The Rashaar
The Rashaar are a race of creatures from beyond the pale. They are an ancient race, older than the realms of mankind by millennia. These creatures are undoubtedly linked to the emergence of the Rent in the Sky and their occupation of Venice is no mere coincidence. The Rashaar are probably not even from this reality, instead seemingly their home lies on the other side of the rent. Their arrival on this world pre-dates the opening of the rent by thousands, maybe millions of years. However, since the rent opened their numbers on this planet have increased dramatically. Due to the rent's eldritch magic being most prominent in the sky above Venice, the canals are now host to large numbers of Rashaar who have congregated to this one city. Now they seek to start a new empire on this world, enslaving or devouring its current inhabitants for nothing more than their own sport.
MEMBERS OF THE RASHAAR
Feral Rashaar
No Rashaar is without a purpose. While a great many hybrids are able to walk the streets of Venice, either clothed heavily or their appearance clouded by ancient magicks, any pure-bred Rashaar will not only draw suspicion but often outright panic. Horrendous monsters are birthed by Partuul Matriarchs or created through Magi-Rashaar rituals. Sadly for these feral beasts, they are often near-mindless hunters that draw unwanted attention to Rashaar activities.
These are the most common types of Rashaar encountered in Venice.
Cult of Dagon
After the rent opened, the Church of Dagon came to Venice with supplies which they charitably gave to the citizenry. In doing so people saw the Church of Dagon as saviours and pledged their fealty to them, attending masses in their churches. Extolling the virtues of a poor and humble life, the long suffering peasants took to these teachings, easily abandoning their Christian beliefs, or adjusting them to worship Dagon as their God.
Little, however, does anyone know that Dagon is a God from the other world through the rent, and he is simply using his new followers to summon new Rashaar into Venice. His followers are encouraged to mate with the Rashaar, an often lethal experience, to swell their numbers further. In time, the Rashaar will have their prize and Venice will be their foothold into this world to conquer and enslave.
Hydra Rashaar
There are tales that stretch back hundreds if not thousands of years, which describe horrible monsters lurking beneath the waves. Sadly, many of these stories turned out to be true. The Rashaar are more ancient than mankind realizes with mythical hydra creatures actually revealed to be puppets of the old gods.
Not born of this world, many of these ancient beings are from beyond the Pale. Emerging through the Rent beneath the Adriatic Sea, they enter our world causing chaos on behalf of the old gods.
FORCES OF THE RASHAAR
DAGON ADHERENTS
DAUGHTERS OF THE HYDRA
DAGON ADHERENTS
Dagon is well renowned throughout Venice as a charitable, generous deity. His followers help any citizen that finds themselves in need of succour. To those citizens and peoples that take advantage of Dagon’s kindness, he unleashes his most fanatical followers, his Adherents.
HYDRA BECKONS
DAUGHTERS OF THE HYDRA
DAGON ADHERENTS
The influence of Mother Hydra has spread throughout Venice, her alliance with Dagon, as fractured as it is, has yielded great results. Together they slowly push the boundaries of our reality, hoping for a complete breakthrough.
DAUGHTERS OF THE HYDRA
DAUGHTERS OF THE HYDRA
DAUGHTERS OF THE HYDRA
Mother Hydra is a lesser worshipped deity by those that ally with the Rashaar, though those that do are often blessed by her gifts. Infant Kraken are the most diminutive of her servants, no larger than a squid, these small creatures are insignificant on their own, but gain strength in numbers.
BESTIAL EVOLUTION
DAUGHTERS OF THE HYDRA
DAUGHTERS OF THE HYDRA
None of the creatures of the sea are immune to the powers of Dagon. Whether they’re spawned from a Matriarch, or some other machination, they all mindlessly obey their masters. Tearing apart the enemies of Dagon with tooth and claw, these monsters show no mercy.
