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[[Image:Isha.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Isha]]]]
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[[Image:Naga.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Naga]]
   
 
The '''naga''' were an ancient race of serpent-folk that existed before the rise of Man and the fall of the [[Kami (clan founders)|Kami]]. They were the oldest of the civilizations, spanning the far west of the modern [[Rokugan]]. Before the fall of the Kami, the naga entered an [[Great Sleep|enchanted slumber]] in an attempt to preserve their dying race.
 
The '''naga''' were an ancient race of serpent-folk that existed before the rise of Man and the fall of the [[Kami (clan founders)|Kami]]. They were the oldest of the civilizations, spanning the far west of the modern [[Rokugan]]. Before the fall of the Kami, the naga entered an [[Great Sleep|enchanted slumber]] in an attempt to preserve their dying race.
   
 
== Naga Physiology==
 
== Naga Physiology==
[[File:Naga_2.jpg|thumb|200px|The Shahadet, Naga Warlord]]
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[[File:Shahadet 1.jpg|thumb|200px|The Shahadet, Naga Warlord]]
   
 
The naga were large quasi-humanoids with human-like torsos and snake like lower bodies. They were typically scaly and reptilian in appearance with greenish tinted skin being the most common, though some were brown. with other shades occasionally seen. The tail of a naga could be anywhere from 10-20 feet long. Typically, the tails of the [[Constrictor Bloodline|Constrictors]] were the longest, while the [[Greensnake Bloodline|Greensnakes]] tended to be smaller. An upright naga could range from four to seven feet tall normally, but they could rear up even higher. Naga moved with at same general pace and endurance of a man, but their serpent form gave them an advantage that allowed them to move fast in nearly any terrain. Unfortunately, they did tend to leave a distinct trail marking their passage. Unless they were trained to accept them, horses tended to avoid naga, presumably due to their scent being similar to snakes. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', pp. 19-21</ref>
 
The naga were large quasi-humanoids with human-like torsos and snake like lower bodies. They were typically scaly and reptilian in appearance with greenish tinted skin being the most common, though some were brown. with other shades occasionally seen. The tail of a naga could be anywhere from 10-20 feet long. Typically, the tails of the [[Constrictor Bloodline|Constrictors]] were the longest, while the [[Greensnake Bloodline|Greensnakes]] tended to be smaller. An upright naga could range from four to seven feet tall normally, but they could rear up even higher. Naga moved with at same general pace and endurance of a man, but their serpent form gave them an advantage that allowed them to move fast in nearly any terrain. Unfortunately, they did tend to leave a distinct trail marking their passage. Unless they were trained to accept them, horses tended to avoid naga, presumably due to their scent being similar to snakes. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', pp. 19-21</ref>
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=== From Birth to Maturity ===
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[[Image:Clutch of Eggs.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Clutch of Naga Eggs]]
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All Naga begin their lives within an egg, tended by the [[Naga Vedic]]. After they hatched, first they were an [[Ashamana]], a Naga youth, distinguished only by their 'egg-name'. Then, once they had performed the first [[shedding]] ritual, they choose the path of their lives, taken the name they would be known. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', p. 79</ref> When it happened, the young Naga underwent a special magical ritual that made him forever immune to the [[Shadowlands Taint]]. <ref name="EotE70">''Enemies of the Empire'', p. 70</ref> Because all eggs from a given Bloodline were kept in one cove, a Naga might never know who their parents were. <ref>''Clan War: Naga Army Expansion'', p. 14</ref>
   
 
=== Mutations and Abominations===
 
=== Mutations and Abominations===
 
[[Image:Naga Abomination.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Naga Abomination]]
 
[[Image:Naga Abomination.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Naga Abomination]]
Some naga, especially the magically talented [[Cobra Bloodline]], had features veering even further from the 'human' norm. This appeared to be a result the closeness some eggs had to the [[Pearl Magic|magical pearls]] in their hatcheries. Typically those naga had a much more snakelike appearance, to include such features as cobra hoods and more heavily scaled torsos. Many other naga were noticeably unsettled by the more extreme variations. Another mutation granted some naga the ability to breathe underwater. While normally only air breathers, some naga were hatched with gills in their necks or torsos. In more extreme cases, the naga mutated to the point where they couldn't breathe air at all. These mutations tended to be ignored by most naga. Once a generation, a naga was hatched with such severe mutations that it was declared to be an 'Abomination' <ref>[http://www.l5rsearch.com/db/search.cgi?cmd=detail&card_id=1815 Naga Abomination] (Pre-Imperial)</ref> and was cast out to live on it's own. Most abominations did not survive, but those who did and returned, were often some of the greatest heroes of the naga. <ref name="Naga19">''Way of the Naga'', p. 19</ref> If they travelled to the [[Burning Sands]] and stayed long enough, the 'Abomination' was transformed into a wretched, abominable beast and became the most hated enemies of the Naga race, the [[Naar Teban]]. <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan'', p. 87</ref>
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Some naga, especially the magically talented [[Cobra Bloodline]], had features veering even further from the 'human' norm. This appeared to be a result the closeness some eggs had to the [[Pearl Magic|magical pearls]] in their hatcheries. Typically those naga had a much more snakelike appearance, to include such features as cobra hoods and more heavily scaled torsos. Many other naga were noticeably unsettled by the more extreme variations. Another mutation granted some naga the ability to breathe underwater. While normally only air breathers, some naga were hatched with gills in their necks or torsos. In more extreme cases, the naga mutated to the point where they couldn't breathe air at all. These mutations tended to be ignored by most naga. Once a generation, a naga was hatched with such severe mutations that it was declared to be an 'Abomination' <ref>[http://www.l5rsearch.com/db/search.cgi?cmd=detail&card_id=1815 Naga Abomination] (Pre-Imperial)</ref> and was cast out to live on its own. Most abominations did not survive, but those who did and returned were often some of the greatest heroes of the naga. <ref name="Naga19">''Way of the Naga'', p. 19</ref> If they traveled to the [[Burning Sands]] and stayed long enough, the 'Abomination' was transformed into a wretched, abominable beast and became the most hated enemies of the Naga race, the [[Naar Teban]]. <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan'', p. 87</ref> If they came to the [[Ivory Kingdoms]] they were drawn to the [[Sanctuary of the Outcasts]] and lost to [[Shiva]] the [[Destroyer]]. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', p. 118</ref>
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==== First Abominations ====
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A [[Chameleon Bloodline|Chameleon]] city once existed in the waters below what would become the [[Bay of Dark Water]]. The naga city was ravaged by the [[Lying Darkness]], and its name was lost even to the [[Akasha]]. The first [[Naga Abomination|Naga Abominations]] arose from this city, releasing a terrible [[poison]] into the Akasha that would lead to many later mutations, known as [[Dark Water Abomination|Dark Water Abominations]]. After the first [[Great Sleep]] they were left completely alone. <ref>''Secrets of the Mantis'', pp. 19-20</ref> Only one Abomination, the [[Aseth]], had been accepted in the Akasha since the awakening. <ref>''Clan War: Naga Army Expansion'', p. 18</ref>
   
 
=== Female Nagas ===
 
=== Female Nagas ===
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=== Festivals ===
 
=== Festivals ===
 
A known naga festival was [[Naag Panchami]]. <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/lotn1.php Legacy of the Naga, Part 1], by [[Edward Bolme]]</ref>
 
A known naga festival was [[Naag Panchami]]. <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/lotn1.php Legacy of the Naga, Part 1], by [[Edward Bolme]]</ref>
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=== Death and Yume-do ===
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Nearly all Naga went to [[Yume-do]] after death. Naga found themselves pulled to the great city [[Akasha (city)|Akasha]], deep in Yume-do. There, they awaited rebirth in the next generation of Naga. In Yume-do, the Naga race was eternal. <ref>''Fortunes & Winds'', p. 96</ref>
   
 
== Naga Society ==
 
== Naga Society ==
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The race as a whole was ruled by the [[Qatol]], the high lord of the Naga. Beneath the [[Qatol]] were the [[Qamar]], commander of the naga army, and the [[Dashmar]], the leading diplomat. <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan'', p. 47</ref>
 
The race as a whole was ruled by the [[Qatol]], the high lord of the Naga. Beneath the [[Qatol]] were the [[Qamar]], commander of the naga army, and the [[Dashmar]], the leading diplomat. <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan'', p. 47</ref>
 
Any Naga youth was called [[Ashamana]] <ref name=topazchamp>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/topaz.php Test of the Topaz Champion]</ref> and they could became the vessel for reincarnation of fallen naga heores. {{cite}}
 
   
 
=== Language ===
 
=== Language ===
 
The Naga language was called [[Nagash]], and it was developed by the Constrictor but extended by the Asp. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', p. 24</ref>
 
The Naga language was called [[Nagash]], and it was developed by the Constrictor but extended by the Asp. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', p. 24</ref>
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=== Morality ===
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Naga morality upheld three supreme virtues: Purity, Self-Control, and Truth. These virtues included many subthemes such as courage (an aspect of purity) and patience (an aspect of self-control). <ref name="EotE72">''Enemies of the Empire'', p. 72</ref>
   
 
== Naga history ==
 
== Naga history ==
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=== Creation ===
 
=== Creation ===
[[Amaterasu]] and [[Onnotangu]] named the shapeless world, and the life beagn to appear in [[Ningen-do]]. From the creatures that risen, there were ones that began to build, the Naga race. They worshiped the [[Fortune]]s, and above them the [[Sun]], lady Amaterasu. <ref>''Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire'', pp. 17-18</ref> They had the ability to reshape themshelves to suit any environment. It would be seen by a menace for other races, as the Ashalan. <ref name=FL/>
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[[Amaterasu]] and [[Onnotangu]] named the shapeless world, and the life beagn to appear in [[Ningen-do]]. From the creatures that risen, there were ones that began to build, the Naga race. They worshiped the [[Fortune|Fortunes]], and above them the [[Sun]], lady Amaterasu. <ref>''Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire'', pp. 17-18</ref> They had the ability to reshape themselves to suit any environment. It would be seen by a menace for other races, as the Ashalan. <ref name="FL" />
   
