Play.net Description

Quick to react and living for the pack, the Rakash consider themselves at one with their pack and often speak in the plural. While Human in appearance most of the time, they shapeshift into a wolf-human hybrid when the black moon, Katamba, is full. Even when not in their moonskins, however, the Rakash retain a touch of their wild nature.

Having lived in the hinterland west of the Five Realms for uncounted generations, the Rakash were driven out of their homeland by an undead menace. While suspicious of their new environment, if there's one thing that the Rakash are good at, it's survival. Adaptation may be challenging, but their shapeshifting tendencies have taught them that change is inevitable -- and the Rakash love a good challenge.

Character Creation

A deep, growling voice emits from the figure: "Rakash I am, the hunter who is happiest when she is with her pack. We live for the family, fight for the family, die for the family. No king can break us up, no god can destroy us. In ones and twos we may sometimes travel, but our happiness is complete when we are. The other races try to understand us, but cannot, for in their minds they are examining us in the singular. We discovered the truth long ago when we learned that we are strongest when united. Strength have I, and endurance, and speed. Whether I hunt with steel or with spell, all that matters is that I do what I do for the pack!"

The Rakash is of moderate height and seems to shift between a humanoid with a furry coat and a short snout and a Human with deep, soulful eyes. Both forms gaze at you with a combination of strength and loyalty, and there is a down-to-earth sensibility about this race present in only a few of the others. In its half-Human form, a short tail sweeps down behind the Rakash, stopping just short of the ground it stands on, and its ears are tall and curved, constantly twitching at the smallest sounds.

Racial Statistics

Statistic	Starting	TDP Mod
Strength	10	0
Reflex	12	-1
Agility	8	+1
Charisma	10	0
Discipline	12	-1
Wisdom	8	+1
Intelligence	6	+2
Stamina	14	-2

Rakash Appearance and Behavior

"They look much like Humans most of the time, but when the black moon Katamba waxes full, they undergo an amazing transformation that leaves them looking very much like wolf-men. Oh, they continue to walk upright and they do not actually change into wolves completely, but they grow fur and tails and I would not fancy an encounter with their jaws when they are in what they call their "moonskin". But for all that, I do not find them as off-putting as I do the Prydaen, near whom they lived in western lands before migrating here in the year 357. Although the Rakash suffered terribly at the hands of the necromancer Lyras, they are very devoted to one another and form tightly knit packs even in their new homes with us. Some folks find them a bit dull between the ears, but they are far from stupid and I find their tenacity and toughness quite admirable."

Age Statistics

• 0-13: Cub
• 14-21: Underdog
• 22-33: Cub-herder
• 34-43: Pack Hunter
• 44-55: Pack Beta
• 56-63: Pack Alpha
• 64-73: Den Watcher
• 74+: Grizzled Elder

Moonskin

When Katamba waxes full:
You see: You feel a slight mental tug from the black moon Katamba, which quickly intensifies into an irresistable pull. As you turn your face to the sky, your vision blurs into a red haze and your body begins to convulse in agonized spasms.

Others see: A feral look comes over (Rakash) as (his/her) whole body begins to convulse. (His/Her) snout elongates as coarse hair sprouts from (his/her) body. Fingernails extend into razor-like claws as glistening fangs begin to grow.

When Katamba begins to wane:
You see: You are overcome by a sudden wave of nausea. As you clutch your stomach, trying to hold yourself together, a terrible itching begins at the tips of your fingers and quickly spreads throughout your body. Just as your fur begins to fall out in clumps, dark oblivion washes over you.

You come to, feeling somewhat weak and shaky, and vulnerable without your claws. But the whole world seems bright, clean and new; colors are brighter and your field of vision is wider.

Others see: (Rakash's) fur begins to fall out in clumps. As (his/her) claws retract and (his/her) features begin to take on a Human (if somewhat (whatever skin-tone they have as human)) cast, (Rakash) passes out completely.

Verbs

Howls

Command	Messaging	Other Rakash see
HOWL HAPPY	You let out a bright joyous howl, full of life and vigor.	<Rakash> howls joyfully, head thrown back to the sky.
HOWL LONELY	You let out a mournful howl.	<Rakash> lets out a mournful lonely howl... does she know you're here?
HOWL KATAMBA	You howl melodiously, serenading the black moon.	<Rakash> howls melodiously, serenading the black moon.
HOWL <dead person>	You howl in lamentation for the fallen ____.	<Rakash> howls in lamentation for the fallen
HOWL WARNING	You howl sharply, warning the pack of danger!	<Rakash> howls to warn the pack of danger!
HOWL PAIN	Your vocal cords vibrate with your pain, bristling your fur.	<Rakash> howls in pain causing your fur to bristle.
HOWL HOME	You release a specifically pitched howl calling your family home.	<Rakash> releases a howl pitched to notify her family to return home.
HOWL VICTORY	You bellow a victorious howl that grows louder as it rips from your larynx.	<Rakash> lets rip a victory howl that sets your blood pounding.
HOWL HUNT	You release a warrior's howl calling all who can hear it to join in the hunt.	<Rakash> howls an invitation to join her in the hunt.

