Rakshasa

Basic Information

Anatomy

Rakshasas are large humanoids with sharp teeth and two large fangs pointing downwards, which protrude from the mouth while it is closed. Rakshasas also have clawed hands and feathered wings on their backs. They are quite physically strong and have a natural connection to Magic.

Biological Traits

Male rakshasas' connection to magic allows them to create illusions. If a rakshasa's illusion has a specific target, it can become "real" to the target if they are convinced that it is, meaning that an illusory sword can cut a person who believes that it is real, but cannot cut anything else. The most skilled rakshasas can achieve "invisibility", which actually consists of projecting a large illusion of the surrounding area exactly as it is, but without them in it. This is quite difficult, and becomes more difficult the more people are in the area. This is nearly impossible in large crowds.
Females, known as rakshasis, are instead natural shapeshifters. They can shapeshift into any living thing as long as they are familiar enough with it, but animals of similar size to themselves are the easiest. The more different in size something is from the rakshasi, the more difficult it is to shift into. Smaller forms are more easily achieved than larger ones. The largest form any rakshasi has ever achieved is a bear the size of a small house. This feat, however, is extremely difficult, bordering on impossible.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Rakshasas are both carnivorous and hematophagous. They need to consume both meat and blood to survive. They are capable of going for about a month on only one or the other, although it will be quite uncomfortable to do so. Much longer than that risks severe malnutrition. 
The majority of rakshasas agree that Humans taste extremely good, an opinion not shared by most others in Irkalla. Some rakshasas eat their Human slaves often, although the expense involved and the fact that it wastes a valuable worker or servant means that most save such things for special occasions, and many only eat slaves that have significantly displeased them. Human slaves constitute the primary source of blood for most rakshasas.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The majority of rakshasas are located in Naraka.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Rakshasas have a long military tradition that they are quite proud of. To this day, soldiering is the most common profession for rakshasas, and they make up the bulk of the Principality of Naraka's military.

Common Taboos

There is an old story of a platoon of rakshasa soldiers being overrun by a group of Aevorean monkeys. It's probably just a legend, but there is some historical evidence that it may have actually happened. Regardless, any rakshasa that hears this event mentioned will vehemently deny that it is even possible, and it is not unheard of for them to get violent if the issue is pressed. One of the most insulting things that can be said to a rakshasa is something along the lines of: "Go fight a monkey." or "I would fear a monkey more than you."

Scientific Name

Asura

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

6'5"

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Rakshasas have blue skin and red eyes and hair.

Geographic Distribution

• Naraka

Related Ethnicities

• Narakan