Khenari

THE NIGHT AIR WHISPERED PROMISES OF AGONY AND ECSTASY—echoes of the Blood Queen's power. Calrile Shranzudum stood atop the highest spire of Veshobeth, her silk gown flowing like liquid shadow, clinging to her alabaster skin. Around her feet, her devotees knelt, their gazes hollow and captivated by her presence, eyes reflecting the crimson fire of her gaze. She moved among them like a specter of desire, her fingers brushing against their bowed heads—a fleeting caress that drew gasps, a spark of longing that could never be quenched.
She smiled, a slow curve of her lips that promised delight and destruction in equal measure. Her gaze swept across her thralls, settling upon a young servant, trembling under her attention. She raised a finger, beckoning him closer, her crimson eyes aflame with cruel intent. He approached on his knees, each movement a testament to the power she wielded over his soul—fear and yearning twisted together, binding him to her. With one gentle touch to his cheek, he shuddered, his breath hitching as her power surged through him, a heady mix of torment and bliss. In that moment, Calrile knew she owned him completely—body, mind, and spirit—all surrendered to the insatiable will of Dashiva. She reveled in it, the control, the absolute surrender, the raw, trembling worship that fueled her own hunger for dominance.

— The Blood Queen

Twisted by Corruption

Deep in the shadows of the Jungles of Rashir, where sunlight barely pierces the thick canopy, dwell the Khenari—a people twisted by Dashiva, the dark goddess of lust, secrets, and dominance. Once noble and part of the ancient Alantri, the Khenari were seduced by the promise of eternal life and unmatched power. They betrayed their kin, following the Blood Queen into darkness. Now, they are feared and despised as merciless slave traders, dark sorcerers, and ruthless conquerors—an ever-present reminder of what happens when power is sought without restraint.
The Khenari live in a society dominated by cruelty, where power is the measure of one’s worth. The strong rule over the weak, and each Khenari is expected to prove themselves through acts of dominance and manipulation. They are masters of bending others to their will, their lives revolving around the pursuit of power and the subjugation of all who cross their path.

Dangerous Beauty

Khenari are strikingly beautiful, their allure both otherworldly and dangerous. They stand tall and slender, with alabaster skin that seems to glow under the moonlight, and hair that ranges from deep ebony to midnight blue. Their eyes often glimmer with an unnatural crimson or violet light, betraying the dark power that courses through their veins. Their features are sharp and angular, adding an elegance to their predatory nature, while their pointed ears and cruel smiles reveal the depths of their twisted souls. Their beauty is a weapon as much as their sorcery, used to seduce, manipulate, and dominate those unfortunate enough to fall under their spell.
Despite their allure, Khenari are feared across Tavomia. Their beauty hides a sadistic core, and many have learned—often too late—that the touch of a Khenari, no matter how soft or inviting, always comes with a cost. They use their physical perfection to entice and ensnare, feeding off the emotions of their victims, savoring the control they exert over those bewitched by their presence.

Of Slavery and Scorn

The Khenari are infamous as merciless slave traders. They view all other races as tools—objects to be used, manipulated, and discarded as they see fit. Their black ships are feared across the seas, and wherever they sail, misery follows. They strike without warning, capturing entire villages and selling their inhabitants into brutal servitude. This ruthless trade has earned them the hatred of many, but the Khenari remain unrepentant, convinced of their superiority. Their disdain for other races is matched only by their cunning and cruelty, making them feared foes.
The Khenari see their role as slavers not just as a means to gain wealth and power but as an expression of their dominance. To them, enslavement is the natural order—where the strong assert their will over the weak. Their slave markets are places of horror, where lives are bartered away without thought or care, and the cries of the enslaved are drowned out by the laughter of their captors.

