In the heart of the Shaar, at the northern tip of Lake Lhespen, lies the ruined town of Lhesper. Destroyed by gnoll raiders in 640 DR, it has lain in ruins ever since. Currently, several yuan-ti arcane spellcasters, all of whom are members of an organization known as the Coiled Cabal, are searching for something in Lhesper. Recently, they have begun enlisting the unwilling aid of local tribesfolk and travelers to help with that search. Humanoids taken to Lhesper are usually either sacrificed to the yuan-ti deity or transformed into broodguards and tainted ones. (See Serpent Kingdoms for more information on the yuan-ti and the Coiled Cabal.)