In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the rakasta (not to be confused with a rakshasa) is a humanoid with a cat-like appearance.

EcologyEdit

EnvironmentEdit

Rakasta typically live in warm climates, such as the Isle of Dread.

Typical physical characteristicsEdit

Rakasta appear to be anthropomorphic felines. They are often armed with kasa, a set of metal war claws which are worn over the paw like a glove.

AlignmentEdit

A rakasta is usually neutral in alignment.

SocietyEdit

A special caste of mounted knights ride tamed saber-toothed tigers into battle. These warriors serve as the personal guards to the chief. They are able to leap from their mounts while riding and attack.

An article in Dragon described various "tribes" of rakasta as resembling different species of feline, with the most numerous resembling the domestic cat, but others including Simbasta (lion-people), Sherkasta (tiger-people), and so on.

Rakasta in various campaign settingsEdit

Originally exclusive to the Mystara campaign setting, rakasta were retconned into the World of Greyhawk setting when the Isle of Dread was updated for third edition.

Rakasta in GreyhawkEdit

In the World of Greyhawk setting, the rakasta went extinct on the Isle of Dread some time ago.

ReferencesEdit

• Cook, David, and Tom Moldvay. The Isle of Dread (TSR, 1981).
• Greer, Stephen S, and Gary Holian. "Tides of Dread." Dungeon #143 (Paizo Publishing, 2007).
• Moldvay, Tom. Castle Amber (TSR, 1981).