to be overpowered by a strong humanoid.

#### Subraces:

1. Broodkin: The most human-looking variant, commonly used as spies, infiltrators, and diplomats.
2. Wad-Thet Hybrids: Sometimes referred to as "Aggregators," they are the middle point between human and snake, often possessing snakelike heads or bodies and scales instead of skin; they are naturally muscular and have above-human strength. Their innate Magical abilities are diminished compared to their counterparts, however.
3. Wad-Thet Godkin: The inbred prophets and leaders of the Wad-Thet who better resemble monsters or massive snakes than any kind of recognizable humanoid; used for large shocktroop roles and leadership positions. Their large size and eldritch appearances do not directly correlate to leadership kills, however, and some of the strongest abominations would be considered mentally retarded by human standards; despite these lapses in mental acuity, all abominations are still guaranteed positions of authority and power, even if they rely on their priests and advisors to survive.
4. Naga: [REMOVED]

## Culture:

Wad-Thet culture revolves solely around their worship of and connection to their god, Yid'Sseht. Their deity is one of the few reptilianfolk gods to remain active in their followers' lives; the Wad-Thet did not turn their back on Yid'Sseht when their ancient ancestors decided to leave religiosity behind, and continue to rewarded for their steadfastness through the favor and protection of their deity. However, the Wad-Thet must remain adamantly respectful and devout to Yid'Sseht to keep him appeased, as he is a fickle god.

Wad-Thet culture is divided according to the subraces and the role an individual plays within the society. [ABOMINATIONS] are often the leaders despite the high chance for intellectual retardation or physical disability as a result of their numerous "blessings." The Hybrids fulfill most other roles and make up the majority of most Wad-Thet groups. Broodkin are the most humanoid, and as such are frequently shunned by other, more serpentine members of their race; as a result, Broodkin frequently interact only with other Broodkin and those of other races, which aids in their socialization. Broodkin rarely hold positions of power, but are critical components to a Wad-Thet group's survival and intelligence network.

Wad-Thet speak their own unique variation of the more common Lizardfolk language which places a greater emphasis on -s sounds and -y sounds; this dialect allows Wad-Thet to hide their dealings even from other Lizardfolk, and also allows Wad-Thet to speak directly to all snakes. Members of other humanoid races often have a very hard time when attempting to learn or speak the Wad-Thet language, and many develop a lisp as a result of their learning; this knowledge is quite valuable for certain people, however, particularly those who live in or near a Wad-Thet ruin or settlement.

#### Cuisine:

Wad-Thet cuisine is considered incredibly exotic for most races. The serpentine physiologies of Wad-Thet encourage the consumption of foods whole, which provides excellent opportunities for unique culinary experiences. Wad-Thet cultural foods include a lot of kebabs-style snacks, platters of foods eaten with the hands, etc. Wad-Thet are known to eat meat far more than vegetables, and prefer to eat small game like rabbits, rats, mice, or squirrels roasted and eaten whole. Wad-Thet food is commonly seasoned with unique combinations of spices, and is known as some of the oldest culinary traditions in the world.

#### Hierarchy:

1. Godkin
2. Hybrid Priests
3. Hybrids
4. Broodkin Priests
5. Broodkin
6. Slaves
7. Warbeasts
	1. [REDACTED]

#### Military:

The Wad-Thet are a militant people, sworn to take back the world they believe to be theirs. They are willing to utilize any strategy, any tactic, and use any weapon if it succeeds in aiding their ultimate goal. Wad-Thet lack the raw power, resources, and manpower to participate in open combat against their foes, however, and as such must rely on unconventional warfare to succeed. Wad-Thet are known for their hit-and-run strategies, sabotage skills, and infiltration tactics; Wad-Thet also make for excellent spies, and most Temples maintain a far-reaching intelligence network to provide valuable information.

## Religion:

Wad-Thet religion is henotheistic and outwards-facing, dedicated to the retaking of the planet's surface in the name of Yid'Sseht and the Wad-Thet; the serpentfolk's religion has a strong focus on world domination. Divine interaction occurs only through the Temple priests and [ABOMINATIONS], who serve as prophets. Wad-Thet faiths involve many prophets, and believe in an Afterlife of unity with Yid'Sseht. The existence of the supernatural is revealed to the Wad-Thet through their god, his prophets, priests, and arcane Magic, all of which is used to the best of its potential to provide further support for the Wad-Thet's holy crusade against humanity. Forms of worship include lots of human sacrifices, group services at Wad-Thet ziggurats, and prayer at shrines, which are located both in the home and in special religious sites. Holidays are rare, and celebrate historical events important to the Wad-Thet; they can also celebrate the birth of [ABOMINATIONS] or great displays of power from Yid'Sseht.

The Wad-Thet worship only one (1) god within the Lizardfolk pantheon: Yid'Sseht, Father of Serpents.

### Clergy:

The serpent priests of the Wad-Thet act as both spiritual guides and political leaders within Wad-Thet society. They conduct the rites required to appease Yid'Sseht, but also advise military leaders, conduct the education and training of the new generation, and pass on historical knowledge.

Wad-Thet priests live more luxuriously than normal Wad-Thet, and while the priesthood is split according to subrace, all of them are encouraged to have families and breed the next generation of priests.

The Wad-Thet religion is heavily influenced by the [ABOMINATIONS], the inbred mutants that represent the Wad-Thet's favor from Yid'Sseht. These aberrant monstrosities provide living proof of divinity to the Wad-Thet, and their word is often law; despite their intellectual deficiencies and immature minds, many Wad-Thet Temples consider the word of their prophets to be divine mandate. More Temples, still, include priests who manipulate and influence their local [ABOMINATION] to follow the priests' orders, or dedicated priests to "interpreting" the wise words of the prophet.