Naga (race)
In Belegarth, the Naga are a race of serpentine monsters, able to change their form between that of a large snake, a humanoid hybrid with a serpentine lower body and the upper body of a human, or that of a human with scaled arms and a halo of snakes around their head. Naga are believed to have been created by their goddess to protect the humans from the stronger races of the world, though not all believe in this divine calling.
Origins
The Naga are said to have been created by Kadru when she became enamored by the beings known as humans. Being that they were weak and frail compared to the other races her siblings had made, Kadru sought to create her own race; one with the durable scales and graceful agility of a snake, to protect the much weaker humans, yet able to stand beside them in battle without arousing too much suspicion, and so the Naga were born; able to shift their form between that of a large serpent, or a human with a halo of snakes at will.
While most Naga have forged their own path since their creation, there are still those who take this divine calling seriously.
Rumors:
Some suggest Kadru did not create the Naga to protect the humans, but instead brought humans into her fold, suggesting that the Naga are, in fact, the descendants of Kadru and her human paramours. These are no doubt slanderous lies spread by mischievous Goblyns with nothing better to do.
Culture, Garb, and Signifiers
Deity:
Kadru: A female deity with the body of a great snake; Kadru is a goddess of dichotomy, and her domains include life, death, healing, and poisons.
Garb/Style:
Naga fashion often features layers of light, flowy fabrics such as silk and linen with gold accessories; however, Naga will often adopt the style and colors of their neighboring races, especially on the battlefield.
Traditional Naga makeup (regardless of gender, also entirely optional) is to heavily line and shadow the lower eye and have a line coming down the cheeks from the center of the eye. Color is up to personal preference, though some colors have been co-opted by specific sub-factions of Naga (see below)
Signifiers:
Universal:
All Naga, regardless of form, possess scaled patterns on their arms (Compression sleeves, or makeup, etc.). Some may also present scaled patterns on their cheeks (optional).
Human form:
A Naga in their human form should have a crown, cowl, diadem, necklace, or other head accessory evocative of snakes to represent the halo of snake heads around a Naga's head.
Hybrid form:
Naga in their hybrid form possess some form of serpentine tail to represent the snake-like lower body of the Naga. If represented with a belt flag, it should be less than a foot in length (to avoid confusion with dragon belt flags). This tail should be colored to match arm scales, and may also be scaled.
Known Sub-Factions
Patala-Naga:
Those descended from the survivors of Patala; they often use golden eyeshadow and lines trailing from their eyes as a symbol of the lost opulence of their former home. Hate Lamia, and will aggressively prioritize them on the fields of battle.
Lamia:
Descendants of those cursed by Kadru after the fall of Patala; they often use crimson eyeshadow and lines trailing from their eyes as a symbol of the betrayal of their cruel goddess. The Lamia believe Kadru is an evil goddess who betrayed her children without cause. They despise all other Naga.
Sheol-naga:
Naga raised from the dead through necromancy see their scales turn black as night, and some develop a white skull-like pattern of scales on their faces. Sheol-naga tend to specialize as assassins or necromancers within the ranks of the undead.
-Death Adders:
A cult of Sheol-naga who believe the world moves in cycles of life and death. They believe Kadru is the once and future wife of Hod, and that they once ruled together from a necropolis known as Sheol, and will do so again. When the Void rises to consume the world, they believe it is Kadru's unhinged maw that will swallow it.
Trivia
Naga are known for their skilled archers and potent poisons
Groups of Naga are called a Clutch, and each Clutch is ruled over by a Nagaraja.