Church of the Silverwing Serpent

The Church of the Silverwing Serpent is the earthly religious organization devoted to Dambastra — the serpent deity of the Swamp Gods pantheon whose domains include transformation, serpents, and hidden knowledge. The Church's relationship with the Siv is one of active, ongoing conflict.

Theology

Dambastra is represented as a serpent coiled in the shadows, embodying transformation and the hidden mysteries of the swamp. For worshippers, this translates into a practice centered on personal transformation (physical and spiritual), the cultivation of secret knowledge, and the belief that the most important truths are those hidden from casual view.

The Church interprets Dambastra's domain over "hidden knowledge" as a mandate for control of information pathways — including, critically, the The Spirit Road's transit network.

Conflict with the Siv

The primary tension between the Church of the Silverwing Serpent and the Siv is over access to the The Spirit Road. The Church actively attempts to subvert Siv control of the Road and intercept spiritual travel for Dambastra's political ends. From the Siv's perspective, this is an attack on their most sacred responsibility; from the Church's perspective, it is the logical extension of Dambastra's domain over hidden pathways and transformative transit.

The conflict has never been openly declared, and both the Siv and the Church maintain nominal worship of the same pantheon — but the practical competition for Spirit Road control makes any genuine alliance between them impossible.

Current Activity

The Church operates most visibly in Threetrees and Silverpool, where Dambastra's shrines have historically been well-maintained. Whether the Church has taken advantage of Papa Croakus's captivity to expand Dambastra's influence is unclear — but the question is noted.

See also: Dambastra, Swamp Gods, The Spirit Road, Siv.