Homebrew Yuan-ti Naga Species Details

Physical Description

A yuan-naga possesses a humanoid head and torso and a long, serpentine tail. They are generally slender, with lithe bodies that, in some cases, mask the strength hidden within their reptilian musculature. Their eyes have a reptilian slit pupil, and they boast an impressive set of teeth more akin to a dragon than those of a snake. Lamia can grow to be longer than 15+ ft and typically weigh somewhere around 1000 lb. when fully grown. The difference between yuan-naga and yuan-ti are ephemeral, but anyone who could watch and compare both races with another can attest that they are present, for the simple fact that yuan-nagas seem to have retained their emotions and empathy, while yuan-ti bear themselves with a cold, arrogant indifference or contempt towards others, even of their own kin.

History

Yuan-nagas are thought to be descended from experiments on the Yuan-Ti. What these experiments meant to accomplish or who did them is long lost history. Yuan-nagas are rather reclusive historically as they have been hunted for their hides and meat in the past by their cannibalistic creators. In addition, most sentient species distrust them, seeing them as nothing more than particularly conniving Yuan-Ti spies that only pretend to have emotions. At the dawn of their race, they diverged into two branches of extant yuan-nagas: the hisseth and the siltis, corresponding to their reactions towards the pursuits from their creators: fight or flee.

Society

Most hisseth yuan-naga societies are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer collectives traveling with their game and avoiding their enemies. Although they are matriarchal, the society itself is mostly egalitarian, sharing what they can forage from the desert and jungles, while everyone contributes his share to the work. Women enjoy somewhat more privileges because the species is under constant pressure from both the harsh environment and the yuan-ti, who mercilessly hunt them for sport and food. Thus, the collective tries to secure the well-being and health of their women to ensure that there is a next generation to carry on the battle. This does not mean the women are pampered or inexperienced in combat, however. A yuan-naga who recently laid a clutch eagerly fights at the front, for it is unclear whether she will survive the next five years to bear children again. Child care is a collective effort and both family and marriage are unknown to the hisseth. To outsiders, they come off as cold and abrasive, hardened by their live of endless peril. Hisseth lamia are easily distinguished from silits by their tattoos and scars that they showcase on their bodies as proof of their victories and strength, as well as the extra set of fangs on their lower jaw.

Siltis, on the other hand, are the more rural and urban subrace of the yuan-naga, having fled the dangers of the jungle and desert into the kingdoms of other races. Due to the reputation of the yuan-ti as insidious liars, they are heavily mistrusted and forced into segregated quarters. When diseases spread or someone needs to find a scapegoat for his failed attempt of poisoning their rivals, fingers are easily pointed. However, siltis yuan-naga carry an unfaltering optimistic attitude, hoping to one day find acceptance for their hard work. Most siltis communities are governed by a council of the oldest and (supposedly) wisest yuan-naga, tasked with preserving their cultural identity and ensuring the survival of the community. They answer to the local governors for the charges raised against yuan-naga, so the position is not taken lightly.

Yuan-naga mothers carry clutches of 4 to 5 offspring in eggs at once and can only do so every 5 years.

Yuan-naga Names

Yuan-naga names put a large emphasis on harsh "S"s and "I"s, similar to a snake's hiss. Generally, names given to males possess more syllables than those given to females

Male: Sinereths, Senariath, Sistretsin

Female: Saria, Sysis, Sitres

Yuan-ti Naga Traits

Your yuan-ti Naga — has the following racial traits.

Scaled

Scaled. A yuan-naga's scales are thick. While not wearing armor, your armor class is equal to 11 + your Dexterity modifier. You can carry a shield and still gain the benefits of this trait.

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

Yuan-naga reach maturity at 15 and can live to the age of 800.

Size

Purebloods match humans in average size and weight. 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.

Constrict

A Yuan-naga can constrict a foe with its powerful tail. You can grapple creatures within 10 feet of you with your tail, you can grapple another creature with your hands, when you grapple a creature your speed is reduced to 0. When you grappling a creature with your tail you can use both your hands as normal.

Poisonous Spit

You can summon and spit magical poison against your foes. You know the poison spray cantrip. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Poison Immunity

You are immune to poison damage and the poisoned condition.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Abyssal, and Draconic.