• For the full grown:

Command	Messaging	Other Rakash	Others
HOWL CHALLENGE	You howl your challenge to the other (howler's gender) of the pack!	Same Gender <Rakash> howls in challenge!	_____ lifts her face to the sky and howls. The haunting song of a wolf resonates through the area.
HOWL COURTSHIP	You let out a ululating howl, calling out to the (opposite gender) of the pack.	Opposite Gender <Rakash> lets out a beguiling, ululating howl.	Same Gender and non-Rakash see standard message.
HOWL HITHER(Must be Bonded)	You release a beckoning howl that calls to (mate). Otherwise "Your howl could not reach the one you seek.	<Rakash> howls in the distance, calling (mate) to come to (him/her).	Non-Rakash see standard message.

Ears

As a member of the Rakash race, when in moonskin you have the ability to be more expressive with your ears.
Forms of expression possible include...EAR <option>

 Options Include:  BRISTLE, CURL, DANGER, FLARE, FLICK, FLOP,
                   GREET, ITCH, POINT, PRIDE, SAG, SCRATCH,
                   SNAP, TURN, TWITCH, WARN, WEARY, WIGGLE.

ear curl||:As your ears relax from contentment the tips curl forward, slightly muffling all noise. ear danger||The fur on your ears stands straight up as you sense danger. ear flare||You flare your ears as you angle them to catch every sound. ear flick||Your anger causes your ears to flick rapidly. ear flop||Your ears are tied to your heart and flop forward over themselves, broadcasting your feelings to all within sight of you.

Command	Messaging
ear bristle	Your ears bristle warily as you monitor the sounds in the area.
ear greet	Both your ears quickly flip forward, in the traditional Rakash greeting.
ear itch	A sudden uncontrollable itch in your right ear sets it to quivering madly. You quickly reach up and scratch it, soothing the itch.
ear point	Your left ear points at the ground giving your face a sorrowful expression.
ear pride	As you swell with pride your ears stretch upward, adding a little to your height and imbuing you with an imposing feeling.
ear sag	Your ears sag slightly, losing their perky stiffness as you begin to fall asleep.
ear scratch	You absentmindedly spin your claw in your left ear and drag out a tiny speck that smells like ear wax when you sniff it.
ear snap	Your ears snap up in alarm!
ear turn	As you turn one ear towards the front and one to the back, the flesh between them pulls rather taut.
ear twitch	Your left ear betrays your nervousness and begins to twitch uncontrollably, increasing your discomfort.
ear warn	Your right ear flicks twice in a quiet warning.
ear weary	Your ears begin to droop, giving your face a tired look.
ear wiggle	You wiggle your ears in a carefree display of your happiness.

Tails

As a member of the Rakash race, when in moonskin you have the ability to be more expressive with your tail. Forms of expression possible include... TAIL <option>

 Options Include:  BRUSH, DROOP, FLICK, FLOP, FLUFF, SHAKE,
                   STRUT, SWAY, SWISH, TWITCH, WAG, WAVE.{| class="wikitable"

Brush
As your tail undulates enticingly, its feathery tips gently brush the ground.
Droop
Expressing your unhappiness, your tail droops till it almost touches the ground.
Flick
Your tail flicks quickly from side-to-side displaying your anger.
Flop
Your tail flops listlessly, a reflection of your sadness.
Fluff
You fluff your tail with a vigorous shake that separates each hair till it resembles a huge plume.
Shake
You give your tail a good shake to smooth its nap, and end up realigning all your fur.
Strut
Your tail arches stiffly behind you as you assume an imposing stance.
Sway
You let your tail sway freely, thoroughly enjoying your moonskin state.
Swish
Your strong tail swishes through the air, creating a small breeze.
Twitch
You are so excited you can't seem to stop your tail from twitching.
Wag
You wag your tail enthusiastically!
Wave
You give your tail a few quick upward flips that make it appear to be waving goodbye.

Growl

Can be used in place of ' or SAY as a verb for speaking.
Generally only used to express strong emotion.
Can be used with the same emotes used with SAY
Examples:
You growl, "You gargoyle-wrangler! Die!"
You happily growl, "I love it!"
You angrily growl, "I'll murder you, miscreant!"