Naga

Nagas were a race of intelligent snake-like immortals with widely differing abilities and alignments.

Description
Nagas resembled giant snakes with heads that bore a humanoid resemblance. They typically ranged from in length and weighed around. Though some were known to be over a in length.

Abilities
Nagas were known to have a natural affinity for spellcasting, being born with an inherent understanding of the art of magic.

Biology
Though nagas and their deities were perceived as having distinct sexes, they were an entirely hermaphrodite species. A naga could reproduce by copulating with another member of their subrace or simply by impregnating itself. No method was preferred over the other and the choice of method came down to convenience or personal preference.

Much like most snake and reptile species, nagas were known to dislike cold climates.

History
Nagas were created by the sarrukh in the early days of Mhairshaulk as a servitor race. They were created by magically interbreeding powerful serpents with the natural intelligence and inquisitiveness of humans. In their capacity as servitors they served the sarrukh as guards, researchers of magic, and explorers of uncharted lands.

The first nagas to be created were water nagas, who were bred for the purpose of exploring the vast lands and oceans of Abeir-Toril. Over time, the nagas helped the sarrukh to establish the foundations of magic in the kingdoms of Mhairshaulk, Isstosseffifi, Okoth.



Subspecies of Naga
After the fall of Mhairshaulk and Shekinester's split into five guises, five major subspecies of nagas arose, as well as at least four minor subspecies.


 * Major Subspecies :
 * Dark naga
 * Guardian naga
 * Iridescent naga
 * Spirit naga
 * Water naga


 * Minor Subspecies :
 * Banelar naga
 * Bone naga
 * Bright naga
 * Ha-naga
 * Nagahydra

A similar-looking species created by spirit nagas as servitors was the nagatha.

Society
Because of the flexibility their species had in regards to reproduction, the concept of mates held far less importance among nagas compared to other creatures.

Diet
They were known to eat the flesh of humans, orcs, and other races.

Religion
Prior to his fragmentation, all nagas worshiped the World Serpent. Some theologians speculate that their curiosity and questioning over his many facets is what led to him fragmenting.

Following the World Serpent's fragmentation and the fall of Mhairshaulk most nagas worshiped Shekinester, a lesser goddess that fragmented from him, and her son Parrafaire. Dark nagas were known to venerate Sess'innek. Banelar nagas were known to worship either Bane or Cyric.

Magic
Lesser kiira, or "lore gems", were commonly created and used by nagas.

Appearances

 * Adventures : City of the Spider Queen • Mysteries of the Moonsea • Pool of Radiance: Attack on Myth Drannor • Reclamation • Dead in Thay • Over the Edge
 * Organized Play & Licensed Adventures : Fathomless Pits of Ill Intent
 * Card Games : Dragonfire: Shadows over Dragonspear Castle
 * Novels : Temple Hill • Red Magic • Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor • The Crimson Gold''
 * Video Games : Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor • Dungeon Hack • Eye of the Beholder III: Assault on Myth Drannor