Raptors

"From the stolen vessels of the fallen, darkness rises. Raptors walk the path of obliteration, their existence a shadow that seeks to snuff out the light of Tzion."

Raptors are the ultimate manifestation of corruption and malevolence in the universe of Tzion. These dark entities are formed when a spirit from the forbidden Sumaya realm usurps the lifeless body of a Sapiens, transforming it into a vessel of immense power and destruction. Their existence is a stark opposition to the light and harmony represented by the Kwasars, making them their eternal nemesis. Raptors possess abilities that rival those of the Kwasars, but their essence is steeped in chaos and decay.

Feared across Tzion for their malevolent power, Raptors are harbingers of destruction and despair. They are relentless in their quest to plunge the universe into darkness, and their influence spreads like a shadow over the fragile balance of existence.

Born of Shadows

The Raptors’ origins lie in the forbidden realm of the Sumaya, a domain that exists outside the creation and control of the Astrals. This place is a nexus of chaos, where rogue spirits and malevolent energies converge. When one of these corrupted Sumaya spirits enters the body of a deceased Sapiens, it reanimates the flesh, fusing its dark essence with the mortal form.

This act of possession warps the body and soul, creating a Raptor. The physical form becomes a vessel of destruction, with glowing red eyes, shadow-infused veins, and an aura of dread that surrounds them. Each Raptor retains echoes of their mortal form, but the corruption twists their features into something both human and monstrous.

The forbidden nature of their creation ensures that Raptors are disconnected from the light of Tzion. They are outcasts, even among the dark forces of the universe, driven by a hunger for power and an insatiable need to extinguish the influence of the Kwasars and their allies.

Raptors in the Material Plane

When a Raptor enters the material plane, the very fabric of reality seems to ripple in protest. Their arrival is heralded by an unnatural chill, the dimming of light, and an oppressive sense of dread. Mortals who encounter a Raptor often describe an overwhelming sense of despair and helplessness.

Raptors are cunning and manipulative, often using their dark charisma to sow discord among mortal societies. They prey on the fears and weaknesses of others, turning allies against one another and corrupting those who are vulnerable to their influence.

Their motivations are varied but always rooted in destruction and domination. Some seek to obliterate all traces of light and life, while others aim to corrupt and control, bending the universe to their will. Despite their malevolent nature, Raptors are capable of strategic thought and can form alliances of convenience if it furthers their dark agenda.

Culture of the Raptors

Raptors have no unified culture or society, as their existence is inherently solitary and driven by personal ambition. However, they share common traits and philosophies:

  • Might Over Morality: Raptors believe that power is the ultimate truth, and morality is a weakness to be exploited.
  • The Corruption of Creation: Where Kwasars create and protect, Raptors seek to corrupt and destroy. They revel in undoing the harmony of the universe.
  • Self-Reliance: Raptors trust no one, relying solely on their own strength and cunning to achieve their goals.

When Raptors do gather, it is usually under the leadership of a particularly powerful or charismatic individual. These gatherings are short-lived, as their nature inevitably leads to betrayal and conflict.

Playing a Raptor

As a Raptor, you are a being of immense power and darkness. Your existence is a constant struggle between your corrupted nature and the remnants of the mortal soul you once possessed.

Example Raptor Characters

  1. Vrykaris, the Shadowborne: A Raptor who delights in sowing chaos among mortal kingdoms, Vrykaris is a master manipulator who plays both sides of a conflict for his own gain.
  2. Nyxaris, the Fallen Light: Once a revered warrior, Nyxaris was resurrected as a Raptor and now seeks vengeance against those who abandoned her in life.
  3. Thalvok, the Dread Warden: A Raptor who leads a cult of mortals devoted to his dark power, Thalvok dreams of overthrowing the Kwasars and claiming the universe for himself.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • What memories of your mortal life still linger, and how do they influence your actions?
  • Do you embrace your corruption, or do you struggle against it?
  • What motivates your quest for power: vengeance, ambition, or something deeper?
  • How do you view other mortals: as tools, pawns, or potential allies?

Traits

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by +2, and your Charisma score increases by +1.

Age

Raptors are ageless, their corrupted forms immune to the passage of time.

Alignment

Raptors tend toward Chaotic Evil, though some may stray toward Neutral alignments depending on their personal goals.

Size

Raptors retain the size of their mortal forms, typically Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

You can see in darkness within 60 feet as if it were dim light, and in dim light as if it were bright light.

Raptor Resilience

You have resistance to necrotic damage and psychic damage.

Shadow Infusion

You can use your bonus action to enter a state of shadowy empowerment for 1 minute. While in this state, you gain the following benefits:

  • Your attacks deal an additional 1d6 necrotic damage.
  • You can move through creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain.

Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.

Aura of Dread

As an action, you can force creatures within 10 feet of you to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failure, they are frightened until the end of their next turn.

