Naga

Slithering deathdealers with bad attitudes.

The Nagina Serpens species of demonkind, referred to as a 'naga' or 'lamia' depending on biological sex, is an atypical demon. As with all demons, they are effective spellcasters, especially lamia, but eschew the relative safety of casting from a distance and many ignore casting altogether. Naga frequently engage in close-quarters combat with spears, scimitars, daggers, and other weaponry at a skill level comparable to seasoned Aemark veterans. Warlocks summon naga and lamia as dedicated martial protection, which contributes to a high survival rate in battles against the Al'Orphic Alliance and Kaokut Coalition.
Note: The majority of summonings targeting the Nagina Serpens species result in a naga (this entry will refer to 'naga,' but all traits are applicable to lamia as well).

Anatomy and Morphology

Naga by SK Kage (via Firefly)

According to the the Introduction to Demons and Summonings and the Warlock's Registry (WR), naga are a dangerous class of demon high in the castes of demonkind. Despite the risks, skilled warlocks seek naga for their physical prowess and, thus, scholars developed a wealth of knowledge regarding their behaviors and tactics. Based upon information extracted from demons, naga aggressively defend their territory in the Realms and disputes end in blood more often than not.
Naga do not have legs and instead are essentially two-armed snakes, usually blue, green, or a teal-like mix in color. The average naga 'stands' at a height of between five and six feet, though they they raise themselves up from their tail with a hunched posture that belies their true size. When measured from the tip of their snout to the end of their tail, naga can reach lengths of ten feet or more and weigh more than 600 pounds, most of which is well-toned muscle. They continually hold themselves aloft with core strength and have a wide tail to rest upon and as such, naga are nigh impervious to being knocked down or pushed against their will.
It is a rare sight to see a naga without an arsenal of weapons at hand, with the typical complement including two daggers, two shortswords, a spear, and a hand crossbow. Each is available at a moment's notice and wielded with great skill. The typical naga engages multiple combatants simultaneously, using their superior physical characteristics to offset the numerical disadvantage.
Though not considered a death sentence to summon, few young warlocks risk contracting with a naga until after graduating from an Academy. After entering the Aemark military, and after seeing battle, naga become a more tantalizing prospect due to enemies prioritizing wizards over martial troops.

Naga Breeds

There are two breeds of naga: sharpnose and ridgeback, which are distinguished by the design of the hardened cartilage of their heads and backs. Sharpnose naga retain a more snake-like appearance with relatively smooth scales from their heads to their tails. Exceptions to this smoothness are the nose and elbows. Sharpnose naga, as their name implies, have a several-inch upturned horn on their snout, which, as Al'oprhics and dwarves know, can be employed as a small dagger to parry or stab in combat. Similarly, a sharpnose's elbow spikes, extending backwards from the forearm are effective and deadly weapons that are hard enough to turn a steel blade aside.
While the scales of a sharpnose are harder than snakes in Turan, they pale in comparison to the ridgeback. A ridgeback naga need make no effort to turn away a blow aimed at its crown or back as their bony spikes and scales protect them. Experiments by scholars found few ways to break or sever these spikes without first subduing the naga, which is itself a feat. Humanoids view the ridgeback as more vicious because the ridges force a more severe facial structure and appearance.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As with all demonkind, naga are capable of seeing magical energy using aether sight. However, naga also possess a keen sense of smell and the ability to detect heat at range. In contrast with imps, succubi, and other demons, they do not demonstrate a deep degree of insight into the humanoid mind or emotions. Fortunately, wizards avail themselves of this limitation to control naga effectively as naga fail to probe loopholes in a summoning contract.

Growth Rates and Life Stages

Scholars have long-sought to understand the growth of demonkind, but it remains a troublesome area of study. Other than reports from the early days of summoning, there is little evidence from demons younger than a century in age. According to available data and interrogations, naga reach their adult size between 50 and 100 years of age and can live for up to a millenium at the high end.

Magical Aptitude

The WR records that most every summoned naga possessed basic binding and hex magic, though their skill with these disciplines is only passable by the standards of Aemark wizards. Some naga cast transformation magic in rare circumstances, but their illusions are unimpressive and easily seen through. A respectable proportion of naga, about 15%, are skilled pyromancers. These desirable specimens devastate entire squads of enemies, who rarely train to fight a foe with combined martial and arcane mastery.

Scientific Name
Nagina Serpens

Lifespan
500-750 years (sharpnose)
600-900 years (ridgeback)

Average Height
5'8" to 6'0" (floor to horn)
8'6" to 9'6" (nose to tail)

Average Weight
450 to 700 lbs.

Geographic Distribution
The Realms

Warlock Weaponry

Have a contracted demon? We've got the armaments you need to make them shine! High-quality, extreme durability gear for the most aggressive of summons!
I can only assume this is an offshoot of an established weapons shop. Only naga use weapons extensively.

Demonkind