Naga

The Hidden

Naga are one of the Scaled races, originating during the Third Era when the Raka- also known as Scalefolk- ruled over the Second Plane. Naga, however, are not proper Scalefolk, as they differ mentally and physically from them. Unlike the Raka, who were bipedal and digitigrade, Naga resemble giant snakes. They lack arms and legs, instead only possessing a head and a long, coiling body. Despite their intelligence and magical capacities, which are significant, their lack of interest in forming society (as well as opposable thumbs) precluded them from joining the success of the Scalefolk. This, in the end, turned out to be a blessing, for they escaped the fate that befell their civilized cousins and were instead spirited away by An to the Third Plane, and later to the Ninth.

Naga are wise, solitary, and strange creatures that primarily inhabit the hotter regions of the Ninth Plane. They are powerful mages and sorcerers, even without training, but prefer to live life in the great wilds of the world, rarely if ever interacting with other intelligent species. They are also exceedingly long-lived, with lifespans of more than three centuries. They are carnivorous, and some do dine on other intelligents, but most are not malevolent, and prefer fleeing to fighting if the choice should arise. While young Naga are only ten feet long stretched out, elders can exceed four times that amount, as Naga never stop growing until death.

Some cults venerate the Naga, though most of them would prefer not to interact with other mortals at all. Naga have their own Patron Goddess, Essamis, who was once a Naga herself. Worship of Essamis has also been picked up by the Chimera Shadraani, who feel a usually one-sided devotion to Naga.