MATRIARCH'S BROOD
MATRIARCH'S BROOD
MATRIARCH'S BROOD
The forces of the Rashaar are as numerous as they are monstrous. Thanks to creatures like the Matriarch there is no shortage of ever changing Rashaar to advance their mysterious objectives. Only one Matriarch has been seen at the Siege of Malta, but it would be folly to believe there is only one of these creatures.
FERAL BESIEGERS
MATRIARCH'S BROOD
MATRIARCH'S BROOD
Coming up from the deepest depths of the ocean, these Rashaar are bred for one purpose: to kill. With exotic specialisations, the creatures from the Rent are attacking with prejudice, climbing walls and battering down barricades.
DAGON FANATICS
MATRIARCH'S BROOD
CHURCH OF DAGON
While some worshippers at the Church of Dagon need give nothing more than their time and charity to the congregation, most find a fanaticism in the word of their lord. Taken by religious fervour they volunteer for a higher purpose and take on more specific roles within the Church.
CHURCH OF DAGON
MATRIARCH'S BROOD
CHURCH OF DAGON
The most outwardly benevolent group in the whole of Venice, the Church of Dagon harbours a deep secret. Once inducted, there is no going back. The followers are introduced to deities older than they’ve known whose creatures are already spilling into the world.
DEEPER DENIZENS
UNHOLY MUTATIONS
UNHOLY MUTATIONS
The hidden underbelly of the Church of Dagon shows its true form at night. Slaves bound and chained are dragged out by strange hybrids of man and beast. They are herded into battle to provide willing sustenance for colossal monsters from beyond the pale.
UNHOLY MUTATIONS
UNHOLY MUTATIONS
UNHOLY MUTATIONS
The breeding practices of the Rashaar are very secretive, and best not delved into. Nonetheless, more and more mutated beings are walking the streets. Some hide their deviations behind dirty rags, and others appear only at night.
STARTER GANG
UNHOLY MUTATIONS
STARTER GANG
The eldritch Rashaar arrived through the Rent, though are ancient beyond belief. Their connection to the world beyond the void comes with an innate understanding of magic, and the utmost disregard for human life.
BRACHYURA
UNHOLY MUTATIONS
STARTER GANG
"Crab meat's good eatin, when you can get the regular stuff. Those big'uns don't taste much good though, got a personality to match as well."
FLAME THAT BURNS UNDERWATER
FLAME THAT BURNS UNDERWATER
FLAME THAT BURNS UNDERWATER
The Flame That Burns Underwater is an agent of the Rent in the Sky. Also known by the name given to her by Mother Hydra: Aphoom-Keh, the mistress of the ocean commands lead over her forces.
DAGONITE PRIEST
FLAME THAT BURNS UNDERWATER
FLAME THAT BURNS UNDERWATER
"Dagon's power spreads through Venice, and His Children will be the first to witness his bounty!"
For those looking for a powerful magic-based Rashaar gang, the Dagonite Priests are a fantastic Hero choice.
MORGRAUR
FLAME THAT BURNS UNDERWATER
LESSER UGDRU
Rumour has it that a colossal beast lives under Venice. Coiled through every canal, living at the bottom of the silt. This beast was responsible for the sinking of San Canciano and apparently has a vicious intelligence on par with man.
LESSER UGDRU
FLAME THAT BURNS UNDERWATER
LESSER UGDRU
The footsoldiers of Dagon, the Lesser Ugdru are more than a match for most human fighters. Although rarely seen, the number of these creatures living at the bottom of the lagoon is increasing day by day.
KARCHAROS
SECRETING MYXIN
SECRETING MYXIN
Stronger than five men, and faster than most, the Karcharos is an unwelcome sight on the canals of Venice. Supposedly dredged up from African waters, these beasts have made a new home in Venice, and show a surprising affinity with the followers of the Church of Dagon.
SECRETING MYXIN
SECRETING MYXIN
SECRETING MYXIN
Born from the depths of the ocean, the Secreting Myxin is as alien as it is monstrous. This creature of the Rent spews forth a vile ooze that hinders any attempt to strike back.