Naga-Snake

Nagas look like massive snakes, with shining gold-brown scales, two spindly, branching horns, and long, extending fangs, loaded with Noxio venom. They are Terra-Noxio-Draconic, and very rarely wield their primal magic; when they do, the target rarely survives. The color of their eyes vary, but the most common are gold, silver, and green. Males are typically smaller than females, and boast larger horns.

Like all Altered beasts, Nagas reproduce very slowly. Females reach maturity at ten years of age, and males at seven. A female Naga lays only ten eggs in a clutch, and only around half of the hatchlings will survive.

Nagas are pure carnivores, consuming mostly Terra, Pyro, and Alloy beasts as to keep their venom flowing. The venom of Nagas is derived from the magic and Mater of the beasts they eat.

Nagas are solitary, only voluntarily contacting others of their species for breeding purposes,

The Rustiron Desert, Split-Solar Desert, and Island of Crestos all have small, but stable populations.

Nagas are extremely smart, around the level of an eight-year-old child. They are capable of setting traps, cooperation with both other nagas and firelights, and even rudimentary conversation. Even so, they are the second least intelligent Altered beast, only firelights appear to have less intelligence.

The Terra-Noxio nature of Nagas lends them to concealing and ambush type magic. Though they can usually overwhelm their preferred prey, like Bell-Echos and Shining Bulls, Nagas will occasionally take on prey that are either resistant to their venom or simply too dangerous to take head on, even for an Altered, such as Living Hills or Mangrove Walkers.
An example of their ambush magic is a primal spell that has been named ‘oven fumes’. The Naga, usually a smaller or younger individual, will dig into the ground, leaving only their noses and horns protruding, much like a Terodile in a swamp. The Naga will then exhale copious amounts of concentrated Noxio, formulated from magic in the air and their own venom, which heats the air to an intolerable degree. Inhalation of this poisonous vapor can lead to hallucinations and delirium in beings, and incapacitates most non-Noxio beasts.