 
=== Naga Myth ===
 
=== Naga Myth ===
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=== The First Naga War ===
 
=== The First Naga War ===
The expansionistic [[Asp Bloodline|Asp]] used their poisons to destroy the lesser bloodlines during the [[Bloodland Wars]]. The [[Greensnake Bloodline|Greensnakes]] were enslaved, while the [[Chameleon Bloodline|Chameleons]] escaped to the sea. Before they could conquer the [[Cobra Bloodline|Cobra]] and [[Constrictor Bloodline]]s, the Asp leader, the [[Shahismael]], was defeated by his lieutenant, the [[Shahadet]]. The alliance made by the [[Qatol]], which drew the Cobra and Chameleon to his side, mawas the begining of the Naga Kingdom, while the great constrictor [[vedic]], [[Galishavi]], opened the gates of the Akasha to all the Naga. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', pp. 24, 28</ref>
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The expansionistic [[Asp Bloodline|Asp]] used their poisons to destroy the lesser bloodlines during the [[Bloodland Wars]]. The [[Greensnake Bloodline|Greensnakes]] were enslaved, while the [[Chameleon Bloodline|Chameleons]] escaped to the sea. Before they could conquer the [[Cobra Bloodline|Cobra]] and [[Constrictor Bloodline|Constrictor Bloodlines]], the Asp leader, the [[Shahismael]], was defeated by his lieutenant, the [[Shahadet]]. The [[Qatol]] made an alliance with the Cobra and Chameleon, and with the great constrictor [[vedic]] [[Galishavi]], they opened the gates of the Akasha to all the Naga. Now united, this marked a new golden age of peace and prosperity with the Naga civilization. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', pp. 24, 28</ref>
   
 
=== The Naga Empire ===
 
=== The Naga Empire ===
The [[Age of the Ancients]] <ref>''Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun'', p. 87</ref> was thousands of years before the [[Fall of the Kami]] and the creation of [[Rokugan]]. The Empire of the Naga was a thriving culture dedicated to arts and science. They became complacent, unheeding prophecies and warnings of a [[Great Sleep]]. <ref name=TheNaga>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/1/hih2naga.php The Naga] (Imperial Herald #2)</ref>
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Before the war, each Naga bloodline only thought of the welfare of its own. Shahismael's cruelty ultimately united all others against him, and the Naga Empire was born. <ref>''Enemies of the Empire'', p. 89</ref> Where once they were clad in gold they became as the earth, covered in greens and browns. They lost the will to fight against each other and gained access to a new power, the [[Akasha]]. Through this newfound gift, each Naga gained the knowledge of every member of his or her race that had ever been, as well as the ability to communicate mentally. <ref>[https://kazenoshiro63445525.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/the-awakening-of-the-naga/ The Awakening of the Naga], by [[Mike Liesik]] (Imperial Herald #15)</ref> The [[Age of the Ancients]] <ref>''Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun'', p. 87</ref> was thousands of years before the [[Fall of the Kami]] and the creation of [[Rokugan]]. The Empire of the Naga was a thriving culture dedicated to arts and science. They became complacent, unheeding prophecies and warnings of a [[Great Sleep]]. <ref name="TheNaga">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/1/hih2naga.php The Naga] (Imperial Herald #2)</ref>
   
 
==== Naga tale about the Nothing ====
 
==== Naga tale about the Nothing ====
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==== Day of Wrath ====
 
==== Day of Wrath ====
The [[Jinn]] lord, [[Kaleel (jinn)|Kaleel]] began the [[First Jinn War]] against the Sun and the Moon, his parents. It ended in the [[Day of Wrath]], when the Sun unleashed her rage against her children, the [[Kaleel's Legion]], but the rest of living creatures also suffered. The barrened [[Burning Sands]] replaced the fertile lands, and three quarters of the Naga race was destroyed. <ref name=LBSMedinaat>[[Legend_of_the_Burning_Sands_Roleplaying_Game#Chapter_Two:_Medinaat_Al-Salaam_.28page_83.29|Burning Sands, Medinaat Al-Salaam]], pp. 83-126</ref> With their [[Akasha]], the mind-hive, this kind of destruction could doom the entire race, unable to forget the sudden loss of many of their kind. The [[Ashalan]] used the magic to remove this memory from them, but with a drawback. When the Naga realized the destruction, and without knowledge about what really had happened, blamed against the Ashalan as the only responsibles. <ref name=LBSAshalan>[[Legend_of_the_Burning_Sands_Roleplaying_Game#Chapter_Three:_The_Ashalan_.28page_127.29|Burning Sands, The Ashalan]], pp. 127-150</ref>
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The [[Jinn]] lord, [[Kaleel (jinn)|Kaleel]] began the [[First Jinn War]] against the Sun and the Moon, his parents. It ended in the [[Day of Wrath]], when the Sun unleashed her rage against her children, the [[Kaleel's Legion]], but the rest of living creatures also suffered. The barrened [[Burning Sands]] replaced the fertile lands, and three quarters of the Naga race was destroyed. <ref>''Legend of the Burning Sands Roleplaying Game'', p. 112</ref> With their [[Akasha]], the mind-hive, this kind of destruction could doom the entire race, unable to forget the sudden loss of many of their kind. The [[Ashalan]] used the magic to remove this memory from them, but with a drawback. When the Naga realized the destruction, and without knowledge about what really had happened, blamed against the Ashalan as the only responsibles. <ref>''Legend of the Burning Sands Roleplaying Game'', pp. 128-129</ref> The Naga called this day the [[First Burning of the Land]]. <ref name="Naga19" />
   
 
==== War with the Ashalan ====
 
==== War with the Ashalan ====
They had some sort of ancient, [[Blood feud|bloody feud]] with the [[Ashalan]]. <ref name=FiresToshiRanbo1>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e07p50.php Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part One], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> Naga saw the Ashalan as an arrogant race who believed they created the world. They sought to dominate all living creatures, and believed that lesser beings existed only to serve their whim. The [[Ashalan-Naga War|Naga and Ashalan war]] was so destructive [[Amaterasu|Lady Sun]] was forced to end it and placed a curse upon both races. The Naga could not leave their territory and the Ashalan could not enter the Naga's. The curse would twist any member of the race that broke the curse, turning them into abominations to their respective race. This conflict stood for centuries, as the races were very long lived and knew how to hold a grudge. <ref name=FiresToshiRanbo3>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e07p60.php Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part Three], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> Naga and Ashalan could sense one anothers magic, to them it was a foul stench that they could not mistake. <ref name=FiresToshiRanbo4>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e07p70.php Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part Four], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref>
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With no memory and affected by the wounded nature of the Burning Sands, the Naga in the desert attacked the [[Ra'Shari]] and [[Moto Clan|Moto]] before being stopped by a large group of [[Ashalan Blood-Sworn]]. To this day, the Naga believe that the [[Ashalan]] were just long-lived liars who attacked them without provocation, <ref>''Legend of the Burning Sands Roleplaying Game'', p. 129</ref> which became in a [[Blood feud|bloody feud]] with the Ashalan. <ref name="FiresToshiRanbo1">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e07p50.php Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part One], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> Naga saw the Ashalan as an arrogant race who believed they created the world. They sought to dominate all living creatures, and believed that lesser beings existed only to serve their whim. The [[Ashalan-Naga War|Naga and Ashalan war]] was so destructive [[Amaterasu|Lady Sun]] was forced to end it and placed a curse upon both races. The Naga could not leave their territory and the Ashalan could not enter the Naga's. The curse would twist any member of the race that broke the curse, turning them into abominations to their respective race. This conflict stood for centuries, as the races were very long lived and knew how to hold a grudge. <ref name="FiresToshiRanbo3">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e07p60.php Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part Three], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref> Naga and Ashalan could sense one anothers magic, to them it was a foul stench that they could not mistake. <ref name="FiresToshiRanbo4">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e07p70.php Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part Four], by [[Rich Wulf]]</ref>
   
 
==== Cursed by the Ashalan ====
 
==== Cursed by the Ashalan ====
Other said the Ashalan levied a curse upon the Naga. The Naga, who were capable of reshaping themselves to suit any environment, were crippled by the curse on all who were shaped by this power. The [[Naar Teban]], the Naga who entered the Burning Sands, were rendered mindless beasts, as were the creatures who ventured too far into the [[Ivory Kingdoms]]. The Naga who ventured into the sea forgot themselves and became the [[ningyo]]. Only those Naga who remained within the borders of the territory which would be known as the [[Emerald Empire]] were spared, but even then the curse of mutation visited them. <ref name=FL>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/2011/08/22/forgotten-legacy/ Rulebook story] (Forgotten Legacy), by [[Shawn Carman]] and [[Rusty Priske]]</ref>
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Other said the Ashalan levied a curse upon the Naga. The Naga, who were capable of reshaping themselves to suit any environment, were crippled by the curse on all who were shaped by this power. The [[Naar Teban]], the Naga who entered the Burning Sands, were rendered mindless beasts, as were the creatures who ventured too far into the [[Ivory Kingdoms]]. The Naga who ventured into the sea forgot themselves and became the [[ningyo]]. Only those Naga who remained within the borders of the territory which would be known as the [[Emerald Empire]] were spared, but even then the curse of mutation visited them. <ref name="FL">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/2011/08/22/forgotten-legacy/ Rulebook story] (Forgotten Legacy), by [[Shawn Carman]] and [[Rusty Priske]]</ref>
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A Naga legend told the curse in a different way, as a side-effect provoked after the [[Ashgara]] released the [[Bright Eye]] from the [[Dark Well]]. <ref>''Way of the Naga'', p. 34</ref>
   