Faith and Corruption

The dark power of Dashiva grants the Khenari mastery over forbidden magic. They can manipulate elements, control minds, and even bring the dead back to life—though each use of their dark magic tightens Dashiva’s grip on their souls. This connection to Dashiva is both a blessing and a curse, giving them great power but also binding their fates to the will of the dark goddess. In battle, they combine their dark magic with martial prowess, often riding into battle atop mythical reptilian creatures—terrifying beasts that share the same dark origins as their masters.
Their faith in Dashiva is absolute. She is the source of their power, their eternal mistress, and the embodiment of everything they desire—lust, control, and the secrets best left hidden. The Khenari worship her through acts of indulgence, cruelty, and the relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge. To them, each act of depravity, each whispered secret, is an offering to their dark goddess.

The Curse of Immortality

The Khenari are cursed with a form of eternal life. They do not age as other beings do; their bodies remain youthful and strong for centuries. However, this immortality is a double-edged sword. The longer they live, the deeper they fall under Dashiva’s control. Their will erodes, the goddess’ whispers becoming ever more insistent. Though they may appear ageless, they are enslaved in spirit—eternally bound to their dark mistress, the price of their corrupted immortality.
This immortality also serves to heighten their sense of superiority. They see themselves as above the mortal races, beings destined to rule, to take what they want without consequence. Yet, beneath their arrogance lies the ever-present fear of losing themselves completely to Dashiva’s will—a fear that they bury beneath cruelty and indulgence.

Frozen Hearts

Emotionally cold and calculating, the Khenari are incapable of feeling minor emotions. Only the most intense stimuli can stir their hearts—a direct consequence of their corruption by Dashiva. Stripped of the ability to connect with others, they often appear heartless and devoid of empathy. This emotional detachment drives them to pursue their goals with ruthless efficiency, unconcerned with the suffering they cause.
Their passions are twisted, reflecting the influence of Dashiva. They take pleasure in acts of dominance, their emotions ignited only by the suffering they inflict or the power they exert over others. They are masters of manipulation, using the emotions of others as tools, twisting affection, trust, and desire into weapons to further their own ends.

The Court of Veshobeth

Khenari society is ruled by the Black Veil—a powerful cult dedicated to the Blood Queen. The Queen, as Dashiva’s embodiment, commands absolute loyalty. The Black Veil enforces her will, maintaining order through fear and manipulation. Their capital, Veshobeth, is a city of darkness and intrigue—beautiful yet terrifying, a place where power is the only currency, and weakness is swiftly exploited.
Veshobeth is a reflection of Khenari society—a dark, glittering jewel hidden within the shadows of Rashir. Its towering spires rise above the jungle, their beauty masking the cruelty within. Here, even children learn the arts of manipulation and deceit. While young Khenari may appear innocent, they are taught to use their appearance to their advantage—seducing, deceiving, and tormenting those foolish enough to underestimate them. Though rare, these children are among the most dangerous, embodying the twisted desires of Dashiva even in their youth.

The Returned

Not all Khenari remain enslaved to Dashiva’s will. When a Khenari breaks free of Dashiva's control—usually through extraordinary external intervention—they become one of the Returned. These individuals, through sheer willpower or the aid of powerful beings such as Elder Fey, sever the chains of corruption that bind them. However, this path is fraught with danger, and only a rare few ever manage to escape their homeland alive.
When a Khenari breaks free, they become one of the Returned, their emotions returning in full force—sorrow, loss, and repentance flooding back in overwhelming waves. They feel everything they have ever done, every cruelty they inflicted, and it is a burden almost too heavy to bear. They walk a perilous line, fighting constantly against the whispers of Dashiva, which grow louder when they use their innate abilities—especially those of a magical nature—or when they go without blood for too long. Though there are no mechanics for these whispers, players are encouraged to incorporate this struggle into their roleplay, reflecting the character's constant effort to resist falling back into darkness.

The Returned and the Isles of Stars

The Returned refuse to be called Khenari—they have severed themselves from that identity entirely. They live as exiles, hunted by the Black Veil, often venturing out to survive and stay ahead of those who pursue them. Some make the long journey to the Isles of Stars, where an enclave of the Returned exists, but even there, they are not truly accepted by the Alantri. They are seen as tragic reminders of the Khenari's betrayal—fallen souls who bear the scars of their past and the stigma of their former allegiance.

