Naga

Naga is a creature type introduced in Khans of Tarkir. They are snake-like creatures with a humanoid upper body and a serpentine lower body (similar to gorgons). They were earlier mentioned in Ravnica's storyline as well. The creative team felt justified in distinguishing naga from snakes because it is a very resonant and popular mythological creature in non-western culture, but the decision was met with mixed response.

Amonkhet
The Naga of Amonkhet have many features of cobras, with the males sprouting larger hoods than the females. As with most races, they are among the citizens of Naktamun on Amonkhet. Naga believe in a principle called the Sweetest Harmony, which describes a perfect balance between the body and the mind. Finding that balance, as they understand it, is a sure path to glory in the trials. Just so, mental strength supports physical capabilities, and physical fortitude feeds mental tenacity, so neither mind nor body can exist in isolation. In the same way, the naga believe that Kefnet and Rhonas exist in interdependence, and that their trials are best conceived as two halves of a whole. Traditionally, they shed their skin before entering a trial, symbolically leaving their weaknesses behind them.

Original timeline
The Sultai Brood of Tarkir is ruled by naga, who have made allegiances with rakshasas to gain incredible necromancy powers. The naga are ruthless and decadent, and are led by the merciless Sidisi, queen of the naga. They are descended from ancient human leaders that made pacts with the Rakshasa, and for this reason bear a lot of resentment and cruelty towards humans, whom they view as inferior. They themselves claim lineage to Tarkir's dragons as their ancestors as propaganda.

Naga magic deals with modification of the form, whether through shapeshifting or necromancy.

Alternate timeline
In the new timeline, the naga are forced into becoming slaves, undead or otherwise, by Silumgar as the result of a pact Tasigur made with the dragon. Under their breath, they spread the rumors that they related to the dragons in some way. The naga translators of the Silumgar clan are often the first and fastest to gain favor. They are also the first to abuse what they have earned. They have been known to take liberties with their translations, thinking themselves clever.

Notable Naga

 * Amonkhet
 * Kamat an initiate of Tah crop. She was killed by Neit in the Trial of Ambition. Represented by Tah-Crop Skirmisher.


 * Tarkir
 * Ikra Shidiqi the advisor to Tasigur who had betrayed her khan to the dragonlord Silumgar (Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper).
 * Kadena a member of the Silumgar clan.
 * Sidisi the ruler of the Sultai Brood in the original timeline; after the timeline shifted, Sidisi became Silumgar's undead vizier.


 * Unknown
 * Imoti

Trivia

 * Nāga is the Sanskrit and Pāli word for a deity or class of entity or being, taking the form of a very great snake — specifically the king cobra, found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. A female Nāga is a nāgī or nāgiṇī.