Rakshasa

Created at the dawn of time from the foot of Brahma, according to one tradition. In another, they are fallen celestial beings corrupted by greed and flesh. They inhabit Lanka (Sri Lanka) and the underworld realms.

Take many forms. Natural form is enormous — clawed, fanged, with terrible coloring (black, red, or dark blue), matted hair, and multiple heads or arms in the most powerful cases. Can become beautiful to deceive.

Master shapeshifters. Illusion casting (maya). Immunity to most weapons — only divine arms (astras) can truly harm them. Can disrupt sacred rituals by defiling offerings.