Post by Tulf on Mar 10, 2016 16:00:48 GMT
LAMIA INTRODUCTION
Despite being one of the more iconic examples of Mystic Kind due to their drastic differences to humans even compared to other Mystic Kind, lamia and their subspecies are fairly rare around the world in the present day. While appearing human from the hips upward, these beings have serpentine tails in the place of their lower bodies alongside a range of other snakelike traits. Appearing in many human mythologies, it can be assumed that lamia once had some sort of relationship with humanity – however, until the end of the Masquerade the race have insisted on being especially secretive, and even since then are rather uncommon. Although they share many traits, lamia are predominantly divided into two species – the much larger and serpentine ‘Naga’ lamia of Indian origin, and the smaller but more magically-inclined ‘Gorgon’ lamia of Europe.
Though these two kinds vary significantly, there are a number of constants amongst both species. All lamia are ectotherms (cold-blooded), relying on external temperatures to regulate their body, bear their young via laying eggs, shed their scales on a bimonthly basis, and have forked tongues capable of ‘smelling’ via the Jacobson’s organ. Due to their place in the mythology and culture of humanity, they tend to have rather grandiose egos when it comes to interacting with other races; while they just tend to grate on fellow lamia’s nerves due to the same factor – in particular, the two separate species of lamia tend to loathe each other’s presence. Despite having very different physiologies to humans, lamia have quite gladly reunited with humanity, and enjoy learning about the new civilisation after severing their bonds with them so many centuries ago.
Comparable to constrictor species of snake in terms of their serpentine traits, the Naga lamia are intimidatingly large and powerful compared to their smaller relatives; more akin to anacondas than vipers. Typically standing at about 6’ – 7’ while upright with tail lengths of 9’ – 10’, they rely on natural abilities and raw strength rather than the magic of the Gorgon lamia. Typical examples of these capacities are having venom glands and fangs developed for injection, being able to mentally or sometimes even physically affect other beings through psychic powers stemming from their gazes, and simply being big enough to constrict and crush smaller beings with their tails. However, despite their grisly capacities Naga are generally amiable beings; while they relish luxury they tend to be more easily pleased by the creations of humanity that spice up their lives – unsurprisingly, central heating is considered the pinnacle of science in the minds of these ectotherms. Otherwise of note are their enormous appetites that naturally stem from their heavy stature, and their general dislike for magic as they prefer not to be compared to Gorgon lamia.
On the other hand, the Gorgon lamia are more akin to vipers; usually standing only about 4’ – 5’ tall while upright and having tail lengths of around 6’ – 7’. Instead of relying on ‘primitive’ serpentine abilities, Gorgon instead have studied ancient magic and their supposed links to the divine in order to assert themselves on the planet; and are usually very quick to boast about the fact if given the chance. It’s often said that a typical Gorgon makes up for its size with its ego; and while this certainly isn’t true for all the race it can certainly seem that way with how they are often found lording themselves over most other Mystic Kind and humans. However, unlike most other magically-focussed Mystic Kind, Gorgon are quite sociable and happy to share their learnings with others; having found a comfortable place amongst the magical societies of humanity… although they’ll probably always ask for it to be more comfortable if given the chance.
LAMIA LIMITATIONS
- Cannot be turned into any other supernatural kind.
- Cannot learn and use Ki.
- Can learn magic, but are restricted to E-rank spells if they are a Naga lamia.
- Gorgon lamia are unable to raise their Strength and Endurance stats beyond C rank.
- Are unable to use some human-based equipment, due to their body structure.
GENERAL LAMIA SKILLS/ABILITIES LIST
Please do note you can make your own Skills and Abilities. These are just suggestions.
Skills: You may take up Skills from the Human list from here.
Abilities:
Name: Natural Weapon (Tail)
Description: Although hardly comparable to a human martial arts, a lamia’s tail is just as dangerous as a pair of legs in many cases due to its prehensile nature, allowing for practised use of the limb for combat. The familiar image of a snake’s unlucky prey wrapped in its tail is easily enacted by both species of lamia, though Naga are most certainly more well known for it. In some cases, though; lamia get a bit more creative with it, using its thin end akin to a whip or simply a tripwire; or outright lifting opponents to bludgeon them further with their coils.
Rank: C~E
Name: Manasa’s Embrace
Description: Easily the most infamous capacity of the Naga is their enormous appetite befitting of their size – which is only reinforced by their capability to use their jaw’s multitude of hinges and adaptable anatomy akin to an actual snake in order to widen their jaws to inhuman levels. Naturally, Naga are most feared for the fact that they are known to be able to consume humans whole in this manner… while this is true for the largest and most skilled in this methodology among the Naga, this talent is usually a lot more benign; as they are equally capable of regurgitating objects in this manner, making it something of a utility to most civil Naga. In addition, this capability allows them to digest all kinds of questionable matter and suppress their own digestion in order to make full use of the supposedly horrific technique at higher ranks.
Rank: C~E
Techniques:
Name: Eyes of Bewitching
Description: One of the many variants of eye-based enchantments possessed by lamia; the ‘Eyes of Bewitching’ allow lamia to briefly dominate others via their stare. While it lacks the subtlety of a succubus’ seduction or the wider effect of a vampire’s intimidating or charming aura, this technique allows them to immediately give a single direct command to their target without leaving any magical or mental evidence of their action. The command must be simple to be followed properly, and any distraction – especially from another person – will immediately break the domination before the command can even be given. Targets with Mental Strength of matching rank or higher can also resist the effect, and the technique must be performed with five metres of the victim.
Rank: C~E
Cost: 3 Od/Mana
Type: Mental
Name: Neurotoxic Venom
Description: As per their serpentine origins; lamia are capable of naturally forming and storing toxins via a toxin gland, and injecting the venom via their fangs. Perhaps the most common of serpent venoms is the neurotoxin; intended to paralyse victims to allow the snake to predate them safely. At E-rank the toxin is fairly weak; most suited to being a local anaesthetic or very brief full-body paralysis; but at higher ranks it can last for hours and also be potentially spat akin to the venom of spitting cobra.
Rank: B~E
Cost: 3 Od
Type: Physical