The Rakasta...
by Chasmyr
he nomadic rakasta tribesman of the Riven Plains are frequently refered to as "Eddas' Children." This is for good reason, they were one of the early creations of the diety, Eddas, during the days after his ascension.
As shown in the annals of history, the rakasta were once the allies of the elvish nation of Nal'Qassir. Difference between the two cultures resulted in a split between the two stalwart allies. The rakasta choose a nomadic lifestyle upon the Riven Plains over continuing with the current situation.
Shortly after their arrival on the Riven Plains, the rakasta tribes met the scouts of the Web Empire Shortly thereafter, a Council of Elders declared the Children of Lolth anathema and the rakasta have confined the aranea to the Web Empire ever since.
When Del'Garath was thrown into the Abyss, the only easily negotiated pass through the Winds Teeth Mountains went with it. During the Outpouring, the rakasta were aided by an avatar of Eddas called "Jhel'kasir." This avatar managed to drive the tanar'ri back into Hell's Gap. This had the unintended result of pushing more tanar'ri into Moradin's Basin. The fact that an avatar of Eddas was indirectly responsible for this is a closely guarded secret of the High Priests of Eddas.
Due mainly to the scarcity of workable metal on the Riven Plains, the rakasta have developed a type of blood-red glass that is almost as strong and flexible as steel. The saying "..as bloody as a rakasta's sword..." is literally accurate. The color is caused by an abnormally high concentration of iron pyrite in the sand used to make the glass for rakasta weapons and armor. This results in weapons and armor that are 70% lighter than their steel counterparts. However, non-magically/psionically enhanced weapons and armor are 10% likely to break in any combat involving metal weapons. The only exception to this is the rare item of superior workmanship. The armors made by the rakasta are scale mail, with the extremely rare full plate armor.
The low birth rate for females (about 1 in 4) has resulted in a society that is very protective of their female members. Females of any race are viewed with wary respect.
The rakasta have domesticated a wing-less draconic/tiger like creature called a drakken. These creatures are purplish-blue in color, with scales. They are of average intelligence, and are believed to be psionic in nature. This makes them an excellent complement to the rakasta.
Rakasta warriors are always of the samurai/ronin kit.
Rakasta mages are typically of the militant mage kit, but other types are known to exist.
Rakasta priests are always specialty priests of Eddas.
Rakasta rogues are typically of the scout or assassin kits.
No rakasta psionicist or wild talent has ever been recorded.