Naga (also known as “serpent men”) are an ancient race of reptilian humanoids found only on certain tropical islands and on the vast continents of Mu and Lemuria. Highly intelligent beings, Naga are amongst the most evil of living creatures, and have a deep hatred of other humanoid races.
There are two different types of Naga: the common Naga, and the Nagaraja (“Naga kings”). Common Naga are by far the predominant type, making up from 95-99% of the total Naga population. They are fully humanoid in form, and are bipedal. Nagaraja, on the other hand, have humanoid upper torsos and serpentine lower bodies. Both types are cold-blooded and have scaly hides and relatively low metabolic rates. Naga of either type are susceptible to cold, and can only live in hot climatic regions.
All Naga revere Tiamat, a monstrous dragon/serpent said to live at the earth’s center, as their patron deity. Only Nagaraja may aspire to be priests and priestesses of Tiamat, though common Naga are often allowed to practice necromancy or wizardry. The tenets of the Naga’s religion are simple and inflexible: the Naga were the first race on earth, the Naga are superior to other races, and the Naga will one day unite all the saurian species and rule the world. Not surprisingly, devotees of Tiamat are encouraged to sacrifice, slay, or enslave other humanoids in order to help achieve these goals. The Naga, in fact, employ slave labor exclusively to construct temples and serpentine labyrinths dedicated to their reptilian goddess.
In battle, Naga are vile and cunning antagonists. They are capable of using most types of weapons, though scimitars, long daggers, and staves are most often preferred. Nagaraja are especially dangerous, for in addition to their spell casting powers they are able to entwine about and crush victims in their snake-like lower bodies. It is known that certain Nagaraja also possess a venomous bite, similar in effect to a cobra’s.
Naga can communicate empathically with snakes or reptiles of any kind. Nagaraja possess this ability to an even greater degree, and are able to control reptilian creatures who approach within twenty feet of them.
Though few in number, Naga are undoubtedly a threat to the other humanoid races. Because they live up to 200 years, Nagaraja priests and Naga wizards and necromancers are capable of attaining great magical power. The insidious actions of these followers of Tiamat are well-documented, and seem certain to continue as long as the Naga race exists (see Cults).
Height/Length: 6 ft. (Naga), 10 ft. (Nagaraja)
Weight: 140-180 (Naga), 300-400 + (Nagaraja)
Attributes: STR: 11-17 SPD: 8-16 DEX: 6-16 CON: 10-18
INT: 10-18 WILL: 8-16 CHA: 2-16 PER: 11-19
Level: 1-8 + (see Comments)
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Damage: All: as per weapon employed; Nagaraja: Tail: 2-12 (constriction, per round)
Special Attributes:
Spell casting
Empathic communication with reptilians (range: unknown)
Nagaraja: control reptilians (range: 20 ft.; save vs WILL to resist)
Cold causes sluggishness (-1 penalty on all saves and attacks)
Venomous bite (10% of Naga population; damage as per a cobra)
Armor: Unarmored
Hit Points: 12-32 +
Comments:
Ancient Naga and Nagaraja may exceed the 8th level of ability. They may be Warriors, Priests, Witches, Witch Hunters, or Necromancers.