 
==== First Burning of the Lands ====
 
==== First Burning of the Lands ====
The Naga were foes to the [[Darkness]], a powerful evil that hunted the land unchecked, destroying everything it could find, and to the terrible [[Oni]]-like creatures. The Naga fought back, conquering the Evil and sending it away during the [[First Burning of the Land]]. After the war, [[prophet]]s and [[astrology|astrologers]] spoke of a time of Great Sleep, a period of Ages in which the Naga would rest, undisturbed, waiting to fight the Dark again, in a far-distant time called only "The Second Burning of the Land." <ref name="Naga19"/>
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The Naga were foes to the [[Darkness]], a powerful evil that hunted the land unchecked, destroying everything it could find, and to the terrible [[Oni]]-like creatures. The Naga fought back, conquering the Evil and sending it away during the [[First Burning of the Land]]. After the war, [[prophet]]s and [[astrology|astrologers]] spoke of a time of Great Sleep, a period of Ages in which the Naga would rest, undisturbed, waiting to fight the Dark again, in a far-distant time called only "The Second Burning of the Land." <ref name="Naga19" />
   
 
==== Great Sleep ====
 
==== Great Sleep ====
After their biggest threat, the Ashalan, having been dealt a society-crumbling blow, the naga became more complacent. Some believed they had to enter the great sleep to preserve their culture, and some hoped to defeat an enemy they knew to come, known as [[the Foul]]. <ref name=p181>''Rokugan'', p. 181</ref>
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After their biggest threat, the Ashalan, having been dealt a society-crumbling blow, the naga became more complacent. Some believed they had to enter the great sleep to preserve their culture, and some hoped to defeat an enemy they knew to come, known as [[the Foul]]. <ref name="p181">''Rokugan'', p. 181</ref>
   
Despite the premonitions of the prophets, the Naga civilization went on in its decadent ways, until eventually the time known as the Great Sleep arrived. <ref name=TheNaga>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/1/hih2naga.php The Naga] (Imperial Herald #2)</ref> When Onnotangu caught Amaterasu, she faded her light, and the Naga fall to the [[Great Sleep]]. <ref name=3E17-18>''Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire'', pp. 17-18</ref> One by one, the Naga fell into a deep slumber, but most were unconcerned. They knew the greatness of their civilization would remain a thousand years, and so they allowed the Great Sleep to take them off into the uncharted realms of dream. <ref name=TheNaga/>
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Despite the premonitions of the prophets, the Naga civilization went on in its decadent ways, until eventually the time known as the Great Sleep arrived. <ref name="TheNaga">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/1/hih2naga.php The Naga] (Imperial Herald #2)</ref> When Onnotangu caught Amaterasu, she faded her light, and the Naga fall to the [[Great Sleep]]. <ref name="3E17-18">''Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire'', pp. 17-18</ref> One by one, the Naga fell into a deep slumber, but most were unconcerned. They knew the greatness of their civilization would remain a thousand years, and so they allowed the Great Sleep to take them off into the uncharted realms of dream. <ref name="TheNaga" /> They woved a [[Veil of Sleep]] around their greatest city, and nearly all the Naga throughout the world fell into a deep slumber. As they were sleeping, the Naga race existed in the city [[Akasha (city)|Akasha]], deep in [[Yume-do]], a place superimposed over the [[Cobra Bloodline|Cobra]] city [[Vyakarana]]. <ref name="F&W103">''Fortunes & Winds'', p. 103</ref>
   
Time took a greater toll on the naga then expected, and unforeseen tampering by the [[nezumi]] and humans dealt them a great amount of damage. <ref name=p181/> The [[Age of Man]] had ushered out the Age of the Naga. <ref name=3E17-18/>
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Time took a greater toll on the naga then expected, and unforeseen tampering by the [[nezumi]] and humans dealt them a great amount of damage. <ref name="p181" /> The realm of Dreams exerted its control, [[yumeji]], while more and more Naga had been born inside Yume-do. <ref name="F&W103" /> The [[Age of Man]] had ushered out the Age of the Naga. <ref name="3E17-18" />
   
 
=== Initial Awakenings ===
 
=== Initial Awakenings ===
In [[815]], after the [[Return of the Ki-Rin]], a small group of [[Shadowlands]] creatures broke through the defenses of the [[Crab Clan]] and entered the [[Shinomen Mori]]. These creatures destroyed a large cluster of naga eggs. This disturbance to the [[Akasha]] caused many naga to awaken, and they quickly crushed the Shadowlands force, leaving nothing but a foul, [[Taint]]ed marsh in their place. <ref name=p15>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 15</ref>
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In [[815]], after the [[Return of the Ki-Rin]], a small group of [[Shadowlands]] creatures broke through the defenses of the [[Crab Clan]] and entered the [[Shinomen Mori]]. These creatures destroyed a large cluster of naga eggs. This disturbance to the [[Akasha]] caused many naga to awaken, and they quickly crushed the Shadowlands force, leaving nothing but a foul, [[Taint]]ed marsh in their place. <ref name="p15">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 15</ref>
   
 
==== Naga ruins ====
 
==== Naga ruins ====
 
[[Image:Shashakar.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Shashakar]]]]
 
[[Image:Shashakar.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Shashakar]]]]
In [[925]], on a mapping expedition of the outer reaches of the Shinomen Mori on behalf of the imperial cartographers, [[Shinjo Fujimaka]] and [[Ikoma Gohesu]] discovered the ruins of a great naga city. There had been naga ruins discovered before this event, but none of this size, which indicated a major naga settlement. Many scholars believe that this intrusion into the naga lands caused the initiation of their slow awakening process. <ref name=p16>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 16</ref>
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In [[925]], on a mapping expedition of the outer reaches of the Shinomen Mori on behalf of the imperial cartographers, [[Shinjo Fujimaka]] and [[Ikoma Gohesu]] discovered the ruins of a great naga city. There had been naga ruins discovered before this event, but none of this size, which indicated a major naga settlement. Many scholars believe that this intrusion into the naga lands caused the initiation of their slow awakening process. <ref name="p16">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 16</ref>
   
 
=== More Awakenings ===
 
=== More Awakenings ===
The naga scouts had been awakening for centuries, and they were seen in [[1122]] by a farmer of the [[Falcon Clan]]. <ref>''Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun'', p. 83</ref> In [[1124]] they awoke in significant numbers. It was a slow process, requiring months or, in some cases, years. <ref name=p19>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 19</ref> Many naga [[jakla]] did not awaken during despite the best efforts of his fellow [[Cobra Bloodline|Cobra]]. <ref name="Shogun">[http://www.l5r.com/archive/gencon.html Gencon - Gift of the Shogun]</ref> When the Naga awoke, much of the world had changed. Their great Empire had fallen, their tall buildings now in ruins like sand castles at high tide. The great wilderness that they had kept at bay had invaded and taken everything away. Their sorrow seemed complete until one of their shugenja touched the earth and knew that matters were indeed much worse than they had suspected. The blood of the earth had been corrupted by a foul force to the south. The Naga sent scouts into the [[Shadowlands|wasteland]], but none returned. A second party was sent and still, none of them returned They were about to send a third party when news arrived from the east: a messenger from a new [[Empire]], the Empire of men, had arrived. <ref name=TheNaga/>
+
The naga scouts had been awakening for centuries, and they were seen in [[1122]] by a farmer of the [[Falcon Clan]]. <ref>''Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun'', p. 83</ref> In [[1124]] they awoke in significant numbers. It was a slow process, requiring months or, in some cases, years. <ref name="p19">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 19</ref> A skirmish between the [[Scorpion Clan|Scorpion]] and Naga in the Shinomen Forest never became public knowledge. <ref>''Clan War: Desperate Journey'', pp. 32-35</ref> Many naga [[jakla]] did not awaken during despite the best efforts of his fellow [[Cobra Bloodline|Cobra]]. <ref name="Shogun">[http://www.l5r.com/archive/gencon.html Gencon - Gift of the Shogun]</ref> Yumeji, the control of Yume-do, had taken its toll. The infertility of the majority of the Naga in [[Ningen-do]] would be also a consequence of Yumeji. <ref name="F&W103" /> When the Naga awoke, much of the world had changed. Their great Empire had fallen, their tall buildings now in ruins like sand castles at high tide. The great wilderness that they had kept at bay had invaded and taken everything away. Their sorrow seemed complete until one of their shugenja touched the earth and knew that matters were indeed much worse than they had suspected. The blood of the earth had been corrupted by a foul force to the south. The Naga sent scouts into the [[Shadowlands|wasteland]], but none returned. A second party was sent and still, none of them returned They were about to send a third party when news arrived from the east: a messenger from a new [[Empire]], the Empire of men, had arrived. <ref name="TheNaga" />
   
 
=== Contact with Rokugan ===
 
=== Contact with Rokugan ===
During the [[Clan War]], sometime before the [[Battle of Beiden Pass]] in [[1127]], the awakened Naga were approached by humans. Through the use of their [[Pearl Magic]], the Naga were able to communicate with the samurai. Their leader, [[Mirumoto Daini]], explained that he had been sent by his leader [[Toturi]] to ask for aid from the Naga in defeating the [[Foul]] and the [[Crab Clan]] who had allied with them. The Naga agreed to join forces with Toturi, in exchange for the [[Black Lion]]'s promise that he would not seek to take the [[Emerald Throne]] for himself. <ref name=TheNaga/>
+
During the [[Clan War]], sometime before the [[Battle of Beiden Pass]] in [[1127]], the awakened Naga were approached by humans. Through the use of their [[Pearl Magic]], the Naga were able to communicate with the samurai. Their leader, [[Mirumoto Daini]], explained that he had been sent by his leader [[Toturi]] to ask for aid from the Naga in defeating the [[Foul]] and the [[Crab Clan]] who had allied with them. The Naga agreed to join forces with Toturi, in exchange for the [[Black Lion]]'s promise that he would not seek to take the [[Emerald Throne]] for himself. <ref name="TheNaga" />
 
==== Naga Legend revealed to Rokugan ====
 
==== Naga Legend revealed to Rokugan ====
 
The Naga told their legend about the origin of their kind to [[Doji Shizue]]. <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/3/willow.php Way of the Willow], by [[Ree Soesbee]]</ref>
 
The Naga told their legend about the origin of their kind to [[Doji Shizue]]. <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/3/willow.php Way of the Willow], by [[Ree Soesbee]]</ref>
   
