I believe the following suggestions would improve the visual appeal of the Yuan-ti race as well as expand role-play possibilities for many people, aligning with the established lore and enhancing player immersion.
1. Outdated Male Model:
Replace the outdated male lizardfolk model with some more appealing and newer models.
Reasoning: The current lizardfolk model is unattractive and unpopular to the point of confusion among some people who mistake Yuan-ti for lizards and ask in the direct messages what race that even is, as they are not able to recognize it. Practically, almost no one uses it. Updating it would greatly improve both player experience and clarity.
2. Head Models and Skin Colors:
Allow Yuan-ti characters to modify their head models and skin colors, akin to Rakshasas or by using -head and -skin commands, or add an option for a second head and skin.
Reasoning: Yuan-ti are known for their ability to magically alter their appearance to resemble humans. Due to the lack of any appealing Yuan-ti model options, people often create characters with green or just unnaturally colored skin and unattractive head models to achieve a snakelike appearance, greatly limiting their role-play options. Restoring this flexibility would enhance their ability to openly interact with the world in many meaningful and interesting ways. This feature also aligns with the epic bluff feat already approved for the rogue class by Irongron, meaning it could also be extended to this race by default.
3. Larger Snake Forms:
Introduce options for transforming into larger more dangerous-looking snakes, preferably not the fat ones encountered next to the Crow's Nest.
Reasoning: The current small snake forms can often be perceived as comical and even humiliating. Like the previous suggestions, larger snake forms would provide more engaging roleplay opportunities for intimidation and enhance the Yuan-ti's fearsome reputation.
4. Addition of Another Female Model:
Include the Financier's model from the Shadovar Trade Post in the female polymorph menu.
Reasoning: This model already exists and is better looking than the single currently available one. It would provide a visually appealing option for many female characters.
5. Access to the Underdark Portals?
Regarding non-visual upgrades: As a monstrous race, shouldn't all Yuan-ti have access to the Underdark portals? I think they currently do not have it. It may have been simply overlooked, when the race was first introduced.
P.S. If the head model and skin color suggestions are a bit much, the race can also be moved to the major award section, but as I see it, it is widely unpopular, having very few active players, as it is. This option would make most Yuan-ti appear like normal humans in most interactions anyway. Thus, there should be more of them, not less.