Lamia

The Lamia are a sentient serpentine species with four arms extending from a humanoid upper torso. Their serpentine bodies allow for swift, fluid movement across difficult terrain, from jungles to the tightly packed streets of urban environments. Their four arms give them an advantage in combat and multitasking, making them highly effective as soldiers, workers, or gladiators. With sharp, predatory features and slit-like pupils, the Lamia’s vision is adapted for low-light environments. Their forked tongues serve as an advanced sensory tool, detecting chemical signals in the air. Tough, scale-covered skin protects them from environmental hazards. Lamia scales come in a variety of colors. They possess an acute sense of smell through their forked tongues, and their heat-sensitive vision makes them formidable hunters, even in the dark or hostile environments.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Characteristics:

Lamia have the following modifiers applied to their characteristics: DEX+1, EDU-1, SOC-1

Traits:

Heightened Sense: Lamia heat-sensitive vision and forked tongues provide them with sensory abilities. All Lamia receive DM+2 to any Recon and Survival skill checks.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lamia ley clutches of eggs, between 2-6 per gestation period. it seems as sentient beings their biology value quality over quantity, with the smaller clutches for their size, compared to what have been observed among other serpentines. The gestation period, from laying to hatching, lasts approximately 3–4 months, though this can vary slightly depending on environmental conditions. Hatchlings emerge relatively well-developed, capable of basic mobility and feeding shortly after birth.
In contrast to many serpentine species, Lamia exhibit a degree of parental investment unusual for their serpent-like ancestry. Parents or extended family groups actively guard their eggs and provide essential guidance to the hatchlings during their early years. However it seems, this care is rooted more in instinct and duty than in emotional attachment. Lamia parents ensure their offspring survive and integrate into society but maintain a degree of detachment that can be unsettling to other species. Once young Lamia are capable of independence, the parental role diminishes sharply, and offspring are expected to fend for themselves both socially and practically.
Lamia maintain a awareness of familial relationships, and individuals are typically well-acquainted with their siblings and extended family. Clutch-Siblings often grow up alongside one another, competing as much as cooperating, fostering a dynamic that blends collaboration with rivalry. Emotional displays of affection are seemingly rare among the Lamia, replaced by gestures of respect or mutual acknowledgment.

Civilization and Culture

History

The Lamia were first enslaved during the height of the Galactic Empire’s expansion. Their homeworld, with its rich resources and strategic location, was swiftly conquered by Imperial forces. Despite fierce resistance, the Lamia were subjugated, and their society dismantled. Their serpentine strength and versatility made them highly valued as slaves, and they were dispersed across the galaxy, used for everything from labor in Imperial factories to elite warriors in deadly arenas.
House Serpentis-Imperii, one of the most influential noble families, took a particular interest in the Lamia, treating them as prized slaves and symbols of status. This relationship led to many Lamia serving directly under the House’s control, whether as gladiators, personal bodyguards, or even trusted advisors. Over the centuries, the Lamia were forced to adopt the role of both servant and tool for the Empire’s expansion
After the fall of the Empire the Lamia remained scattered. with some seeking to unite their fractured people, while others continue to live under foreign rule or as mercenaries for hire.

Lifespan

70–85 years

Average Length

5 meters