Shark Guards - Vanidzamé
In 512 of the Seventh Era, the mages of the Seven Cities created beastmen to serve as guards, to carry out tasks, and simply "for amusement." One of the strangest experiments in this field was an attempt by one of the more imaginative mages to crossbreed a human and a shark to create invincible sea warriors. The Council of Mages did not approve of the project and decided to use the human-sharks not for military, but for political purposes, offering them to the rulers of the Nagas as a gift. The Nagas accepted them not as slaves, but as equals, giving them places of honor in the guard of their underwater palaces. The Shark Guards responded to this trust with unwavering loyalty to their new masters.
Vanidzamé are the Shark Guards who have proven their valor and reliability in practice, earning the respect of both Naga commanders and their fellow soldiers. The worthy receive this title in a special ritual, which is held in the depths of the oceans, and where no one can enter except its participants.
Coral Priestesses - Pearl Priestesses
Coral Priestesses are healers and diplomats in Naga society. They come from the smallest species of Nagas - the Coral Nagas, who live in lagoons and along the coast of the islands of the Jade Sea. They have bright, multicolored scales and almost human faces. One of the most unusual features of the Coral Priestesses is that instead of hair, they have live snakes on their heads. Usually, these snakes sleep, curled up in a complex "hairstyle," but an unexpected strong emotion or danger can awaken them.
Pearl Priestesses have learned to control their snake hair and even use it as a weapon. They can command these snakes to perform a hypnotic dance, symbolizing the deep currents in the ocean, which causes the enemy to feel cold and lethargy.
Kappa - Kappa-soya
Although they are sometimes jokingly called a cross between a toad and a turtle, Kappas are lower water spirits, associated with rivers and lakes and bound in a material shell as part of an alliance with the priests of the Nagas. Visitors often laugh at the appearance and behavior of the Kappas, but the Nagas know that their combat qualities should not be underestimated.
Kappas, connected to the most sacred rivers and oceans, are called Kappa-soya. These are the most respected of the lower spirits, and they constantly strive to purify the waters from which they draw their strength. In the process of purification, a large amount of concentrated toxins accumulates in their bodies, and they can use these toxins as a weapon.
Stream Spirits - Mizu-kami
The highest water spirits are associated with the purest waters - the Stream Spirits. They often live in streams and waterfalls, close to the Veins of the Water Dragon. Naga priests often summon Stream Spirits to participate in purification rituals, as well as to protect the warriors with whom the spirits establish a connection, granting them their spiritual and magical protection.
Mizu-kami are Stream Spirits who have settled near the Eternal Empress, vowing to protect her as if she were the embodiment of Shalassa. Sometimes she appoints them to the retinue of her envoy or favorite, but usually they are used for the most sacred Naga rituals. These rituals include trial by combat and ritual suicide, the "Kiss of the Drowning." For a defeated Naga ruler, receiving a kiss from a Mizu-kami is a way to honorably depart to Shalassa.
Snow Maidens - Yuki-onna
Snow Maidens are the highest Water spirits, associated with its icy aspect (ice and snow). For centuries, they have lived with the Nagas in harmony, in secluded mountain shelters.
Yuki-onna are the elder Snow Maidens, and they can only be found on the largest glaciers. It is said that they are the daughters of Winter itself, and in battle, they wield ice and snow as a warrior wields a sword.
Kenshi - Kensai
These noble, mighty warriors belong to the Deep Nagas (the largest of the three Naga species); they have dark scales, and their faces are more serpentine than human. They live in cities on the bottom of the Jade Ocean.
Some of the Deep Nagas are born with four arms, and a special combat style called "Four Waves" exists specifically for their unique anatomy. Those who become masters of this martial art are respectfully called Kensai, or "Sacred Blades."
Kirins - Sacred Kirins
In Naga culture, the Kirin is a bearer of wisdom and strength, capable of choosing the leaders of the people. This is a powerful water spirit, associated with all the celestial aspects of Water: rain, hail, fog... It is said that a commander leading a Kirin into battle receives the blessing of Shalassa, and all his warriors are helped in battle by the Kirin's sacred aura. It is also said that whoever decides to ride a Kirin will be able to move faster than the wind, but will pay for it with their life.
A Sacred Kirin can be found deep in the World of Spirits, and in Ashan, it appears very rarely. The only way to connect with it is to bathe in the sacred springs of Shalassa, located on the highest mountain of Hashima. After that, the seeker must literally take a leap of faith from the cloud-covered cliffs, hoping that the mighty spirit will hear him and appear to catch him in flight.