 
==== Naga and the Ratlings ====
 
==== Naga and the Ratlings ====
Before the Naga's Great Sleep, the Ratlings had been simple animals. They served as pets, guardians, and even food. When the Naga awoke they found that the Nezumi had built and lost a mighty empire in their absence, and now stood against their mutual enemies, the Shadowlands. <ref name=BrokenShinbone>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e06p40.php The Broken Shinbone], by [[Shawn Carman]]</ref>
+
Before the Naga's Great Sleep, the Ratlings had been simple animals. They served as pets, guardians, and even food. When the Naga awoke they found that the Nezumi had built and lost a mighty empire in their absence, and now stood against their mutual enemies, the Shadowlands. <ref name="BrokenShinbone">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/6/h6e06p40.php The Broken Shinbone], by [[Shawn Carman]]</ref>
   
 
=== The Naga during the Clan War ===
 
=== The Naga during the Clan War ===
The naga participated in many of the conflicts during the [[Clan War]]. From the first major [[Battle of Beiden Pass]] to the last, fighting the [[shadowlands]] armies on the [[Second Day of Thunder]] the naga heroes and their forces had an important role in helping defeat [[Fu Leng]] and [[Yogo Junzo]]'s minions. The ambassadorship of [[Mirumoto Daini]] to the Naga was one of the most compelling reasons for the Naga taking part in the affairs of the humans.{{cite}}
+
The naga participated in many of the conflicts during the [[Clan War]]. From the first major [[Battle of Beiden Pass]] to the last, fighting the [[shadowlands]] armies on the [[Second Day of Thunder]] the naga heroes and their forces had an important role in helping defeat [[Fu Leng]] and [[Yogo Junzo]]'s minions. The ambassadorship of [[Mirumoto Daini]] to the Naga was one of the most compelling reasons for the Naga taking part in the affairs of the humans. {{cite}}
   
 
==== Battle of Beiden Pass ====
 
==== Battle of Beiden Pass ====
Prior to the [[Battle of Beiden Pass]] there had been several smaller forces of naga [[bushi]], spearmen and archers that had ventured out into [[Rokugan]]. Even the occasional naga shugenja had accompanied them. At the Battle of Beiden Pass itself the naga were drawn upon as allies of [[Toturi's Army]], the [[Unicorn Clan|Unicorn]] and the [[Dragon Clan|Dragon]].{{cite}}
+
Prior to the Battle of Beiden Pass there had been several smaller forces of naga [[bushi]], spearmen and archers that had ventured out into [[Rokugan]]. Even the occasional naga shugenja had accompanied them. At the Battle of Beiden Pass itself the naga were drawn upon as allies of [[Toturi's Army]], the [[Unicorn Clan|Unicorn]] and the [[Dragon Clan|Dragon]]. <ref>''Time of the Void'', p. 11</ref>
   
 
=== Second Day of Thunder ===
 
=== Second Day of Thunder ===
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=== Naga and the Crab ===
 
=== Naga and the Crab ===
In [[1129]], after the [[Clan War]], the [[Kaiu family]] needed to repair the [[Kaiu Kabe]], which had been severely damaged. The Crab and naga allied and resolved to move against the [[Shadowlands]] to end its threat forever. The [[Qamar (I)|Qamar]] of the naga pledged that every able naga would strike out against the Shadowlands with their new Crab allies once the Crab were ready. With the rebuilding taking priority, the assault was scheduled for the following spring. In the spring of [[1130]], as planned, the Crab and naga marched into the Shadowlands. Casualties for the naga and Crab were light. The beasts of the Shadowlands seemed unprepared for such a large, bold invasion. During this time, [[Hiruma Castle]] was finally reclaimed following its destruction four centuries prior, in [[716]]. <ref name=p20>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 20</ref>
+
In [[1129]], after the [[Clan War]], the [[Kaiu family]] needed to repair the [[Kaiu Kabe]], which had been severely damaged. The Crab and naga allied and resolved to move against the [[Shadowlands]] to end its threat forever. The [[Qamar (I)|Qamar]] of the naga pledged that every able naga would strike out against the Shadowlands with their new Crab allies once the Crab were ready. With the rebuilding taking priority, the assault was scheduled for the following spring. In the spring of [[1130]], as planned, the Crab and naga marched into the Shadowlands. Casualties for the naga and Crab were light. The beasts of the Shadowlands seemed unprepared for such a large, bold invasion. During this time, [[Hiruma Castle]] was finally reclaimed following its destruction four centuries prior, in [[716]]. <ref name="p20">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 20</ref>
   
Shortly after the retaking of Kyuden Hiruma, there was an apparent shift in the attitudes of the naga. They quickly and silently withdrew, leaving the Crab alone in the Shadowlands. The Crab could only watch helplessly as their allies abandoned them. Scouts were quickly sent to the [[Kaiu Kabe]] for more soldiers and supplies, but none of the messengers survived the journey. <ref name=p21>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 21</ref>
+
Shortly after the retaking of Kyuden Hiruma, there was an apparent shift in the attitudes of the naga. They quickly and silently withdrew, leaving the Crab alone in the Shadowlands. The Crab could only watch helplessly as their allies abandoned them. Scouts were quickly sent to the [[Kaiu Kabe]] for more soldiers and supplies, but none of the messengers survived the journey. <ref name="p21">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 21</ref>
   
The naga returned in [[1132]] to help the Crab, but they were attacked by enraged Crab forces. The Naga retreated to the [[Shinomen Forest]] <ref>The Head of my Enemy [http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/fthb.php (Honor Bound flavor)]</ref> and the [[Hida family|Hida]] commander ordered the forest set to fire. <ref>''Hidden Emperor'', p. 42</ref> <ref>Deep Forest [http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/fthb.php (Honor Bound flavor)]</ref> The Naga could not save [[Shiro Hiruma]] and to atone for their abandonment, [[Shashakar]] used an artifact known as the Black Pearl to restore life to the recently-deceased [[Crab Clan Champion]], [[Hida Yakamo]]. This merged Yakamo's soul with the [[Akasha]] and his mind with Shashakar. Unfortunately, the [[Taint]] that was present in Yakamo seeped into the Akasha, causing the Naga great pain and forcing them into another hibernation. <ref name=p196>''Rokugan'', pp. 196-197</ref>
+
The naga returned in [[1132]] to help the Crab, but they were attacked by enraged Crab forces. The Naga retreated to the [[Shinomen Forest]] <ref>The Head of my Enemy [http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/fthb.php (Honor Bound flavor)]</ref> and the [[Hida family|Hida]] commander ordered the forest set to fire. <ref>''Hidden Emperor'', p. 42</ref> <ref>Deep Forest [http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/fthb.php (Honor Bound flavor)]</ref> The Naga could not save [[Shiro Hiruma]] and to atone for their abandonment, [[Shashakar]] used an artifact known as the Black Pearl to restore life to the recently-deceased [[Crab Clan Champion]], [[Hida Yakamo]]. This merged Yakamo's soul with the [[Akasha]] and his mind with Shashakar. Unfortunately, the [[Taint]] that was present in Yakamo seeped into the Akasha, causing the Naga great pain and forcing them into another hibernation. <ref name="p196">''Rokugan'', pp. 196-197</ref>
   
 
=== Naga and Hitomi ===
 
=== Naga and Hitomi ===
 
[[Image:Naga Shugenja.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Naga [[shugenja]]]]
 
[[Image:Naga Shugenja.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Naga [[shugenja]]]]
In [[1131]], the Qamar's son, [[Kazaq]], left the Shinomen Mori and climbed the mountains of the [[Dragon Clan]] to [[Kyuden Hitomi]]. [[Hitomi]] greeted him with open arms as if he were an expected guest. Soon after, Kazaq emerged from Kyuden Hitomi bearing the mystical tattoos of the Dragon, severed from the Akasha forever. <ref name=p21/>
+
In [[1130]], the Qamar's son, [[Kazaq]], left the Shinomen Mori and climbed the mountains of the [[Dragon Clan]] to [[Kyuden Hitomi]]. [[Hitomi]] greeted him with open arms as if he were an expected guest. Soon after, Kazaq emerged from Kyuden Hitomi bearing the mystical tattoos of the Dragon, severed from the Akasha forever. <ref name="p21" />
   
In [[1130]], the naga, led by the Qamar laid [[siege of Sleeping Mountain|siege to the Dragon provinces]]. It was unknown to most why the naga attacked the Dragon. <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/h4e02p10.php Rulebook Story] (Hidden Emperor 1)</ref> Their rampage destroyed three minor strongholds of the Dragon, one being [[Kyuden Kitsuki]], <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/6brotherhood.php Clan Letter to the Brotherhood #6]</ref> until they were suddenly halted by the appearance of the [[monk]]s of the [[Brotherhood of Shinsei]]. Many believed the Brotherhood were there to parley with the Naga to end hostilities, but when the Brotherhood, mostly former [[Togashi family]] [[Ise Zumi]] led by [[Hoshi]], joined forces with the Naga, many were taken aback. Hitomi's own brother, [[Mirumoto Daini]], also chose to side with the Naga. It became clear within weeks that Hoshi has also mastered the art of making tattoed men himself, and many of the Brotherhood swore fealty to the newly-established [[Hoshi family|Hoshi name]]. <ref name=p22>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 22</ref>
+
The naga, led by the Qamar laid [[siege of Sleeping Mountain|siege to the Dragon provinces]]. It was unknown to most why the naga attacked the Dragon. <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/h4e02p10.php Rulebook Story] (Hidden Emperor 1)</ref> Their rampage destroyed three minor strongholds of the Dragon, one being [[Kyuden Kitsuki]], <ref>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/4/6brotherhood.php Clan Letter to the Brotherhood #6]</ref> until they were suddenly halted by the appearance of the [[monk]]s of the [[Brotherhood of Shinsei]]. Many believed the Brotherhood were there to parley with the Naga to end hostilities, but when the Brotherhood, mostly former [[Togashi family]] [[Ise Zumi]] led by [[Hoshi]], joined forces with the Naga, many were taken aback. Hitomi's own brother, [[Mirumoto Daini]], also chose to side with the Naga. It became clear within weeks that Hoshi had also mastered the art of making tattoed men himself, and many of the Brotherhood swore fealty to the newly-established [[Hoshi family|Hoshi name]]. <ref name="p22">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 22</ref>
   
