Naga (5e Race)
Naga
Physical Description
| Credit to Paul Abrams |
At first glance, the coiling lower form of the naga is their defining feature, your eyes flowing upward to be met with a humanoid upper torso. To some naga, it is reminiscent of a normal human, save for their eyes, ears and pronounced canines. To be viewed behind a waist-high barricade, they could be mistaken for human. This is not true for all naga, as the humanity of their upper bodies wanes, following more to their serpentine bloodline with their scales, claws, and elongated necks ending in the head of a snake. Do not be fooled, as some of these variants of naga can be the most kind-hearted of their people.
History
Born far before the likes of the yuan-ti, the naga were the original forebears of Zehir. They were cunning, swift, secretive and lived long enough to give a great many years to their god. Throughout the Spellplague, they were loyal servants, their prowess and strength became the aspirations of the now yuan-ti. This visage would be their later vision of perfection, as the naga themselves would soon be torn from their creator, as Zehir grew hungrier in its need for power.
It would be Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon, who saw these warriors. Seeing their potential Wisdom and Intelligence that could be shaped through their lifespans, he offered them providence to renounce the shrewd, cruel ways of their creator. Seeing the opportunity at longevity and removal from under the thumb of Zehir, they agreed and had been changed to that of a divine-touched race.
Society
Like other humanoids, nagas have formed modern societies in their own kingdoms as well as being loyal subjects to other countries. This modernization mixed with their long lifetimes has allowed for more spiritual and intellectual pursuits, serving as protectors and guardians of treasures; both material riches and spiritual wealth. Others form more artistic drives, as naga fashionistas and artisans are valued contributors to multiple cultures, experience allowing for deepened expressions and meaning behind their work.
Naga Names
Naga names are slightly like that of yuan-ti in nature, but with shorter formations.
Male: Slin, Zas, Mitheph, Pozjashu, Grez'juss, Cesh, Skashjas, Sker'ken, Kuth'jirash, Rraj'u
Female: Hult'huph, Ushjer, Purkkes, Pugash, Shishjassas, Nozjus, Rrother, Keksuss, Higu, Kruss'tiss
Naga Traits
A proud race, their species varied by the environments they had taken residence to in the centuries following the birth of their kind.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2.
Age. Most naga live for a long time. The oldest recorded is said to have lived to be 500 years old.
Alignment. Naga are mostly lawful or neutral.
Size. Nagas are very well built, ranging from 5 feet 8 inches to over 7 feet tall when raised. Their body length is usually between 12-18 feet, though, are able to coil up to fit in the same size square as a medium creature and can squeeze through small openings at least as easily as a normal medium sized creature. They typically weigh between 275-350 pounds, consuming a bit more food than the average adult. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Keen Senses. You are proficient in the Perception skill.
Languages. You can read, write and speak Common, Celestial, and Draconic.
Subrace. Pick one from Sea, Desert, Jungle, Forest, and Urban.
Sea Heritage
Coastal settlements that can even be found up major rivers from the coast. With water being around most of their lives, these naga adapted and have become quite competent in the water.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1. As normal, you cannot increase a score over 20 with this feature.
Aqua Affinity. You can hold your breath for up to 15 minutes at a time.
Sea Serpent. You have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Desert Heritage
From sprawling desert cities to small towns, the desert has hardened these naga, making them strong both in body and swift across the hot sands.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Tough Scales. The harsh sun has toughened your scales. When you aren't wearing armor, your AC is 11 + your Strength modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield's benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.
Scavenger. You can survive twice as long without food or water as a normal creature of your size.
Jungle Heritage
Naga of the jungle are very well versed in herbology due to living off of nature's bounty, and have also grown a variety of resistances to natural toxins.
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Poison Resistance. You have resistance to poison damage, and you have advantage on saving throws against becoming poisoned.
Herbalist. The foliage of the jungle has given you knowledge in herbs and their preparation. You are proficient in the Medicine skill.
Forest Heritage
Commonly mistaken for their jungle counterparts, forest naga are less adept with plants and more evolved to climb and thrive among the trees.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Camouflage. You are proficient in the Survival skill.
Limber Body. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet.
Urban Heritage
Some naga forgo living in nature altogether and take to being one of the few nomadic groups that frequent the scenes of civilization, going from city to city.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Parseltongue. You can speak, read and write one extra language of your choice. You can also communicate simple ideas with snakes and serpents. They can understand the meaning of your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return.
Cultured. City life has given you a hobby, you become proficient in one artisan tool of your choice.
Racial Feats
If you reach a level where you would take a feat, you an take one of these racial feats instead if you fulfill the prerequisites.
Python
Prerequisites: naga race, 3rd-level
Through strength training, your body has the power to grapple enemies that are your size.
- You have advantage on checks to grapple enemies that are equal to or smaller than you in size.
- As a bonus action, you may squeeze a creature you are grappling for 1d4 bludgeoning damage. This damage increases by 1d4 at levels 8 (2d4), 12 (3d4), 16 (4d4), and 20 (5d4). This feature can be used a number of times equal to your Strength modifier. You regain all uses after you finish a long rest.
Basilisk
Prerequisites: naga race, 9th-level
Your gaze pierces the windows to the soul of your enemies, causing them to not move.
- Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
- At the start of your turn, you may pick a creature that you can see within 30 feet and force them to make a Wisdom saving throw or have their movement speed reduced to 0 until the end of their next turn. The DC for this saving throw is equal to 8 + your Wisdom modifier + your proficiency bonus. You regain use of this ability after you complete a short or long rest.
Venomous
Prerequisites: naga race, 5th-level
Having developed venom sacs in your gums, your fangs allow you to inject it into your enemies with a fearsome bite.
- Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
- When you successfully attack a creature within 5 feet of you, you may use a bonus action to make a following strike on that creature, forcing them to make a Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. The DC for this saving throw is equal to 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. You regain use of this ability after you complete a short or long rest.
Random Height and Weight
| Base Height | Height Modifier* | Base Weight | Weight Modifier** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ 8″ | +2d4 | 275 lb. | × (1d10) lb. |
|
*Height = base height + height modifier | |||
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Races