Homebrew Lamia Species Details

Lamia may live in villages where their own kind gathers, or slip into human villages, but basically, most of them act independently. They are highly intelligent, with a snake-like cunning and persistence, and it's said that they always obtain whatever they have their eyes on.

Scales and Tails

Due to the fact that Lamia's have a snake tail in exchange for normal humanoid legs, they tend to be more flexible and agile while still remaining sturdy and strong as a result of their hardened scales accompanied atop those curious but beautiful serpent tails. Though not as fast as many other races, the Lamia are excellent at slipping into places they don't belong and are also typically rather bothersome to deal with once finally in said place, as they can easily stand their ground, should they choose to, being much more stable on the ground than your typical human or elf who are prone to tripping and falling.

Because the Lamia lack legs, traversing rough and especially tall terrain suddenly becomes a much harder task to complete as compared to someone who could simply climb or step over the hazards with relative ease, it's not all bad though, as the Lamia are exceptionally good swimmers due to the fact that their tail might also operate as a make-shift fin. Letting them glide gracefully through liquids with little problems.

They moult at regular intervals and will shed and discard the skin of their lower half just like a snake. immediately after moulting, their lower half becomes extremely sensitive, and they enter a state in which their entire serpentine lower half is like a skinless wound, resulting in them bunkering down and staying stationary for a while after moulting until the sensitivity passes. Often leaving them prone to predators or otherwise harmful situations.

Reptilian Mannerisms

The resemblance of lamia to serpents isn’t limited to physical features. Lamia display many of the same mannerisms as ordinary serpents. They utilize their tongues to detect smells to find food or stay away from enemies along with their humanoid eyes and ears, giving them a heightened sense of awareness. And though they have the proper teeth to bite and chew, they prefer to swallow their prey whole, though this becomes problematic as the size of the prey increases, being that the Lamia's jaw is still that of a normal humanoid, preferring to hunt small game instead.

Many lamias punctuate their speech with hisses, and other sounds, often resulting in sentences containing S's being prolonged and heavily emphasised on. Though the rest of their vocabulary is usually clear and easily received, when it comes to any other language other than Draconic or Common, language barriers suddenly become a much bigger issue for both parties.

Depending on the heritage, some lamia might have sharpened fangs with the added bonus of being able to procure either poison or venom which can then be used in combat or otherwise utilized for the benefit of the lamia, though this trait is rarely seen it still is a very real possibility.

Like serpents, all lamia are cold-blooded and as a result of this prefer moderate climates with a mixture of moisture and dryness, not being able to survive in extreme temperatures. If required, a lamia will often seek a rock or other open area to sunbathe in to regain some heat or vice versa find some shade underneath a tree or even dig a hole to cool off, should the need arise.

Homelands

Most lamia hail from towns and villages deep in thick forest sides not too far from a beach or other ocean sources, such as lakes or ponds. Said villages will usually be separated and split between different tribes of lamia, each with their own goal and morals which sometimes can cause a rise in tension and unrest as different cultures clash. It is not uncommon to see in-fighting among several lamina tribes, though most of the time, peace triumphs.

Most tribes consist of a shaman who guides and leads the tribe along with another elder lamia, among those there is also a mixture of warriors and guards together with some workers to supply and manage the tribe. Typically, tribes will be separated into different native symbols accompanied a colour to distinguish both the tribe and its lamia from others.

Great Purpose

Most lamia enjoy simple and prosperous lives with their fellow kin in peace among one another, though it is not rare to see individual lamia break off from the flock to venture out into the unknown in seek of adventure and excitement along with some heroic tales of daring should they once return to their home, most lamia don't, however. Preferring to venture out and settle their own tribe instead, solidifying a legacy that will long be remembered among all the other tribes and their kin alike for generations to come.

Lamia Names

As with much of their speech, lamia names include clicks, hisses, and other noises to the point that other people have a difficult time pronouncing them. Female lamia tends to have names beginning and ending with an s while males typically only end with an s.

Lamia Traits

Being a Lamia, much like your fellow kin, you have certain racial traits passed down by generations.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Similarly to humans, lamia mature at the age of 18, but unlike humans, can outlive them by a decade.

Alignment

Most lamia is good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos, though, all lamia is a bit mischevious at heart. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.

Size

Lamia is about 4 feet tall but will typically skyrocket to 8 feet when fully extended from tail tip to head. Most lamia never extends this far however as their balance becomes next to nothing. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Your size is Medium while coiled and Large while extended due to your lengthy tail. You're required to be extended whenever moving, though you can inch forward while remaining coiled but at greatly reduced speeds.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet while uncoiled and is reduced to 5ft while coiled.

Fangs

You are able to bite with your fangs, which deal 1d4 piercing damage on a hit.

Languages

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