At the same time, the naga finally reached the base of Hitomi's mountain. During their attack, the power from Hitomi's [[Obsidian Hand]] inadvertently freed [[Shosuro]] from her crystal prison beneath the former [[Kyuden Togashi]]. Also during the chaos, the renegade Ise Zumi [[Kokujin]] stole the [[daisho]] of [[Togashi]]. <ref name=p23>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 23</ref>
+
At the same time, the naga finally reached the base of Hitomi's mountain. During their attack, the power from Hitomi's [[Obsidian Hand]] inadvertently freed [[Shosuro]] from her crystal prison beneath the former [[Kyuden Togashi]]. Also during the chaos, the renegade Ise Zumi [[Kokujin]] stole the [[daisho]] of [[Togashi]]. <ref name="p23">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 23</ref>
   
In [[1132]], [[Toturi]] sent the [[Monkey Clan]], lead by the [[Captain of the Imperial Guard]], [[Toku]], to end the fighting by attacking the naga. The naga revealed to Toku that [[Hitomi]] had been warped by the [[Lying Darkness]]. When she had corrupted [[Kazaq]] with the Lying Darkness, it had sent a revelation through the Akasha about what and where The Foul really was. Unfortunately, by the time the Naga explained this, [[Shosuro]] had been freed and [[Hitomi]] had ascended. With their immortal enemy eluding them once more, the naga returned to the aid of their Crab allies stranded within Hiruma Castle. <ref name=p194>''Rokugan'', pp. 194-196</ref>
+
In [[1132]], [[Toturi]] sent the [[Monkey Clan]], lead by the [[Captain of the Imperial Guard]], [[Toku]], to end the fighting by attacking the naga. The naga revealed to Toku that [[Hitomi]] had been warped by the [[Lying Darkness]]. When she had corrupted [[Kazaq]] with the Lying Darkness, it had sent a revelation through the Akasha about what and where The Foul really was. Unfortunately, by the time the Naga explained this, [[Shosuro]] had been freed and [[Hitomi]] had ascended. With their immortal enemy eluding them once more, the naga returned to the aid of their Crab allies stranded within Hiruma Castle. <ref name="p194">''Rokugan'', pp. 194-196</ref> The Crab rebuked their former allies and set Shinomen Mori to fire instead to chase them. <ref>''Hidden Emperor'', p. 42</ref> Ashalan assassins who had returned with the Scorpion from the Burning Sands attempted to destroy the Naga race with a ritual. The ritual was disrupted, but it accelerated the slow decay of the Naga race back into their eternal slumber. <ref>''Hidden Emperor'', pp. 53-54</ref>
  +
  +
=== Ashalan Attack ===
  +
In 1132 a small force of Ashalan attacked the naga nurseries, attempting to enact a ritual that would destroy their ancient enemies once and for all. The sorcerers were defeated, but their ritual was partially enacted, and began a slow process of deterioration that caused the Great Sleep to begin again. <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition'', p. 20</ref>
   
 
=== Naga and the Shadows ===
 
=== Naga and the Shadows ===
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=== Naga and the Unicorn, Legacy of the Naga ===
 
=== Naga and the Unicorn, Legacy of the Naga ===
 
[[Image:Tashrak.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Tashrak]]]]
 
[[Image:Tashrak.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Tashrak]]]]
In [[1135]], as the naga prepared to reenter hibernation, they gave the [[Unicorn Clan]] a great [[Magic Pearl|golden pearl]]. In return, the Unicorn swore to defend the [[Shinomen Mori]] during the naga's sleep. <ref name=p24>''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 24</ref>
+
In [[1134]] the Naga realized the Great Sleep ended too soon. They only awakened because humans inadvertently weakened the enchantments holding them in their slumber. <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition'', p. 21</ref> In [[1135]], as the naga prepared to reenter hibernation, they gave the [[Unicorn Clan]] a great [[Magic Pearl|golden pearl]]. In return, the Unicorn swore to defend the [[Shinomen Mori]] during the naga's sleep. <ref name="p24">''Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition'', p. 24</ref>
   
The golden pearl was a secretion of the [[Akasha]], meant to aid in the cleansing of the race. After most of the naga had returned to their slumber, the pearl hatched into a fully grown human woman with all the memories of The Akasha. The woman declared that her name was [[Akasha (human)|Akasha]]. The [[Unicorn Clan]] adopted her into their clan, seeing her as an eternal link between them and the sleeping naga. <ref name=p151>''Rokugan'', p. 151</ref>
+
The golden pearl was a secretion of the [[Akasha]], meant to aid in the cleansing of the race. After most of the naga had returned to their slumber, the pearl hatched into a fully grown human woman with all the memories of The Akasha. The woman declared that her name was [[Akasha (human)|Akasha]]. The [[Unicorn Clan]] adopted her into their clan, seeing her as an eternal link between them and the sleeping naga. <ref name="p151">''Rokugan'', p. 151</ref>
   
 
=== Tsuno and the Naga ===
 
=== Tsuno and the Naga ===
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=== Naga and the Gozoku ===
 
=== Naga and the Gozoku ===
[[Bayushi Atsuki]], the [[Gozoku]] leader was an ally of his enemy and sought to control the [[Nothing]] to break the curse, allowing the entrance of the Ashalan in Naga territory. In [[1166]] the Naga guided the [[Imperial Legions]] to the Ashalan hideouts in the [[Plains Above Evil]] where the [[Shogun]]'s army defeated the defenders and [[Kaneka]] killed Atsuki in a duel. <ref name=FiresToshiRanbo4/>
+
[[Bayushi Atsuki]], the [[Gozoku]] leader was an ally of his enemy and sought to control the [[Nothing]] to break the curse, allowing the entrance of the Ashalan in Naga territory. In [[1166]] the Naga guided the [[Imperial Legions]] to the Ashalan hideouts in the [[Plains Above Evil]] where the [[Shogun]]'s army defeated the defenders and [[Kaneka]] killed Atsuki in a duel. <ref name="FiresToshiRanbo4" />
   
 
=== Guarding the Naga Slumbering ===
 
=== Guarding the Naga Slumbering ===
The [[Tattered Ear Tribe]] had been guarding the city of [[Kalpa]], but in [[1168]] after the Nezumi began fighting with the Unicorn Clan, the decreased protection offered by the two allies of the Naga meant they required assistance elsewhere. They requested it to [[Akasha (human)|Akasha]], but the Unicorn were preparing the [[Khan's Defiance]] and they did not increase the Unicorn patrols. A Constrictor, [[Qolsa]], awaken and came to ask [[Mirumoto Mareshi]], the son of the [[Mara]] his protection, but he also refused. The Naga realized they had to defend themshelves. <ref name=LostProtectors>[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/7/h7e04p120.php Lost Protectors], by [[Rusty Priske]]</ref>
+
The [[Tattered Ear Tribe]] had been guarding the city of [[Kalpa]], but in [[1168]] after the Nezumi began fighting with the Unicorn Clan, the decreased protection offered by the two allies of the Naga meant they required assistance elsewhere. They requested it to [[Akasha (human)|Akasha]], but the Unicorn were preparing the [[Khan's Defiance]] and they did not increase the Unicorn patrols. A Constrictor, [[Qolsa]], awaken and came to ask [[Mirumoto Mareshi]], the son of the [[Mara]] his protection, but he also refused. The Naga realized they had to defend themshelves. <ref name="LostProtectors">[http://www.kazenoshiro.com/kazenoshiro/7/h7e04p120.php Lost Protectors], by [[Rusty Priske]]</ref>
   
 
=== Dark Naga ===
 
=== Dark Naga ===
The soul of [[Shahismael]], the villain of the [[Bloodland Wars]], managed to escape from his containment and became mad many Naga, who transformed themshelves into the abominations known as [[Dark Naga (Race)|Dark Naga]]. <ref>Yoritomo Minori [http://www.kazenoshiro.com/2011/09/27/flavor-text-second-city/ (Second City flavor)]</Ref> They began a war against the Empire in [[1198]], and the [[Imperial Governor of the Colonies]] was one of their first victims. <ref name=HandEmpress>[http://www.l5r.com/story/the-hand-of-the-empress/ The Hand of the Empress], by [[Shawn Carman]]</ref>
+
The soul of [[Shahismael]], the villain of the [[Bloodland Wars]], managed to escape from his containment and drove many Naga angry, transforming themshelves into the abominations known as [[Dark Naga (Race)|Dark Naga]]. <ref>Yoritomo Minori [http://www.kazenoshiro.com/2011/09/27/flavor-text-second-city/ (Second City flavor)]</ref> They began a [[War of Serpents|war against the Empire]] in [[1198]], and the [[Imperial Governor of the Colonies]] was one of their first victims. <ref name="HandEmpress">[http://www.l5r.com/story/the-hand-of-the-empress/ The Hand of the Empress], by [[Shawn Carman]]</ref> [[Zenathaar]] was raised as the new [[Warrior of the Bright Eye]], a title who had not been held for centuiries, with the mission to destroy the Foul Dark Naga. <ref>Zenathaar [http://imperialassembly.com/oracle/#cardid=11780 (The Coming Storm Boxtext and flavor)]</ref>
  +
  +
=== Second Awakening ===
  +
As a side-effect of the [[War of Serpents]], the Naga awakened once more in full power. The [[Empire]] appointed the [[Pearl Champion]] as the go-between the two races. <ref name="Worlds2014">[http://www.l5r.com/2014/09/12/2014-world-championship-story-prizes/ World Championships 2014: The Pearl Championship]</ref>
   
 
== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==
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For the subraces of the naga, see '''[[Naga Bloodlines]]'''.
 
For the subraces of the naga, see '''[[Naga Bloodlines]]'''.
   
