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==History== | ==History== | ||
Although new members are told that the Society was founded in the Suel Empire around 1500 [[Suloise Dating|SD]] , it was actually founded a little over 1,200 years ago by the half-[[Suloise]], half-[[Flan]] archmage [[Krritarius]]. While exploring the Flanaess, he came across the symbol of [[Keraptis]] in the [[Rakers]]. Krritarius researched the serpent motif and decided to use it as the symbol of his society. | Although new members are told that the Society was founded in the Suel Empire around 1500 [[Suloise Dating|SD]] ({{date|1500|SD|CY}}), it was actually founded a little over 1,200 years ago (c. -610 CY) by the half-[[Suloise]], half-[[Flan]] archmage [[Krritarius]]. While exploring the Flanaess, he came across the symbol of [[Keraptis]] in the [[Rakers]]. Krritarius researched the serpent motif of Keraptis' sigil and decided to use it as the symbol of his society. | ||
Even in those days, the Society of the Serpent was a group that transcended nation and race, establishing a neutral place where Suloise, Baklunish, and Flan could meet and exchange knowledge. After the [[Twin Cataclysms]] the Society went underground, fearing the reaction of the common people to the ill that magic had wrought. There they have remained. | Even in those days, the Society of the Serpent was a group that transcended nation and race, establishing a neutral place where Suloise, Baklunish, and Flan could meet and exchange knowledge. After the [[Twin Cataclysms]] the Society went underground, fearing the reaction of the common people to the ill that magic had wrought. There they have remained. | ||
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==Relationships== | ==Relationships== | ||
The Society of the Serpent has a rivalry with the [[Azure Masks]], both groups often competing over the same secrets and lore. The Society has on various occasions entered into alliances with the [[Crescent League]] and the [[Telless ve Turu Decada]] for reasons of their own, although they have no formal ties to those organizations. | The Society of the Serpent has a rivalry with the [[Azure Masks]], both groups often competing over the same secrets and lore. The Society has on various occasions entered into alliances with the [[Crescent League]] and the [[Telless ve Turu Decada]] for reasons of their own, although they have no formal ties to those organizations. In late 591 CY, it knows nothing of the mage-hating [[Fratern Milblinnis]], but will surely turn all its energies into destroying them as soon as it does. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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{{index}} | {{index}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Secret organizations]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:27, 22 January 2025
| Society of the Serpent | |
|---|---|
 The symbol of the Society of the Serpent | |
| Type: | Scholarly order |
| Founded: | -610 CY |
| Members: | Magi (any race or alignment) |
| Symbol: | Serpent motif |
| Headquarters: | Cloud citadel |
| Allies: | Crescent League (occasionally), Telless ve Turu Decada (occasionally) |
| Enemies: | Azure Masks, Fratern Milblinnis (pending awareness they exist)) |
The Society of the Serpent exists for the acquisition and safekeeping of magical knowledge; they are particularly interested in ancient and lost cultures such as the Suloise, the Baklunish Empire, and the City of the Gods. They hope to establish themselves as a secret power across the Flanaess, manipulating it for its own good.
History
Although new members are told that the Society was founded in the Suel Empire around 1500 SD (-4016 CY), it was actually founded a little over 1,200 years ago (c. -610 CY) by the half-Suloise, half-Flan archmage Krritarius. While exploring the Flanaess, he came across the symbol of Keraptis in the Rakers. Krritarius researched the serpent motif of Keraptis' sigil and decided to use it as the symbol of his society.
Even in those days, the Society of the Serpent was a group that transcended nation and race, establishing a neutral place where Suloise, Baklunish, and Flan could meet and exchange knowledge. After the Twin Cataclysms the Society went underground, fearing the reaction of the common people to the ill that magic had wrought. There they have remained.
Recognition
Members of the Society of the Serpent often intertwine stylized snakes with their own personal sigils, symbols, or initials, which helps members recognize one another. Nonmembers who use the stylized snake motif in an attempt to masquerade as members of the Society often turn up dead.
Headquarters
The Society of the Serpent is based in a cloud citadel floating through the skies above the Oerth. They also have several secret libraries and laboratories throughout the Flanaess, some of them in the Sea of Dust and the Bright Desert.
Their former headquarters, the Tower of Art, was destroyed in the Rain of Colorless Fire. They have vowed to never allow their accumulated knowledge and lore to be trapped in one place ever again.
Relationships
The Society of the Serpent has a rivalry with the Azure Masks, both groups often competing over the same secrets and lore. The Society has on various occasions entered into alliances with the Crescent League and the Telless ve Turu Decada for reasons of their own, although they have no formal ties to those organizations. In late 591 CY, it knows nothing of the mage-hating Fratern Milblinnis, but will surely turn all its energies into destroying them as soon as it does.
References
Citations
Bibliography
- Miller, Andy. "Hidden Agendas." Dragon #256. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Society of the Serpent | People Group | Oerth Journal #27 | 16,17,19,22 | |
| Society of the Serpent | People Group | Dragon magazine #256 | 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51 |