Apsarava

Long ago, the Apsarava were created by Deniss as a dark mockery of the Vidari which Alrayna made. They are said to have been cast from her blood. Their shadowy heritage usually causes them to live in darkness and revel in others' misery.

Physiology

Apsarava appear much like the Vidari, but with mocha to violet skin, and with white to taupe hair. Their eyes come in shades of purple and brown. Their body type is in keeping with a Vidari frame, being both sinewy and slim. Apsarava begin maturing around age 50 and are considered adults by age 75. They live for many human lifetimes, often hundreds or sometimes thousands of years.

Appearance

Apsarava are often found wearing blacks and grays, favoring cloaks and robes of silky materials. Adventurers and soldiers are known to favor lighter armor. Many Apsarava wear jewelry made of dark stones like amethyst or onyx. Like the Vidari, few Apsarava wear earrings as they claim it interferes with those sensitive ears.

Personality

Apsarava are very clever and sneaky, yet they never break promises they make in earnest (an Apsarava must be held to a Blood Oath). Apsarava are mostly aloof, judgmental, vengeful, and quick to anger. They possess a glib tongue and many dabble in Charms and Illusions. According to legend, Deniss created the lustful Apsarava as a mockery of the loving Vidari. In line with this, Apsarava make excellent paramours, escorts, and courtesans.

Habitat

Since Apsarava have no established countries, they typically live among other races, at least, among people who would tolerate their company. Many Apsarava fill the ranks of the Blades of Morrak. Some less malevolent Apsarava can be found in Zirien.

Society

Apsarava are allegiant to their lords, but have no society of their own. They often take up lives as mercenaries, swords-for-hire, and prostitutes. Occasionally, Apsarava may set up a secluded village, but keep quiet for fear of attack by Vidari. Legends tell of once-great Apsarava kingdoms, but none stand to this day.

Apsarava rarely marry given their nature and that most have a lack of permanent residence. When they do, it is usually with another race, for it is rare to find two Apsarava capable of deep love. Apsarava can procreate with each other and with Men, but not with Vidari. Many Apsarava children grow up without knowing their father and some take to an early life on the streets. For Apsarava, death is often a release and many die alone. In rare instances when Apsarava live as a family or in groups, deaths are observed with a funeral pyre.

Relations

Benevolent Apsarava make great traveling companions, and can learn to make friends, but they're often misunderstood. Relationships with Vidari are usually out of the question, but in some circumstances friendships and even love have come to take root between a Vidari and an Apsarava. Apsarava can get along well with Men, who are usually either themselves corrupt or easily made indifferent. Evengar are suspicious of Apsarava, but know and respect them for their ability to keep Blood Oaths. Firnoy won't play cards with Apsarava because they're just too darn good at Bluffing.

Motivations

Malevolent Apsarava are fantastic assassins, sorcerers, spies, or mercenaries. Benevolent Apsarava are good scouts, rangers, and minstrels. Motivations for an Apsarava could include something lofty and grand (defeating a Vidari army, finding ancient magic in the Castle Shyvyr) or simple (finding acceptance, locating your lost father).

Max Caps

• Muscle 8
• Cunning 12
• Persuasion 12
• Self-Control 8

Powers

• Born to Shag. If the Vidari were created by the goddess of love, surely the Apsarava were created as a mockery by the goddess of lust. Resultantly, they receive a +2 to Seduce checks to entice their quarry.
• Apsarava Cunning. Apsarava have powerful vision and hearing, receiving a +3 to Perception checks. Their range for these senses is twice that of a human and can see clearly even in complete darkness.
• Hunch. Apsarava possess a supernatural intuition about looming danger, getting a "bad feeling" when events could go sour.
• Veil of Shadow. If you can count on anybody to win Hide and Seek, it's an Apsarava, for they gain a +2 to Stealth checks.