=== Naga Schools ===
+
* [[Naga Abomination/Meta]]
  +
* [[Naga Abomination/Diskwars]]
The Naga were usually trained for specific units, rather than individual schools like the Rokugani.
 
  +
  +
== Castes & Paths ==
  +
=== Castes ===
  +
The naga organized their society along rigid caste lines defined in terms of one's occupation. Caste and social hierarchy had nothing to do with each other, and the only “betters” that were those of the same profession who had a more seniority and/or a greater record of achievement. There were four basic castes, or professions: the [[Naga Warrior|warriors]], the [[Naga Scout|scouts]], the [[Naga Jakla|jakla]] and the [[Naga Vedic|vedic]]. <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition'', p. 22</ref>
   
  +
[[Image:Zenathaar.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Zenathaar, the Warrior of the Bright Eye]]
Notable Naga Schools included the [[Naga Jakla]], [[Naga Scout]], [[Naga Slayer]], [[Naga Vedic]] and [[Naga Warriors]] (as [[Naga Bushi]], [[Naga Spearmen]] or [[Naga Bowmen]]). <ref>''Creatures of Rokugan Third Edition''</ref>
 
  +
* [[Cobra Soulbinder]]
  +
* [[Masters of the Akasha]]
  +
* [[Naga Hunter]]
  +
* [[Naga Jakla]]
  +
* [[Naga Scout]]
  +
* [[Naga Slayer]]
  +
* [[Naga Spearmen]]
  +
* [[Naga Vedic]]
  +
* [[Naga Warlord]]
  +
* [[Naga Warrior]]
  +
* [[Temple Guardian]]
   
  +
=== Paths ===
Schools were called castes by Naga.
 
  +
* [[Disciples of the Dashmar]]
  +
* [[Master Bowman]]
  +
* [[Naga Blade Duelist]]
  +
* [[Naga Champion]]
  +
* [[Pearl Shapers]]
   
=== Naga Holdings ===
+
== Naga Holdings ==
  +
[[Image:Naga Cities.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Naga Cities in the Shinomen]]
 
For a list of the most notable homes of the Naga, see [[:Category:Naga Holdings|Naga Holdings]].
 
For a list of the most notable homes of the Naga, see [[:Category:Naga Holdings|Naga Holdings]].
   
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[[Category:Naga| ]]
 
[[Category:Naga| ]]
 
[[Category:Articles with Pictures]]
 
[[Category:Articles with Pictures]]
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[[Category:Yume-do]]

Revision as of 18:17, 23 July 2019

Naga

A Naga

The naga were an ancient race of serpent-folk that existed before the rise of Man and the fall of the Kami. They were the oldest of the civilizations, spanning the far west of the modern Rokugan. Before the fall of the Kami, the naga entered an enchanted slumber in an attempt to preserve their dying race.

Naga Physiology

Shahadet 1

The Shahadet, Naga Warlord

The naga were large quasi-humanoids with human-like torsos and snake like lower bodies. They were typically scaly and reptilian in appearance with greenish tinted skin being the most common, though some were brown. with other shades occasionally seen. The tail of a naga could be anywhere from 10-20 feet long. Typically, the tails of the Constrictors were the longest, while the Greensnakes tended to be smaller. An upright naga could range from four to seven feet tall normally, but they could rear up even higher. Naga moved with at same general pace and endurance of a man, but their serpent form gave them an advantage that allowed them to move fast in nearly any terrain. Unfortunately, they did tend to leave a distinct trail marking their passage. Unless they were trained to accept them, horses tended to avoid naga, presumably due to their scent being similar to snakes. [1]

From Birth to Maturity

Clutch of Eggs

Clutch of Naga Eggs

All Naga begin their lives within an egg, tended by the Naga Vedic. After they hatched, first they were an Ashamana, a Naga youth, distinguished only by their 'egg-name'. Then, once they had performed the first shedding ritual, they choose the path of their lives, taken the name they would be known. [2] When it happened, the young Naga underwent a special magical ritual that made him forever immune to the Shadowlands Taint. [3] Because all eggs from a given Bloodline were kept in one cove, a Naga might never know who their parents were. [4]

Mutations and Abominations

Naga Abomination

Naga Abomination

Some naga, especially the magically talented Cobra Bloodline, had features veering even further from the 'human' norm. This appeared to be a result the closeness some eggs had to the magical pearls in their hatcheries. Typically those naga had a much more snakelike appearance, to include such features as cobra hoods and more heavily scaled torsos. Many other naga were noticeably unsettled by the more extreme variations. Another mutation granted some naga the ability to breathe underwater. While normally only air breathers, some naga were hatched with gills in their necks or torsos. In more extreme cases, the naga mutated to the point where they couldn't breathe air at all. These mutations tended to be ignored by most naga. Once a generation, a naga was hatched with such severe mutations that it was declared to be an 'Abomination' [5] and was cast out to live on its own. Most abominations did not survive, but those who did and returned were often some of the greatest heroes of the naga. [6] If they traveled to the Burning Sands and stayed long enough, the 'Abomination' was transformed into a wretched, abominable beast and became the most hated enemies of the Naga race, the Naar Teban. [7] If they came to the Ivory Kingdoms they were drawn to the Sanctuary of the Outcasts and lost to Shiva the Destroyer. [8]

First Abominations

A Chameleon city once existed in the waters below what would become the Bay of Dark Water. The naga city was ravaged by the Lying Darkness, and its name was lost even to the Akasha. The first Naga Abominations arose from this city, releasing a terrible poison into the Akasha that would lead to many later mutations, known as Dark Water Abominations. After the first Great Sleep they were left completely alone. [9] Only one Abomination, the Aseth, had been accepted in the Akasha since the awakening. [10]

Female Nagas

At puberty, female naga gained the ability to alter their form, taking on a typical bipedal shape, though they were still obviously not human unless they took efforts to conceal their features. This ability involved five hours of ritual meditation, followed by the shedding of their skin to reveal the new lower torso. Due to the lack of use, female naga tails tended to be shorter than most males, and many had some minor difficulties utilizing some of the advantages the male naga enjoyed. In addition, physical skills took twice as much effort as they must learn how to do such actions with and without tails. [11] This change had many different benefits for the individual naga female from being able to ride horses to increasing their abilities in combat or duels.[citation needed]

Festivals

A known naga festival was Naag Panchami. [12]

Death and Yume-do

Nearly all Naga went to Yume-do after death. Naga found themselves pulled to the great city Akasha, deep in Yume-do. There, they awaited rebirth in the next generation of Naga. In Yume-do, the Naga race was eternal. [13]

Naga Society

The Naga were a peaceful race, preferring tranquility and serenity to conflict. Exceptions to this rule existed in the Asp Bloodline.

The race was organized by bloodline, with each of the five controlling a single large city. The heads of the bloodlines were very powerful individuals, their authority superseded only by the most powerful priests and military commanders.

The race as a whole was ruled by the Qatol, the high lord of the Naga. Beneath the Qatol were the Qamar, commander of the naga army, and the Dashmar, the leading diplomat. [14]

Language

The Naga language was called Nagash, and it was developed by the Constrictor but extended by the Asp. [15]

Morality

Naga morality upheld three supreme virtues: Purity, Self-Control, and Truth. These virtues included many subthemes such as courage (an aspect of purity) and patience (an aspect of self-control). [16]

Naga history

Over the years, the naga have affected and been affected by many events unfolding in Rokugan.

Creation

Amaterasu and Onnotangu named the shapeless world, and the life beagn to appear in Ningen-do. From the creatures that risen, there were ones that began to build, the Naga race. They worshiped the Fortunes, and above them the Sun, lady Amaterasu. [17] They had the ability to reshape themselves to suit any environment. It would be seen by a menace for other races, as the Ashalan. [18]

Naga Myth

Legends said the Naga were first born from the Black Stone, that they had golden scales, they were no divided in different Bloodlines, and even the communal Naga mind, the Akasha, did not exist. The deeds and wishes of the Golden One, the Svarbhanu, were instrumental in the fate and changes which led the Naga race to the creatures as they were later known in Rokugan. [19]

The First Naga War

The expansionistic Asp used their poisons to destroy the lesser bloodlines during the Bloodland Wars. The Greensnakes were enslaved, while the Chameleons escaped to the sea. Before they could conquer the Cobra and Constrictor Bloodlines, the Asp leader, the Shahismael, was defeated by his lieutenant, the Shahadet. The Qatol made an alliance with the Cobra and Chameleon, and with the great constrictor vedic Galishavi, they opened the gates of the Akasha to all the Naga. Now united, this marked a new golden age of peace and prosperity with the Naga civilization. [20]

The Naga Empire

Before the war, each Naga bloodline only thought of the welfare of its own. Shahismael's cruelty ultimately united all others against him, and the Naga Empire was born. [21] Where once they were clad in gold they became as the earth, covered in greens and browns. They lost the will to fight against each other and gained access to a new power, the Akasha. Through this newfound gift, each Naga gained the knowledge of every member of his or her race that had ever been, as well as the ability to communicate mentally. [22] The Age of the Ancients [23] was thousands of years before the Fall of the Kami and the creation of Rokugan. The Empire of the Naga was a thriving culture dedicated to arts and science. They became complacent, unheeding prophecies and warnings of a Great Sleep. [24]

Naga tale about the Nothing

Once, the People stood beneath the Bright Eye's radiant gaze, and felt her warmth alone. She was our lover, a mother to the creatures of the world and the beloved lady of the People. Her eye was that of kindness. Her mate, the Pale Eye, was jealous of the things of the world, and he caused her to weep over his hatred of her beloved people. The Pale Eye, cold from anger and envy, watched as the People sang praises to the Bright, and so he hid his face in the Shadow. He gave no warmth to the People, no friendship or hope, and to his mate the Bright Eye, he gave pain.

