Naga

Usually found in areas of deep forests, caves and bodies of water; usually they will try and avoid other inhabitants but look hard enough and you’ll find one. They are logical thinkers and often can compete in competence among other intelligent species, however, should never be underestimated as weak or lacking the will for aggressive arms. Keeping your wits about you is true for all creatures, make no mistake for this one as well.

""''My species has always hated one another, The sounds of argument go on and on, and so, we are stuck in primitive ways. But I tell you, we are the trap makers, we are the pit of spikes of which you shall die from, make peace with us, yes. But mind your step, There’s always snakes in the grass. ''""

- - Chief Scour

Overview
As a very solitary species, not much is documented on the tribes and groups of Nagas. They most certainly derive from the common snake, however, it is believed in more ancient times, snakes grew larger and had a stake in major hunting grounds. In doing so, evolution took its course and with the need for intelligence, the Nagas rose.

Nagas come in all shapes and sizes, a common trait for all species that live in different environments, but can normally be cateragised with common sense and where they live. Cave Nagas are said to be the most isolationist, forest Nagas are the most mobile, and water Nagas are the most sociable. They all are found in groups of five to ten, with some communities ranging to twenty to a hundred.

Unlike most other species - Nagas have very little differences between male and females. They do not have breasts, or any "feminine" appearances that are present in other species. Females do have a slightly smaller frame than males, but both often look very similar to one another. The only true difference between a male and female Naga outside of their reproductive systems - is the length of their tails, and the shape of their scales near the end.

Though, don't go up to a snake and lift their tails up. If you do, expect to leave without hands - or a head.

Personality Traits
Most if not all fall within the reaches of wary, cautious, and generally a lack of any empathy. Forrest and water Nagas have these to somewhat of a lesser extent, they will not attack onsight and in some circumstances show pity if they can relate to it. Cave Nagas have been infamous for attacking anyone who crosses certain boundaries in their territory and even in mercenary groups people stay away from them. You’ll get no sympathy from them.

They work well alone, they often work worse with others, and they take pride that they survived another day. Many times, they are very rarely hired for Frey work despite their talent in combat due to the fact that they bring down team morale, get into fights very often and can be rash, and often end up destroying teams.

Nagas will very often end up being the downfall of a well put team. However, if the right Naga is taken - can become the very reason why it succeeds. Very often though, they do not like working together and are extremely selfish and have difficulty listening to commands or orders. They are stubborn followers, and selfish leaders.

Forrest, Water, and Cave Nagas:
Forrest Nagas, categorised by having green shades of scales and living in wooded areas, are known as the most mobile. Having high agility, they make traversing the forests with ease as they jump, slithers, and coil with high efficiency. They normally build their dens high up in the trees or underground shelters, both are very hard to spot and have a tendency to be highly defendable due to Naga’s desire to be alone from any intruders. Trade routes to the Forest Naga are highly confidential and merchants must be well equipped with networks to find them and their sort out Naga wares.

Water Nagas, categorised by their blue shading and living in or near bodies of water, as the most sociable and least aggressive. Though they are still quarrelsome and still are very wary of outsiders, many creatures came to them when water became scarce. Rather than fighting, they set up a truce that is upheld today, that for protection, economic benefits and jewels, they would share their water. Today, they still stand, however gold and metals have been recently found more precious. They live in dens built in the shores, under the sand and some have adapted to live under the water. Though they are the most likely to work together, they still run scarce of resources like those of the forest or cave Nagas.

Cave Nagas, categorised by their black and grey shading, often obscured by the scars the bear. These Nagas have taken the isolationist philosophy to the extreme, for those who aren’t working for mercenary groups, normal cave Nagas will block every route to them. Rarely found in groups above five, these Nagas are known for their strength, cunningness, and xenophobic nature. Trade is virtually impossible, working with another species remains very difficult but are highly sought out as their traps and ambush techniques are hard to combat against.

Diet
Purely carnivores, most communities have a large portion of their population working as hunting parties to provide for others. As there is a lack of kindness when hunting, hunters usually keep the best game and catch for their own families to feed whilst selling the worst meats for others; this isn’t particularly frowned upon since Nagas aren’t known to be picky, however it is something worth noting.

As a side note, Nagas will develop a specific taste to what type of species they are: Water Nagas will prefer fish and sea shore creatures whilst Cave Nagas will prefer bats or insects.

There are specific Forrest Nagas who will farm non edible vegetables and crops for the sole reason of luring or keeping livestock, however, it is considered advanced and requires a lot of teamwork.

Age
Nagas have a tendency to live to one hundred however Nagas that are well fed and have a short history in battle or sickness, can live up to the one hundred to two hundred mark. The only exception to this rule is Cave Nagas which tend to get into a lot more fights which ultimately lowers average life expectancy.

Abilities
In terms of their abilities, many Nagas have a wide variety, but are usually elemental in one way or another. However, they do not have freeform control of these abilities like most other species do, in a way where some with Fire Manipulation may be able to manipulate fire entirely, create it with a spark and form fireballs, and jets of flames - Nagas can only utilize their abilities if coupled with a tool, or a weapon.

