Rapax

"When the light of creation cast its brilliance, we were born of the shadows it left behind."

The Rapax are monstrous beings, embodiments of chaos and feral power. With forms that range from grotesque and terrifying to eerily majestic, they are a testament to the untamed potential of existence. While they originate from the primordial chaos, their presence in the universe of Tzion is both a curse and a test—a challenge to the balance of creation itself.

Born of Avernus

The Rapax hail from the chaotic energies of Avernus, an enigmatic and primordial force that defies the natural laws of Tzion. Avernus is a swirling maelstrom of entropy, located in the shadowy fringes of creation. Unlike the harmonious realms crafted by Goddark, Avernus is a place of raw potential and destructive energy, ever-shifting and resisting form.

The Rapax are created when fragments of Avernus latch onto discarded remains or lifeless matter, twisting them into living embodiments of chaos. Each Rapax is unique, their form shaped by the unpredictable whims of Avernus. Some appear as grotesque amalgamations of beasts, while others resemble mythical nightmares or warped echoes of familiar creatures.

While many Rapax are feral and monstrous, a few display sentience, wielding their chaotic power with cunning and intent. These individuals often rise as leaders among their kin, channeling their destructive energy into calculated strikes against the structured order of Tzion.

Rapax in the Material Plane

When the Rapax manifest in the Material Plane, they bring with them the seething chaos of Avernus. Their arrival often heralds destruction, as the very fabric of reality struggles to contain their unstable forms. To mortals, the Rapax are monsters of legend—beings whose very existence challenges the natural order.

However, not all Rapax exist solely to destroy. Some are drawn to the Material Plane by curiosity or a sense of purpose they cannot fully comprehend. These rare individuals may seek to understand the world beyond chaos, and their journeys often place them in unlikely alliances—or bitter conflicts—with other factions.

For the Kwasars, the Rapax are both nemeses and a test of their strength. Each clash between these opposing forces of light and chaos is a battle for the balance of the universe, with the Rapax pushing the boundaries of what creation can endure.

Culture of the Rapax

The Rapax lack a cohesive culture, as their chaotic nature resists structure and hierarchy. However, they instinctively form packs or hordes, bound by primal instincts and the magnetic pull of stronger individuals. These groups are often ruled by the most dominant or cunning Rapax, whose sheer force of will subdues their chaotic brethren.

Among the sentient Rapax, a rudimentary philosophy begins to emerge: the idea that chaos is not inherently destructive, but a necessary counterpart to order. These Rapax see themselves not as enemies of creation, but as its challengers, testing the resilience and adaptability of the universe.

Playing a Rapax

To play a Rapax is to embody the raw essence of chaos, a force of nature seeking purpose in a structured world. Whether you are a feral hunter driven by instinct or a sentient beast striving to master the chaos within, your journey is one of self-discovery and balance.

Role-Playing Prompts

  • Do you embrace your chaotic nature, or do you strive to rise above it?
  • What is your relationship with other beings of creation, especially those like the Kwasars who embody order?
  • Have you come to the Material Plane to destroy, to explore, or to seek redemption?
  • What does balance mean to you, and how do you see your place in the grand design of Tzion?

Traits

Ability Score Increase: Choose one ability score to increase by +2, and another by +1.
Age: Rapax do not age conventionally; they exist until their unstable forms unravel or they are destroyed.
Alignment: Rapax are usually chaotic, though rare individuals lean towards neutral or even lawful alignments as they seek balance.
Size: Rapax range from Medium to Large, depending on their form.
Speed: Base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light.
Chaotic Resilience: You have resistance to psychic damage, as your chaotic essence shields your mind.
Unstable Form: As a bonus action, you can alter your appearance slightly, growing claws, fangs, or minor features. This grants advantage on Intimidation checks.
Ravenous Strike: Once per short rest, you can make an additional attack after reducing a creature to 0 HP.

Subraces: Variants of Chaos

Primordial Beast

  • These Rapax are feral and monstrous, resembling mythic predators.
  • Ability: Gain advantage on Perception and Survival checks in natural environments.
  • Trait: Your melee attacks deal an additional 1d4 damage.

Shapeshifter

  • These Rapax can alter their form to blend in or intimidate.
  • Ability: Gain proficiency in Deception.
  • Trait: As an action, you can take on the appearance of another creature of your size for up to 1 hour.