As they walked across the land, prepared to give names to all, the Pale Eye lagged jealously behind. Alone, his eye was caught by a small slip of Shadow which hid beneath a rock and did not want a name. "Let us make a deal," the Pale Eye said to the Bright. "I will provide the names, and you will choose which creature to give them to." The Bright agreed and it seemed a fair agreement, and so they spread the Names among the world. Jealous of the love that the People had for the Bright Eye, the Pale chose not to show the hiding Shadow to his mate, to let it stay as it wished and be free. And when the Bright had used all the names he had given her, the Pale did not offer more and the thing within the Shadow remained as it was, unnamed and unmade. After the Bright and the Pale stepped again into the Sky, the Shadow greedily used its power to feed upon the People. Pleased to avenge its father, the Pale Eye, it devoured the bodies of the People, twisted them beyond bone and scale.

Yet among the people rose a hero. His name, at the time was Qatol. He was a warrior, a dread-mind-hunter, bringer of food. The Qatol fought the darkness with weapons of steel and jade, but nothing drove it away. More died. More vanished into the Shadow, never to be seen again, their souls lost forever. The Bright Eye, weeping as her People died, could do nothing. She could not break the bargain with the Pale, and she had no other names to give. Angered, she sent her youngest son to steal a name from the Pale, but he fell to the earth with his brothers and sisters, defeated.

No name was ever given, and the Darkness that Walks remained free. [25]

Day of Wrath

The Jinn lord, Kaleel began the First Jinn War against the Sun and the Moon, his parents. It ended in the Day of Wrath, when the Sun unleashed her rage against her children, the Kaleel's Legion, but the rest of living creatures also suffered. The barrened Burning Sands replaced the fertile lands, and three quarters of the Naga race was destroyed. [26] With their Akasha, the mind-hive, this kind of destruction could doom the entire race, unable to forget the sudden loss of many of their kind. The Ashalan used the magic to remove this memory from them, but with a drawback. When the Naga realized the destruction, and without knowledge about what really had happened, blamed against the Ashalan as the only responsibles. [27] The Naga called this day the First Burning of the Land. [6]

War with the Ashalan

With no memory and affected by the wounded nature of the Burning Sands, the Naga in the desert attacked the Ra'Shari and Moto before being stopped by a large group of Ashalan Blood-Sworn. To this day, the Naga believe that the Ashalan were just long-lived liars who attacked them without provocation, [28] which became in a bloody feud with the Ashalan. [29] Naga saw the Ashalan as an arrogant race who believed they created the world. They sought to dominate all living creatures, and believed that lesser beings existed only to serve their whim. The Naga and Ashalan war was so destructive Lady Sun was forced to end it and placed a curse upon both races. The Naga could not leave their territory and the Ashalan could not enter the Naga's. The curse would twist any member of the race that broke the curse, turning them into abominations to their respective race. This conflict stood for centuries, as the races were very long lived and knew how to hold a grudge. [30] Naga and Ashalan could sense one anothers magic, to them it was a foul stench that they could not mistake. [31]

Cursed by the Ashalan

Other said the Ashalan levied a curse upon the Naga. The Naga, who were capable of reshaping themselves to suit any environment, were crippled by the curse on all who were shaped by this power. The Naar Teban, the Naga who entered the Burning Sands, were rendered mindless beasts, as were the creatures who ventured too far into the Ivory Kingdoms. The Naga who ventured into the sea forgot themselves and became the ningyo. Only those Naga who remained within the borders of the territory which would be known as the Emerald Empire were spared, but even then the curse of mutation visited them. [18]

A Naga legend told the curse in a different way, as a side-effect provoked after the Ashgara released the Bright Eye from the Dark Well. [32]

First Burning of the Lands

The Naga were foes to the Darkness, a powerful evil that hunted the land unchecked, destroying everything it could find, and to the terrible Oni-like creatures. The Naga fought back, conquering the Evil and sending it away during the First Burning of the Land. After the war, prophets and astrologers spoke of a time of Great Sleep, a period of Ages in which the Naga would rest, undisturbed, waiting to fight the Dark again, in a far-distant time called only "The Second Burning of the Land." [6]

Great Sleep

After their biggest threat, the Ashalan, having been dealt a society-crumbling blow, the naga became more complacent. Some believed they had to enter the great sleep to preserve their culture, and some hoped to defeat an enemy they knew to come, known as the Foul. [33]

Despite the premonitions of the prophets, the Naga civilization went on in its decadent ways, until eventually the time known as the Great Sleep arrived. [24] When Onnotangu caught Amaterasu, she faded her light, and the Naga fall to the Great Sleep. [34] One by one, the Naga fell into a deep slumber, but most were unconcerned. They knew the greatness of their civilization would remain a thousand years, and so they allowed the Great Sleep to take them off into the uncharted realms of dream. [24] They woved a Veil of Sleep around their greatest city, and nearly all the Naga throughout the world fell into a deep slumber. As they were sleeping, the Naga race existed in the city Akasha, deep in Yume-do, a place superimposed over the Cobra city Vyakarana. [35]

Time took a greater toll on the naga then expected, and unforeseen tampering by the nezumi and humans dealt them a great amount of damage. [33] The realm of Dreams exerted its control, yumeji, while more and more Naga had been born inside Yume-do. [35] The Age of Man had ushered out the Age of the Naga. [34]

Initial Awakenings

In 815, after the Return of the Ki-Rin, a small group of Shadowlands creatures broke through the defenses of the Crab Clan and entered the Shinomen Mori. These creatures destroyed a large cluster of naga eggs. This disturbance to the Akasha caused many naga to awaken, and they quickly crushed the Shadowlands force, leaving nothing but a foul, Tainted marsh in their place. [36]

Naga ruins

Shashakar

Shashakar

In 925, on a mapping expedition of the outer reaches of the Shinomen Mori on behalf of the imperial cartographers, Shinjo Fujimaka and Ikoma Gohesu discovered the ruins of a great naga city. There had been naga ruins discovered before this event, but none of this size, which indicated a major naga settlement. Many scholars believe that this intrusion into the naga lands caused the initiation of their slow awakening process. [37]

More Awakenings

The naga scouts had been awakening for centuries, and they were seen in 1122 by a farmer of the Falcon Clan. [38] In 1124 they awoke in significant numbers. It was a slow process, requiring months or, in some cases, years. [39] A skirmish between the Scorpion and Naga in the Shinomen Forest never became public knowledge. [40] Many naga jakla did not awaken during despite the best efforts of his fellow Cobra. [41] Yumeji, the control of Yume-do, had taken its toll. The infertility of the majority of the Naga in Ningen-do would be also a consequence of Yumeji. [35] When the Naga awoke, much of the world had changed. Their great Empire had fallen, their tall buildings now in ruins like sand castles at high tide. The great wilderness that they had kept at bay had invaded and taken everything away. Their sorrow seemed complete until one of their shugenja touched the earth and knew that matters were indeed much worse than they had suspected. The blood of the earth had been corrupted by a foul force to the south. The Naga sent scouts into the wasteland, but none returned. A second party was sent and still, none of them returned They were about to send a third party when news arrived from the east: a messenger from a new Empire, the Empire of men, had arrived. [24]

Contact with Rokugan

During the Clan War, sometime before the Battle of Beiden Pass in 1127, the awakened Naga were approached by humans. Through the use of their Pearl Magic, the Naga were able to communicate with the samurai. Their leader, Mirumoto Daini, explained that he had been sent by his leader Toturi to ask for aid from the Naga in defeating the Foul and the Crab Clan who had allied with them. The Naga agreed to join forces with Toturi, in exchange for the Black Lion's promise that he would not seek to take the Emerald Throne for himself. [24]

Naga Legend revealed to Rokugan

The Naga told their legend about the origin of their kind to Doji Shizue. [42]

Naga and the Ratlings

Before the Naga's Great Sleep, the Ratlings had been simple animals. They served as pets, guardians, and even food. When the Naga awoke they found that the Nezumi had built and lost a mighty empire in their absence, and now stood against their mutual enemies, the Shadowlands. [43]

The Naga during the Clan War

The naga participated in many of the conflicts during the Clan War. From the first major Battle of Beiden Pass to the last, fighting the shadowlands armies on the Second Day of Thunder the naga heroes and their forces had an important role in helping defeat Fu Leng and Yogo Junzo's minions. The ambassadorship of Mirumoto Daini to the Naga was one of the most compelling reasons for the Naga taking part in the affairs of the humans. [citation needed]

Battle of Beiden Pass

Prior to the Battle of Beiden Pass there had been several smaller forces of naga bushi, spearmen and archers that had ventured out into Rokugan. Even the occasional naga shugenja had accompanied them. At the Battle of Beiden Pass itself the naga were drawn upon as allies of Toturi's Army, the Unicorn and the Dragon. [44]

Second Day of Thunder

The Naga were led by the Qamar on the Second Day of Thunder, most notably in a joint attack with some Phoenix forces led by Shiba Tsukune. The Naga and Phoenix attacked a unit of Yogo Junzo's reinforcements heading for the Imperial Palace. The Qamar was killed by the Necromancer leading the Yogo forces before Tsukune could kill him. The Isha picked up the Qamar's Spear and became the new Qamar. [45]

Naga and the Crab

In 1129, after the Clan War, the Kaiu family needed to repair the Kaiu Kabe, which had been severely damaged. The Crab and naga allied and resolved to move against the Shadowlands to end its threat forever. The Qamar of the naga pledged that every able naga would strike out against the Shadowlands with their new Crab allies once the Crab were ready. With the rebuilding taking priority, the assault was scheduled for the following spring. In the spring of 1130, as planned, the Crab and naga marched into the Shadowlands. Casualties for the naga and Crab were light. The beasts of the Shadowlands seemed unprepared for such a large, bold invasion. During this time, Hiruma Castle was finally reclaimed following its destruction four centuries prior, in 716. [46]

Shortly after the retaking of Kyuden Hiruma, there was an apparent shift in the attitudes of the naga. They quickly and silently withdrew, leaving the Crab alone in the Shadowlands. The Crab could only watch helplessly as their allies abandoned them. Scouts were quickly sent to the Kaiu Kabe for more soldiers and supplies, but none of the messengers survived the journey. [47]

