Winding Serpent

Founded on the legacy of the fabled Old Ones the Winding Serpent claim to be their appointed successors as keepers of the world peace. Formed by traditional Khalen nobility and later by the fallen Novine dynasty the Zilc administration took shape during the early liberation wars against the Gleyks and has been the traditional leaders of the Concordia for more than a millennium. Mainly consisting of aristocrats, councillors, clerks and lesser nobles the Winding Serpent play a key role in leading the Concordia, it’s senate, provinces and outposts throughout the known world. Members of the Serpent Order are known as Zilc – a Khalen word meaning noble and as a direct representative of the Hespirah Senate each city is ruled by a Zilc baron answering to a High Zilc leading an entire province.

Easily recognized by their red robes and golden ceremonial shields the Zilc are a powerful faction with both wealth and strong political influence. They consist mainly of Khalens although Novines and Blonians are occasionally appointed as leaders of a region with Khalen minority. As the Serpent dominates the Senate they have close ties with both the Sibyllah and the Order of the Tome only opposed by their unwilling servants, The Radiant Scimitar who think of them as plotting power mongers and rivals. Despite their high status the Zilc have earned a motley reputation as corrupt rulers paid off by the wealthy Caravan Company and their habit of using the manipulating powers of Path Regon to control the minds of their subjects have turned several rebel movements against their rule.

To help them keep control of their enemies the Winding Serpent have developed their own secret police – the infamous Heph Seis also known as The Vipers. Mostly recruited from slaves or fanatic followers the members of Heph Seis use secret forgotten magic to lend powers from reptiles, snakes and according to the rumours, even then serpentine Gandril People. These scaly guards aided by sharp claws and heightened senses are masters of espionage, guile and warfare and their merciless treatment of traitors and rebels have made them feared throughout the Concordia. It is said that the only thing a Viper fears are the Black Leapers serving the Sibyllah council – yet if their interests collide the two spy guilds are often seen working together in the common interest of the Concordia.