Language & Naming

The Khenari language is deceptively melodic, its tones dripping with honeyed charm that belies the darkness beneath. Words flow with a seductive allure, like velvet covering a blade, every syllable possessing an undertone of command. Their script is intricately angular, like shards of glass—sharp and unsettling, with hidden edges that hint at the darkness within their meaning. Names among the Khenari are similarly seductive, designed to charm, mislead, or dominate those who hear them.
Male Names: Xalren, Varyn, Drakil, Morvash, Kaelith, Zorlan
Female Names: Vashira, Syrith, Kelaria, Dravash, Thalira, Zevanna
House Names: Vashkur, Kharesh, Drashek, Morvaal, Zhakir, Thrashkar

Khenari Traits

As a Khenari you have the following traits.
Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Age: Khenari reach physical maturity faster than the Alantri but are not judged as adults until they have proven their ability to exert power over others. They can live indefinitely, remaining ageless until Dashiva’s whispers fully claim them.
Alignment: Khenari tend towards corrupt and cruel alignments, though the Returned strive towards neutrality or even good.
Size: Khenari are tall, often standing over 6 feet, with slender builds. Your size is Medium.
Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Blood Addiction: The Returned still carry the curse of blood addiction, a constant presence that gnaws at their willpower. See the rules below.
Commanding Presence: You have proficiency in the Intimidation and Persuasion skills.
Masters of Pain: Once per turn, you can add 1d4 psychic damage to a melee attack by exploiting the vulnerabilities of your target. If you score a critical hit, the target automatically has disadvantage on their next attack roll.
Hardened Mind: You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic cannot put you to sleep.
Keen Senses: You have proficiency in the Perception skill.
Superior Darkvision: Accustomed to the dark jungles of Rashir, you can see in dim light within 120 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Sunlight Sensitivity: You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you or your target are in direct sunlight.
Trance: Khenari who have undergone the Return do not need sleep. Instead, they meditate deeply for 4 hours, gaining the same benefits as a human who sleeps for 8 hours.
Vile Speech: You can cast the Vicious Mockery cantrip at will, provided your voice can be heard.
Dashiva's Guile: You can cast Disguise Self once per long rest, using this ability to hide your true nature and appear less threatening.
Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common (Landrian) and Khenari.

Content Warning

Playing a Returned

To play a Returned is to embrace the ongoing struggle for redemption against a deeply corrupt heritage. The Returned refuse the name Khenari, having severed themselves from that dark past. They feel every pain they once inflicted—sorrow, loss, and repentance becoming a constant burden. Breaking free from Dashiva’s control has brought their emotions flooding back, driving them to atone for their past actions. The Returned walk a fragile line. Dashiva's whispers linger, especially when using their abilities or refraining from drinking blood. Players are encouraged to roleplay these internal struggles, portraying their character’s battle to resist the call of darkness.

Personality

The Returned carry a heavy weight, haunted by the memories of their past sins. They are driven by a need for redemption, an intensity that shapes every decision. Though capable of deep empathy, they often struggle to open up, wary that their dark history could harm those they come to care for. Yet the Returned are resilient. They transform their pain into strength, fueling their quest for atonement. Loyalty, once earned, is absolute, and they will endure great hardship for their allies. Slow to trust, introspective, and careful not to repeat their past, the Returned balance hope with the constant fear of falling back into darkness.

Roleplaying a Returned

As a Returned, your culture and the ever-present struggle against Dashiva's corruption shape your worldview:
Struggle for Redemption: Having broken free of Dashiva’s control, you are marked by your past. The Returned are always on guard against slipping back into corruption and must contend with the distrust of those around them.
Masters of Magic and Fear: The Returned are still capable of wielding the forbidden magics of their people, though they now seek to use these abilities for purposes other than domination and cruelty.
Haunted by the Past: The memories of your actions as one of the Khenari still linger, and you strive to make amends for what you have done. Your emotions have returned, and they weigh heavily on you as you seek a way to atone for past wrongs.
The Whispering Darkness: The whispers of Dashiva grow stronger whenever you use your innate abilities, especially those that are spell-based, or when you go without drinking blood for too long. Representing this internal struggle adds depth to your character and shows the effort required to resist the call of darkness.

