Complete Guide: Rakshasas (d20)
At the dawn of creation¸ the rakshasa openly ruled all the world. Greatest among them was one called Ravana¸ acknowledged by even the most egotistical rakshasa as their rightful king. He had been born into the world many times¸ growing in power with each incarnation¸ until finally he brought all mortal races under the power of rakshasa.
However¸ Ravana's rule was destined to end. He overlooked one particular mortal hero¸ who was reincarnated time and again¸ thwarting Ravana's schemes whenever he appeared. Finally¸ as Ravana was closing his grasp around the last few creatures who resisted his rule¸ this hero was born into the world one more time.
Under the name Ramachandra¸ this hero battled Ravana's allies and armies¸ overcoming them every time with his lethal archery and iron courage. What followed were battles that lasted years and filled the oceans with blood¸ but finally Ramachandra's bowmanship overcame Ravana's might¸ and the rakshasa lord was slain.
Rakshasas hold that when they die¸ they are judged by their great king Ravana. Those who possessed great power and cunning are reborn as even mightier individuals¸ and the greatest rakshasa will someday return as Ravana. In fact¸ before his last battle Ravana foretold that he would be reborn one more time into the world¸ prepared to enslave it forever with his wickedness. But he also warned that his ancient nemesis would return¸ wielding a flaming sword and mounted on a white horse as noble as himself.
The Complete Guide to Rakshasas takes you into this world of ancient myth and unbridled ambition in a journey where each adventure is merely one episode in an eons-spanning quest. Become a rakshasa undertaking grand schemes in the hopes of returning as Ravana. Hunt Ramachandra in whatever form he may take. Or simply take the reins of power and rule for a century or two...
Features:
- True revelations of the history¸ lore¸ and goals of the malevolent rakshasa.
- Rules for playing rakshasa and yaksha (half-rakshasa) as player characters.
- Rules and background for those who would defeat the rakshasa: the new yogi base class¸ the Hunter of the Firstborn prestige class¸ and organizations such as the Order of the Asthra and The Shattered Gate.
- Extensive DM guidelines on how to play a rakhasa to maximum effect. How do reincarnation¸ immortality¸ infinite patience¸ and absolute deceit manifest in game terms?
- New equipment¸ feats¸ magic items¸ and monsters to round out the rakshasa pantheon.
- And much more¸ all of it compatible with the 3.5 revision!
This book includes material selected for inclusion in Monte Cook Presents the Year's Best d20.
Writer: Matt Sprengeler
Cover Artist: Thomas Denmark
Interior Artist: Brad McDevitt
GMG3005. 48 pages. $7.99