The Complete Guide to Rakshasas

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.

Awards:

• Includes material selected for inclusion in Monte Cook Presents the Year's Best d20.

Reviews:

• EN World: 4 stars. "I can honestly say that there is plenty of useful material in The Complete Guide to Rakshasas... I know rakshasas don't usually play a major part in many campaigns... but with The Complete Guide to Rakshasas that might no longer be true."

Writer: Matt Sprengeler
Cover Artist: Thomas Denmark
Interior Artist: Brad McDevitt

GMG3005. 48 pages. $12.99.

Preview of Table of Contents and Interior Art

• Introduction
• Chapter One: Characters
  • Playing a Rakshasa
  • Yakshas (Half-Rakshasa)
  • New Character Classes
    • Yogi (base class)
    • Hunter of the Firstborn (prestige class)
  • Feats
    • General Feats
    • Austerity Feats
    • Shapechanger Feats
  • Equipment
  • Organizations
• Chapter Two: The Rakshasa's Body
  • Notes on Native Outsiders
  • Alternate Forms
  • Backwards Palms
  • Reproduction and Yakshas
  • Rakshasa Subspecies
• Chapter Three: Conflict
  • Rakshasa Tactics
  • Fighting Alongside Allies
  • Rakshasa Armies
  • Defeating a Rakshasa
  • Conversations with a Rakshasa
  • Carrying Out Their Schemes
  • Outwitting a Rakshasa
• Chapter Four: Rakshasa Society
  • What They Believe
  • What Rakshasa Want
  • Relations with Others
  • Rakshasa Subtypes
  • Adventure Ideas
• Chapter Five: Rakshasa and Their Kin
  • Rakshasa
  • Pisacha
  • Pani
  • Graha
  • Asura

The pisacha, a base relative of the rakshasa.


The Hunter of the Firstborn, who uses the ancient asthra (throwing disc) to hunt his sworn enemy, the rakshasa.


The yaksha, rare human-rakshasa halfbreed.


Those who would hunt the rakshasa need wit, strength, speed, and supernatural ability of the highest order.