Why Venture Out?

Returned rarely leave their hiding places without a profound reason:
Seek Redemption: You may seek a way to free others from Dashiva’s grasp or atone for past sins, striving to make a positive impact on the world to offset the evil you once embraced.
Protect the Weave: You may travel to find and destroy sources of corruption, hoping to prevent others from falling under Dashiva’s influence and keeping the darkness at bay.
Pursuit of Knowledge: Some Returned seek lost magic or ancient lore that could help them break the chains of their people’s curse, or learn how to better resist Dashiva's influence.

The Returned in a Party

In a party, a Returned brings a dark past, forbidden magic, and a complex moral journey. They constantly wrestle with their own inner demons, making them both vulnerable and compelling allies. Despite their chilling demeanor, a Returned can become a steadfast protector, using their knowledge of darkness to prevent others from falling into its grasp.

Blood Addiction

Khenari must feed on living humanoid blood every two weeks to maintain their strength. This addiction defines their lives, and each feeding deals 2d6 necrotic damage to the target. A willing target can be left with 1 HP, while unwilling targets must be grappled or incapacitated.
Withdrawal Effects:

• 1 Week Without Blood: Disadvantage on all ability checks and attack rolls.
• 2 Weeks Without Blood: Gain one level of exhaustion.
• 3 Weeks Without Blood: Enter a blood-starved frenzy, requiring a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw each turn. On a failure, the Khenari must feed on the nearest living humanoid, regardless of ally or foe.

Advice for DMs/Players The blood addiction of the Khenari is not just a mechanic—it is central to their struggle and character arc. Players portraying a Returned should emphasize the conflict between their desire for redemption and their dark hunger. Feeding on blood is inherently unsettling and can create tension with allies, which can lead to impactful roleplay moments if handled thoughtfully.
Before the campaign starts, discuss this aspect with the DM and other players to ensure everyone is comfortable with the themes and agrees on boundaries. Feeding should enrich the story and character’s journey without causing discomfort to others. Approach this part of the narrative with care to maintain a respectful group experience.

Example Characters

Vorlen, the Reluctant Redeemer
Once a trusted enforcer for the Blood Queen, Vorlen was feared for his cruelty and ruthlessness. His loyalty shattered when a dying victim's curse opened his eyes to the atrocities he committed. Now among the Returned, Vorlen walks the path of redemption, using the brutal strength that once served evil to protect the innocent. He remains haunted by the whispers of Dashiva, urging him back to his former life, but his resolve is unbroken—driven by a need to shield those he once terrorized.
Selara, the Vengeful Liberator
Selara was one of Dashiva’s most loyal agents, infamous for capturing new slaves and breaking their will. During a raid, she discovered an ancient divine artifact that burned her with the suffering she had caused. The revelation broke her loyalty, and she turned her back on Dashiva. Now as a Returned, Selara is driven to free those she once enslaved, wielding her charm and magic to dismantle the networks she helped build. Though her methods are still sharp-edged and sometimes ruthless, her intentions are genuine, fighting the whispers that still tempt her to revert to her old ways.
Syrin, the Serpent-Voiced
Syrin appears as a vulnerable young teenager, her small frame and wide eyes masking her true nature. Raised in the dark Khenari society, Syrin broke free through a pact with a fey spirit, driven by a desire to escape her twisted upbringing. Now among the Returned, she uses her innocent appearance and charm to manipulate those who threaten her allies, protecting her new family with cunning and deception. Despite her unsettling methods, Syrin's fierce loyalty to her friends drives her to act as both protector and avenger, determined to make up for her past misdeeds.