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

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

HOWL HAPPY...........You let out a bright joyous howl, full of life and vigor. Other Rakash see: ______ howls joyfully, head thrown back to the sky.

HOWL LONELY..........You let out a mournful howl. Other Rakash see: ______ lets out a mournful lonely howl... does she know you're here?

HOWL KATAMBA.........You howl melodiously, serenading the black moon. Other Rakash see: ______ howls melodiously, serenading the black moon.

HOWL <dead person>...You howl in lamentation for the fallen Prae. Other Rakash see: ______ howls in lamentation for the fallen Prae.

HOWL WARNING.........You howl sharply, warning the pack of danger! Other Rakash see: ______ howls to warn the pack of danger!

HOWL PAIN............Your vocal cords vibrate with your pain, bristling your fur. Other Rakash see: ______ howls in pain causing your fur to bristle.

HOWL HOME............You release a specifically pitched howl calling your family home. Other Rakash see: ______ 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. Other Rakash see: ______ 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. Other Rakash see: ______ howls an invitation to join her in the hunt.

For the full grown: HOWL CHALLENGE.......You howl your challenge to the other (howler's gender) females of the pack! Female Rakash hears: ______ howls in challenge! Rakash Male and all non rakash hear: Anji 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) males of the pack. Rakash male sees: ______ lets out a beguiling, ululating howl. Rakash females and non-Rakash see standard message.

HOWL HITHER..........calls out to your bonded mate.(Must be Rakash bonded to Rakash) If not bonded, Rakash see: You are not bonded to anyone and cannot call this way to someone other than your mate. If bonded to another Rakash who is ingame howler will see: You release a beckoning howl that calls to (mate). Otherwise "Your howl could not reach the one you seek. Other Rakash see: (Howler) howls in the distance, calling (mate) to come to (him/her).

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.

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.