Homebrew Half Rakshasa Species Details

Physical Description

Half Rakshasas are significantly smaller than their pure race counter parts and stand 5 to 7 feet tall and weigh between 130 and 250 pounds. Their natural shapes are relatively humanoid although they are clearly not human, as they appear more as humanoid beasts, usually tigers. Their hands also look disturbing to most humans, as their palms are where the back of the hands would be in humans. The Half Rakshasa are capable of hiding their disturbing appearance at any time, as they can choose to alter their humanoid form at will. All rakshasas wear human clothing of the highest quality.

History

The truth behind the origins of the rakshasa isn't certain with one of the two separate lore being accepted as the truth. The first being:

Evil spirits in mortal flesh, rakshasa originated long ago in the Nine Hells when powerful devils created a dark ritual to free their essence from their fiendish bodies in order to escape the Lower Planes. A rakshasa enters the Material Plane to feed its appetite for humanoid flesh and evil schemes. It selects its prey with care, taking pains to keep its presence in the world a secret.
The second being:

It is said that rakshasa were created from the breath of a god while it slept and so bloodthirsty they were when created they started eating their creator, and so in a fit of anger the god banished them to the realm of the Nine Hells. Almost all rakshasa have since escaped the Lower Planes using illusion and deceit, and dwell on the Material Plane.

Society

n some worlds, rakshasa are common enough that they form their own societies, constructing city-states that are invisible to those who are uninvited. These cities can be utopian or terrifying depending on the ruling caste's tendency to good or evil. The streets are lined with gardens, libraries and illusory works of art. All rakshasa are ferocious warriors, with each citizen being a member of the city's army. rakshasa armies either involve themselves in the wars of other races if the cause is just or if the battles are particularly bloody, depending greatly on the nature of the state.

In worlds where rakshasa are rarer, individuals will work their way into other cultures, using disguise and deception to establish a position of power. An evil rakshasa may murder a member of the nobility and take their place, while good rakshasa may simply wish to enjoy a position of benevolent rulership. Warrior rakshasa who favor battle over illusion may settle for any duty in a warlord's army – even as low as a rank-and-file soldier.

For a rakshasa, death on the Material Plane means an agonizing and torturous return to the Nine Hells, where its essence remains trapped until its body reforms — a process that can take months or years. When the rakshasa is reborn, it has all the memories and knowledge of its former life, and it seeks retribution against the one who slew it. If the target has somehow slipped through its grasp, the rakshasa might punish its killer's family, friends, or descendants. Like devils, rakshasas killed in the Nine Hells are forever destroyed. While this isn't commonly known it is the reason why the rakshasa are so wrathful and revenge driven in nature.

Asura rakshasa are debased, often consumed with sinful passions, such as lust, greed, wrath or boastfulness – sometimes to the point of addiction. They have superiority complexes whilst also envious of the purity of beings such as devas. Asura are restless, desiring activity, and are most likely to be found taking a hands-on approach to war or construction.

Maya rakshasa are natural of illusionists, preferring trickery and magic over claws and muscle. They seek finer pleasures and have a far more reserved and sophisticated aura to them, often starving themselves for several days before allowing themselves the finer tastes that their patience has wrought. Maya are calculated, careful and are often the on

 

Half Rakshasa Traits

As a Half Rakshasa, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to Alter Self starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing a Half Rakshasa requires special consideration by your DM.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Half Rakshasa's reach maturity by age 16. Half Rakshasa's don’t usually live longer than 120 years.

Size

Half Rakshasas are significantly smaller than their pure race counter parts and stand 5 to 7 feet tall and weigh between 130 and 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Alignment

Most Half Rakshasa are neutral and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Others choose to follow the path of True Rahskasa's and turn to Lawful Evil alignment.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice

Darkvision

You have a cat’s keen senses especially in the dark. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you 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.

Claws

You are proficient with your natural finesse weapons, which deal 1d6 slashing damage on a hit.

Rakshacian Legacy

Innate Spellcasting: The Half Rakshasa's innate Spellcasting Ability is Charisma. The Half Rakshasa can innately cast the following Spells, requiring no material components: Disguise Self And Detect Thoughts. Once per long rest.

Limited Magic Immunity

The Half Rakshasa can call upon their ancestral line and give themselves extra defenses against any magical spell or attack. The Half Rakshasa will then be able to use it's reaction to give themselves Advantage on saving throws against all other spells and magical effects.