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Spirit Naga

• Size: Large
• Type: Fiend
• Alignment: Chaotic Evil
• AC: 17
• Initiative: +3 (13)
• HP: 135(18d10+36)
• Speed: 40 ft

ATTR	VAL	MOD	SAVE
STR	18	+4	+4
DEX	17	+3	+6
CON	14	+2	+2
INT	16	+3	+3
WIS	15	+2	+5
CHA	16	+3	+3

• Immunities: Poison; Charmed, Poisoned
• Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 12
• Languages: Abyssal, Common
• CR: 8 (XP 3,900; PB +3)

Traits

Fiendish Restoration. If it dies, the naga returns to life in 1d6 days and regains all its Hit Points. Only a Wish spell can prevent this trait from functioning.

Actions

Multiattack. The naga makes three attacks, using Bite or Necrotic Ray in any combination.

Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 10 ft. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) Piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) Poison damage.

Necrotic Ray. Ranged Attack Roll: +6, range 60 ft. Hit: 21 (6d6) Necrotic damage.

Spellcasting. The naga casts one of the following spells, requiring no Somatic or Material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 14):

At Will: Detect Magic, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Water Breathing

2/Day Each: Detect Thoughts, Dimension Door, Hold Person (level 3 version), Lightning Bolt (level 4 version)

Lore & Background

Spirit nagas are malevolent serpentine creatures that combine the cunning intelligence of humanoids with the magical power of ancient spellcasters. These beings arise when powerful evil wizards or sorcerers undergo dark rituals to transform themselves into immortal undead, trading their original forms for serpentine bodies and eternal magical power. They retain their spellcasting abilities while gaining resistances and immunities that make them nearly impossible to destroy permanently.

Unlike their living naga cousins, spirit nagas are driven by pure malevolence and the desire to corrupt or destroy all forms of life and goodness. They often establish themselves as the secret rulers of evil cults or criminal organizations, using their magical abilities and immortal patience to build networks of influence that span decades or centuries. Their ultimate goal is usually the acquisition of greater magical power or the completion of some grand scheme of destruction.

Combat Tactics

Spirit nagas are cunning combatants that prefer to fight from advantageous positions, using their magical abilities to control the battlefield before engaging in direct combat. They employ illusions and enchantments to confuse enemies while using their bite attack to deliver both physical damage and potent poison. Their undead nature grants them immunity to many effects that would disable living creatures.

In battle, spirit nagas utilize their extensive spell repertoire to maximize tactical advantages, often beginning encounters with powerful control spells before closing to bite range. They use their immortal nature to their advantage, retreating when outmatched with the knowledge that they will eventually regenerate to fight again.

Encounter Ideas

1. The Immortal Schemer A spirit naga has spent centuries infiltrating and corrupting a noble family line, manipulating events from the shadows to achieve some dark purpose. The party becomes involved when the naga's current scheme threatens to destabilize an entire kingdom.

2. The Cult Leader A spirit naga leads a hidden cult devoted to bringing about an apocalyptic prophecy. The party must infiltrate the organization and expose the naga's true nature while preventing the completion of a ritual that could reshape reality.

3. The Magical Monopoly A spirit naga controls the magical resources of a region through front organizations and puppet agents. The party encounters the creature when they attempt to access magical services or items that threaten the naga's carefully maintained control over arcane commerce.

4. The Vengeful Return A spirit naga that was previously defeated has regenerated and returned seeking revenge against those who destroyed its original plans. The creature uses its intimate knowledge of the party's past actions to orchestrate elaborate schemes of retribution.

Environmental Effects

• Corrupted Magic: The naga's presence causes magical effects in the area to become unpredictable or tainted with evil energy
• Serpentine Influence: Local snake populations become more aggressive and numerous, often serving as the naga's spies and messengers
• Dark Whispers: The creature's telepathic abilities create an atmosphere of paranoia and mistrust among nearby humanoids
• Necromantic Resonance: The naga's undead nature causes spontaneous animation of corpses and strengthens other undead in the area

Treasure

• Spellcasting Focus (2000-8000 gp): Powerful magical implements that enhance spellcasting abilities and store extra magical energy
• Ancient Grimoires (1000-5000 gp): Spell books containing rare and powerful magical knowledge accumulated over centuries
• Corruption Crystals (500-2000 gp): Gems tainted by the naga's evil presence, useful for dark magical rituals
• Mind Control Artifacts (varies): Items that enhance enchantment magic and mental domination abilities
• Immortality Research (priceless): Notes and materials related to achieving undeath and extending supernatural existence

Plot Hooks

1. The Poisoned Legacy A spirit naga's bite has cursed a important NPC with a supernatural poison that slowly transforms victims into evil serpentine creatures. The party must find a cure while racing against the progression of the curse.

2. The False Sanctuary A spirit naga poses as a benevolent guardian of a sacred site, slowly corrupting pilgrims and visitors over time. The party must expose the deception while avoiding becoming victims of the naga's long-term manipulation.

3. The Magical Plague A spirit naga has created a magical disease that spreads through spellcasting, threatening to corrupt all magic users in the region. The party must track down the source while avoiding infection themselves.

4. The Immortal's Bargain A spirit naga offers the party crucial assistance with their quest in exchange for seemingly minor favors. The true cost of these bargains only becomes apparent later when the naga calls in its debts at the worst possible moment.