The Nagai and Jingai are closely associated with a region on the continent of Ai, known as the Savan Territories -- or merely "The Savan". Prior to the death of the Emperor-Potentate in 6103 RTR, this region was also known as the "Nagai Empire", and a variety of reptile, amphibian and pseudo-reptile species are dominant there. (Some stubborn reptiles still refer to it as such.) The national language of the Empire and the smaller countries that have been spawned from its fall is still known as "Imperial", or else as "Nagai". Some Nagai from the various splinter territories have taken to referring to the language by the name of their country, rather than using the old "Imperial" designation. (For example, in Bromthen, the native tongue is officially referred to as "Bromthen", even though it is identical to the language spoken in Nagai or Xenea.)

Nagai have also been found on the planet of Abaddon, where they belong to the so-called "Celestial Empire". Here, various types of Nagai have been found, as well as lizard-like Shigai. So far, no evidence has been found of Nigai, Rokugai or Kirigai variants on Abaddon. These Nagai speak the Imperial/Nagai language (or a dialect thereof), and are familiar with the terms of "Nagai" and "Shigai".

There are rumors of Nagai being found on the water world of Ashtoreth as well. These so-called sightings seem to correspond to "sea serpent" Nagai sub-types, though some tales sound more like giant electric eel-like creatures.

Nagai: (Singular: Naga. Plural: Nagas. Collective reference to the race: Nagai.)

The Nagai are snake-like humanoids, possessing two arms and a humanoid torso, but no legs, varying greatly in size. The smallest -- the Garters -- can be as small as 3 feet in total length. The average Naga tends to hover around standing about "human size" when balanced upon his tail. Older Nagas (and some particular strains) can grow much, much longer. While Nagai are the dominant species in the Nagai Empire, physical size often affects one's social standing, and is used as a means of judging "good looks".

Abilities vary greatly among Nagas, depending upon the type. Some have poisonous fangs, most are especially agile, but some possess no natural weapons, and the larger ones -- while very strong -- are often lethargic and slow.

It should be noted that, although one's classification as "Nagai" or various sub-sets of "Jingai" is based on the number of limbs one has, and the presence or absence of mammalian features, these definitions are not definite. A creature that looks like a Naga but has four or six arms may be called a "Naga" at times ... but while this may give the individual a little more status compared to other Shigas or Rokugas, such a deformity is bound to have it looked down upon by Nagas nonetheless. Also, Bromthen "sea serpent" Nagas, although they are very large in size (a feature typically celebrated in Nagai culture) are often seen as not being "true" Nagas because of their strange features and amphibian nature.

PC Requirements: Due to the wide range of Nagai sub-types, there is no standard Naga "package". However, 2 points in Agility is recommended for the average Naga. A -1 point "Cold-Blooded" Disadvantage is common.

The lack of legs does not count as a Disadvantage. Nagas can still get around more or less as effectively as someone with legs, and their ability to coil about tends to offset any problems with mobility.

Jingai: Literally, "People Who Are Not". While the term "Nagai" refers to the dominant race of sapient snake-like beings in the Savan, the term "Jingai" basically refers to "everyone else" amongst the other pseudo-reptilian races.

The Jingai are further divided into the sub-races of the Nigai, Shigai, Rokugai, and Kirigai.

Nigai: This term literally means "People of Two", and could technically be used as an alternate term for "Nagai". In practice, it would be used in the unlikely event one would account a two-limbed reptiloid that is not a Naga. There aren't too many -- if any -- of these to be found. Some Nagai scholars classify Bromthen "sea serpents" in this group.

Shigai: This term literally means "People of Four", and encompasses a wide variety of reptiloid and amphiboid species that are not necessarily genetically compatible with each other. The only common factor they have is that they are reptiles or amphibians, and that they have four limbs, which may be any combination of legs, arms or wings. These tend to correspond to Earth types of lizards, frogs, newts, etc., though more bizarre variations may be found as well. There are, for example, a number of "bird-reptile" types to be found, resembling anthropomorphic pterodactyls, or sometimes even sporting feathers in addition to scales.

PC Requirements:
Due to the wide variety of Shigai, there are no PC Requirements, though a -1 point Disadvantage of "Cold-Blooded" is common. Shigai living in Nagai society are considered "second-class citizens", for the most part, along with all other Jingai, but this does not constitute a Disadvantage -- especially since this is culturally related, and would not apply the same way in somewhere like Xenea or Bromthen.

Rokugai: Rokugai are reptiloids, distinguished by possessing a total of six limbs, which may be any combination of legs, arms and/or wings. They tend to far less parallel any Earth types of reptiles, especially given the extra limbs. The stereotypical Rokuga is big, bulky, with four arms and two legs, and seen as being slow and dim-witted, but strong.

PC Requirements:

Kirigai: Kirigai are pseudo-reptiles who are typically humanoid in shape (thus normally qualifying to be classifed as Shigai), but they exhibit mammalian characteristics, such as having manes or fur, or else sporting feathers in more rare cases. Kirigai found on the island nation of Jadai tend to resemble humanoid versions of oriental dragons and ki'rin.

PC Requirements: There are no specific PC requirements, given the wide variety in forms that Kirigai may be found in. Though it's possible for Kiriga characters to have the -1 "Cold-Blooded" Disadvantage, it's not as common.

More Details on the (Former) Nagai Empire

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