Venomfangs

Venomfangs | statblocks

Venomfangs
(Organization)
NE
Type	Goblin clan
Leader	Poisonmaster Slithix
Alignment	Neutral Evil
Headquarters	The Coil's Nest , a series of swampy tunnels filled with venomous creatures and poisonous plants.
Goals	To spread Yarglath ’s influence by sowing death and terror through poisons.
Scope	Regional, with raids on settlements and rival clans using venom as their primary weapon.
Structure	Merit-based hierarchy, where cunning and poison-crafting skills determine rank.
Members	Goblins, snake charmers, and venom masters.
Motivation	To spread fear and death through the use of venom and poison, honoring Yarglath ’s affinity for fear and nightmares.
Reputation	Infamous for their mastery of venomous creatures and deadly traps.
Age	Established around 60 years ago after a legendary battle involving venomous beasts.
Size	Medium (~200 members).
Stability	Stable, with leadership tied to mastery of poisons and deadly cunning.
Enemies	Healers, alchemists of opposing factions, and tribes that view poison as dishonorable.
Allies	Shadow-aligned tribes, serpent cults, and swamp-dwelling creatures.
Resources	Toxins, venom-coated weapons, and trained venomous serpents.
Other	The tribe worships serpents as sacred animals and considers venom to be a divine gift.

Structure & Hierarchy

The Venomfangs maintain a strict, merit-based hierarchy where power is determined by one’s mastery of poisons, cunning, and ability to instill fear. Leadership is not inherited but seized through demonstration of skill and ruthless ambition. Statblocks
Poisonmaster (Leader) – Slithix, the Poisoned Seer - The absolute ruler of the Venomfangs, Slithix claims divine authority from Yarglath and rules through fear, deception, and religious fervor. His decisions are final, and his word is treated as prophecy.
Fangpriests - Religious zealots and poison mystics who serve directly under Slithix, interpreting Yarglath’s will. They brew potent toxins, conduct venom-blessing rituals, and oversee assassinations of dissenters.
Fanglords (Elite Warriors & Lieutenants) - The deadliest warriors of the tribe, each personally trained in the use of venom-coated weapons and serpentine combat. They act as commanders during raids and enforcers of Slithix’s will.
Venomcallers (Snake Charmers & Beastmasters) - These individuals possess the rare ability to command venomous creatures, ranging from snakes to deadly swamp beasts. Their presence in battle is feared as they summon swarms of biting horrors.
Deathfangs (Assassins & Infiltrators) - Stealth specialists who rely on poisoned daggers, darts, and shadow magic to eliminate enemies before they even sense danger. Many are former outcasts who proved their worth through cunning.
Poisonfangs (Standard Warriors & Raiders) - The backbone of the Venomfangs, these goblins are trained in the use of venom-coated weapons, ambush tactics, and guerrilla warfare. Each carries a vial of poison to either use in combat or to end their own life if captured.
Venomborn (Trainees & Initiates) - Young goblins or captured foes who undergo painful poison rituals to prove their worth. Those who survive become full members; those who fail perish, serving as grim reminders of the tribe’s brutality.

Culture & Rituals

The Trial of the Fang: New recruits must survive a bite from a venomous snake. Those who endure the pain and resist death without begging for mercy are deemed worthy.
The Coiling Rite: High-ranking members undergo a ritual where they are wrapped in constrictor snakes while hallucinating from powerful toxins. If they emerge stronger, they are granted greater status.
The Night of Whispers: A secretive ceremony where the Fangpriests whisper divine omens to Slithix, often shaping major tribal decisions and war efforts.

Combat Doctrine & Warfare

The Venomfangs prioritize stealth, terror, and biological warfare. Unlike other goblin clans that rely on sheer numbers, they strike from the shadows and let poison do the killing over time.

Ambush & Psychological Warfare: Using traps, venomous creatures, and terrifying illusions, they weaken enemy morale before the real fight begins.
Poisoned Battlefields: Before a major assault, Venomcallers release deadly serpents into enemy camps or contaminate water supplies with slow-acting toxins.
Hit-and-Fade Raids: Poisonfangs strike suddenly and withdraw before retaliation, leaving their foes writhing in pain from unseen venoms.
Assassination & Sabotage: Deathfangs infiltrate enemy ranks to kill key leaders and spread panic before a battle even starts.

Common Phrases & Dialogue

“The bite is painless; the agony lasts forever.” (A common taunt before delivering a poison strike.)
“Yarglath whispers your fate… and it is despair.” (A Fangpriest’s threat before cursing an enemy.)
“Fear is the venom of the mind. Drink deep.” (A Fanglord training new recruits.)
“Slithix sees what you fear most. Run, and he will find you.” (A common warning among enemy tribes.)
“The poison is not in the blade, but in the soul.” (A Deathfang’s parting words before assassinating a target.)