D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 Homebrew: Trying to validate a naga race

[Daft Harlot]

I've never been to this board but I really need helping thinking of a way to validate a DnD character I'm trying to make so she doesn't just appear out of handwavium. The idea is a naga female who is similar to the Yuan Ti, very snakelike until she uses a ritual/spell to change to a humanoid. We're trying to think of a backstory for her tribe. The tribe was cursed after coming into contact with the blood of the Serpent God (homebrew DnD lawful god of protection from demons, etc) and has since then become snake abominations. Highly intelligent creatures that are water based as they were a seafaring people until their curse came upon them. The question is how would a lawful protection god punish a tribe like this? Curse of attempting to maintain 'vitality' would be too difficult. I was thinking some sort of traditional guardian but I want her to be a traditionally narcissistic character who despises doing whatever it is she's cursed to do.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

The question is how would a lawful protection god punish a tribe like this?

If the lawful god declared beforehand "Don't touch that" and they did so, then it'd be pretty easy to then respond with a consequence.
The consequence could have a clear and direct correlation to the forbidden object, and to the people who broke the law.

 

[Jawsh]

I've never been to this board but I really need helping thinking of a way to validate a DnD character I'm trying to make so she doesn't just appear out of handwavium. The idea is a naga female who is similar to the Yuan Ti, very snakelike until she uses a ritual/spell to change to a humanoid. We're trying to think of a backstory for her tribe. The tribe was cursed after coming into contact with the blood of the Serpent God (homebrew DnD lawful god of protection from demons, etc) and has since then become snake abominations. Highly intelligent creatures that are water based as they were a seafaring people until their curse came upon them. The question is how would a lawful protection god punish a tribe like this? Curse of attempting to maintain 'vitality' would be too difficult. I was thinking some sort of traditional guardian but I want her to be a traditionally narcissistic character who despises doing whatever it is she's cursed to do.

Hmm, well Yahweh cursed the Serpent and caused him to have to crawl on his belly.

That might not be enough of a punishment, but if we take the theme a step further... maybe they are required to bury themselves in the earth to sleep every night.

 

[Rampant]

Question, are they cursed with serpent form? or is this a second curse?

 

[Daft Harlot]

Well the serpent form is supposed to be a result of coming into contact with the blood of the Serpent god. It could definitely be considered a curse but we were thinking that they would have been punished in another way. The DM is more worried about what type of background they might have and the city they're in so he can make them more valid in the world now that I've had a few ideas given to me.

Thanks for the replies btw.

 

[jefgorbach]

We need more details regarding the Serpent God to determine if/how’d it might react.
However given it’s a SERPENT god, chances are It views their change into serpentine-form to be a blessing (not a curse) ... for his followers have "willingly" become more like itself and thus should be commended for their choice; not punished. Accordingly, It might decide to favor such a tribe with racial trait(s) beneficial when confronting demons so they may further its role as the "Protector from demons" and incorporate them into It's defensive plans vs demonic incursion.

In keeping with their being a seafaring race, I wonder if they might not be granted an Amphibian nature via the Aquatic subtype along with the Detect Evil ability to better patrol/confront aquatic threats in Its name??

Likewise, perhaps the Tribe's shaman received a holy dream/whatever relaying Its pleasure with their choice together with Lore regarding the various aquatic demons which has since been passed down via oral/written traditions ... resulting in generations of tribesmen reknown for their roles as Protectors/demon-hunters; roles YOUR character's narcissistic tendencies of protecting herself before others make her less than eager to follow.

 

[Croesus]

The tribe was cursed after coming into contact with the blood of the Serpent God (homebrew DnD lawful god of protection from demons, etc) and has since then become snake abominations. Highly intelligent creatures that are water based as they were a seafaring people until their curse came upon them. The question is how would a lawful protection god punish a tribe like this?

How about something like this:

This isn't the story of one tribe, but of two. Tribe A was dedicated to the Serpent God. Their fidelity to their god was such that he assigned them responsibility for protecting one of this holiest shrines, which held a small quanitity of the god's blood. Both the presence of the blood, and its effects on mortals were closely guarded secrets.

Tribe B was a coastal tribe of mostly peaceful fishermen and traders. However a natural or unnatural calamity (known as the "sea blight") struck the sea, killing off the fish on which they depended. For a time, they were able to trade for food from inland tribes, but the sea blight continued so long, they faced bankruptcy and therefore starvation. In their desperation, they attacked their neighbors, looting the food and other necessities needed.

One the tribes Tribe B conquered was Tribe A. However, in doing so, they came into contact with the god's blood. Unknown to them, the blood would change mortal creatures into snake-like beings, and this change would be passed on to their descendents.

Tribe B, knowing nothing of the Serpent God, interpreted this as a curse, and have sought atonement since. Not surprisingly, since their condition is not the result of a curse or punishment, their efforts to date have been futile. And the tribe continues to send out its hardiest and most cunning members, seeking for the answer which has so far eluded them.

 

[Daft Harlot]

The Great Serpent - Britopia Wiki I'll have my DM read the thread and see what he thinks. Thanks, guys, for all the ideas!