Rakshasa (CTD)
The Rakshasa Chimera is a shapeshifting demon of India.
Overview
These beings are the shapeshifting demons of Indian mythology. They have no true form; whatever shape they take for their victims is their actual body. However, the possess a type of Dreamform claws that are invisible until used. Rakshasas rip their victims to shreds, but do not feed upon flesh. Instead, they take their nourishment from the escaping life-force of the dead. The rakshasa of myth could be killed by thrusting a bone from a virtuous holy-man into the monster's heart. Fortunately, in the Dreaming, rakshasas are easier to combat. When they take sufficient damage, they discorporate, as do any other chimera.
A rakshasa assumes the form of a person or being its victim trusts most. It then takes advantage of the victim's confusion to come close and tear them apart. Rumors suggest that the rakshasa also gains some of its victims' memories by feeding upon their life-force, but this remains conjectural. The power of a rakshasa is ineffective against anyone possessing True Faith or Iron Will merits.
Stats
Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 4, Charisma 4, Manipulation 4, Appearance 3, Perception 2, Intelligence 3, Wits 5
Glamour: 6
Willpower: 7
Health Levels: OK (x3), -1 (x2), -2, -5 (x3)
Attack: Claws/7 dice
Talents: Alertness 3, Brawl 4, Dodge 2, Subterfuge 4, Survival 3
Redes: Scuttle, Shape Shift (only to trusted friends of one victim; a rakshasa appears only when its victim is alone, or once it coaxes a victim away from her friends)
References
- CTD: Dreams and Nightmares, p. 114-115