Subraces: Dark Variants

Harbingers of Decay

  • Decay Touch: Your unarmed strikes deal an additional 1d6 necrotic damage.
  • Aura of Corruption: Enemies within 5 feet of you have disadvantage on saving throws against being poisoned.

Wraithborn

  • Ethereal Step: You can cast Misty Step once per long rest.
  • Ghostly Presence: You can phase through walls or objects for up to 10 feet as part of your movement.

Names

Raptors often adopt names that reflect their dark essence, corrupted nature, or former mortal lives. These names can be menacing, guttural, or hauntingly elegant, often evoking fear or reverence. Some Raptors, however, retain fragments of their mortal names, serving as a grim reminder of their past lives.

Masculine Names

Vrykaris, Thalvok, Mordran, Kaelthar, Zorvek

Feminine Names

Nyxaris, Velthara, Maldris, Zyvakra, Shalnor

Neutral Names

Xyvaris, Talvor, Drekar, Arkoris, Vyneth

Playing a Raptor

Playing a Raptor allows you to explore themes of corruption, redemption, and overwhelming power. Your character is a force of destruction and manipulation, yet remnants of their mortal soul might offer glimpses of regret or humanity. As a Raptor, you walk a fine line between embracing your dark nature and struggling to find meaning in your existence.

Example Raptor Characters

  1. Zorvek, the Usurper: Once a noble knight, Zorvek was corrupted in death by a Sumaya spirit and now roams the lands, destroying what he once swore to protect. His hatred for the Kwasars drives him to seek their downfall at any cost.
  2. Velthara, the Black Veil: A cunning and enigmatic Raptor who weaves shadows to manipulate the hearts and minds of mortals. Velthara enjoys playing the long game, sowing chaos across kingdoms to undermine the light.
  3. Mordran, the Shadow Reaper: A brutal and relentless Raptor who thrives in battle. Mordran wields dark powers to decimate his enemies, his rage and ambition making him a feared figure on every battlefield.

Narrative Hooks

  • You have vague memories of a mortal life, but you do not know who you were or how you died. A strange force compels you to uncover your past.
  • You were once bound to a mortal cult, worshiped as a god of destruction. Now you seek to reclaim your place among them or exact vengeance for their betrayal.
  • A Kwasar has sworn to destroy you, and their pursuit drives you to uncover new powers or allies to survive the coming conflict.
  • Despite your dark nature, you feel a glimmer of something more—could there still be a chance for redemption?

DM's Toolbox: Raptors in the World

Raptors are versatile and compelling additions to any campaign, whether as antagonists, reluctant allies, or tragic figures. Their connection to the Sumaya realm and their enmity with the Kwasars provides rich opportunities for storytelling and world-building.

Integrating Raptors into Campaigns

  • As Villains: A powerful Raptor leads a horde of corrupted beings, threatening the balance of the material plane. The party must gather allies, including Kwasars, to confront this growing darkness.
  • As Allies: A Raptor, shunned by their kin and hunted by Kwasars, seeks refuge with the party. Despite their dark origins, they prove to be a valuable, if volatile, ally.
  • As Mysteries: A string of unexplained deaths points to a Raptor's presence. The party must unravel the mystery, discovering the creature’s tragic backstory and deciding its fate.

Encounters and Rumors

  • "A shadowy figure was seen emerging from the ruins, its eyes glowing red. Nothing grows in the area anymore."
  • "An entire village has fallen under the sway of a dark overlord, who claims to protect them in exchange for complete loyalty."
  • "A Kwasar has declared war on a Raptor, and their battles have scarred the land for miles around."

Raptors in Combat

Raptors are formidable foes or allies in combat, wielding a mix of physical prowess and dark magic. Their abilities often focus on overwhelming their enemies with fear, necrotic damage, and debilitating effects.

Strengths

  • High damage output, particularly with necrotic and psychic attacks.
  • Crowd control abilities, such as Aura of Dread and Shadow Infusion.
  • Resistance to common damage types (necrotic, psychic) makes them durable opponents.

Weaknesses

  • Vulnerable to radiant damage and effects that counter necrotic energy.
  • Relatively solitary nature may leave them without allies in battle.
  • Their reliance on fear and manipulation can be countered by strong-willed foes.

Roles in a Party

  • Damage Dealer: With their powerful necrotic abilities and enhanced physical attacks, Raptors excel at dealing sustained damage.
  • Control Specialist: Abilities like Aura of Dread and Shadow Infusion allow Raptors to disrupt enemies and create chaos on the battlefield.
  • Solo Operative: Raptors’ resilience and independence make them ideal for missions requiring stealth, intimidation, or overwhelming force.

Optional Details

Raptors provide opportunities for rich, immersive storytelling and thrilling combat scenarios. Consider incorporating visual aids, lore-rich artifacts (such as cursed weapons or relics tied to the Sumaya), or detailed maps of corrupted regions to enhance their role in your campaign.