It is said that their magic is too low and weak to be able to use it on their own. As such, it is not uncommon for Nagas to have enchanted weapons that enhance their abilities so that they can use it on the same capacity as other more magic oriented species - like Impure Humans, or Elves.

Nagas only usually have one ability, channeling it through their weapon to form powerful attacks, remixed with elements, or whatever born ability they have. When young reach a stable age to have good control over their movements - they are usually tested for their magic by their tribe or colony.

This happens once a year, usually during winter - where they believe their magic is strongest in accordance to Lyrassel’s moon festival. While most do not worship her - it is so widespread and common that it has been adopted into their tribes tradition - though, they do not worship her directly during this festival - and merely worship their boost in magic instead.

They are granted the weapon of their parents - usually their father - and will arrive in a designated area, where they will all attempt to utilize the given weapons. The weapons are usually not enchanted until they’ve performed and revealed their powers. When revealed - they will be gifted a beginners weapon, unenchanted, and will begin training in the weeks to come - until they’ve mastered their weapon.

Once a Naga has found their ability - they will usually go about enchanting it to enhance it in specific ways, but all of them increase the potency of their magic. Occasionally - a Naga may be born with no magic, or no combat abilities. It isn’t usually regarded as a bad thing, but some may become insecure of it and are noted to generally be seen by society as one with lesser worth, or easier to harm in a combat situation.

Those Nagas will typically search for ways to make up for it by using relics that grant magical abilities, or become very proficient at evading magic and detection - essentially becoming ones that ambush and trap instead of directly confronting an enemy.

Dating:
Many Nagas will often stay with their partner throughout their whole life as Nagras often produce several eggs so making sure one's legacy is preserved is no issue. Although it is uncommon and in some cases frowned upon, to court with multiple Nagas, cave Nagas will find it the only way necessary to find more troops for their own selfish needs. Partners usually are on good terms, and this is where the concept of “love” comes best to the species, especially during when the eggs are laid and it is tradition the males collect and guard all the eggs. These shifts happen throughout the entire day, even the cave Nagas follow until hatching day.

As a side note, since multiple eggs can be laid and no threat of lack of population as well as no leading religion that rules tribes, not seeking a mate or homosexality is uncommon but accepted.

As for how one would attract another Naga, many Naga’s find their mate naturally though their work, off time, or war. All of these have conditions where Nagas have to be in very close quarters within each other, and if there’s anything more annoying than other people, it’s silence. And so small talk is commonplace, and then, friendship or even deeper conversation can occur. However, if a Naga is still having trouble with finding a mate, a Naga can try their luck with other tribes, (most Nagas in this situation go to shore dwelling water Nagas as they are the most sociable).

Initiation of becoming partners is rather simple, a symbol of sorts is often used to signify a partner. An often choice is a tattoo, a ring, or an object named after them. Nothing else occurs after that, the couple can choose if they wish to celebrate with close ones or go about their day normally. Water and Forrest Nagas are free to bring offspring into the world of their choosing, Cave Nagas are encouraged to provide offspring as soon as possible, however, are not cruel enough to force that idea.

Children
There are many factors which determine how many children a Naga couple will produce, however, the biggest one out there is how willing the parents are to bear them. Normal couples have the ability to produce tens of children, but doing so is a great mental toll as well as large financial cost as well. What is regarded as a safe number of children to have during a lifetime is three to ten, and in more organised tribes they can encourage more or less depending on their current situation. Naga’s reproduce similarly to all other spices, male and female copulation and similarly how they are birthed. However, as reptiles, they lay eggs the size of small game and they will need to hatch. Usually eggs are laid in the dens of the couple and carried off to a community area where temperatures are monitored, guarded, and fortified. Fathers will be shifted from normal work to shifts on the community area; and to avoid bias or suspicious nature and to encourage survival of the species from ancient times, all Naga’s must swear to an oath to protect the eggs with their life no matter if it is the father’s egg.

After hatching day, the mother will take charge of looking after them and making sure their curiosity isn’t out of line. She is also expected to train them about peace, limited team work, and when to stop an argument. The father is usually set back to work again, however in his off time, should train the children fighting techniques, knowledge about the world, and general knowledge.

Children will follow their instinct and walk with their mother everywhere until adolescence. They will then follow their parents to work, learn from others around them or train themselves. A few years after, they will naturally drift from their parents and although it is uncommon for them to completely detach from their parents, it does happen. Usually children able to work, will work alongside their parents or go out venturing new aspects than working.

Black and White
Water Nagas and Forrest Nagas have basic agreements on what is considered good and what is considered bad. War, death and waste is widely frowned upon and is avoided; whilst survival, understanding and ability to keep temperament are celebrated. They value being able to live another day, find joy in doing things right themselves and working. They are fine not having much, as long as there is something to do.

Cave Nagas have more militaristic viewpoints on what they value however, they are more divided on this matter and so cannot be generalized as many Cave Nagas are scattered in ways.

Hierarchy
There is a basic hierarchy of elders who speak among themselves in a community to handle outsiders or problems within the community. However, if all Nagas are deemed equal in age, it is usually one with the most strength, intelligence or support who leads.

Trust
Many Nagas have deals with specific species however are extremely wary and must be together for a long time for them to trust you to an extent.