Voidcaller

  • These rare Rapax wield the chaotic energy of Avernus itself.
  • Ability: Gain proficiency in Arcana.
  • Trait: You can cast Chaos Bolt once per long rest, using Constitution as your spellcasting ability.

Names

The names of the Rapax reflect their primal and chaotic origins, often sounding guttural, sharp, or animalistic. These names are typically one or two syllables, evoking the raw, untamed nature of their beings. Some Rapax adopt names given to them by other factions, though these are often mistranslations or insults repurposed into symbols of pride.

Masculine Names

  • Drok
  • Grath
  • Zarnok
  • Krul
  • Vakros

Feminine Names

  • Veshka
  • Drazzia
  • Kalrith
  • Myrkala
  • Zyrka

Neutral Names

  • Rask
  • Thrazz
  • Brulk
  • Nyss
  • Krathal

Playing a Rapax

The Rapax provide a unique role-playing opportunity for players who want to explore themes of inner conflict, redemption, and raw power. Whether you embrace their chaotic origins or strive to rise above them, a Rapax character offers a compelling and dynamic experience.

Character Examples

  • Drok Varshal: A Primordial Beast Rapax, Drok was cast out from his horde for being too intelligent, a trait considered dangerous among the feral. He now seeks purpose in the Material Plane, struggling to balance his instinctual urges with a budding sense of morality.
  • Veshka Nyrris: A Shapeshifter Rapax who serves as a spy for a mortal kingdom. Disguised as a court advisor, she gathers information about her enemies, all while concealing her monstrous origins.
  • Zarnok the Bound: A Voidcaller Rapax who once unleashed destruction across several realms but has since been subdued by an ancient curse. He now fights to master his chaotic powers and channel them towards protecting the balance of Tzion.

Narrative Hooks

  • A Kwasar seeks your help in stopping an unstable rift to Avernus. Will you ally with them, or use the chaos to your advantage?
  • A pack of feral Rapax is terrorizing a local settlement. Do you feel a duty to intervene, or do you see them as your kin?
  • You discover that your origins tie directly to a fragment of Avernus, and unlocking its secrets may grant you untold power—or destroy you.

DM's Toolbox: Rapax in the World

The Rapax can serve as versatile elements in a campaign, filling roles as adversaries, reluctant allies, or tragic figures striving for redemption. Their chaotic origins make them unpredictable, allowing Dungeon Masters to craft unique and memorable encounters.

As Antagonists

  • A feral horde of Rapax is tearing through a rural region, and the party must discover the source of their sudden aggression.
  • A cunning Shapeshifter Rapax has infiltrated a powerful noble house, manipulating events to sow discord and chaos.

As Allies

  • A sentient Rapax approaches the party with knowledge of an ancient artifact buried deep within Avernus, offering guidance in exchange for their aid.
  • The party must escort a Voidcaller Rapax who seeks redemption to a holy site, all while being pursued by those who fear or hate them.

Rumors and Events

  • "Beware the shadowed forest—something with glowing red eyes has been hunting at night."
  • "A wandering beast fought off an entire raiding party single-handedly. But instead of killing them, it left a warning carved into the ground."
  • "The ground cracks open near the old ruins, and whispers of chaos seep into the wind. Could this be another Rapax rising?"

Rapax in Combat

The Rapax are unpredictable combatants, wielding raw strength and chaotic abilities that make them dangerous foes or invaluable allies. Their roles in battle can vary greatly based on their subraces and abilities.

Strengths

  • High physical damage output and durability make them formidable melee combatants.
  • Unique abilities, such as shapeshifting or chaos magic, allow them to adapt to various combat scenarios.
  • Their innate resistance to psychic damage protects them from mental manipulation.

Weaknesses

  • Their chaotic nature makes them unreliable in cooperative settings, as their instincts can sometimes override strategy.
  • Many Rapax have unstable forms, making them vulnerable to specific types of energy or spells that exploit their connection to Avernus.

Combat Roles

  • Tank: Primordial Beast Rapax can absorb damage while dealing devastating blows in melee combat.
  • Support: Voidcaller Rapax can use their chaos magic to disrupt enemy strategies or bolster allies in unpredictable ways.
  • Skirmisher: Shapeshifter Rapax excel at stealth and deception, using their abilities to ambush or outmaneuver enemies.

Optional Details

For visual inspiration, consider adding an illustration or table detailing the various forms of Rapax, their subraces, or the chaotic traits they manifest. A sidebar could also explore their interactions with other factions, such as their complex relationship with the Kwasars or the fear and reverence they inspire among mortals.