The naga returned in 1132 to help the Crab, but they were attacked by enraged Crab forces. The Naga retreated to the Shinomen Forest [48] and the Hida commander ordered the forest set to fire. [49] [50] The Naga could not save Shiro Hiruma and to atone for their abandonment, Shashakar used an artifact known as the Black Pearl to restore life to the recently-deceased Crab Clan Champion, Hida Yakamo. This merged Yakamo's soul with the Akasha and his mind with Shashakar. Unfortunately, the Taint that was present in Yakamo seeped into the Akasha, causing the Naga great pain and forcing them into another hibernation. [51]

Naga and Hitomi

Naga Shugenja

Naga shugenja

In 1130, the Qamar's son, Kazaq, left the Shinomen Mori and climbed the mountains of the Dragon Clan to Kyuden Hitomi. Hitomi greeted him with open arms as if he were an expected guest. Soon after, Kazaq emerged from Kyuden Hitomi bearing the mystical tattoos of the Dragon, severed from the Akasha forever. [47]

The naga, led by the Qamar laid siege to the Dragon provinces. It was unknown to most why the naga attacked the Dragon. [52] Their rampage destroyed three minor strongholds of the Dragon, one being Kyuden Kitsuki, [53] until they were suddenly halted by the appearance of the monks of the Brotherhood of Shinsei. Many believed the Brotherhood were there to parley with the Naga to end hostilities, but when the Brotherhood, mostly former Togashi family Ise Zumi led by Hoshi, joined forces with the Naga, many were taken aback. Hitomi's own brother, Mirumoto Daini, also chose to side with the Naga. It became clear within weeks that Hoshi had also mastered the art of making tattoed men himself, and many of the Brotherhood swore fealty to the newly-established Hoshi name. [54]

At the same time, the naga finally reached the base of Hitomi's mountain. During their attack, the power from Hitomi's Obsidian Hand inadvertently freed Shosuro from her crystal prison beneath the former Kyuden Togashi. Also during the chaos, the renegade Ise Zumi Kokujin stole the daisho of Togashi. [55]

In 1132, Toturi sent the Monkey Clan, lead by the Captain of the Imperial Guard, Toku, to end the fighting by attacking the naga. The naga revealed to Toku that Hitomi had been warped by the Lying Darkness. When she had corrupted Kazaq with the Lying Darkness, it had sent a revelation through the Akasha about what and where The Foul really was. Unfortunately, by the time the Naga explained this, Shosuro had been freed and Hitomi had ascended. With their immortal enemy eluding them once more, the naga returned to the aid of their Crab allies stranded within Hiruma Castle. [56] The Crab rebuked their former allies and set Shinomen Mori to fire instead to chase them. [57] Ashalan assassins who had returned with the Scorpion from the Burning Sands attempted to destroy the Naga race with a ritual. The ritual was disrupted, but it accelerated the slow decay of the Naga race back into their eternal slumber. [58]

Ashalan Attack

In 1132 a small force of Ashalan attacked the naga nurseries, attempting to enact a ritual that would destroy their ancient enemies once and for all. The sorcerers were defeated, but their ritual was partially enacted, and began a slow process of deterioration that caused the Great Sleep to begin again. [59]

Naga and the Shadows

The only clan the Nothing could not infiltrate was the Naga. The Lying Darkness tried to control them through their isolation. He wished to drive their Akasha mad until they could bear no more. [60] The Naga fought the Foul since the Siege of Sleeping Mountain until its destruction in the Battle of Oblivion's Gate. [citation needed]

Naga and the Unicorn, Legacy of the Naga

Tashrak

Tashrak

In 1134 the Naga realized the Great Sleep ended too soon. They only awakened because humans inadvertently weakened the enchantments holding them in their slumber. [61] In 1135, as the naga prepared to reenter hibernation, they gave the Unicorn Clan a great golden pearl. In return, the Unicorn swore to defend the Shinomen Mori during the naga's sleep. [62]

The golden pearl was a secretion of the Akasha, meant to aid in the cleansing of the race. After most of the naga had returned to their slumber, the pearl hatched into a fully grown human woman with all the memories of The Akasha. The woman declared that her name was Akasha. The Unicorn Clan adopted her into their clan, seeing her as an eternal link between them and the sleeping naga. [63]

Tsuno and the Naga

In 1158 the Tsuno killed the Unicorn patrol guards, [64] took the naga cities and were torturing the sleeping Naga, and using their pain to transport themselves across Rokugan creating connections between the Realm of Slaughter, where they dwelt and the Mortal Realm to attack by surprise and quickly retreat. [65]

Naga and the Gozoku

Bayushi Atsuki, the Gozoku leader was an ally of his enemy and sought to control the Nothing to break the curse, allowing the entrance of the Ashalan in Naga territory. In 1166 the Naga guided the Imperial Legions to the Ashalan hideouts in the Plains Above Evil where the Shogun's army defeated the defenders and Kaneka killed Atsuki in a duel. [31]

Guarding the Naga Slumbering

The Tattered Ear Tribe had been guarding the city of Kalpa, but in 1168 after the Nezumi began fighting with the Unicorn Clan, the decreased protection offered by the two allies of the Naga meant they required assistance elsewhere. They requested it to Akasha, but the Unicorn were preparing the Khan's Defiance and they did not increase the Unicorn patrols. A Constrictor, Qolsa, awaken and came to ask Mirumoto Mareshi, the son of the Mara his protection, but he also refused. The Naga realized they had to defend themshelves. [66]

Dark Naga

The soul of Shahismael, the villain of the Bloodland Wars, managed to escape from his containment and drove many Naga angry, transforming themshelves into the abominations known as Dark Naga. [67] They began a war against the Empire in 1198, and the Imperial Governor of the Colonies was one of their first victims. [68] Zenathaar was raised as the new Warrior of the Bright Eye, a title who had not been held for centuiries, with the mission to destroy the Foul Dark Naga. [69]

Second Awakening

As a side-effect of the War of Serpents, the Naga awakened once more in full power. The Empire appointed the Pearl Champion as the go-between the two races. [70]

See Also

For the known naga through history, see the listing of notable naga.

For the known leadership of the race, see the leaders of the naga.

For the subraces of the naga, see Naga Bloodlines.

Castes & Paths

Castes

The naga organized their society along rigid caste lines defined in terms of one's occupation. Caste and social hierarchy had nothing to do with each other, and the only “betters” that were those of the same profession who had a more seniority and/or a greater record of achievement. There were four basic castes, or professions: the warriors, the scouts, the jakla and the vedic. [71]

Zenathaar

Zenathaar, the Warrior of the Bright Eye

Paths

Naga Holdings

Naga Cities

Naga Cities in the Shinomen

For a list of the most notable homes of the Naga, see Naga Holdings.

References

  1. Way of the Naga, pp. 19-21
  2. Way of the Naga, p. 79
  3. Enemies of the Empire, p. 70
  4. Clan War: Naga Army Expansion, p. 14
  5. Naga Abomination (Pre-Imperial)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Way of the Naga, p. 19
  7. Creatures of Rokugan, p. 87
  8. Way of the Naga, p. 118
  9. Secrets of the Mantis, pp. 19-20
  10. Clan War: Naga Army Expansion, p. 18
  11. Way of the Naga, p. 21
  12. Legacy of the Naga, Part 1, by Edward Bolme
  13. Fortunes & Winds, p. 96
  14. Creatures of Rokugan, p. 47
  15. Way of the Naga, p. 24
  16. Enemies of the Empire, p. 72
  17. Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, pp. 17-18
  18. 18.0 18.1 Rulebook story (Forgotten Legacy), by Shawn Carman and Rusty Priske
  19. Way of the Naga, pp. 4-7
  20. Way of the Naga, pp. 24, 28
  21. Enemies of the Empire, p. 89
  22. The Awakening of the Naga, by Mike Liesik (Imperial Herald #15)
  23. Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun, p. 87
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 The Naga (Imperial Herald #2)
  25. The Storming of Morikage Castle, Part 3, by Ree Soesbee
  26. Legend of the Burning Sands Roleplaying Game, p. 112
  27. Legend of the Burning Sands Roleplaying Game, pp. 128-129
  28. Legend of the Burning Sands Roleplaying Game, p. 129
  29. Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part One, by Rich Wulf
  30. Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part Three, by Rich Wulf
  31. 31.0 31.1 Fires of Toshi Ranbo, Part Four, by Rich Wulf
  32. Way of the Naga, p. 34
  33. 33.0 33.1 Rokugan, p. 181
  34. 34.0 34.1 Roleplaying in the Emerald Empire, pp. 17-18
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 Fortunes & Winds, p. 103
  36. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 15
  37. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 16
  38. Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun, p. 83
  39. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 19
  40. Clan War: Desperate Journey, pp. 32-35
  41. Gencon - Gift of the Shogun
  42. Way of the Willow, by Ree Soesbee
  43. The Broken Shinbone, by Shawn Carman
  44. Time of the Void, p. 11
  45. Hidden Temples of the Naga (Time of the Void)
  46. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 20
  47. 47.0 47.1 Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 21
  48. The Head of my Enemy (Honor Bound flavor)
  49. Hidden Emperor, p. 42
  50. Deep Forest (Honor Bound flavor)
  51. Rokugan, pp. 196-197
  52. Rulebook Story (Hidden Emperor 1)
  53. Clan Letter to the Brotherhood #6
  54. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 22
  55. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 23
  56. Rokugan, pp. 194-196
  57. Hidden Emperor, p. 42
  58. Hidden Emperor, pp. 53-54
  59. Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition, p. 20
  60. Nori Farm (Soul of the Empire flavor)
  61. Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition, p. 21
  62. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 24
  63. Rokugan, p. 151
  64. Eyes Shall Not See (Gold flavor)
  65. To Live By the Sword, by Shawn Carman
  66. Lost Protectors, by Rusty Priske
  67. Yoritomo Minori (Second City flavor)
  68. The Hand of the Empress, by Shawn Carman
  69. Zenathaar (The Coming Storm Boxtext and flavor)
  70. World Championships 2014: The Pearl Championship
  71. Creatures of Rokugan: Third Edition, p. 22