>>6309185The undead were carefully hidden beneath the sand, their presence known only to you and a select few. As the caravan continued on its journey, you saw for the first time this great lake, which might be better described as an inland sea, for you couldn't peer past the horizon, where the merchant ships came and went. The sight of the bustling port city on the shores of the lake filled you with a sense of anticipation; there would surely be a snake cult hidden among the labyrinthine streets and dark alleys, awaiting their master's return.
It was a great surprise to see that they were practising in the open, their temple a grand structure adorned with serpentine motifs, standing proudly in the centre of the city. The locals seemed unfazed by their presence, going about their daily lives as if the cult were just another part of the city.
Immediately, you more or less had Samarda and Nafiri bolt over there to inspect with your own eyes *what* was the cause of such openness, though you soon enough saw why: the fat priest, with his booming voice, leading the cult in their chants and rituals, while preaching about the need to pray for safe travel across the desert and how the great serpent would protect those who showed devotion. But it was clear that it wasn't like the other snake cults; there was no hidden malevolence, no awaiting your return. No, these had washed their hands of the old ways and seemed content to simply worship their serpent god in peace, without any ulterior motives or dark intentions. This wouldn't do, not at all; something would need to be done.
>Try to arrange for a private meeting with the high priest.>This priest is weak; I should find a more suitable replacement in the flock.>I will not have anything to do with this; I shall destroy when I have my armies and b 