Nagas are a race of serpentine creatures that have a natural talent for magic and a keen intellect. They are often found guarding ancient ruins, sacred sites, or hidden treasures, where they use their spells and venomous bite to deter intruders. Nagas have a humanoid head and a long, scaly body that can reach up to 20 feet in length. They can speak Common and Celestial, as well as other languages depending on their subrace.
There are several types of nagas, each with their own abilities and alignment. Some of the most common are:
Bone Naga: These nagas are lawful evil and serve as undead guardians for their creators, who are often dark nagas or evil mages. They retain some of the spells they knew in life, but need only verbal components to cast them. They have a venomous bite and a stinger, and can detect thoughts of their enemies. They are immune to mind-reading and most undead traits.
Dark Nagas: These nagas are lawful evil and serve as undead guardians for their creators, who are often dark nagas or evil mages. They retain some of the spells they knew in life, but need only verbal components to cast them. They have a venomous bite and a stinger, and can detect thoughts of their enemies. They are immune to mind-reading and most undead traits.
Guardian Nagas: These nagas are lawful good and serve as protectors of holy places and items. They are skilled clerics and can cast spells such as flame strike, geas, and true seeing. They are immune to poison and can rejuvenate themselves if killed.
Spirit Nagas: These nagas are chaotic evil and seek to dominate others with their magic and cunning. They are powerful wizards and can cast spells such as bestow curse, clairvoyance, and banishment. They can also charm or frighten their enemies with their gaze. They are vulnerable to radiant damage and can be permanently killed by a wish spell.
Water nagas: These nagas are neutral and live in aquatic environments. They are adept swimmers and can breathe underwater. They can cast spells such as calm emotions, hold person, and freedom of movement. They are resistant to acid damage and can spit poison at their foes.
Nagas are ancient creatures that have a long history of interacting with other races. They were originally created by the sarrukh, a race of lizardfolk that ruled over the continent of Faerûn in the distant past. The sarrukh used magic to combine the traits of humans and serpents, creating the nagas as servants, guards, and explorers.
Nagas worship Shekinester, the goddess of wisdom and fate. Shekinester has five aspects, each representing a different facet of naga life: the Empowerer, the Preserver, the Seeker, the Weaver, and the Destroyer. Each aspect has its own symbol, color, domain, and favored subrace of nagas. Nagas often build temples or shrines dedicated to one or more aspects of Shekinester, where they perform rituals and offer sacrifices.