Zstulkk Ssarmn

Zstulkk Ssarmn was a yuan-ti abomination who was a slaver of Skullport and one of the founders of the Iron Ring.

Description
Zstulkk Ssarmn's head closely resembled a human, but the rest of his body was that of a large snake with no arms or legs. He wore a magical neckband that made him appear fully human, albeit with a low-sloping forehead and skin that did not quite conceal a pattern of scales.

Possessions
In order to appear human, Zstulkk had a magical neckband that altered his appearance. He was also known to wear a brooch of shielding and a ring of protection +2.

Relationships
The leaders of the consortium, known as the Lords of Iron, were reluctant partners at best and despised enemies at worst, but worked together enough to make a successful slave trade organization, all the while scheming to take control of the Iron Ring for themselves.

History
Zstulkk hailed from Hlondeth and became one of the most prominent slavers in Skullport. He realized the limitations of independent slave trade, so, in 1363 DR, he founded&mdash;together with fellow slaver and priest of Loviatar, Quinan Varnaed&mdash;the Iron Ring consortium. Zstulkk maintained a cadre of yuan-ti purebloods and half-breeds under him.

In Nightal, 1369 DR, Zstulkk Ssarmn threatened another Lord of Iron, Ahmaergo of the Xanathar Thieves' Guild, in front of the general populace and then later that night staged a symbolic attack on Ahmaergo's residence using yuan-ti agents. The purpose of this show of force was unknown, but Ahmaergo responded by changing and reinforcing his defenses and having two yuan-ti publicly murdered in the street.

One of Zstulkk's plots was to construct a secret temple to Sseth and afterward create so many yuan-ti that they could overthrow the city. This temple was completed by 1372 DR beneath his home, and the process of creating new yuan-ti servitors was begun, including the creation of tainted ones.